title: Packed red blood cell transfusions in critically ill patients.
abstract: Anemia, which is prevalent in critically ill patients, often requires frequent blood transfusions. These blood transfusions are not without risks. A critical review of 6 studies shows an association between red blood cell transfusion and increased mortality. However, when disease state was adjusted for in 2 studies, researchers found that red blood cell transfusion correlated with decreased mortality. Thus further research, particularly on leukoreduction and age of stored blood, must be done before a change in practice can be implemented. It is vital that nurses stay current on this research in order to improve patients' outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Hospital of University of Pennsylvania, Rhoads 5 SICU, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. tara.collins@uphs.upenn.edu
authors.forename: Tara Ann
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Collins
mesh_terms: D000740:Anemia / Q000451:nursing / Q000628:therapy*; D003422:Critical Care; D016638:Critical Illness; D017707:Erythrocyte Transfusion / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000401:mortality*; D006400:Hematocrit; D006801:Humans; D012306:Risk