Three-year single institution audit on transfusion requirements in oncology patients.
OBJECTIVE
To assess recent developments in the use of transfusions.


METHODS
Data from hospital-based sources were condensed in a single spread sheet covering 1611 transfusions of a total of 881 patients together with data on 25,264 treatment sessions in 6137 patients within a time period between 1 August 2001 and 31 July 2004.


RESULTS
Our audit showed an increase in transfusions of 25% in 3 years. This was accompanied by an increased threshold for transfusions, as shown by a significant rise in mean haemoglobin trigger levels from 8.53 to 8.86 g/dl (P<0.001) as well as an increase in treatment sessions and patient numbers - especially for chemotherapy or combinations of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The highest transfusion rates and also the greatest increments occurred in patients with carcinoma of the ovary, lung and pancreas. Within these groups, treatment regimens as well as treatment lines were additional predictive factors.


CONCLUSIONS
This audit gives a detailed view on rising trends in transfusion requirements and, in light of anticipated restrictions on resources, it identifies high-risk areas, where the use of alternatives, such as erythropoietin, could be considered.
Dernedde
U
U
Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital NHS Trust, Norwich NR4 7UZ, UK. ulrike.dernedde@doctors.org.uk
Dernedde
R
R
Shepstone
L
L
Barrett
A
A
D000740:Anemia / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects; D001803:Blood Transfusion / Q000191:economics* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003628:Database Management Systems; D004739:England; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis; D006785:Hospitals, University / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008485:Medical Audit; D008495:Medical Oncology; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D018787:Radiation Oncology; D014600:Utilization Review
D006454:Hemoglobins; D004921:Erythropoietin