title: Blood transfusion: influence of transfusion therapy on outcome.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Abteilung Transfusionsmedizin, Universität and DRK-Blutspendezentrale Ulm, Ulm, Germany.
authors.forename: F F
authors.initials: FF
authors.lastname: Wagner
authors.forename: W A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Flegel
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kubanek