BMJ · 1978 · 37 citations · 0 references
MedicineHematologyInternal MedicineClinical BiochemistryMicronutrient DeficiencyNutritional Support In Critical CareAnemiaFolate DeficiencyFolate PhysiologyMicronutrient SupplementationVitamin B12 DeficiencyVitamin SupplementationFolate Deficiency TreatmentFolate HomeostasisFolate StorageIntensive Care UseSerum Folate StatusSupportive Care For CytopeniasTunneled Venous CathetersTunnelled Central Venous Catheters
Tissue folate depletion localised to marrow tissue may explain why the rapid onset of cytopenias occurs in acutely ill patients before total body folate stores are depleted.Patients kept in intensive care for over four or five days should receive oral folic acid to prevent the development of potentially lethal thrombocytopenia and neutropenia.Vitamin B12 which may be deficient in older patients, should also be given, unless the serum concentration is known to be normal.