Mechanical methods of reducing blood transfusion in cardiac surgery: randomised controlled trial. A randomized controlled trial of cell salvage in routine cardiac surgery. Reducing allogeneic transfusion in cardiac surgery: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial of antifibrinolytic therapies used in addition to intra-operative cell salvage. Cell salvage auto transfusion in total knee replacement surgery. Quality of the blood sampled from surgical drainage after total hip arthroplasty. A randomized trial of tranexamic acid in combination with cell salvage plus a meta-analysis of randomized trials evaluating tranexamic acid in off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. Combination of acute preoperative plateletpheresis, cell salvage, and aprotinin minimizes blood loss and requirement during cardiac surgery. Allogeneic versus autologous blood during abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery. A randomized trial on the efficacy of an autologous blood drainage and transfusion device in patients undergoing elective knee arthroplasty. Effects of cell saver autologous blood transfusion on blood loss and homologous blood transfusion requirements in patients undergoing cardiac surgery on- versus off-cardiopulmonary bypass: a randomised trial. Safety, efficacy, and cost of intraoperative cell salvage and autotransfusion after off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery: a randomized trial. Use of activated recombinant coagulation factor VII in patients undergoing reconstruction surgery for traumatic fracture of pelvis or pelvis and acetabulum: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. An evaluation of clinical aspects of post-operative autotransfusion, either alone or in conjunction with pre-operative aspirin, in cardiac surgery. Safety and efficacy of perioperative cell salvage and autotransfusion after coronary artery bypass grafting: a randomized trial. Silent myocardial ischaemia and haemoglobin concentration: a randomized controlled trial of transfusion strategy in lower limb arthroplasty. Recombinant human erythropoietin, epoetin beta, in patients with relapsed lymphoma treated with aggressive sequential salvage chemotherapy--results of a randomized trial. Autologous blood transfusion in total knee replacement surgery. Postoperative blood salvage in total hip and knee arthroplasty. A randomised controlled trial. Transfusion requirements after cardiac surgery: the TRACS randomized controlled trial. The effect of postoperative wound drainage reinfusion in reducing the need for blood transfusions in elective total joint arthroplasty: a prospective, randomized study. Prospective randomized evaluation of blood salvage techniques for primary total hip arthroplasty. Thromboelastography-based transfusion algorithm reduces blood product use after elective CABG: a prospective randomized study. Effect of epsilon aminocaproic acid on red-cell transfusion requirements in major spinal surgery. The role of autologous blood transfusion in joint replacement surgery. Efficacy, safety and user-friendliness of two devices for postoperative autologous shed red blood cell re-infusion in elective orthopaedic surgery patients: A randomized pilot study. Tranexamic acid reduces the need for allogenic red blood cell transfusions in patients undergoing total hip replacement. [Measures for reducing the use of homologous blood. Effects on blood coagulation during total endoprosthesis]. Tranexamic Acid reduces perioperative blood loss in adult patients having spinal fusion surgery. Autotransfusion after coronary artery bypass surgery: is there any benefit? Haemodilutional effect of standard fluid management limits the effectiveness of acute normovolaemic haemodilution in AAA surgery--results of a pilot trial. A prospective randomized trial of acute normovolemic hemodilution compared to standard intraoperative management in patients undergoing major hepatic resection. Randomised controlled trial comparing transfusion of leucocyte-depleted or buffy-coat-depleted blood in surgery for colorectal cancer. Effect of packed red blood cells transfusion on plasma fibronectin during liver resection. Efficacy of autologous fresh whole blood or platelet-rich plasma in adult cardiac surgery. Investigation of the use of drained blood reinfusion after total knee arthroplasty: a prospective randomised controlled study. The reduction of the allogenic transfusion requirement in aortic surgery with a hemoglobin-based solution. A controlled trial of educational outreach to improve blood transfusion practice. A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of epsilon-aminocaproic acid for reducing blood loss in coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. Randomized trial of liberal versus restrictive guidelines for red blood cell transfusion in preterm infants. Blood salvage after total hip arthroplasty. Impact of autotransfusion after coronary artery bypass grafting on oxygen transport. Warfarin improves the outcome of infrainguinal vein bypass grafting at high risk for failure. A prospective, randomized trial limiting perioperative red blood cell transfusions in vascular patients. Evaluation of autologous shed blood for autotransfusion after orthopaedic surgery. A prospective randomized trial of a prophylactic platelet transfusion trigger of 10 x 10(9) per L versus 30 x 10(9) per L in allogeneic hematopoietic progenitor cell transplant recipients. What should be included in meta-analyses? An exploration of methodological issues using the ISPOT meta-analyses. Intraoperative plateletpheresis and autologous platelet gel do not reduce chest tube drainage or allogeneic blood transfusion after reoperative coronary artery bypass graft. Thromboelastometrically guided transfusion protocol during aortic surgery with circulatory arrest: a prospective, randomized trial. Platelet-rich plasma sequestration, with therapeutic platelet yields, reduces allogeneic transfusion in complex cardiac surgery. A randomized comparison of transfusion triggers in elective orthopaedic surgery using leucocyte-depleted red blood cells. Predonated autologous blood transfusions after total knee arthroplasty: immediate versus delayed administration. Autotransfusion with cell saver for off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery: a randomized trial. Tranexamic acid and aprotinin in primary cardiac operations: an analysis of 220 cardiac surgical patients treated with tranexamic acid or aprotinin. The relationship of blood transfusion, tumor staging, and cancer recurrence. Comparative effects of small and large aprotinin doses on bleeding during orthotopic liver transplantation. Efficacy of a simple intraoperative transfusion algorithm for nonerythrocyte component utilization after cardiopulmonary bypass. Comparison of structured use of routine laboratory tests or near-patient assessment with clinical judgement in the management of bleeding after cardiac surgery. Efficacy of cell saver in reducing homologous blood transfusions during OPCAB surgery: a prospective randomized trial. Recombinant human erythropoietin in anemia of prematurity. Umbilical cord milking reduces the need for red cell transfusions and improves neonatal adaptation in infants born at less than 29 weeks' gestation: a randomised controlled trial. No benefit of a structured treatment interruption based on genotypic resistance in heavily pretreated HIV-infected patients. Lowering the hemoglobin threshold for transfusion in coronary artery bypass procedures: effect on patient outcome. Storage time of transfused blood and disease recurrence after colorectal cancer surgery. Autologous blood transfusion after primary unilateral total knee replacement surgery. [Comparison of Orth-Evac and Solcotrans Plus devices for the autotransfusion of blood drained after total knee joint arthroplasty]. Voluven, a lower substituted novel hydroxyethyl starch (HES 130/0.4), causes fewer effects on coagulation in major orthopedic surgery than HES 200/0.5. A randomized trial of tranexamic acid to reduce blood transfusion for scoliosis surgery. The influence of acute preoperative plasmapheresis on coagulation tests, fibrinolysis, blood loss and transfusion requirements in cardiac surgery. Blood salvage in cardiac surgery. The effect of red blood cell transfusion on cerebral oxygenation and metabolism after severe traumatic brain injury.
To assess the effectiveness of two mechanical methods of blood conservation in reducing the need for allogeneic red blood cells or coagulation products during cardiac surgery.
                Randomised controlled trial.
                Regional cardiac centre in a teaching hospital in Southampton.
                263 adults aged 18-80 years undergoing elective coronary artery bypass surgery entered the study, of whom 252 completed the trial. All patients received routine perioperative care. Patients were allocated to one of three treatment groups: intraoperative cell salvage, intraoperative cell salvage with acute perioperative normovolaemic haemodilution, or no mechanical blood conservation. There were 84 patients in each group.
                Numbers of patients who received allogeneic blood or coagulation products, and the mean number of units of blood transfused per patient.
                Of the patients in the intraoperative cell salvage group, 26 were given a transfusion of allogeneic blood, compared with 43 in the control group (odds ratio 0.43 (95% confidence interval 0.23 to 0.80)). The mean number of units of allogeneic blood transfused per patient in the intraoperative cell salvage group was 0.68 units (SD=1.55), compared with 1.07 (1.56) units in the control group. 32 of the patients in the intraoperative cell salvage group were given any blood product, compared with 47 in the control group (odds ratio 0.47 (0.25 to 0.89); P=0.019). Combining acute perioperative normovolaemic haemodilution with intraoperative cell salvage conferred no additional benefits.
                An intraoperative cell salvage device should be used in elective coronary artery bypass grafting. Pharmacological strategies may achieve further reductions in blood transfusions. Yet further reductions in blood transfusions could be achieved if the lower safe limit of haemoglobin concentration in patients undergoing cardiac surgery were known. Previous trials have indicated that cell salvage may reduce allogeneic blood transfusion during cardiac surgery, but these studies have limitations, including inconsistent use of other blood transfusion-sparing strategies. We designed a randomized controlled trial to determine whether routine cell salvage for elective uncomplicated cardiac surgery reduces blood transfusion and is cost effective in the setting of a rigorous transfusion protocol and routine administration of antifibrinolytics.
                Two-hundred-thirteen patients presenting for first-time coronary artery bypass grafting and/or cardiac valve surgery were prospectively randomized to control or cell salvage groups. The latter group had blood aspirate during surgery and mediastinal drainage the first 6 h after surgery processed in a cell saver device and autotransfused. All patients received tranexamic acid and were subjected to an algorithm for red blood cell and hemostatic blood factor transfusion.
                There was no difference between the two groups in the proportion of patients exposed to allogeneic blood (32% in both groups, relative risk 1.0 P = 0.89). At current blood products and cell saver prices, the use of cell salvage increased the costs per patient by a minimum of $103. When patients who had mediastinal re-exploration for bleeding were excluded (as planned in the protocol), significantly fewer units of allogeneic red blood cells were transfused in the cell salvage compared with the control group (65 vs 100 U, relative risk 0.71 P = 0.04).
                In patients undergoing routine first-time cardiac surgery in an institution with a rigorous blood conservation program, the routine use of cell salvage does not further reduce the proportion of patients exposed to allogeneic blood transfusion. However, patients who do not have excessive bleeding after surgery receive significantly fewer units of blood with cell salvage. Although the use of cell savage may reduce the demand for blood products during cardiac surgery, this comes at an increased cost to the institution. The transfusion of allogeneic red blood cells and allogeneic coagulation products is associated with risk to the patient and the depletion of an increasingly scarce resource. This prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated practices to avoid transfusion in patients undergoing first-time cardiac surgery.
                Patients were randomized to one of three treatment groups: an aprotinin group, a tranexamic acid group, and a control group receiving normal saline. Intra-operative cell salvage was used for all patients. The primary outcomes were the number of patients exposed to allogeneic red blood cells, allogeneic coagulation products or any allogeneic transfusion (allogeneic red blood cells and/or allogeneic coagulation products).
                Patients were 2.5 times more likely to receive any allogeneic transfusion in the tranexamic group than in the aprotinin group (21 patients out of 60 compared with nine out of 60, respectively). The relative risk of any allogeneic transfusion comparing aprotinin with tranexamic acid was 0.43 (95% confidence interval 0.21-0.86; P=0.019). Patients in the control group were four times more likely to receive any allogeneic transfusion when compared with the aprotinin group (37 patients out of 60 compared with nine out of 60, respectively). The relative risk of any allogeneic transfusion comparing aprotinin with control was 0.24 (95% confidence interval 0.13-0.46; P<0.001).
                When used in addition to intra-operative cell salvage, aprotinin is the most efficacious pharmacological therapy for reducing patient exposure to any allogeneic transfusion during first-time cardiac surgery. We conducted a prospective, randomized study to assess the impact of cell salvage, auto transfusion on the requirements for allogeneic blood for patients undergoing a total knee replacement (TKR). One hundred consecutive TKR patients were randomly allocated to receive either autologous blood (using cell salvage) or an allogeneic blood transfusion as necessary. Patients allocated to the autologous group were rescued with allogeneic blood if the postoperative haemoglobin fell below 9 g dL-1. Forty-two (84%) of 50 patients in the autologous group required no supplementary blood transfusion. Forty (80%) of 50 patients allocated to receive allogeneic blood required transfusion. There were no detrimental effects of autologous blood transfusion. We conclude that autologous blood transfusion, using the cell saver system, is a safe and effective method of reducing the need for allogeneic blood transfusion and, in doing so, reduces the risk of transmission of infections associated with allogeneic blood transfusion, whilst decreasing demand on precious allogeneic blood reserves. Several methods have been found to be successful in reducing the need for allogeneic transfusion among the patients undergoing total hip replacement. The purpose of this prospective study was to analyse the quality and evaluate the effect of postoperative autotransfusion on the need for allogeneic transfusion following total hip replacement. The prospective study was performed in two groups of patients undergoing total hip replacement. Before the operative procedure all patients in both groups predonated two doses of autologous blood. In GROUP 1. the system for postoperative collection and transfusion of shed blood was used. In GROUP 2. the patients underwent total hip replacement without blood salvage system. Standard suction collection sets were used postoperatively. In this group shed blood was not transfused to the patients. The samples of preoperative donated autologus blood, allogeneic blood and postoperative collected autologous blood were analysed for number of red cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelets, white blood cells, values of potassium, sodium, free hemoglobin and acid base status. The postoperatively blood salvage significantly reduced the use of allogeneic transfusion among patients managed with total hip replacement (allogeneic transfusion received 12% patients in Group 1 and 80% patients in Group 2; p<0.001). The values of red blood cells are significantly lower in postoperative collected autotransfusion blood compared with preoperative collected autologous blood and allogeneic blood (p<0.001). The values of potassium and acid base status were in normal range in postoperatively collected autotransfusion blood. These values in preoperatively collected autologous blood and allogeneic blood were out of normal range; (p<0.001). In addition to reducing the risk of complications that are associated with allogeneic transfusion, postoperative blood salvage may offer benefits including reducing the need for allogeneic blood. Our study confirmed that postoperative collection and transfusion of drainaged blood is simple and safe method that significantly reduce the need for allogeneic transfusion in patients underwent total hip replacement. The blood collected and transfused postoperatively has lower values of red blood cells and normal values of potassium and acid base balance. The transfusion of this blood caused no complications in our patients. We sought to evaluate the effectiveness of tranexamic acid in off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting surgery, either when used in combination with mechanical cell salvage or when used alone.
