February 2011

Sepsis is a significant burden on the health care system and is among the top ten leading causes of death in the United States. (1) The incidence of sepsis is rising substantially due to an aging population, increasing resistance among microorganisms, higher prevalence of immunocompromised patients, increasing number of patient comorbidities and more high risk surgeries being performed. One in four cases of sepsis progresses to severe sepsis or septic shock, conditions characterized by organ dysfunction and hypotension.

Anemia is a common problem in the intensive care unit (ICU); almost 95% of patients admitted to an ICU have a hemoglobin (Hb) level below normal by day 3. (1) Serious effects of anemia include increased risk of cardiac related morbidity and mortality, as well as generalized decrease in oxygen carrying capacity. More than 50% of the patients admitted to the ICUs will receive blood transfusions.

Tuberculosis can be regarded as a global pandemic with almost 9 million new cases and approximately 2 million deaths each year. (1) An estimated one-third of the population of the world is infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and the resultant disease represents a major public health problem. (2) Endemic infection is a major contributor to the annual death rate across the globe. The high morbidity and mortality of tuberculosis is the source of major medical and social problems, especially in developing countries.