Blood use in elective surgery: the Austrian benchmark study

Abstract

This study demonstrates a high intercenter variability in RBC transfusions and RBC loss in standard surgical procedures. Whereas the variability in blood loss remains largely unexplained, the main predictors for allogeneic RBC transfusions are preoperative and nadir Hb and surgical RBC loss.

Patient Blood Management in Europe

“…10 In a prospective, observational Austrian study, the main predictors for allogeneic RBC transfusions were preoperative and lowest Hb and surgical blood loss. 30 The use of ABTs to correct anaemia in surgical patients is not supported by evidence of benefit. Transfusions increase Hb levels in critically ill patients, but they do not appear to reliably improve tissue oxygenation.…”

“…There also appears to be considerable variation in the availability and use of guidelines for preoperative anaemia treatment and transfusion between countries. The reported frequency of transfusion in orthopaedic surgery in hospitals ranges from ,2 to 40% 30 (Tables 1 and 2). …”

Prevalencia de anemia previa a cirugía cardiovascular programada y su asociación con transfusiones sanguíneas en una institución de salud en Pereira

“…Los estudios han evidenciado que al evaluar el período preoperatorio en cirugías electivas, el 98 % de los casos de transfusiones sanguíneas de concentrado globular pueden ser predichas cuando se analizan tres parámetros: niveles de hemoglobina preoperatoria, pérdidas sanguíneas y el desencadenante de la transfusión (21). La estrategia Patient Blood Management está sustentada en tres pilares: optimización del volumen eritrocitario preoperatorio, reducción de pérdida sanguínea perioperatoria y apropiada decisión de transfundir (22).…”

Does Single Use of an Autologous Transfusion System in TKA Reduce the Need for Allogenic Blood?: A Prospective Randomized Trial

“…Consequently, postoperative blood transfusions are common [9]. However, because of the well-documented risks of ABTs, such as transfusion-associated infections or immunomodulatory effects [2], a reduction in the use of ABT would be a great improvement.…”

“…Each author certifies that his or her institution approved the human protocol for this investigation, that all investigations were conducted in conformity with ethical principles of research, and that informed consent for participation in the study was obtained. This work was performed at Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Academic Teaching Hospital, Medical University of Innsbruck, Feldkirch, Austria. approximately two units [9]. Because of the inherent risks [10,33] such as transfusion-associated infections and immunomodulation [2] and economic considerations, one common goal in orthopaedic surgery is to reduce the need for allogenic blood transfusions (ABTs) through perioperative blood management [28].…”