                One hundred patients were randomized to either 2 g of tranexamic acid as an intravenous bolus before sternotomy or to placebo. Intraoperative and postoperative cell salvage was used in all patients. The primary end point was early postoperative blood loss (within 4 hours). To evaluate the efficacy of tranexamic acid in isolation, we also performed a meta-analysis of 4 randomized trials identified from a systematic literature search. The primary end point of the meta-analysis was red cell transfusion.
                In our randomized trial patients in the tranexamic acid group had a significant reduction in early postoperative blood loss, (median difference, 50 mL; 95% confidence interval, 15-100 mL; P < .01); however, there was no reduction in the frequency of blood component transfusion. Patients in the placebo group received a significantly larger volume of autotransfused red cells (median difference, 120 mL; 95% confidence interval, 0-220 mL; P = .02). The meta-analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in red cell transfusions in patients receiving tranexamic acid compared with those receiving placebo (risk ratio, 0.48; 95% confidence interval, 0.24-0.97; P = .041). There was also a reduction in the frequency of any allogeneic blood component transfusion, as well as a highly significant reduction in postoperative blood loss, in patients receiving tranexamic acid (P < .001).
                Tranexamic acid reduces blood loss and transfusion requirements in off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. A reduction in allogeneic blood transfusion was not evident in the presence of perioperative cell salvage. These data support the routine use of tranexamic acid in off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. Acute preoperative plateletpheresis (APP), cell salvage (CS) technique, and the use of aprotinin have been individually reported to be effective in reducing blood loss and blood component transfusion while improving hematological profiles in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). In this prospective randomized clinical study, the efficacy of these combined approaches on reducing blood loss and transfusion requirements was evaluated. Seventy patients undergoing primary coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) were randomly divided into four groups: a control group (group I, n = 10) did not receive any of the previously mentioned approaches. An APP and CS group (group II, n = 20) experienced APP in which preoperative platelet-rich plasma was collected and reinfused after reversal of heparin, along with the cell salvage technique throughout surgery. The third group (group III, n = 22) received aprotinin in which 5,000,000 KIU Trasylol was applied during surgery, and a combination group (group IV, n = 18) was treated with all three approaches, i.e., APP, CS, and aprotinin. Compared with group I (896+/-278 mL), the postoperative total blood loss was significantly reduced in groups II, III, and IV (468+/-136, 388+/-122, 202+/-81 mL, respectively, p < 0.05). The requirements of packed red blood cells in the three approached groups (153+/-63, 105+/-178, 0+/-0 mL, respectively) also were reduced when compared with group I (343+/-118 mL, p < 0.05). In group I, six patients (6/10) received fresh-frozen plasma and three patients (3/10) received platelet transfusion, whereas no patients in the other three groups required fresh-frozen plasma and platelet. In conclusion, both plateletpheresis concomitant with cell salvage and aprotinin contribute to the improvement of postoperative hemostasis, and the combination of these two approaches could minimize postoperative blood loss and requirement. To determine if cell-salvaged autologous blood can serve as an alternative to homologous blood, and to examine the incidence of infected complications and length of postoperative stay.
                A prospective randomised study comprising autologous and homologous blood transfusions in patients undergoing elective infrarenal abdominal aortic surgery.
                Fifty patients undergoing AAA surgery were prospectively randomised to homologous blood (n = 27), or autologous blood transfusion (n = 23), using a cell salvage autotransfusion device.
                The haemoglobin at the time of hospital discharge was similar for both groups (11.0 vs. 10.8 g/dl) with no difference in perioperative mortality. The length of stay was reduced in those patients who received autologous blood (9 days vs. 12 days, p < 0.05 Mann-Whitney U test). There were four infected cases in the autologous group and 12 in the homologous group (p = n.s., Fisher's exact probability test). However, patients who received 3-4 units of homologous blood had an increased risk of infection compared to those who received a similar amount of autologous blood (50% vs. 0%).
                Cell salvage autologous blood can safely replace, or at least decrease, exposure to homologous blood transfusion, with a reduction in the mean hospital stay. The purpose of the study reported here was the determination of the efficacy of a postoperative autologous blood drainage and transfusion device in reducing allogeneic red cell requirements in patients undergoing elective knee arthroplasty. The study was a randomized controlled trial with adult patients undergoing unilateral elective arthroplastic knee surgery. Patients underwent suction drainage, attached to an autologous blood drainage and transfusion device, or standard suction drainage. Allogeneic red cells were given according to strict transfusion guidelines based on blood loss and postoperative hemoglobin values. Outcome measures included the mean number of allogeneic red cell concentrates required and the number of patients in each group who required no transfusion. Patients assigned to standard suction drainage had a mean allogeneic red cell utilization of 1.2 units (SD 1.0), as compared to a mean of 0.4 units (SD 0.8) in the group undergoing drainage with the autologous blood drainage and transfusion device (p = 0.0007). The percentage of patients not requiring allogeneic red cells was significantly higher in the latter group (74.3% vs. 32.5%; p = 0.002). The postoperative drainage and transfusion device was efficacious in reducing the amount of allogeneic red cells required by patients undergoing knee arthroplasty, and its use resulted in a 42 percent reduction in the number of patients requiring allogeneic transfusion. Off-pump CABG is potentially associated with reduced intraoperative blood loss and homologous blood transfusion in comparison to on-pump CABG. In this randomised controlled study we investigated the effects of autologous cell saver blood transfusion on blood loss and homologous blood transfusion requirements in patients undergoing CABG on- versus off-CPB.
                Eighty patients were randomised into one of four groups: (A) on-CPB with cell saver blood transfusion (CSBT), (B) on-CPB without CSBT, (C) off-pump with CSBT and (D) off-pump without CSBT. Volume of intraoperative autologous blood transfusion, postoperative mediastinal blood loss and homologous blood transfusion requirements were measured. Homologous blood was transfused when haemoglobin concentration fell below 8 g/dl postoperatively. Pre- and postoperatively prothrombin time and partial thromboplastin time were measured.
                Preoperative patient characteristics were well matched among the four groups. The amount of salvaged mediastinal blood available for autologous transfusion was significantly higher in the on-pump group (A) compared to the off-CPB group (C) (433+/-155 ml vs 271+/-144 ml, P=0.001). Volume of homologous blood transfusion was significantly higher in group B vs groups A, C and D (595+/-438 ml vs 179+/-214, 141+/-183 and 230+/-240 ml, respectively, P<0.005). The cell saver groups (A and C) received significantly less homologous blood than the groups without cell saver (160+/-197 ml vs 413+/-394 ml, respectively, P<0.005). Patients undergoing off-CPB surgery received significantly less homologous blood than those undergoing on-CPB CABG irrespective of cell saver blood transfusion (184+/-214 ml vs 382+/-397 ml, P<0.05). Postoperative blood loss was similar in the four groups (842+/-276, 1023+/-291, 869+/-286 and 903+/-315 ml in groups A to D, respectively, P>0.05). Clotting test results revealed no significant difference between the groups. There was no significant difference in postoperative morbidity between groups.
                Off-pump CABG is associated with significant reduction in intraoperative mediastinal blood loss and homologous transfusion requirements. Autologous transfusion of salvaged washed mediastinal blood reduced homologous transfusion significantly in the on-CPB group. Cell saver caused no significant adverse impact on coagulation parameters in on- or off-CPB CABG. Postoperative morbidity and blood loss were not affected by the use of CPB or autologous blood transfusion. We recommend the use of autologous blood transfusion in both on- and off-pump CABG surgery. We evaluated, in a randomized controlled trial, the safety and effectiveness of intraoperative cell salvage and autotransfusion of washed salvaged red blood cells after first-time coronary artery bypass grafting performed on the beating heart.
                Sixty-one patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting surgery were prospectively randomized to autotransfusion (n = 30; receiving autotransfused washed blood from intraoperative cell salvage) or control (n = 31; receiving homologous blood only as blood-replacement therapy). Homologous blood was given according to unit protocols.
                The groups were well matched with respect to demographic and comorbid characteristics. Patients in the autotransfusion group had a significantly higher 24-hour postoperative hemoglobin concentration (11.9 g/dL; SD, 1.41 g/dL) than those in the control group (10.5 g/dL; SD, 1.37 g/dL) (mean difference, 1.02 g/dL; 95% confidence interval, 1.60-0.44 g/dL; P = .0007), as well as a 20% reduction in the frequency of homologous blood product use (11/31 vs 5/30; P = .095). Autotransfusion of washed red blood cells was not associated with any derangement of thromboelastograph values or laboratory measures of clotting pathway function (prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, and fibrinogen levels), increased postoperative bleeding, fluid requirements, or adverse clinical events. There was no statistical difference between groups in the total operation, hospitalization, and management costs per patient (median difference, USD 1015.90; 95% confidence interval, -USD 2260 to USD 206; P = .11). Conclusions Intraoperative cell salvage and autotransfusion was associated with higher postoperative hemoglobin concentrations, a modest reduction in transfusion requirements, no adverse clinical or coagulopathic effects, and no significant increase in cost compared with controls. This study supports its routine use in off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. Activated recombinant coagulation factor VII (rFVIIa) effectively prevents and controls bleeding in patients with coagulopathy. Data show that rFVIIa may reduce blood loss and eliminate the need for transfusion in patients with normal haemostasis undergoing major surgery. We assessed the efficacy of rFVIIa in patients with normal haemostasis undergoing repair surgery of major traumatic fracture of the pelvis or the pelvis and acetabulum, who were expected to have a large volume of blood loss.
                We performed a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving 48 patients undergoing major pelvic-acetabular surgery. Patients were randomized to receive an i.v. bolus injection of rFVIIa 90 microg kg(-1) or placebo as add-on therapy at the time of the first skin incision. All patients also received intraoperative salvaged red blood cells (RBC).
                There was no significant difference in the total volume of perioperative blood loss, the primary outcome variable, between the rFVIIa and placebo groups. In addition, there were no differences between the two groups in the total volume of blood components, including salvaged RBC transfused, number of patients requiring allogeneic blood components, total volume of fluids infused, total operating time, time taken after entry to the intensive care unit to reach normal body temperature and acid-base status, and time spent in hospital. No adverse events, in particular thromboembolic events, were reported in either group.
                In patients with normal haemostasis undergoing repair surgery of traumatic pelvic-acetabular fracture, the prophylactic use of rFVIIa does not decrease the volume of perioperative blood loss. Two groups of 21 otherwise healthy patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for the first time were studied in order to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of post-operative autotransfusion using a red cell 'salvage' method. Group 1 patients (control group) were transfused using donor blood only. Group 2 patients were transfused with their own (autologous) blood, salvaged post-operatively, although donor blood was also available to them if needed. The two groups were further subdivided according to whether the patients received aspirin pre-operatively or not. The four subgroups thus formed were comparable pre- as well as intra-operatively, with respect to all available clinical and laboratory criteria. The post-operative data, however, showed that the combination of pre-operative aspirin and autotransfusion leads to excessive post-operative bleeding, together with increased donor blood requirement. It was also shown that autotransfusion without aspirin does reduce the need for donor blood transfusion without any increase in post-operative bleeding. Although aspirin alone did not increase post-operative bleeding or donor blood requirement, its combination with autotransfusion should be avoided. The aim of this study was to ascertain whether cell salvage and autotransfusion after first time elective coronary artery bypass grafting is associated with a significant reduction in the use of homologous blood, a clinically significant derangement of postoperative clotting profiles, or an increased risk of postoperative bleeding.
                Patients were randomized to autotransfusion (n = 98) receiving autotransfused washed blood from intraoperative cell salvage and postoperative mediastinal fluid cell salvage after coronary artery bypass surgery or control (n = 102) receiving stored homologous blood only after coronary artery bypass surgery.
                There was no statistical difference between the groups in terms of demographics, comorbidity, risk stratification, or operative details. Mean volume of blood autotransfused was 367 +/- 113 mL. Patients in the autotransfusion group were significantly less likely to receive a homologous blood transfusion compared with controls (odds ratio 0.40, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.22-0.71) and received significantly fewer units of blood per patient compared with controls (0.43 +/- 1.5 vs 0.90 +/- 2.0 U, p = 0.02). There was no difference between the groups in terms of postoperative blood loss, fluid requirements, blood product requirements, or in the incidence of adverse clinical events (p = NS chi(2)). Autotransfusion did not produce any significant derangement of thromboelastograph values or laboratory measures of clotting pathway function (prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen, and fibrinogen D-dimer levels) when compared with the effect of homologous blood transfusion (p = NS, repeated measures analysis of variance [MANOVA]).
