Transfusion medicine
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Transfusion medicine · Aug 2009
Randomized Controlled TrialEfficacy and cost-effectiveness of cell saving blood autotransfusion in adult lumbar fusion.
The objective of this study was to explore the use of cell saver blood autotransfusion in spinal surgery and to evaluate the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of cell saver blood autotransfusion during lumbar spine fusion in adults. Specific indications for the use of cell saver in adult lumbar fusion surgery have not yet been clearly determined. A total of 50 consecutive candidates for posterolateral fusion with internal fixation were prospectively randomized into either receiving perioperatively cell saving autotransfusion (Group A: 25 patients) or not (Group B: 25 patients). ⋯ The cost of blood transfusion in Group A was 995 +/-euro447 per patient and 1220 +/- 269 in Group B (P < 0.05). In elective lumbar fusion blood requirements can be satisfied with the use of autotransfusion. The use of cell saver appears to be useful and cost-effective during most elective lumbar fusions.
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Transfusion medicine · Aug 2009
A survey of physicians' reasons to transfuse plasma and platelets in the critically ill: a prospective single-centre cohort study.
Data on the rationality of transfusion practice of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and platelets in the critically ill are sparse and may contribute to efforts to reduce transfusion rates. To provide insight into determinants of the decision of intensive care unit (ICU)-physicians to transfuse, a survey study was performed. The reasons of ICU-physicians to transfuse FFP and platelets were determined during a 10-week period. ⋯ FFP transfusion failed to normalize prolonged coagulation test results in the majority of the patients. Transfusion of platelets was restrictive in non-bleeding patients and liberal in bleeding patients. Education on indications of FFP transfusion and improved identification of bleeding may reduce transfusion rates.