Transfusion
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
A prospective randomized trial of the surgical blood order equation for ordering red cells for total hip arthroplasty patients.
The majority of crossmatched blood is for surgical patients, and most of it is never transfused. An alternative system for ordering red cell (RBC) units, called the surgical blood order equation (SBOE), which incorporates specific patient variables for surgical patients, has been developed. ⋯ Incorporation of patient factors in the use of the SBOE system resulted in increased efficiency of blood-ordering practices for total hip arthroplasty.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
A pilot randomized trial comparing symptomatic vs. hemoglobin-level-driven red blood cell transfusions following hip fracture.
The indications for transfusion have never been evaluated in an adequately sized clinical trial. A pilot study was conducted to plan larger clinical trials. ⋯ Symptomatic transfusion may be an effective blood-sparing protocol associated with the transfusion of appreciably fewer units of RBCs and lower mean hemoglobin levels than are associated with the threshold transfusion policy. However, it is unknown whether these two clinical strategies have comparable mortality, morbidity, or functional status. A definitive trial is needed.