Transfusion requirements in 811 patients during and after cardiac surgery: a prospective observational study.
OBJECTIVE
To identify patients at risk for intra- and postoperative blood product transfusion in a mixed adult cardiac surgical patient population.


METHODS
A prospective, observational study.


METHODS
A single-center university hospital.


METHODS
Patients (n = 811) undergoing cardiac surgery from January 1, 2008, to November 30, 2008.


METHODS
The outcome in terms of transfusion of red blood cells (RBCs), fresh frozen plasma (FFP), and/or pooled platelets within the first 24 hours after surgery was studied. Pre- and perioperative risk factors for bleeding and transfusion of blood products were studied.


RESULTS
The majority of RBCs and FFP (>70%) were given to a minority of patients (<12%). The type of surgical procedure, previous cardiac surgery, and emergency operations were all significantly associated with the transfusion of RBCs, FFP, and platelets. Antithrombotic therapy was not significantly associated with the transfusion requirement in the mixed group of cardiac patients. However, in the low-risk procedures such as coronary artery bypass graft surgery, ongoing antithrombotic therapy at the time of the operation significantly increased the risk of transfusion in this otherwise low-risk category of surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
The identification of high-risk patients is necessary to optimize the perioperative management of bleeding complications. Because of the high variability in transfusion requirements, a specifically tailored patient intervention based on the individual's risk profile appears more likely to improve patient outcome compared with general interventions given to the entire patient group.
Ravn
Hanne B
HB
Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark. hbr@ki.au.dk
Lindskov
Christian
C
Folkersen
Lars
L
Hvas
Anne-Mette
AM
D000368:Aged; D000768:Anesthesia, General; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000933:Antifibrinolytic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001241:Aspirin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001803:Blood Transfusion / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D047549:Coronary Artery Bypass, Off-Pump / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004363:Drug Utilization; D017558:Elective Surgical Procedures; D004632:Emergency Medical Services; D017707:Erythrocyte Transfusion; D005260:Female; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007430:Intraoperative Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010949:Plasma; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017713:Platelet Transfusion; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors
D000925:Anticoagulants; D000933:Antifibrinolytic Agents; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; D001241:Aspirin