Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Clinical research has identified blood transfusion as an independent risk factor for immediate and long-term adverse outcomes, including an increased risk of death, myocardial infarction, stroke, renal failure, infection and malignancy. New findings have called into question the traditional assumptions clinicians utilize in evaluating the risks and benefits of blood transfusion. Appreciation of newly recognized risks is important for conserving scarce resources and optimizing patient outcomes.
RECENT FINDINGS
Recent clinical outcomes research has examined the impact of blood transfusion on critically ill patients, trauma patients, patients undergoing cardiac surgery, patients experiencing acute coronary syndromes, oncology patients and others. These studies provide additional evidence of adverse outcomes associated with blood transfusion in a wide variety of clinical contexts.
SUMMARY
The benefits of blood transfusion have never been conclusively demonstrated, but evidence of transfusion-related harm continues to accumulate. Given the transfusion triggers that currently predominate in clinical practice it appears that clinical outcomes could improve significantly with more widespread adoption of restrictive transfusion strategies.
PMID:18784496 DOI:10.1097/ACO.0b013e32830f1fd1
NOTES
This is one of five key articles on the techniques, safety, and efficacy of bloodless medicine and surgery, and the risks of blood transfusion. Each training module in the Bloodless Classroom also has a subject-specific bibliography. The official website of the Hospital Information Services of Jehovah’s Witnesses offers an extensive library of medical articles organized by specialty. The Hospital Information Services department is available to provide references for specific conditions and clinical situations and may be contacted by phone or email at any time.