P29. Decreasing the rate of unnecessary pediatric deformity surgery allogenic blood transfusions

Abstract

<h3>BACKGROUND CONTEXT</h3> Spinal deformity surgery is associated with a high perioperative blood loss and risk for allogenic blood transfusion (ABT). Previous studies have shown ABT has an increased risk of surgical site infection, acute hemolytic reaction, and transfusion-related lung injury. During our yearly review, our institution was noted to have a high rate of ABT compared to other hospitals in the United States. In this study, we examined the efficacy of strategies taken to decrease our transfusion rate. <h3>PURPOSE</h3> To decrease the rate of allogenic blood transfusions in a pediatric spinal deformity population by increasing awareness and scrutiny. <h3>STUDY DESIGN/SETTING</h3> Prospective cohort. <h3>PATIENT SAMPLE</h3> Patients included had a diagnosis of AIS, underwent posterior instrumentation and fusion (PSIF), were between ages 10-18, and had a major cobb angle between 45-70°. <h3>OUTCOME MEASURES</h3> Allogenic blood transfusion rate. <h3>METHODS</h3> Interventions to reduce ABT included a meeting with the postoperative care unit (PCU) and pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) where scoliosis patients recovered, encouraging increased use of cell saver or intraoperative blood salvage, a change in our postoperative protocol template stating, "notify spine surgery team if blood transfusion is considered," aweekly report of AIS surgeries and if transfusion occurred. <h3>RESULTS</h3> A total of 197 patients met criteria over 3 years. The rate of ABT from January 2019 to 2020 was 19.5% (15/77) and from January 2020 to 2021 13.3% (8/60). The interventions to reduce ABT rates were implemented between November 2020 to January 2021. From January 2021 to November 2021 only 5% (3/60) of patients received an ABT, representing a significant decrease from 2020 to 2021 (p<0.01). No significant difference in demographics between groups existed including gender or age. <h3>CONCLUSIONS</h3> The rate of ABT at our institution was significantly lowered from 19.5% to 5%. This was accomplished by increasing scrutiny prior to transfusion, including meeting with the postoperative care units, change in our protocol template and increasing scrutiny after transfusion by performing a weekly review of AIS surgeries and if transfusion occurred. <h3>FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS</h3> This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.