title: [Effect of red blood cell transfusions on the frequency of infections in the ITU].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  It has been suggested that red blood cell transfusions may affect the outcome and frequency of infection in patients treated in ITU settings. We have therefore retrospectively analysed the records of one hundred and sixty-three patients treated in a large tertiary intensive care unit, in order to find any relationship between red blod cell transfusions and the frequency of nosocomial infections.
  
  
  METHODS
  The patients were allocated to two groups: T - those who were transfused and N - those who were not. Among the transfused patients, two further subgroups were selected: those who were transfused within 48 h before any signs of infection were observed (n), and those in whom the transfusion was more than 48 h before infection was noted (t).
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was a statistically significant difference between groups T and N (50.9% vs 38.1% infected patients), but not between subgroups t and n.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Nosocomial infections were more frequently observed in patients who required red blood cell transfusion. Red blood cell transfusion cannot be regarded a sole factor affecting nosocomial infection rates.
authors.affiliation: Oddział Anestezjologii i Intensywnej Terapii, Wojewódzki Szpital Specjalistyczny Nr 2 w Jastrzębiu-Zdróju. jaroslawmamak@op.pl
authors.forename: Jarosław
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Mamak
authors.forename: Lech
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Krawczyk
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001803:Blood Transfusion / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015984:Causality; D016638:Critical Illness; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D017707:Erythrocyte Transfusion / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011044:Poland / Q000453:epidemiology; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D065227:Transfusion Reaction