                Autotransfusion is a safe and effective method of reducing the use of homologous bank blood after routine first time coronary artery bypass grafting. Red cell transfusion is commonly used in orthopaedic surgery. Evidence suggests that a restrictive transfusion strategy may be safe for most patients. However, concern has been raised over the risks of anaemia in those with ischaemic cardiac disease. Perioperative silent myocardial ischaemia (SMI) has a relatively high incidence in the elderly population undergoing elective surgery. This study used Holter monitoring to compare the effect of a restrictive and a liberal red cell transfusion strategy on the incidence of SMI in patients without signs or symptoms of ischaemic heart disease who were undergoing lower limb arthroplasty.
                We performed a multicentre, controlled trial in which 260 patients undergoing elective hip and knee replacement surgery were enrolled and randomized to transfusion triggers that were either restrictive (8 g/dl) or liberal (10 g/dl). Participants were monitored with continuous ambulatory electrocardiogram (ECG) (Holter monitoring), preoperatively for 12 h and postoperatively for 72 h. The tapes were analysed for new ischaemia by technicians blinded to treatment. The total ischaemia time in minutes was divided by the recording time in hours and an ischaemic load in min/h was calculated. Haemoglobin levels were measured preoperatively, postoperatively in the recovery room, and on days one, three and five after surgery.
                The mean postoperative haemoglobin concentration was 9.87 g/dl in the restrictive group and 11.09 g/dl in the liberal group. In the restrictive group, 34% were transfused a total of 89 red cell units, and in the liberal group 43% were given a total of 119 red cell units. A postoperative episode of silent ischaemia was experienced by 21/109 (19%) patients in the restrictive group and by 26/109 (24%) patients in the liberal group [mean difference -4.6%; 95% confidence interval (CI): -15.5% to 6%, P = 0.41). There was no significant difference (P = 0.53) between the overall ischaemic load in the restrictive group (median 0 min/h, range 0-4.18) and the liberal group (median 0 min/h, range 0-19.48). In those patients who did experience postoperative SMI, the mean ischaemic load was 0.48 min/h in the restrictive group and 1.51 min/h in the liberal group (ratio 0.32, 95% CI: 0.14-0.76, P = 0.011). The median postoperative length of hospital stay in the restrictive group was 7.3 days [range 5-11; interquartile range (IQR) 6-8] compared with 7.5 days (range 5-13; IQR 7-8) in the liberal group. The numbers were not large enough to conclude equivalence.
                In patients without preoperative evidence of myocardial ischaemia undergoing elective hip and knee replacement surgery, a restrictive transfusion strategy seems unlikely to be associated with an increased incidence of SMI. A proportion of these patients experience moderate SMI, regardless of the transfusion trigger. Use of a restrictive transfusion strategy did not increase length of hospital stay, and use of this strategy would lead to a significant reduction in red cell transfusion in orthopaedic surgery. Our data did not indicate any potential for harm in employing such a strategy in patients with no prior evidence of cardiac ischaemia who were undergoing elective orthopaedic surgery. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of erythropoietin (epoetin beta) on red blood cell (RBC) transfusions, hemoglobin (Hb) levels, and quality of life (QOL) in patients with relapsed lymphoma treated with an aggressive sequential salvage chemotherapy (SSCT) regimen. Sixty patients with early or late relapsed Hodgkin's disease ( n=39) or first relapse of aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma ( n=21) were randomized to receive epoetin beta 10,000 IE subcutaneously three times a week or no epoetin during salvage chemotherapy. Patients in both study arms received two cycles of DHAP (dexamethasone, high-dose cytarabine, cisplatin); patients in partial remission (PR) or complete remission (CR) then received cyclophosphamide, followed by peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) harvest, methotrexate plus vincristine, and etoposide. The final myeloablative course was BEAM (carmustine, etoposide, cytarabine, and melphalan) followed by autologous stem cell support. The primary endpoint of the study was the number of RBC units needed during SSCT. In addition, Hb levels and QOL were measured. The mean number of RBC units given in the epoetin beta arm was 4.5 compared to 8.3 in the control arm ( P=0.0134). The mean Hb levels during therapy were 10.4 g/dl in the epoetin beta arm and 9.7 g/dl in the control ( P=0.018). From baseline until BEAM therapy QOL (EORTC QLQ C30) and fatigue (MFI) assessment showed little QOL worsening or stable levels in both arms with a steeper increase of fatigue levels in the control group. Patients with relapsed lymphoma undergoing aggressive chemotherapy and stem cell support benefited from epoetin beta therapy, with a decrease of RBC transfusion requirements and lower rise of fatigue levels. We compared allogeneic blood usage for two groups of patients undergoing total knee replacement surgery (TKR). Patients were randomized to receive either their post-operative wound drainage as an autotransfusion (n=115) after processing or to have this wound drainage discarded (n=116). Allogeneic blood was transfused in patients of either group whose haemoglobin fell below 9 g dl(-1). Only 7% of patients in the autotransfusion group required an allogeneic transfusion compared with 28% in the control group (P<0.001). There was no hospital mortality and only 3% mortality from all causes at the study completion, which spanned 6 months to 3 yr. There was a higher incidence of infection requiring intervention in the allogeneic group (P<0.036). Total patient costs were Pound Sterling 113 greater in the autotransfusion group. We conclude that in this type of surgery post-operative cell salvage is a safe and effective method for reducing allogeneic blood use. We undertook a prospective controlled clinical trial of 109 patients to determine whether postoperative blood salvage in patients undergoing total hip or knee arthroplasty decreased the need for transfusion with banked blood. The average amount of blood collected in our series was 493 ml, most of which was collected in the first four postoperative hours. In patients undergoing bilateral total knee arthroplasty, there was a 54% reduction in banked blood utilisation. None of our patients developed adverse effects from the reinfused material. The cost of collecting and processing wound drainage using the Haemolite cell washer was $175 per patient, regardless of the volume processed, compared to $125 for a unit of banked blood. By reducing the requirement for homologous transfusion, blood salvage diminishes the risks of transmission of HIV and hepatitis viruses. In those cases where the equivalent of two units of blood are reinfused, blood salvage saves money. However, due to the small amounts of blood collected in unilateral hip or knee arthroplasty, we do not recommend its routine application in these cases. Perioperative red blood cell transfusion is commonly used to address anemia, an independent risk factor for morbidity and mortality after cardiac operations; however, evidence regarding optimal blood transfusion practice in patients undergoing cardiac surgery is lacking.
                To define whether a restrictive perioperative red blood cell transfusion strategy is as safe as a liberal strategy in patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery.
                The Transfusion Requirements After Cardiac Surgery (TRACS) study, a prospective, randomized, controlled clinical noninferiority trial conducted between February 2009 and February 2010 in an intensive care unit at a university hospital cardiac surgery referral center in Brazil. Consecutive adult patients (n = 502) who underwent cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass were eligible; analysis was by intention-to-treat.
                Patients were randomly assigned to a liberal strategy of blood transfusion (to maintain a hematocrit ≥30%) or to a restrictive strategy (hematocrit ≥24%).
                Composite end point of 30-day all-cause mortality and severe morbidity (cardiogenic shock, acute respiratory distress syndrome, or acute renal injury requiring dialysis or hemofiltration) occurring during the hospital stay. The noninferiority margin was predefined at -8% (ie, 8% minimal clinically important increase in occurrence of the composite end point).
                Hemoglobin concentrations were maintained at a mean of 10.5 g/dL (95% confidence interval [CI], 10.4-10.6) in the liberal-strategy group and 9.1 g/dL (95% CI, 9.0-9.2) in the restrictive-strategy group (P < .001). A total of 198 of 253 patients (78%) in the liberal-strategy group and 118 of 249 (47%) in the restrictive-strategy group received a blood transfusion (P < .001). Occurrence of the primary end point was similar between groups (10% liberal vs 11% restrictive; between-group difference, 1% [95% CI, -6% to 4%]; P = .85). Independent of transfusion strategy, the number of transfused red blood cell units was an independent risk factor for clinical complications or death at 30 days (hazard ratio for each additional unit transfused, 1.2 [95% CI, 1.1-1.4]; P = .002).
                Among patients undergoing cardiac surgery, the use of a restrictive perioperative transfusion strategy compared with a more liberal strategy resulted in noninferior rates of the combined outcome of 30-day all-cause mortality and severe morbidity.
                clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01021631. A prospective, randomized study was conducted in 24 patients using the Solcotrans Orthopaedic Drainage Reinfusion System (Smith & Nephew Richards Inc, Memphis, Tenn) for postoperative blood salvage in total joint arthroplasty. The amount of postoperative autologous blood salvage averaged 946 mL. Only 25% of the study group required postoperative transfusions, compared to 83% of the control group (P = .016). In total knee arthroplasties, only 11% of the study group required transfusions, compared to 78% of the control group (P = .018). There were no transfusion reactions, infectious complications, or coagulopathies. Postoperative blood salvage is a safe, reliable, and effective source of autologous blood. A controlled, randomized, prospective study was performed evaluating the need for perioperative blood salvage for primary total hip arthroplasty patients who had donated autologous blood before surgery. One hundred fifty-three patients able to donate at least 2 units of autologous blood were divided into four groups. In group 1 (35 patients), intraoperative and postoperative Cell-Saver (Haemonetics, Braintree, MA) was employed. In group 2 (40 patients), a postoperative Solcotrans (Smith & Nephew Richards, Memphis, TN) reinfusion protocol was followed. In group 3 (40 patients), a closed-suction Hemovac drain (Zimmer, Warsaw, IN) was placed. In group 4, (38 patients), no drain was used. Decisions for transfusion were based on clinical and laboratory parameters and made in conjunction with medical consultation. All autologous blood was routinely reinfused. There was no statistically significant difference in transfusion requirements or wound complications among the four groups. Hemoglobin and hematocrit changes between groups also were not statistically significant, but a power test suggested insufficient patient numbers for absolute reliability of this observation. Only five patients (3.3%) in this study received homologous blood. Four of these patients were in the Solcotrans group and one was in the Cell-Saver group. Two reoperations were performed: one for hematoma (Solcotrans group) and one for a sewn-in drain. It is concluded that expensive perioperative blood salvage techniques are usually not needed in patients who have a primary total hip arthroplasty without cement and who have donated 2 units of blood before operation. Bleeding and allogeneic transfusion remain constant problems in cardiac surgical procedures. In this study, we aimed to test the role of a routine thromboelastography (TEG)-based algorithm on bleeding and transfusions in patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).
                Patients (n = 224) undergoing elective CABG with cardiopulmonary bypass were prospectively randomized into two groups according to transfusion strategy: in group 1 (clinician-directed transfusion, n = 110) need for blood transfusion was based on clinician's discretion and standard coagulation tests and in group 2 (TEG algorithm group, n = 114) kaolin-activated (k) TEG-based algorithm-guided perioperative transfusion management. Transfusion, blood loss, and outcome data were recorded.
                There were no differences in consumption of packed cell units, blood loss, re-exploration for bleeding, and early clinical outcome between the groups. Patients in the TEG group had significantly lower median units of fresh frozen plasma and platelets compared with the other group (p = 0.001). The median number of total allogeneic units transfused (packed cells and blood products) was significantly reduced in the TEG group compared with the other group (median 2, range 1-3 units vs. median 3, range 2-4 units, respectively, p = 0.001). The need for tranexamic acid was significantly diminished in the TEG group compared with the other group (10.3% vs. 19%, respectively, p = 0.007).
                Our results show that routine use of a kTEG-guided algorithm reduces the consumption of blood products in patients undergoing elective CABG. Adopting such an algorithm into routine management of these patients may help to improve clinical outcome and reduce the potential risks of transfusion-related complications and total costs after CABG. : Randomized, placebo-controlled trial.
                : To evaluate the efficacy of epsilon aminocaproic acid (EACA) to reduce the number of red-cell (RBC) transfusions in adult patients undergoing major spinal surgery.
                : Reconstructive spinal surgery is associated with significant blood loss. The number of studies evaluating the efficacy of EACA in adult patients undergoing spinal surgery remains scarce and limited.
                : EACA (100 mg/kg) or placebo was administered to 182 adult patients after the induction of anesthesia followed by an infusion that was continued for 8 hours after surgery. Primary end points included total allogeneic RBC transfusions through postoperative day 8 and postoperative allogeneic plus autologus RBC transfusions through postoperative day 8.
                : Mean total allogeneic RBC transfusions were not statistically different between the groups (5.9 units EACA vs. 6.9 units placebo; P = 0.17). Mean postoperative RBC transfusions in the EACA group was less (2.0 units vs. 2.8 units placebo; P = 0.03). There was no significantdifference in mean estimated intraoperative estimated-blood loss (2938 cc EACA vs. 3273 cc placebo; P = 0.32). Mean intensive care unit length of stay was decreased (EACA: 1.8 days vs. 2.8 days placebo; P = 0.04). The incidence of thromboembolic complications was similar (2.2% EACA vs. 6.6% placebo; P = 0.15).
