Blood transfusion: influence of transfusion therapy on outcome.
Few studies have addressed the influence of different transfusion therapies on outcome in a convincing way. Proven adverse impact of allogeneic blood on outcome is minimal. Acute mortality has declined to about 1 : 500,000 and the rate of transfusion-transmitted infections is decreasing, too. Data on postoperative infections and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma as possible adverse effects are controversial. Evidence for an increased risk of tumour recurrences is lacking. Alternatives to allogeneic blood may have appreciable risks: perioperative blood recovery had a fatality rate of more than 1 : 40,000. Reduction of allogeneic blood exposure may not be equated with improved outcome.
Wagner
F F
FF
Abteilung Transfusionsmedizin, Universität and DRK-Blutspendezentrale Ulm, Ulm, Germany.
Flegel
W A
WA
Kubanek
B
B