The red blood cell transfusion threshold: evidence and outcome.
The appropriate threshold for administration of red blood cell transfusion is the subject of controversy. Recently, several prospective randomized clinical trials have compared restrictive and liberal transfusion regimens in the settings of critical care and surgery. In addition, several large cohort studies have provided information on associations between anemia, transfusion, and clinical outcomes. Taken together, these studies generally support conservative red blood cell transfusion strategies.
Davenport
Robertson D
RD
Department of Pathology, University Hospital 2G33/0054, 1500 E. Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0054, USA. rddvnprt@umich.edu
D015331:Cohort Studies; D017707:Erythrocyte Transfusion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D016896:Treatment Outcome