Evaluation of patients who received erythrocyte transfusion in the emergency department

Abstract

Backgrounds: Decreased RBC count and decreased Hb concentration in the blood is defined as anemia. Anemia can be caused by acute excessive bleeding, hemolysis or inadequate production. If the patient is symptomatic, an immediate blood transfusion is required. Methods:A retrospective, single-center study was performed between April 2019 and April 2021 with non-traumatic, non-pregnant patients over 18 years of age, who had erythrocyte transfusion in the emergency department. For the laboratory parameters Hb, Ca and K, the initial levels from the blood analysis performed at admission to the emergency department were recorded as Hb1, potassium K1, and calcium Ca1, and the blood levels after the transfusion as Hb2, K2, and Ca2. Mortality of patients was recorded.Results: A total of 458 patients were included in the study. 44.3% of patients were male. The mean age was 66.33 ± 17.51/year. Mortality developed in 6.55%. There was a statistically significant difference in laboratory values between non-surviving and surviving patients. The mortality rate increased in patients with Hb1 values below 5.05g/dl and Hb2 values below 7.75g/dl, and patients with Ca1-2 values below 6.85mg/dl. It was determined that this increase in mortality rate was 3 to 6 times on average. Conclusions:Our findings reveal that the transfusion procedures in our clinic are in accordance with the new transfusion guidelines. It is important to use blood and blood products, the only source of which is human, for the right indication, at the right time, and in the right amounts.