Abstract

Transfusion of ABO non-identical plasma, platelets and cryoprecipitate is routine practice even though adverse effects can occur. Our hospital changed transfusion practice in 2005 and adopted a policy of providing ABO-identical blood components to all patients when feasible. We retrospectively compared the transfusion requirements, length of stay and in-hospital mortality in relation to ABO blood group in surgical patients who received platelet transfusions before and after this change to determine whether it resulted in any benefit. Prior to the change in practice, both group B and AB patients received more ABO non-identical platelet transfusion (P=0·0004), required significantly greater numbers of red cell transfusions (P=0·04) and had 50% longer hospital stays (P=0·039) than group O and A patients. Following the policy change, there was a trend for fewer red cell transfusions (P=0·17) and length of stay in group B and AB patients than group O or A patients. Overall, the mortality rate per red cell transfusion decreased from 15·2 per 1000 to 11·0 per 1000 (P=0·013). These results, in the context of previous findings, suggest that providing ABO-identical platelets and cryoprecipitate might be associated with reduction in transfusion requirements and improve outcomes in surgical patients.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.