                : The difference in total allogeneic RBC transfusions between the groups was not statistically significant. EACA was associated with a 30% (0.8 units) reduction in postoperative RBC transfusions and a 1-day reduction in ICU LOS, without an increased incidence of thromboembolic events. EACA may be considered for patients undergoing major spinal surgery. Larger studies are needed to evaluate the relationship between EACA and total RBC requirements. The efficacy of predeposited autologous blood transfusion (PABT) with and without intra/postoperative blood salvage to reduce or eliminate the need for homologous blood transfusion (HBT) in primary total hip or knee replacement surgery was investigated by retrospective and prospective studies. Depending on the type of surgery, one to three units of PABT eliminated the need for HBT in 50 to 78% of patients, but, intra/postoperative blood salvage alone reduced the need only in 11 to 29%. In contrast, blood salvage, when combined with three units of PABT, eliminated the need for HBT in all patients undergoing primary joint replacement surgery. A cost comparison analysis showed that blood salvage was more expensive than PABT, and therefore it should be limited to patients who had predeposited fewer than three units of autologous blood. To determine the safety, efficacy and user-friendliness of two different postoperative autologous blood re-infusion systems, an open, randomized, controlled study was performed. Eligible consecutive primary and revision total hip and knee replacement patients were randomized for one of the two systems or for a control group in which shed blood was not re-infused. The nursing staff scored user-friendliness. Patients were monitored after re-infusion. In all three patient groups, a restrictive transfusion trigger was used. Sixty-nine of 70 randomized patients were evaluated. Ease of use, efficacy and safety of both re-infusion systems were comparable. There was no difference in allogeneic blood use between the groups. Thirty per cent of the patients re-infused with autologous blood developed a mainly mild, febrile transfusion reaction. No other adverse reactions were seen. Signs of coagulopathy after re-infusion were not found. In multivariate analysis, autologous re-infusion was an independent factor associated with a shorter hospital stay. Both postoperative autologous blood re-infusion systems were of equal efficacy and safety. The contribution of autologous wound blood re-infusion to reduce allogeneic transfusions must be investigated in a larger study. This prospective randomized double-blind trial evaluates the efficacy of tranexamic acid (TA) to decrease blood losses and red blood cell transfusions in patients undergoing primary unilateral total hip replacement (THR).
                Forty ASA class I to III patients received either iv TA 10 mg.kg(-1) bolus before surgery plus a 1 mg.kg(-1).hr(-1) infusion until wound closure (Group TA) or a placebo (Group P). Red blood cell transfusions were administered according to a standardized protocol.
                One patient of Group P was excluded because of an erroneous diagnosis at enrollment. Total measured blood losses (Group TA: 1308 +/- 462 mL vs Group P: 1469 +/- 405 mL), preoperative hemoglobin levels (Group TA: 130.4 +/- 12.5 g.L(-1) vs Group P: 131.4 +/- 12.8 vs g.L(-1)), and seven-day postoperative hemoglobin values (Group TA: 97.8 +/- 11.8 g.L(-1) vs Group P: 102.9 +/- 12.2 g.L(-1)) were similar. Autologous whole blood was available in five patients of Group P and seven patients of Group TA. Fewer patients in Group TA required red blood cells (Group TA: 6/20 vs Group P: 13/19; P = 0.026) and allogenic red blood cell transfusions (Group TA: 0/20 vs Group P: 8/19; P = 0.0012). The median number of transfused unit per patient was also significantly less in patients of Group TA (0 unit) than in Group P (2 units; P = 0.03).
                TA did not change measured blood losses but reduced red blood cell transfusion requirements in patients undergoing primary unilateral THR. The influence of two different methods of autologous transfusion, preoperative donor plasmapheresis (Abbott Autotrans) and postoperative autotransfusion (intraoperative blood salvage, Dideco Autotrans), on the intravascular hemostatic system was investigated. Forty-two patients undergoing total hip surgery and preoperative donor plasmapheresis were prospectively randomized into three groups. For substitution of blood loss, patients in group 1 (control group, n = 12) received in addition to cristalloids and colloids only homologous blood, group 2 (n = 14) autologous blood, and group 3 (n = 16) additionally intra- and postoperative autologous fresh frozen plasma (FFP). The investigation included blood parameters (hemoglobin, hematocrit, thrombocytes), clotting status (prothrombin time, plasma thromboplastin time, thrombin time, fibrinogen, plasminogen, and antithrombin III), and immunological methods such as fibrinopeptide A (FPA), thrombin-antithrombin III (TAT), and protein C. No significant difference was found with respect to total amount of infusion, intraoperative blood loss, autologous transfusion, and blood parameters. Excellent quality of the autologous FFP was demonstrated by investigation of the specimens before administration. The autologous packed red cells showed high levels of TAT and FPA as an indicator of thrombin generation. Their administration caused a significant increase in TAT and FPA levels in groups 2 and 3 compared to group 1.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) Spinal reconstructive surgery in adults can be associated with significant blood loss, often requiring allogeneic blood transfusion. The objective of this randomized, prospective, double-blind, multicenter study was to evaluate the efficacy of tranexamic acid (TXA) in reducing perioperative blood loss and transfusion in adult patients having elective posterior thoracic/lumbar instrumented spinal fusion surgery.
                One hundred fifty-one adult patients were randomized to receive either a bolus of 10 mg/kg IV of TXA after induction followed by a maintenance infusion of 1 mg/kg/hr of TXA, or an equivalent volume of placebo (normal saline). The primary outcome was the total perioperative estimated and calculated blood loss intraoperatively and 24 h postoperatively. Secondary outcomes were incidence of allogeneic blood exposure, and duration of hospital stay.
                Four patients were withdrawn for identifiable surgical bleeding, therefore 147 patients were included in the analysis. The total estimated and calculated perioperative blood loss was approximately 25% and 30% lower in patients given TXA versus placebo (1592 +/- 1315 mL vs 2138 +/- 1607 mL, P = 0.026; 3079 +/- 2558 vs 4363 +/- 3030, P = 0.017), respectively. There was no difference in the amounts of blood products transfused, and length of stay between the two groups. TXA, surgical duration, and number of vertebrae fused were independent factors related to perioperative blood loss. Predictors for the need for allogeneic red blood cell transfusion were ASA classification, surgical duration and number of levels fused.
                TXA significantly reduced the estimated and calculated total amount of perioperative blood loss in adult patients having elective posterior thoracic/lumbar instrumented spinal fusion surgery. Postoperative salvage autotransfusion of shed mediastinal blood, using the cardiotomy reservoir, is an inexpensive technique whose efficacy and safety are evaluated in this study. We randomized 75 consecutive patients into two groups. The autotransfusion group (n = 42) received autotransfusion after the completion of the coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) until the drainage was < or = 50 mL per hour for 2 consecutive hours. The control group (n = 33) was treated with standard chest drainage. Both groups received homologous blood transfusion when the hematocrit fell below 30%. Packed red cells were required post-operatively in 84.8% of the control group and 80.9% of the autotransfusion group (p = NS). Postoperative colloid fluid replacement (excluding autotransfusion fluid) did not differ significantly between the groups. The prothrombin time was significantly higher in the autotransfusion group 24 hours postoperatively (p = 0.03). The fibrin degradation products were elevated only in the serum of the autotransfusion patients (p < 0.002). More febrile patients were seen in the autotransfusion group although not significantly more than the controls. The autotransfusion group received more red cells than the control group, but it lost more red cells in the mediastinal drains. In conclusion, the autotransfusion of shed mediastinal blood has not proved beneficial in reducing the postoperative requirements in homologous blood in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). To evaluate the impact of standard fluid management on the effectiveness of ANH as a blood conservation method in elective open AAA repair.
                Prospective randomised controlled study.
                Thirty-four patients undergoing elective AAA repair were randomised to have ANH (16) or act as controls (18). Intra-operative cell salvage was permitted in both groups. Haemoglobin (Hb) concentrations were determined at variable intervals peri-operatively. Blood loss and the use of heterologous blood were recorded.
                The pre- and post-operative Hb concentrations, surgical blood loss and the use of cell salvage were similar in both groups. Hb concentration (median, range) decreased significantly from pre-operative to aortic clamping (with blood loss <100 ml) in ANH patients from 8.8 (7.5-10.2) to 5.7 (4.2-6.6)mmol/l following ANH but also in controls from 8.6 (7.5-9.7) to 7.0 (4.5-9.0)mmol/l due to fluid infusion (P<0.01 for every comparison). Bank blood requirements were similar: median 2 units in ANH and 2.5 units in control patients (P=0.68).
                Large volumes of fluids infused during AAA repair already conserve blood by the mechanism of hypervolaemic haemodilution. When cell salvage is used with standard fluid management during AAA repair, additional ANH is ineffective in saving blood. Hepatic resection is the most effective treatment for many malignant and benign conditions affecting the liver and biliary tree. Despite improvements, major partial hepatectomy can be associated with considerable blood loss and transfusion requirements. Transfusion of allogeneic blood products, although potentially life-saving, is associated with many potential complications. The primary aim of this study was to determine if acute normovolemic hemodilution (ANH), an established blood conservation technique, reduces the requirement for allogeneic red cell transfusions in patients undergoing major hepatic resection.
                One hundred thirty patients undergoing major hepatic resection (> or =3 segments) were prospectively randomized to undergo either ANH or standard anesthetic management (STD). In the ANH group, intraoperative blood collection was performed to a target hemoglobin of 8.0 g/dL. Low central venous pressure anesthetic technique was used intraoperatively for both groups. A standardized transfusion protocol was applied to all patients intraoperatively and throughout the hospital stay.
                From April 2004 to March 2007, 63 patients were randomized to ANH and 67 to STD. Demographics, diagnoses, liver function, extent of resection, intraoperative blood loss, operative time, incidence and grade of complications, and length of hospital stay were similar between the 2 groups. ANH reduced the overall allogeneic red cell transfusion rate by 50% compared with STD [12.7% (n = 8) vs. 25.4% (n = 17), respectively; P = 0.067. ANH patients were less often transfused intraoperatively (n = 1, 1.6%) compared with the STD group (n = 7, 10.4%) (P = 0.036), had higher postoperative hemoglobin levels (P = 0.01), and tended to require fewer red cell units overall (28 vs. 47 units). In patients with intraoperative blood loss > or =800 mL, ANH reduced not only the allogeneic red cell transfusion rate (18.2% vs. 42.4%, P = 0.045) but also the proportion of patients requiring fresh frozen plasma (21.1% vs. 48.3%, P = 0.025).
                For patients undergoing major liver resection, ANH is safe, effectively reduces the need for allogeneic transfusions, and should be considered for routine use. Given the modest transfusion rate in the STD arm, future efforts should attempt to target ANH use to patients most likely to benefit. In retrospective studies, perioperative blood transfusions were associated with poor prognosis after surgery for cancer and were a major independent risk factor for postoperative bacterial infection. Leucocyte-depleted, in contrast to buffy-coat-depleted, blood has no immunosuppressive effects in transplantation and so might lack detrimental effects on cancer prognosis and postoperative infections. We studied this hypothesis in a controlled trial by randomly allocating patients to receive either leucocyte-depleted red cells or packed cells without buffy coat when blood was needed. Between 1987 and 1990, 871 eligible patients with colorectal cancer, including 697 patients operated upon with curative intent, were randomised in the 16 participating hospitals. Neither the eligible group nor the curative group showed significant differences between the two trial transfusions in survival, disease-free survival, cancer recurrence rates, or overall infection rates after an average follow-up of 36 months. Patients who had a curative resection and who received blood of any sort had a lower 3-year survival than non-transfused patients (69% vs 81%, p = 0.001) and a higher infection rate (39% vs 24%, p < 0.001). Colorectal cancer recurrence rates, however, were not influenced by blood transfusion (30% vs 26%, p = 0.22). These combined observations confirm the association between blood transfusion and poor patient survival but indicate that the relation is not due to promotion of cancer. Our study aimed at evaluating the effect of blood transfusion - allogeneic or autologous - on plasma levels of fibronectin during liver resections. Thirty-five patients scheduled for liver resection were randomly allocated to receive autologous (group autologous blood transfusion (ABT), n= 19) or allogeneic (homologous) (homologous blood transfusion (HBT), n= 16) packed red blood cell to maintain serum haemoglobin concentration above 9 g. Serum levels of fibronectin were measured before induction of anaesthesia, at the end of operation and at first, third and sixth postoperative day. Perioperative morbidity and survival rate were also recorded. Serum fibronectin levels were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the autologous group than in the allogeneic, at the first (134 +/- 49 microg mL(-1) vs. 89 +/- 31 microg mL(-1)) and third (178 +/- 51 microg mL(-1) vs. 96 +/- 41 microg mL(-1)) postoperative day. No differences in survival and complication rate between the two groups were observed. Concentrations of serum fibronectin seem to be adversely affected by allogeneic blood transfusion during liver resection surgery, although this does not seem to affect patients' morbidity and mortality. Transfusing fresh autologous blood during cardiac surgery may improve hemostasis and decrease the need for transfusion.
                A prospective randomized study was performed with fresh whole blood (WB) obtained by intraoperative hemodilution (IH) and with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) obtained by perioperative apheresis from adult cardiac surgery patients.
                Seventy patients were randomly assigned to three arms: 24 to the PRP arm, 18 to the IH arm, and 28 to serve as controls. A mean of 924 +/- 130 mL of WB was collected from the IH group, and a mean of 650 +/- 124 mL of PRP was collected from the PRP group (mean, 1.42 +/- 0.74 x 10(11) platelets); these components were transfused after bypass. Preoperative measures were similar among groups. Intraoperatively, the groups did not differ in bypass time, estimated blood loss, number of transfusions, or proportion receiving transfusion(s). Postoperatively, control patients had more mediastinal drainage (736 mL vs. 476 mL [IH] and 463 mL [PRP]; p = 0.014), but there was no difference in the proportion of patients requiring red cell transfusion (p = 0.87), the hemoglobin at discharge (p = 0.20), or the length of hospitalization (p = 0.57).
