Transfusion
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The transfusion of old red cells (RBCs) may be associated with reduced delivery of oxygen to tissues and an increased risk of transfusion complications. The association of postoperative morbidity with the length of storage of perioperatively transfused RBCs was studied in 268 consecutive patients receiving a blood transfusion for coronary artery bypass graft surgery. ⋯ This study did not corroborate the previously reported association between transfusion of old RBCs and increased morbidity. However, there is surprisingly little research on the clinical outcomes of the transfusions of old RBCs, and this hypothesis should be investigated further.