Analysis of intraoperative transfusions
of red blood cell concentrates in adults

Wioletta Sawicka; Radosław Owczuk; Magdalena Wujtewicz; Stanisław Hać; Maria Wujtewicz

eISSN: 1731-2531
ISSN: 1642-5758

Anaesthesiology Intensive Therapy

Current issue Archive Manuscripts accepted About the journal Supplements Editorial board Reviewers Subscription Contact Instructions for authors Publication charge Ethical standards and procedures

Editorial System

Submit your Manuscript

Open access

Journal integrated with

1/2012
vol. 44

Send email

Copy url:

abstract:

Original article

Analysis of intraoperative transfusions of red blood cell concentrates in adults

Wioletta Sawicka

¹

,

Radosław Owczuk

¹

,

Magdalena A. Wujtewicz

¹

,

Stanisław Hać

²

,

Maria Wujtewicz

¹

Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Therapy, Medical University of Gdańsk
Department of General, Endocrine and Transplant Surgery, Medical University of Gdańsk

Anaesthesiology Intensive Therapy 2012; 44: 8-11

Online publish date: 2019/09/11

View full text Get citation

Background
Transfusion of red blood cell (RBC) concentrates is the most common allogeneic transplantation. The aim of the study was to analyse the indications for RBC transfusions, compared to the estimated intraoperative blood loss and the actual requirements for blood transfusion.

Methods
We retrospectively analysed the files of 250 adult patients who were transfused over the year 2006, during various general, oncologic, trauma, vascular, plastic and thoracic surgical procedures. Preoperative screening was done in a hospital laboratory, whereas postoperative haemoglobin concentration and haematocrit were assessed at the bedside using a co-oximeter

Results
The majority of RBC transfusions were started at relatively high haemoglobin concentrations (mean 5.6 mmol L-1), contrary to the current guidelines. A high correlation coefficient (r=0.82) was found between the estimated blood loss and the volume of RBCs transfused; therefore we concluded that the observed blood loss was the main factor in transfusion decisions.

Conclusions
Despite enormous progress in transfusion science, the current practice in our institution is still far from ideal; RBCs are frequently transfused too early and without a real indication.

keywords:

Analysis of intraoperative transfusions of red blood cell concentrates in adults

Wioletta Sawicka 1 , Radosław Owczuk 1 , Magdalena A. Wujtewicz 1 , Stanisław Hać 2 , Maria Wujtewicz 1

blood, red blood cell concentrate; blood, transfusion

Wioletta Sawicka

¹

,

Radosław Owczuk

¹

,

Magdalena A. Wujtewicz

¹

,

Stanisław Hać

²

,

Maria Wujtewicz

¹