                Although a hemostatic benefit manifested as reduced postoperative bleeding was observed, this study does not support the use of fresh blood components obtained by IH or PRP collection during low-risk cardiac surgery. Additional studies are needed to assess whether more aggressive component collection or the use of these techniques in high-risk cases may have a greater impact on clinical outcome variables, including transfusion. To compare the use of a blood salvage and reinfusion system with standard allogeneic blood transfusion after total knee arthroplasty--a procedure associated with significant postoperative blood loss.
                Between June 2002 and May 2004, 60 patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty were randomly allocated into a reinfusion group (n = 26) or a control group (n = 34). Patients in the reinfusion group had their blood reinfused from drains within 6 hours of surgery. Both groups received allogeneic blood transfusions according to specified transfusion criteria if the haemoglobin level fell below 90 g/l, or in the presence of severe anaemic symptoms. Haemoglobin levels and drain output were recorded daily for 3 consecutive days after surgery.
                There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in demographic data, drain output, total blood loss, and mean postoperative haemoglobin levels. Significantly more allogeneic blood was required by the control group than by the reinfusion group (p = 0.022).
                Postoperative reinfusion of drained blood reduced the need for blood transfusion after total knee arthroplasty, while having an effect on postoperative haemoglobin level equivalent to standard allogeneic blood transfusion. Because of allogenic red blood cell (RBC) availability and infection problems, novel alternatives, including hemoglobin-based oxygen-carrying solutions (HBOC), are being explored to minimize the perioperative requirement of RBC transfusions. This study evaluated HBOC-201, a room-temperature stable, polymerized, bovine-HBOC, as a substitute for allogenic RBC transfusion in patients undergoing elective infrarenal aortic operations.
                In a single blind, multicenter trial, 72 patients were prospectively randomized two-to-one to HBOC (n = 48) or allogenic RBC (n = 24) at the time of the first transfusion decision, either during or after elective infrarenal aortic reconstruction. Patients randomized to the HBOC group received 60 g of HBOC for the initial transfusion and had the option to receive three more doses (30 g each) within 96 hours. In this group, any further blood requirement was met with allogenic RBCs. Patients randomized to the allogenic RBC group received only standard RBC transfusions. The efficacy analysis was a means of assessing the ability of HBOC to eliminate the requirement for any allogenic RBC transfusions from the time of randomization through 28 days. Safety was evaluated by means of standard clinical trial methods.
                The two treatment groups were comparable for all baseline characteristics. Although all patients in the allogenic RBC group required at least one allogenic RBC transfusion, 13 of 48 patients (27%; 95% CI, 15% to 42%) in the HBOC group did not require any allogenic RBC transfusions. The only significant changes documented were a 15% increase in mean arterial pressure and a three-fold peak increase in serum urea nitrogen concentration after HBOC. The complications were similar in both groups, with no allergic reactions. There were two perioperative deaths (8%) in the allogenic RBC group and three perioperative deaths (6%) in the HBOC group (P = 1.0).
                HBOC significantly eliminated the need for any allogenic RBC transfusion in 27% of patients undergoing infrarenal aortic reconstruction, but did not reduce the median allogenic RBC requirement. HBOC transfusion was well tolerated and did not influence morbidity or mortality rates. To determine whether brief, face-to-face educational outreach visits can improve the appropriateness of blood product utilization.
                Randomized, controlled multicenter trial with 6-month follow-up.
                Surgical and medical services of two pairs of matched community and teaching hospitals in Massachusetts.
                One hundred one transfusing staff surgeons and attending medical physicians.
                A professionally based transfusion specialist presented one surgical- or medical-service-wide lecture emphasizing appropriate indications, risks, and benefits of red blood cell transfusions; brief, graphic, printed educational guidelines; and one 30-minute visit with each transfusing physician. No data feedback was provided. Educational messages emphasized the lack of utility of the traditional threshold for red blood cell transfusions (hematocrit, 30%) and transfusion risks (eg, viral hepatitis).
                Proportion of red blood cell transfusions classified as compliant or noncompliant with blood transfusion guidelines, or indeterminate 6 months before and 6 months after an experimental educational intervention.
                Based on analyses of 1449 medical record audits of red blood cell transfusions that occurred 6 months before and 6 months after the educational intervention, the average proportion of transfusions not in compliance with criteria declined from 0.40 to 0.24 among study surgeons (-40%) compared with an increase from 0.40 to 0.44 (+9%) among control surgeons (P = .006). These effects were consistent across procedure type and specialty. On average, study surgeons in the postintervention period performed transfusions when hematocrits were 2.0 percentage points lower than before the intervention (28.3% preintervention vs 26.3% postintervention), and lower than in the control group (28.3% preintervention and postintervention; P = .04). Likely savings in blood use for surgical services probably exceeded program costs, even without considering reduced risks of infection. No effects were observed among transfusions occurring in medical services, possibly because of substantially lower transfusion rates and lower pretransfusion hematocrits.
                Brief, focused educational outreach visits by transfusion specialists can substantially improve the appropriateness and cost-effectiveness of blood product use in surgery. More data are needed regarding the durability of changes in practice patterns and the health and economic benefits of such interventions. Epsilon-aminocaproic acid is a plasmin inhibitor that potentially reduces perioperative bleeding when administered prophylactically to cardiac surgery patients. To evaluate the efficacy of epsilon-aminocaproic acid, a prospective placebo-controlled trial was conducted in patients undergoing primary coronary artery bypass grafting surgery.
                One hundred patients were randomly assigned to receive either epsilon-aminocaproic acid (100 mg/kg before skin incision followed by 1 g/hour continuous infusion until chest closure, 10 g in cardiopulmonary bypass circuit) or placebo, and the efficacy of epsilon-aminocaproic acid was evaluated by the reduction in postoperative thoracic-drainage volume and in donor-blood transfusion up to postoperative day 12.
                Postoperative thoracic-drainage volume was significantly lower in the epsilon-aminocaproic acid group compared with the placebo group (epsilon-aminocaproic acid, 649 +/- 261 mL; versus placebo, 940 +/- 626 mL; p=0.003). There were no significant differences between the epsilon-aminocaproic acid and placebo groups in the percentage of patients requiring donor red blood cell transfusions (epsilon-aminocaproic acid, 24%; versus placebo, 18%; p=0.62) or in the number of units of donor red blood cells transfused (epsilon-aminocaproic acid, 2.2 +/- 0.8 U; versus placebo, 1.9 +/- 0.8 U; p=0.29). Epsilon-aminocaproic acid did not reduce the risk of donor red blood cell transfusions compared with placebo (odds ratio: 1.2, 95% confidence interval; 0.4 to 3.2, p=0.63).
                Prophylactic administration of epsilon-aminocaproic acid reduces postoperative thoracic-drainage volume by 30%, but it may not be potent enough to reduce the requirement and the risk for donor blood transfusion in cardiac surgery patients. This information is useful for deciding on a therapy for hemostasis in cardiac surgery. Although many centers have introduced more restrictive transfusion policies for preterm infants in recent years, the benefits and adverse consequences of allowing lower hematocrit levels have not been systematically evaluated. The objective of this study was to determine if restrictive guidelines for red blood cell (RBC) transfusions for preterm infants can reduce the number of transfusions without adverse consequences.
                We enrolled 100 hospitalized preterm infants with birth weights of 500 to 1300 g into a randomized clinical trial comparing 2 levels of hematocrit threshold for RBC transfusion.
                The infants were assigned randomly to either the liberal- or the restrictive-transfusion group. For each group, transfusions were given only when the hematocrit level fell below the assigned value. In each group, the transfusion threshold levels decreased with improving clinical status.
                We recorded the number of transfusions, the number of donor exposures, and various clinical and physiologic outcomes.
                Infants in the liberal-transfusion group received more RBC transfusions (5.2 +/- 4.5 [mean +/- SD] vs 3.3 +/- 2.9 in the restrictive-transfusion group). However, the number of donors to whom the infants were exposed was not significantly different (2.8 +/- 2.5 vs 2.2 +/- 2.0). There was no difference between the groups in the percentage of infants who avoided transfusions altogether (12% in the liberal-transfusion group versus 10% in the restrictive-transfusion group). Infants in the restrictive-transfusion group were more likely to have intraparenchymal brain hemorrhage or periventricular leukomalacia, and they had more frequent episodes of apnea, including both mild and severe episodes.
                Although both transfusion programs were well tolerated, our finding of more frequent major adverse neurologic events in the restrictive RBC-transfusion group suggests that the practice of restrictive transfusions may be harmful to preterm infants. We performed a prospective, randomized study to determine the effect of postoperative collection and reinfusion of unwashed, filtered, salvaged blood on the transfusion requirements of 232 patients managed with a total hip replacement. Patients who were scheduled to have a primary or revision procedure were advised to predeposit two or four units of autologous blood, respectively, before the operation. In addition, intraoperative blood salvage was performed for all patients who had a revision procedure. The patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the first group was managed with postoperative blood salvage with use of the Autovac Postoperative Orthopaedic Autotransfusion Canister and the second, with closed suction drainage with use of the Hemovac system. In the first group, blood was collected from wound drains for four hours postoperatively; if at least 300 milliliters of blood was collected, the unwashed blood was reinfused through a microaggregate filter during a two-hour period. A maximum of 1000 milliliters of salvaged blood was reinfused; any blood that had not been reinfused within six hours after the beginning of collection was discarded. No complications or episodes of hypotension, confusion, cardiac or pulmonary compromise, febrile reaction, or coagulopathy were observed during or after the reinfusion of the unwashed, filtered, salvaged blood. No reinfusions were interrupted or discontinued. We found that postoperative reinfusion of unwashed, filtered, salvaged blood was associated with a decreased prevalence of homologous transfusion after a total hip replacement among patients for whom preoperatively donated autologous blood was not available.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) Autotransfusion of shed mediastinal blood after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) has been shown to reduce the requirement for allogeneic blood. We have previously demonstrated in non-randomized studies that the oxygen capacity of shed mediastinal blood is similar to the patient's circulating blood and better than stored allogeneic blood. Therefore, we wanted to examine the influence of autotransfusion of shed mediastinal blood on oxygen transport capacity in patients undergoing CABG.
                A prospective, randomized, controlled study involving 120 patients having elective, uncomplicated CABG was performed. The autotransfusion group received transfusion of shed mediastinal blood for 18 h. Both groups received allogeneic red cells if their hemoglobin concentration decreased below 5 mmol/L. Red blood cell 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG) was measured preoperatively and at intervals up to the hospital discharged. Hemodynamic measurements as well as blood gas and hemoglobin measurements from samples of arterial and mixed venous blood were used for calculation of oxygen transport capacity.
                During the autotransfusion period only 2 patients (4%) in the autotransfusion group required allogeneic blood compared to 11 patients (20%) in the control group. The 2,3-DPG levels in the autotransfusion group were unchanged before and after autotransfusion (4.4 vs. 4.3 mumol/ml erythrocyte). In the control group, 2,3-DPG levels decreased from 4.3 to 3.9 mumol/ml erythrocyte during the same period. There were no differences in the other measured parameters for oxygen transport capacity between the groups.
                Autotransfusion of shed mediastinal blood conserves the 2,3-DPG level of the red blood cells, while transfusion of stored blood leads to a decrease in 2,3-DPG levels. Autotransfusion had no effect on hemodynamic parameters, oxygen delivery or oxygen extraction. Patients with marginal venous conduit, poor arterial runoff, and prior failed bypass grafts are at high risk for infrainguinal graft occlusion and limb loss. We sought to evaluate the effects of anticoagulation therapy after autogenous vein infrainguinal revascularization on duration of patency, limb salvage rates, and complication rates in this subset of patients.
                This randomized prospective trial was performed in a university tertiary care hospital and in a Veterans Affairs Hospital. Fifty-six patients who were at high risk for graft failure were randomized to receive aspirin (24 patients, 27 bypass grafts) or aspirin and warfarin (WAR; 32 patients, 37 bypass grafts). All patients received 325 mg of aspirin each day, and the patients who were randomized to warfarin underwent anticoagulation therapy with heparin immediately after surgery and then were started on warfarin therapy to maintain an international normalized ratio between 2 and 3. Perioperative blood transfusions and complications were compared with the Student t test or with the chi2 test. Graft patency rates, limb salvage rates, and survival rates were compared with the Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test.
                Sixty-one of the 64 bypass grafts were performed for rest pain or tissue loss, and 3 were performed for short-distance claudication. There were no differences between the groups in ages, indications, bypass graft types, risk classifications (ie, conduit, runoff, or graft failure), or comorbid conditions (except diabetes mellitus). The cumulative 5-year survival rate was similar between the groups. The incidence rate of postoperative hematoma (32% vs 3.7%; P = .004) was greater in the WAR group, but no differences were seen between the WAR group and the aspirin group in the number of packed red blood cells transfused, in the incidence rate of overall nonhemorrhagic wound complications, or in the overall complication rate (62% vs 52%). The immediate postoperative primary graft patency rates (97.3% vs 85.2%) and limb salvage rates (100% vs 88.9%) were higher in the WAR group as compared with the aspirin group. Furthermore, the cumulative 3-year primary, primary assisted, and secondary patency rates were significantly greater in the WAR group versus the aspirin group (74% vs 51%, P = .04; 77% vs 56%, P = .05; 81% vs 56%, P = .02) and cumulative limb salvage rates were higher in the WAR group (81% vs 31%, P = .01).
