Determinants of transfusion decisions in a mixed medical-surgical intensive care unit: a prospective cohort study.
BACKGROUND
For reasons unknown, a restrictive transfusion policy of red blood cells (RBC) is only gradually being implemented by Intensive Care Unit (ICU) physicians, resulting in a large variation in transfusion practice. Insight into physicians' transfusion decisions may aid efforts to restrict transfusion practice.


METHODS
In a prospective cohort study, transfusion triggers were determined in patients consecutively admitted to an ICU during a 10-week period. Using a questionnaire, the reasons why ICU physicians transfused RBC were evaluated.


RESULTS
Among 310 admissions, 90 patients (29%) received a RBC transfusion. Eighty-one of these 90 patients were included in this analysis. RBC were transfused at a mean haemoglobin (Hb) level of 7.4+/-1.1 g/dL. Residents transfused RBC at a higher Hb level compared to senior staff (7.7+/-1.0 versus 6.9+/-1.3, respectively; p<0.05). The most important reason for physicians to transfuse RBC was the suspicion of bleeding. Age and coronary ischaemia were the predominant reasons for transfusing RBC in 4% and 12% of cases, respectively. The average order for RBC transfusion was four units. Of each order, 38% of the units were not administered.


CONCLUSIONS
RBC transfusion decisions are predominantly based on Hb levels rather than on patients' characteristics. Residents transfuse at a higher Hb level compared to more experienced physicians. The major determinant for physicians to transfuse RBC is bleeding. However, the majority of patients were transfused in the absence of bleeding, and many of these patients received multiple units. The need for RBC may be overestimated, resulting in wasted orders.
Vlaar
Alexander P J
AP
Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Laboratory of Experimental Intensive Care and Anesthesiology, M0-228, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam 1105 AZ, The Netherlands. a.p.vlaar@amc.uva.nl
In der Maur
Anne L
AL
Binnekade
Jan M
JM
Schultz
Marcus J
MJ
Juffermans
Nicole P
NP
D000740:Anemia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D015331:Cohort Studies; D016638:Critical Illness / Q000628:therapy; D017707:Erythrocyte Transfusion; D006400:Hematocrit; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D015415:Biomarkers; D006454:Hemoglobins