A Third of Perioperative Blood Transfusions in the ICU Does Not Follow Guideline Recommendations - A Retrospective Analysis

Abstract

Objective: This study evaluates the relevance of transfusion guidelines for clinical transfusion practice. Background:There is little data available on current practice related to appropriate use of blood products. Recent data suggest incorrect use and over transfusion in Europe. In Germany, indications for transfusion and administration of blood products are strict and detailed. However, in clinical practice, alignment of transfusion guidelines to clinical situations seems to be difficult for physiciansespecially in complex diseases and severity such as in critical care. We hypothesized that significant practice variability exists with regard to guidelines adherence in critically ill.