                Perioperative anticoagulation therapy with heparin increases the incidence rate of wound hematomas, but long-term anticoagulation therapy with warfarin improves the patency rate of autogenous vein infrainguinal bypass grafts and the limb salvage rate for patients at high risk for graft failure. Patients undergoing major arterial reconstruction have traditionally been transfused with red blood cells to keep hemoglobin concentrations above 10 g/dL in order to prevent anemia-induced myocardial ischemia. There are no data to support this practice. The hypothesis that vascular patients will tolerate a hemoglobin concentration of 9 g/dL was examined.
                Ninety-nine patients undergoing elective aortic and infrainguinal arterial reconstructions were prospectively randomized preoperatively to receive transfusions to maintain a hemoglobin level of either 10 g/dL or 9 g/dL.
                Despite significantly different postoperative hemoglobin levels of 11.0 +/- 1.2 versus 9.8 +/- 1.3 g/dL (P <0.0001), there were no differences in mortality or cardiac morbidity rates or length of hospital stay. There were no differences in hemodynamic parameters. Oxygen delivery was lower in the group with lower hemoglobin levels, but there was no difference in O2 consumption between the groups.
                A lower hemoglobin concentration was tolerated without adverse clinical outcome. Patients did not compensate for anemia by increased myocardial work, but by increasing O2 extraction in the peripheral tissues. Autologous shed blood for autotransfusion was evaluated at four medical centers in a prospective randomized study. One hundred twenty-eight patients were studied after hip replacement, knee replacement, or spine fusion. The efficacy of autologous shed blood in reducing homologous transfusion was evaluated. The relative risk of transfusion with homologous blood was 0.4 in patients who received shed blood compared with patients who did not receive shed blood. The reinfusion of shed blood reduced the requirement for homologous blood by 60%. Two filter systems were evaluated in reinfusing autologous shed blood. The Pall RC100 filter appeared to be more effective than the Pall 40-mu screen filter in removing fat particles and white blood cells. No significant clinical abnormalities were discovered after autotransfusion with autologous shed blood. Evaluation of clotting studies showed no significant differences between patients who received shed blood and patients who received liquid-preserved red blood cells. These data indicate that unwashed autologous shed blood from orthopaedic wound drainage is a safe and effective substitute for transfusion of autologous predonated blood or homologous liquid-preserved red blood cells. The impact of lowering the platelet (PLT) count threshold for prophylactic PLT transfusion on bleeding and PLT use in allogeneic hematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) transplant recipients is a matter of debate.
                In 166 patients, randomly assigned to receive prophylactic PLT transfusion at a trigger level less than 10 x 10(9) PLTs per L (T10; n = 79) or less than 30 x 10(9) per L (T30; n = 87), the number of PLT and red blood cell (RBC) transfusions given and the number of hemorrhagic events (WHO Grades 2-4) were recorded.
                No significant differences were found between the two groups regarding the clinical outcome variables (i.e., bacteremia, engraftment, graft-vs.-host disease [GVHD], hospital stay, death, and survival) or in the median total number of RBC transfusions given. The incidence, in Group T10 18 percent (14/79) and in Group T30 15 percent (13/87), as well as the type of bleeding were comparable. No deaths were attributed to hemorrhages. The number of PLT units transfused, however, was significantly lower in Group T10 (median, 4; range, 0-32), than in Group T30 (median, 10; range, 0-48; p < 0.001). Apart from the trigger level, the day of engraftment, the presence of acute GVHD, or bacteremia also affected the number of PLT transfusions.
                A prophylactic PLT transfusion trigger level of less than 10 x 10(9) PLTs per L instead of less than 30 x 10(9) PLTs per L in allogeneic HPC transplant recipients was found to be safe and resulted in a decreased use of PLTs. To explore the impact of methodologic issues on the results of meta-analyses. The following issues were examined: the type of literature search strategy used; inclusion or exclusion of non-peer-reviewed studies; the inclusion or exclusion of non-English language publications; the effect of trial quality; and the inclusion or exclusion of non-placebo-controlled studies.
                The International Study of Perioperative Transfusion (ISPOT) meta-analyses were used to evaluate each of the methodologic issues. The 10 meta-analyses consisted of technologies to reduce the need for perioperative red blood cell transfusion. The number of trials for each of the meta-analyses varied from 2 to 45. Both EMBASE and MEDLINE searches were conducted, including the use of systematic search strategies.
                MEDLINE identified the vast majority of trials. Alone, MEDLINE would have missed 8 studies compared to 10 for EMBASE. Use of the systematic search strategies greatly reduced the number of articles to be reviewed compared to open searches. Type of publication, country of study origin, inclusion of non-English publications, and trial quality had very little impact on the estimates of effect. The use of placebo versus open-label control affected the magnitude of the odds ratio for two of the meta-analyses. The results of the two meta-analyses were not statistically significant if only placebo-controlled trials were included.
                While methodologic issues had very little impact on the ISPOT meta-analyses, further studies are needed in a variety of other clinical settings. Because MEDLINE, coupled with a review of the references in the identified trials, identified the vast majority of trials, one needs to consider the costs and benefits of searching EMBASE and the pursuance of unpublished and unindexed trials. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is postulated to decrease postoperative mediastinal chest tube drainage (MCTD) and allogeneic blood transfusions (ABT) after surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. However, recent metaanalysis of the literature reveals that few good quality (therapeutic yield) trials that show a benefit have been published. The potential hemodynamic instability caused by plateletpheresis has not been emphasized. We studied the effect of plateletpheresis on MCTD, ABT, and hemodynamic stability in reoperative coronary artery bypass graft patients, a group perceived to be at high risk for ABT. Ninety patients were randomly assigned to Pheresis or Control groups. epsilon-Aminocaproic acid was given to all patients. Hemodynamic instability was assessed by degree of volume and inotrope resuscitation required. Part of the sequestered platelet volume was used to make autologous platelet gel, which was applied as a wound sealant. Mean pheresis yield was 30% +/- 7% of the circulating platelet mass or 6.4 +/- 2.2 allogeneic platelet unit equivalents. Total MCTD did not differ between the groups. There were no differences in mean packed red blood cell, platelet, and plasma transfusion rates. Overall, 52% of the Pheresis group received ABT, versus 55% of the Control group. Fifty-three percent of the Pheresis group patients exhibited significant hemodynamic instability, versus 27% of the Control group (P < 0.05). This study was unable to show any reduction in MCTD or ABT, although the plateletpheresis technique may offset platelet dysfunction caused by aspirin or increased blood exposure to nonbiologic surfaces, or it may compensate for lack of antifibrinolytic use. The significantly increased incidence of hemodynamic instability in the Pheresis group means that the risk/benefit ratio must be determined for individual cardiac surgical units. Aortic surgical procedures requiring hypothermic circulatory arrest are associated with altered hemostasis and increased bleeding. In a randomized clinical trial, we evaluated effects of thromboelastometrically guided algorithm on transfusion requirements.
                Fifty-six consecutive patients (25 with acute type A dissection) undergoing aortic surgery with hypothermic circulatory arrest were enrolled in a randomized trial during a 6-month period. Patients were randomly allocated to treatment group (n = 27) with thromboelastometrically guided transfusion algorithm or control group (n = 29) with routine transfusion practices (clinical judgment-guided transfusion followed by transfusion according to coagulation test results). Primary end point was cumulative allogeneic blood units (red blood cells, fresh-frozen plasma, and platelets) transfused.
                Transfusion of allogeneic blood was significantly reduced in the thromboelastometry group: median 9.0 units (interquartile range, 2.0-30.0 units) versus. 16.0 units (9.0-23.0 units, P = .02). Most significant decrease was in the use of fresh-frozen plasma (3.0 units, 0-12.0 units, vs 8.0 units, 4.0-18.0 units, P = .005). Postoperative blood loss (890 mL/d, 600-1250 mL/d vs 950 mL/d, 650-1400 mL/d, p = 0.5) and rate of surgical re-exploration (19% vs 24%, P = .7) were similar between groups. Thromboelastometrically guided algorithm significantly decreased need for massive perioperative transfusion (odds ratio, 0.45; 95% confidence interval, 0.2-0.9; P = .03) in multivariable logistic regression analysis.
                Thromboelastometrically guided transfusion is associated with a decreased use of allogeneic blood units and reduced incidence of massive transfusion in patients undergoing aortic surgery with circulatory arrest.
                Copyright © 2010 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved. Platelet dysfunction is the most common cause of nonsurgical bleeding after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). We hypothesized that reinfusion of a therapeutic quantity of platelets sequestered before CPB would decrease the need for allogeneic platelet transfusion, as well as decrease bleeding and total allogeneic transfusion, in cardiac surgery patients at moderately high risk for bleeding. Fifty-five patients undergoing either reoperative coronary artery bypass (CABG) or combined CABG and valve replacement were randomized to control or platelet-rich plasma sequestration (pheresis) groups. All patients received intraoperative epsilon-aminocaproic acid infusions. There was no significant difference between groups with respect to preoperative characteristics, duration of CPB, or target postoperative hematocrit. Mean platelet yields were 6.2 +/- 2.1 units (3.1 x 10(11) platelets). Mean pheresis time was 44 min. Allogeneic platelets (range = 6-12 units) were transfused to 28% of control patients, compared with 0% of pheresis patients (P < 0.01). Allogeneic packed red blood cells were transfused to 45% of control patients (1.2 units per patient) versus 31% of pheresis patients (0. 7 unit per patient) (P = 0.35). Total allogeneic units transfused were significantly reduced in the pheresis group (P < 0.02). Mediastinal chest tube drainage was not significantly decreased in the pheresis group. In this prospective, randomized study, therapeutic platelet yields were obtained before CPB. In contrast with recent studies with low platelet yields, these data support the conclusion that platelet-rich plasma sequestration is effective in reducing allogeneic platelet transfusions and total allogeneic units transfused in cardiac surgery patients at moderately high risk for post-CPB coagulopathy and bleeding.
                Transfusion of allogeneic blood products, including platelets, is common during complex cardiac surgical procedures. In the present prospective, randomized study, a significant reduction in allogeneic platelet transfusion and total allogeneic units transfused was observed after the reinfusion of a therapeutic quantity of autologous platelets sequestered before cardiopulmonary bypass. In elective orthopaedic hip- and knee replacement surgery patients, we studied the effect of implementation of a uniform transfusion policy on RBC usage.
                A randomized, controlled study. A new uniform, restrictive transfusion policy was compared with standard care, which varied among the three participating hospitals. Only prestorage leucocyte-depleted RBC(s) were used. Primary end-point was RBC usage, related to length of hospital stay. Secondary end-points were Hb levels, mobilization delay and postoperative complications.
                Six hundred and three patients were evaluated. Adherence to the protocol was over 95%. Overall mean RBC usage was 0.78 U/patient in the new policy group and 0.86 U/patient in the standard care policy group (mean difference 0.08;95% CI [-0.3; 0.2]; P = 0.53). In two hospitals, the new transfusion policy resulted in a RBC reduction of 30% (0.58U RBC/patient) (P = 0.17) and 41% (0.29 U RBC/patient) (P = 0.05) respectively. In the third hospital, however, RBC usage increased by 39% (0.31 U RBC/patient) (P = 0.02) with the new policy, due to a more restrictive standard care policy in that hospital. Length of hospital stay was not influenced by either policy.
                Implementation of a uniform transfusion protocol for elective lower joint arthroplasty patients is feasible, but does not always lead to a RBC reduction. Length of hospital stay was not affected. Efforts to avoid complications associated with transfusion of allogeneic blood have increased the use of preoperatively donated autologous blood (PAB). A major controversy has arisen: Should the same criteria be used for transfusion of autologous as allogeneic red cells? This study prospectively and randomly compared giving PAB immediately after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), beginning in the recovery room or delaying a transfusion until the patient's hemoglobin had fallen to less than a 9.0 g/dL transfusion trigger point. The results show that patients who received immediate transfusion had fewer nonsurgical complications (P < .002). Because TKAs are associated with an average blood loss of 1,400 mL, we recommend that PAB be used in the immediate postoperative period, especially in the elderly, in whom the risk for cardiac or nonsurgical complications is inherently increased. Off-pump coronary surgery reduces transfusions, however, many patients still receive blood. This trial aims to clarify the effect of using a cell saver intraoperatively.
                In 60 patients shed blood was collected in the cell saver reservoir intraoperatively; randomization and processing or discharge were performed immediately after surgery. Primary outcome measures: proportion of patients receiving allogeneic blood, and average number of units per patient. Secondary outcome measures: blood loss, hemoglobin levels, complications, and costs.
                Cell saver group versus control group; received transfusions: 17/30 vs. 14/29 (p = 0.28), allogeneic units: median 1 (interquartile range 0 - 2) vs. 2 (IQR 0 - 7) (p = 0.06), intraoperative net blood loss: median 300 ml (IQR 193 - 403) vs. 610 ml (IQR 450 - 928) (p < 0.001). Control group patients had more complications leading to transfusion. Hemoglobin levels and costs were comparable between groups.
