Transfusion
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Although the association between massive perioperative blood loss (MBL) and adverse outcomes is well recognized, it is unclear whether MBL is an independent risk factor or, instead, simply a marker for other adverse events or severity of illness. The objective of this cohort study was to quantify the independent association of MBL in cardiac surgery with all-cause in-hospital mortality. ⋯ MBL after cardiac surgery has a strong, independent association with in-hospital mortality.
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Anemia commonly complicates critical illness. Restrictive transfusion triggers are appropriate in this setting, but no large studies have measured red cell (RBC) requirements for intensive care patients when evidence-based transfusion guidelines are followed consistently. ⋯ Despite evidence-based transfusion practice, 40 percent of ICU patients receive transfusions, which account for 7 to 8 percent of the national blood supply.
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Clinical Trial
Patients with pertrochanteric hip fracture may benefit from preoperative intravenous iron therapy: a pilot study.
Patients undergoing pertrochanteric hip fracture (PHF) repair surgery often receive perioperative allogeneic blood transfusions (ABTs) to avoid the deleterious effects of anemia. Nevertheless, concerns about adverse effects of ABTs have prompted the review of transfusion practice and the search for a safer treatment of perioperative anemia. ⋯ The administration of IV iron sucrose seems to reduce ABT requirements in patients with PHF and is associated to lower postoperative morbidity. The possible mechanisms involved in these effects are discussed.
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There is a dearth of information about the cost of allogenic red blood cells (RBCs) and RBC transfusion in Canada in the aftermath of the Canadian blood system reorganization and the introduction of various safety measures. The unit cost of allogenic RBCs and RBC transfusion in Canada in 1994 was estimated at 152.17 US dollars. The objective of this study was to determine the unit cost of allogenic RBC transfusion in Canada from a societal perspective. ⋯ The societal unit cost of RBC transfusion has doubled since 1994 to 1995. Further increases in unit costs would be expected as additional safety measures are introduced. This will have important financial implications for treating patient populations that require a high level of RBC transfusions.