• S L Haynes, J C Wong, F Torella, K Dalrymple, L Pilsworth, and C N McCollum.
• Academic Surgery Unit, South Manchester University Hospital, Manchester, West Didsbury, M20 2LR, UK.
• Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg. 2001 Sep 1; 22 (3): 244-50.

ObjectivesTo evaluate the influence of homologous blood transfusion on immune responses and post-operative morbidity in aortic surgery.DesignAnalysis of the effects of homologous blood transfusion in 128 patients in a prospective randomised trial evaluating homologous and autologous blood transfusion in aortic surgery.Materials And MethodsBlood sampled before and at five times after surgery was assayed for C-reactive protein (CRP), neutrophil elastase, TNF-alpha and IL-6. Transfusions, morbidity and mortality were recorded; factors associated with poor outcome were identified by logistic regression.Resultshomologous transfusion during surgery was required in 32 patients and precipitated an increase in neutrophil elastase (p=0.008) and TNF-alpha (p=0.015) but not IL-6 and CRP. Elastase peaked early in transfused patients at 41.27 (13.92-52.11) Deltang/ml by 2 h compared to a peak of 21.51 (10.64-31.13) Deltang/ml by 24 h in those who were not transfused. TNF-alpha peaked at 1.2 (0-4.33) Deltapg/ml by wound closure in transfused patients and at -0.1 (-2.05-2.52) Deltapg/ml by 2 h without transfusion. Intra-operative homologous transfusion was associated with increased mortality (p=0.01) and prolonged intensive care stay (p=0.03). Mortality increased with age (p=0.003) and was inversely related to the CRP peak (p=0.007). Prolonged surgery predicted post-operative complications (p=0.025).ConclusionHomologous transfusion increased the inflammatory response to aortic surgery and was associated with mortality.

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