                Use of cell saver reduced intraoperative net blood loss and seemed to reduce transfusions by 1 unit per patient, however, this was probably attributable to more complications leading to transfusion in the control group. In the future larger trials are necessary. Antifibrinolytics are widely used in cardiac surgery to reduce bleeding. Allogeneic blood transfusion, even in primary cardiac operations with low blood loss, is still high. In the present study we evaluated the impact of tranexamic acid compared to aprotinin on the transfusion incidence in cardiac surgical patients with low risk of bleeding.
                This prospective, randomized, double-blind study included 220 patients undergoing primary coronary artery revascularization (coronary artery bypass grafting [CABG]) or aortic valve replacement (AVR). Randomized in blocks of 20, patients received either tranexamic acid (approximately 6 g) or full-dose aprotinin (approximately 5-6 x 10(6) Kallikrein Inhibiting Units). Transfusion was guided by a strict transfusion algorithm. Molecular markers of hemostasis were determined to assess differences in the mode of action of the two drugs. Primary end-points were the incidence of allogeneic red cell transfusion and 24-h postoperative blood loss. Data were analyzed according to the intention-to-treat principle and compared using the chi(2) and Mann-Whitney U-test.
                Two-hundred-twenty patients were enrolled (CABG: 134, AVR: 86). In the aprotinin Group 47% of patients received allogeneic blood during the hospital stay as compared to 61% in the tranexamic acid group (P = 0.036). Aprotinin conferred a 23% reduction in allogeneic transfusion risk (RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.53-0.88). Overall, no significant difference in postoperative bleeding was observed, although 24-h blood loss was reduced in aprotinin-treated CABG patients (500, 350-750 mL vs 650, 475-875 mL (median, 25th-75th percentile); P = 0.039). Despite the lower transfusion rate, the hemoglobin concentration on the first postoperative day was higher in the aprotinin group (11.3, 9.9-12.1 vs 10.6, 9.9-11.6 mg/dL; P = 0.023). The fibrinolytic activity at the end of operation determined by D-Dimer was comparable in both groups. (0.15, 0.11-0.17 mg/L [aprotinin] versus 0.18, 0.12-0.24 mg/L [tranexamic acid]). The activated partial thromboplastin time was prolonged up to 4 h postoperatively in the aprotinin group, while the heparin requirement was reduced: 19% of the patients in the aprotinin group and 45% in the tranexamic acid group received at least one additional bolus heparin during cardiopulmonary bypass (P < 0.001). Troponin T levels postoperatively and on postoperative day 1 were significantly higher in the tranexamic acid group (P = 0.017). No differences in renal, cardiac, or mortality outcomes were observed.
                Considering the rate of transfusion of red blood cells, tranexamic acid was slightly inferior in patients undergoing CABG, but there was no difference in patients receiving AVR. Tranexamic acid seems to be less effective in operations with increased bleeding such as CABG. Clinical benefit depends on specific patient and institution characteristics (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00396760). Previous research demonstrated a relationship between transfusions of whole blood, or large numbers of red cell concentrates, and later recurrence of cancers of the colon, rectum, cervix, and prostate. It is possible that the transfusion of whole blood may represent a surrogate marker for advanced or more aggressive clinical disease. The relationship of clinical or histologic tumor stage, blood transfusion status, and disease outcome was studied in detail. Patients receiving no transfusions or small numbers of red cells (less than or equal to 3 units) had uniformly better recurrence and survival experiences than patients receiving similar amounts of blood that included at least 1 unit of whole blood, regardless of the patient's clinical or histologic tumor stage. In multivariate analyses, stage was an independent predictor of outcome, and transfusion status was not a surrogate marker for stage. The effects on recurrence of stage and transfusion appear to be cumulative. These results are consistent with but do not prove the hypothesis that the transfusion of large amounts of stored plasma and cellular debris impairs the host defenses against cancer, regardless of the underlying biologic and clinical aggressiveness of the cancer. Large prophylactic doses of aprotinin efficiently reduce blood loss during orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Small doses of aprotinin are usually used to treat fibrinolysis. However, no studies have investigated the benefit of prophylactic administration of a smaller dose of aprotinin during liver transplantation. We compared two methods of aprotinin therapy on transfusion outcome in liver transplant patients in a prospective study of 199 patients undergoing OLT who were randomized to large or small prophylactic doses of aprotinin during the transplant procedure. In the large-dose group (n = 94) an initial dose of 2,000,000 kallikrein inactivation units (KIU) was followed by infusion of 500,000 KIU/h until the patient's return to the intensive care unit. In the small-dose group (n = 95), an initial dose of 500,000 KIU was followed by an infusion of 150,000 KIU/h. Outcome measurements included intraoperative transfusion requirements (packed red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, platelets, intraoperative salvage) and postoperative hematologic values. There were no differences in transfusion requirements in the two groups of patients. Patients treated with low-dose aprotinin had slightly higher postoperative fibrinogen concentrations. Large-dose aprotinin therapy does not appear to offer additional benefit compared to low-dose aprotinin administration. Abnormal bleeding after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is a common complication of cardiac surgery, with important health and economic consequences. Coagulation test-based algorithms may reduce transfusion of non-erythrocyte allogeneic blood in patients with abnormal bleeding.
                The authors performed a randomized prospective trial comparing allogeneic transfusion practices in 92 adult patients with abnormal bleeding after CPB. Patients with abnormal bleeding were randomized to one of two groups: a control group following individual anesthesiologist's transfusion practices and a protocol group using a transfusion algorithm guided by coagulation tests.
                Among 836 eligible patients having all types of elective cardiac surgery requiring CPB, 92 patients developed abnormal bleeding after CPB (incidence, 11%). The transfusion algorithm group received less allogeneic fresh frozen plasma in the operating room after CPB (median, 0 units; range, 0-7 units) than the control group (median, 3 units; range, 0-10 units) (P = 0.0002). The median number of platelet units transfused in the operating room after CPB was 4 (range, 0-12) in the algorithm group compared with 6 (range, 0-18) in the control group (P = 0.0001). Intensive care unit (ICU) mediastinal blood loss was significantly less in the algorithm group. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that transfusion algorithm use resulted in reduced ICU blood loss. The control group also had a significantly greater incidence of surgical reoperation of the mediastinum for bleeding (11.8% vs. 0%; P = 0.032).
                Use of a coagulation test-based transfusion algorithm in cardiac surgery patients with abnormal bleeding after CPB reduced non-erythrocyte allogeneic transfusions in the operating room and ICU blood loss. Using algorithms based on point of care coagulation tests can decrease blood loss and blood component transfusion after cardiac surgery. We wished to test the hypothesis that a management algorithm based on near-patient tests would reduce blood loss and blood component use after routine coronary artery surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass when compared with an algorithm based on routine laboratory assays or with clinical judgement.
                Patients (n=102) undergoing elective coronary artery surgery with cardiac bypass were randomized into two groups. In the point of care group, the management algorithm was based on information provided by three devices, the Hepcon, thromboelastography and the PFA-100 platelet function analyser. Management in the laboratory test group depended on rapidly available laboratory clotting tests and transfusion of haemostatic blood components only if specific criteria were met. Blood loss and transfusion was compared between these two groups and with a retrospective case-control group (n=108), in which management of bleeding had been according to the clinician's discretion.
                All three groups had similar median blood losses. The transfusion of packed red blood cells (PRBCs) and blood components was greater in the clinician discretion group (P<0.05) but there was no difference in the transfusion of PRBCs and blood components between the two algorithm-guided groups.
                Following algorithms based on point of care tests or on structured clinical practice with standard laboratory tests does not decrease blood loss, but reduces the transfusion of PRBCs and blood components after routine cardiac surgery, when compared with clinician discretion. Cardiac surgery services should use transfusion guidelines based on laboratory-guided algorithms, and the possible benefits of point of care testing should be tested against this standard. Despite the refinements in surgical technique, rates of homologous blood transfusion (HBT) in cardiac surgery remain high. The adverse effects of blood transfusion are well documented. Retransfusion of shed mediastinal blood reduces the requirement for HBTs during conventional coronary artery bypass grafting. However, some studies have found that autotransfusion leads to bleeding diathesis and paradoxical increase in blood transfusions. Through this prospective randomized trial, we have studied the safety and efficacy of this modality in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB). Fifty patients enrolled in the study and 49 fulfilled the study criteria. They were randomly divided into group C (cell saver) and group N (non-cell saver). Whereas the cell saver group received processed shed autologous blood and homologous blood if necessary, the non-saver group was transfused homologous blood only. The threshold for transfusion was haemoglobin of 9 g dL(-1) in both the groups. The cell saver group required significantly less number of HBTs (1.6 +/- 1.2 vs. 2.4 +/- 1.3 units). The incidence of re-exploration was zero in both the groups. The mean mediastinal drainage in both the groups was not significantly different (355 +/- 196 vs. 316 +/- 119.8 mL). The number of patients requiring any blood transfusion however was very high. All the patients in the non-saver group and 20 (83%) of the patients in the saver group received homologous blood. During OPCAB surgery, the use of cell saver reduced the requirement for HBT. Its use is not associated with any clinically significant bleeding diathesis. To evaluate safety and efficacy of recombinant human erythropoietin (r-HuEPO)in reducing the need for red cell transfusions in anemia of prematurity.
                forty -two preterm infants (gestational age <32 weeks) were randomly assigned to a "treatment" group (r-HuEPO 400 units/kg every alternate day * 10 doses) or "no treatment" (control) group. All infants on enteral feeds received oral iron 3 mg/kg/day, graded up to 6 mg/kg/day.
                Higher reticulocyte counts in week 2 and 3 and higher hemoglobin levels in week 4 were noted after treatment with r-HuEPO. Despite stumulated erythropoiesis, the frequency of transfusions could not be reduced with r-HuEPO therapy.Overall, Phlebotomy losses, frequency and volume of redcell transfusions were significantly more in neonates with birthweight <1000 grams compared with those with birthweight >1000 grams (p<0.05). Associated side effects of r-HuEPO such as neutropenia,sepsis, hypertension or increased risk of late death did not occur.
                r-HuEPO therapy was safe without any side effects. Inability of r-HuEPO therapy to minimize red cell transfusions for anemia of prematurity may be explained by a relatively strict red-cell transfusion policy and the desired degree of treatment effect. To investigate the effects of umbilical cord milking on the need for red blood cell (RBC) transfusion and morbidity in very preterm infants.
                40 singleton infants born between 24 and 28 weeks' gestation were randomly assigned to receive umbilical cord clamped either immediately (control group, n = 20) or after umbilical cord milking (milked group, n = 20). Primary outcome measures were the probability of not needing transfusion, determined by Kaplan-Meier analysis, and the total number of RBC transfusions. Secondary outcome variables were haemoglobin value and blood pressure at admission.
                There were no significant differences in gestational age and birth weight between the two groups. The milked group was more likely not to have needed red cell transfusion (p = 0.02) and had a decreased number (mean (SD)) of RBC transfusions (milked group 1.7 (3.0) vs controls 4.0 (4.2); p = 0.02). The initial mean (SD) haemoglobin value was higher in the milked group (165 (14) g/l) than in the controls (141 (16) g/l); p<0.01). Mean (SD) blood pressure at admission was significantly higher in the milked group (34 (9) mm Hg) than in the controls 28 (8) mm Hg; p = 0.03). There was no significant difference in mortality between the groups. The milked group had a shorter duration of ventilation or supplemental oxygen than the control group.
                Milking the umbilical cord is a safe procedure, reducing the need for RBC transfusions, and the need for circulatory and respiratory support in very preterm infants. To evaluate the potential benefits of a tailored antiretroviral treatment interruption with duration based on the observed reversion of resistance mutations.
                In this open single-arm pilot study, 23 patients with multiple treatment failure interrupted therapy and underwent longitudinal genotypic resistance testing. Salvage gigatherapy was started when resistance mutations to at least two antiretroviral drug classes reverted. The primary endpoint was a fall in viral load by > 1 log10 copies/ml after 12 weeks of salvage therapy.
                Baseline median viral load was 5.14 log copies/ml and CD4 cell count 43 x 10 cells/l. Genotypic resistance testing showed a median of six, two and nine resistance mutations to nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitors, non-nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitors and protease inhibitors, respectively; viral strains were susceptible to no more than one drug in 17/23 patients. The median duration of treatment interruption was 24 weeks (range, 12-37), leading to median changes from baseline of + 0.54 log10 copies/ml and -30 x 10(6) cells/l. At the end of treatment interruption, plasma HIV was susceptible to at least three drugs in 16/23 patients. After 12 weeks of salvage multitherapy, only one patient had a decrease in viral load > 1 log copies/ml. All baseline resistance mutations recurred after treatment resumption. AIDS-defining events occurred in two-thirds of patients during the study period.
                In HIV-infected patients with multiple failures and no therapeutic options at baseline, significant reversion of resistance mutations after prolonged treatment interruption failed to restore antiviral efficacy of a salvage regimen and was clinically deleterious. There is controversy regarding the application of transfusion triggers in cardiac surgery. The goal of this study was to determine if lowering the hemoglobin threshold for red cell (RBC) transfusion to 8 g per dL after coronary artery bypass graft surgery would reduce blood use without adversely affecting patient outcome.
                Consecutive patients (n = 428) undergoing elective primary coronary artery bypass graft surgery were randomly assigned to two groups: study patients (n = 212) received RBC transfusions in the postoperative period if the Hb level was < 8 g per dL or if predetermined clinical conditions required RBC support, and control patients (n = 216) were treated according to individual physician's orders (hemoglobin levels < 9 g/dL as the institutional guideline). Multiple demographic, procedure-related, transfusion, laboratory, and outcome data were analyzed. Questionnaires were administered for patient self-assessment of fatigue and anemia.
