Transfusion
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Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion is independently associated in a dose-dependent manner with increased intensive care unit stay, total hospital length of stay, and hospital-acquired complications. Since little is known of the cost of these transfusion-associated adverse outcomes our aim was to determine the total hospital cost associated with RBC transfusion and to assess any dose-dependent relationship. ⋯ RBC transfusions were independently associated with significantly higher hospital costs. The financial implication to hospital budgets will assist in prioritizing areas to reduce the rate of RBC transfusions and in implementing patient blood management programs.
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The evidence supporting plasma transfusion as a means to restore hemostatic control and prevent or treat bleeding is weak, leading to uncertainties as to which proteins affect the therapeutic quality of plasma. Some regulators focus on coagulation Factor (F)VIII activity, but whether this measure reflects overall transfusable plasma efficacy is questionable. We developed a mouse model of coagulopathy in which bleeding outcomes were responsive to plasma transfusion and addressed the relative contributions of FVIII and fibrinogen (Fg) to plasma quality. ⋯ The content of Fg, but not FVIII, determined the efficacy of plasma transfusion in coagulopathic mice.