Transfusion medicine
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'Big data' refers to the huge quantities of digital information now available that describe much of human activity. The science of data management and analysis is rapidly developing to enable organisations to convert data into useful information and knowledge. Electronic health records and new developments in Pathology Informatics now support the collection of 'big laboratory and clinical data', and these digital innovations are now being applied to transfusion medicine. ⋯ More generally, rapidly available information can monitor compliance with key performance indicators for patient blood management and inventory management leading to better patient care and reduced use of blood. The challenges of enabling reliable systems and analysis of big data and securing funding in the restrictive financial climate are formidable, but not insurmountable. The promise is that digital information will soon improve the implementation of best practice in transfusion medicine and patient blood management globally.
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Transfusion medicine · Jun 2015
Review Meta AnalysisThe effectiveness and safety of tranexamic acid in total hip or knee arthroplasty: a meta-analysis of 2720 cases.
To evaluate the safety and efficacy of tranexamic acid (TXA) in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA). The specific endpoints assessed in this meta-analysis include the total blood loss, the incidence rate of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolisms (PE), the number of patients requiring at least 1 U of red blood cell following surgery. ⋯ To our knowledge, this meta-analysis is more powerful and persuasive than any other published before. It suggests that the use of TXA reduced the risk of blood loss and the need for allogeneic blood transfusion significantly, without apparent increased risk of DVT or PE complications.