                Preoperative and operative clinical characteristics, as well as the intraoperative transfusion rate, were similar for both groups. There was a significant difference between the postoperative RBC transfusion rates in study (0.9 +/- 1.5 RBC units) and control (1.4 +/- 1.8 RBC units) groups (p = 0.005). There was no difference in clinical outcome, including morbidity and mortality rates, in the two groups; group scores for self-assessment of fatigue and anemia were also similar.
                A lower Hb threshold of 8 g per dL does not adversely affect patient outcome. Moreover, RBC resources can be saved without increased risk to the patient. Perioperative blood transfusion and subsequent development of postoperative infectious complications may lead to poor prognosis of patients with colorectal cancer. It has been suggested that the development of postoperative infectious complications may be related to the storage time of the transfused blood. Therefore, we studied the relationship between blood storage time and the development of disease recurrence and long-term survival after colorectal cancer surgery.
                Preoperative and postoperative data were prospectively recorded in 740 patients undergoing elective resection for primary colorectal cancer. None of the patients received preoperative or postoperative chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Endpoints were overall survival and disease recurrence in the subgroup of patients operated on with curative intention who also survived the first 30 days after operation. Storage of buffy-coat-depleted red cells suspended in saline, adenine, glucose, and mannitol blood for 21 days was used as cut-off point.
                Median follow-up was 6.8 years (range, 5.4 years to 7.9 years), and median overall survival was 4.6 years for 288 nontransfused patients and 3.0 years for 452 transfused patients (P = 0.004). The survival of patients receiving blood exclusively stored < 21 days was 2.5 years. For patients receiving any blood stored > or = 21 days, survival was 3.7 years (P = 0.12). Among patients with curative resection (n = 532), the hazard ratio of disease recurrence was 1.5 (95 percent CI; 1.1 to 2.2) and 1.0 (95 percent CI; 0.7 to 1.4) in the two transfused groups, respectively, compared with the nontransfused group after multivariable correction for patient age, gender, colonic/rectal tumor localization, Dukes classification, blood loss, and postoperative infectious complications.
                Transfusion of buffy-coat-depleted red cells suspended in saline, adenine, glucose, and mannitol blood stored for < 21 days may be an independent risk factor for development of recurrence after elective colorectal cancer surgery. A prospective study was undertaken to assess the efficacy and financial cost of the use of an autologous blood transfusion device in the reduction of allogeneic blood requirements of patients undergoing primary unilateral total knee arthroplasty. Forty-nine consecutive patients received either the CellTrans blood salvage device (group A of 32 patients) or the Redivac high vacuum drainage system (group B of 17 patients). The preoperative and postoperative haemoglobin levels were recorded at 72 or 96 hours. Nine percent of group A patients received an allogeneic blood transfusion compared to 59% in group B. There was an average saving of 1.1 unit of allogeneic blood per patient in group A (p<0.001). The total cost per patient was about Euro 111 less for the group A patients. Autologous re-infusion was found in this study to be an effective method of reducing allogeneic blood requirements and to afford significant cost savings in primary unilateral knee arthroplasty. Surgical wound blood which is ched through drains after total knee replacement surgery with a tourniquet may be returned to the patient using special collecting devices. This study aimed to compare two systems, Orth-Evac and Solcotrans Plus an to assess the safety of the reinfusion of non washed blood cells. It included 30 patients scheduled for total knee replacement surgery, free from tumoral or coagulation disease and allocated randomly in three groups of 10 each: the Orth-Evac group (OGr), the Solcotrans Plus group (SGr) and the Control group (CGr). The devices, not containing an anticoagulant, were connected to the deep suction drains in the operating room, after skin closure and before the tourniquet removal. The salvaged blood was reinfused in the subsequent six hours via a 40 microns filter. The volume of collected blood was measured and homologous blood was added as required, to maintain a hematocrit of 30%. A blood sample was obtained the day before surgery (D - 1), before reinfusion (D0), two hours later (D + 2h), one day later (D + 1), and from the collecting device before reinfusion. The statistical analysis used the Kruskal-Wallis test and Steel-Dwass procedure to confirm the difference between two groups. The three groups did not differ in age, weight, height and gender. The volume of salvaged and autotransfused blood was 925 +/- 156 mL in OGr and 605 +/- 178 mL in SGr respectively, transfusion of homologous blood was required in two patients of OGr, four of SGr and six of CGr. At D + 1, the hematocrit was comparable in all groups (OGr = 28%, SGr = 28.2% and CGr = 28.5%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) Hydroxyethyl starch (HES) solutions are effective plasma volume expanders. Impairment of coagulation occurs with large HES volumes infused perioperatively. Therefore, a lower substituted novel HES (Voluven; Fresenius Kabi, Bad Homburg, Germany) was developed to minimize hemostatic interactions, and was compared with HAES-steril (Fresenius Kabi) (pentastarch) regarding safety and efficacy. We performed a prospective, randomized, double-blinded study in 100 major orthopedic surgery patients. Because the 95% confidence interval (-330 mL; +284 mL) for the treatment contrast Voluven-HAES-steril was entirely included in the predefined equivalence range (+/- 500 mL), comparable efficacy was established. Voluven interfered significantly less than HAES-steril with coagulation factor VIII levels and partial thromboplastin time postoperatively. Total amounts of red blood cells transfused were comparable between the Voluven and HAES-steril groups, but a significantly reduced need for homologous red blood cells was observed in the Voluven group. We conclude that in large-blood-loss surgery, Voluven has a comparable efficacy with HAES-steril and may reduce coagulation impairment, possibly leading to a smaller number of allogeneic blood transfusions.
                Hydroxyethyl starches are common plasma volume expanders, but may interfere with coagulation at large doses. We tested a novel hydroxyethyl starch specification (Voluven; Fresenius Kabi, Bad Homburg, Germany) which was developed to reduce hemostatic interactions while preserving its efficacy in restoring plasma volume in comparison to HAES-steril (pentastarch; Fresenius Kabi) in major orthopedic surgery. Pediatric patients who undergo posterior spinal fusion surgery to correct scoliosis often require multiple blood transfusions. Tranexamic acid is a synthetic antifibrinolytic drug that reduces transfusion requirements in cardiac surgery and total knee arthroplasty. We evaluated the efficacy of prophylactic tranexamic acid to reduce perioperative blood transfusion requirements in a prospective, double-blinded, placebo control study. Forty patients, 9-18 yr of age, were randomized to either tranexamic acid (initial dose of 10 mg/kg and infusion of 1 mg. kg(-1). h(-1)) or placebo (isotonic saline). Perioperative management was standardized. A uniform transfusion threshold for noncell saved red blood cells was 7.0 g/dL. The total amount of blood transfused in the perioperative period was significantly reduced in the Tranexamic group (P = 0.045). No thrombotic complications were detected in either group. The administration of prophylactic tranexamic acid in patients with scoliosis undergoing posterior spinal fusion surgery has the potential to reduce perioperative blood transfusion requirements. Implications: The administration of prophylactic tranexamic acid in patients with scoliosis who are undergoing posterior spinal fusion surgery has the potential to reduce perioperative blood transfusion requirements. Withdrawal of autologous plasma and reinfusion after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) offers the opportunity of improving patients' haemostasis and reducing homologous blood consumption in cardiac surgery. The influence of acute, preoperative plasmapheresis (APP) on coagulation tests, fibrinolysis, blood loss and transfusion requirements was investigated in elective aortocoronary bypass patients.
                Forty patients were randomized to a control or pheresis group. The pheresis group had platelet-rich plasmapheresis (PRP-group, n = 20) performed before incision and the platelet-rich plasma (PRP) was returned after CPB. The control group (n = 20) was managed without pheresis. All patients had serial coagulation studies, including prothrombin split products (F1/F2), fibrinopeptide A (FPA), protein C (PC), thrombomodulin (TM), tissue-plasminogen-activator (t-PA), plasminogen-activator-inhibitor (PAI 1), fibrinopeptide B beta 15-42 (FPB beta 15-42), haemoglobin and platelet counts determined intra- and postoperatively. Chest tube drainage and transfusion requirements were recorded.
                APP had no negative effects on the quality of PRP. The platelet count of the withdrawn autologous plasma was 239 +/- 33 x 10(9)/l. From the end of the operation (after retransfusion of autologous plasma) until the first postoperative day platelet counts were significant higher in the PRP-group (P > 0.05). Plasma concentrations of modified antithrombin III (ATM), F1/F2 and FPA increased (166-290% from baseline) and PC- and TM-antigen decreased (11-49% from baseline) to a different extent for both groups throughout CPB. t-PA-activity increased intraoperatively peaking at the end of CPB (PRP-group: 4.8 +/- 0.8 IU/ml, control-group: 8.1 +/- 2.3 IU/ml)(P > 0.05). With onset of CPB PAI-1 levels decreased and were further reduced after CPB in control patients in comparison to PRP-patients (P < 0.05). FPB beta 15-42 occurred in peak concentrations after neutralisation of heparin by protamine. Only PRP-patients showed baseline values of coagulation and fibrinolytic parameters on the next morning (P < 0.05). Total postoperative blood loss during the first 24 h was 503 +/- 251 ml (PRP-group) and 937 +/- 349 ml in the control-group (P < 0.05). None of the PRP-patients received allogeneic blood, whereas five control-patients received 11 units of packed red cells (P < 0.05).
                The findings suggest that in elective cardiac surgery heparin cannot prevent generation of both thrombin and fibrin, born throughout CPB and postoperatively. The use of PRP withdrawn immediately preoperatively is an attractive technique to reduce allogeneic blood usage and preoperative blood loss, especially in patients in whom withdrawal of autologous whole blood cannot be performed. The aim of this study was to evaluate blood salvage provided by an intraoperative blood recovery system (IBRS) and a mediastinal drainage blood recovery system (MBRS) during and after cardiac surgery. Sixty-six patients undergoing aortocoronary bypass surgery were randomly assigned to three groups of 22 patients each. In group I, patients received only homologous blood (HB). Group II and group III patients received the blood content of the oxygenator after concentration by an IBRS at the end of the operation. In group III, patients also received their own mediastinal drainage blood, shed for 6 hours after operation, after concentration and washing in a MBRS. The patients were transfused with homologous blood if needed, in order to obtain a hematocrit of 28% at the end of operation, 30% the following day, and a hemoglobin level over 10 g/dL while on the cardiac surgery ward (8 to 10 days). The three groups were comparable with respect to age, body surface, preoperative and postoperative hematocrits, number of grafts, bypass duration, and postoperative mediastinal blood loss. The amount of HB that was transfused during the operation was significantly lower in groups II and III than in group I (P less than 0.0001). After the operation it was significantly lower in group II than in group I (P less than 0.05), and in group III versus group I. Thus, 13.6% of patients in group II and 38% of patients in group III did not require HB transfusion. No infection, renal dysfunction, or coagulation disorders were observed. It is concluded that the use of an IBRS allows a significant saving of HB. However, because it does not avoid all HB requirements, it should be associated with other techniques to avoid blood transfusion such as the MBRS or predonation. There is evidence to suggest that anemia after severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) is detrimental. However, there is a paucity of evidence supporting the use of transfusion of packed red blood cells in patients with sTBI. To understand the acute effect of packed red blood cell transfusion on cerebral oxygenation and metabolism in patients with sTBI.
                Prospective clinical study.
                Addenbrooke's Neurosciences Critical Care Unit, a 21-bed tertiary academic unit.
                Thirty patients with sTBI.
                Patients were randomized by computer random number generator to one of three transfusion thresholds: 8, 9, or 10 g/dL. When the patients' hemoglobin concentration fell below their assigned threshold, two units of packed red blood cells were transfused over 2 hours. A 1-hour period of stabilization was observed before final data collection.
                The primary outcome was change in brain tissue oxygen (Pbto2). Secondary outcomes included dependence of baseline hemoglobin concentration and baseline Pbto2 on the relationship of transfusion and Pbto2, and the effect of transfusion on lactate pyruvate ratio (LPR) and brain pH as markers of cerebral metabolic state. Fifty-seven percent of patients experienced an increase in Pbto2 during the course of the study, whereas in 43% of patients, Pbto2 either did not change or decreased. Multivariable generalized estimating equation analysis revealed change in hemoglobin concentration to significantly and positively associated with change in Pbto2 [0.10 kPa/(g/dL) 95% confidence interval 0.03-0.17, p = 0.003]. Improvement in Pbto2 was not associated with baseline hemoglobin concentration or low Pbto2 (<1 kPa). Fifty-six percent of patients experienced an increase in LPR. No significant relationship between change in LPR or transfusion on pHbt and change in hemoglobin could be demonstrated.
                Transfusion of packed red blood cells acutely results in improved brain tissue oxygen without appreciable effect on cerebral metabolism.
                ISRCTN89085577.
The results suggest cell salvage is efficacious in reducing the need for allogeneic red cell transfusion in adult elective cardiac and orthopaedic surgery. The use of cell salvage did not appear to impact adversely on clinical outcomes. However, the methodological quality of trials was poor. As the trials were unblinded and lacked adequate concealment of treatment allocation, transfusion practices may have been influenced by knowledge of the patients' treatment status potentially biasing the results in favour of cell salvage.