Restrictive vs. Liberal Transfusion: A Meta-Analysis Based on Clinical Context

Abstract

Some randomized trials have shown that so-called “restrictive” blood transfusion (i.e., allowing hemoglobin level to drop to <7 or <8 g/dL before transfusing) can lower transfusion rates safely. However, the effect of withholding blood transfusion might vary, depending on clinical context. In this meta-analysis, researchers identified 27 randomized trials in which restrictive and liberal blood transfusion thresholds were compared in …