Abstract
Abstract Background Cardiogenic shock (CS) patients are frequently supported by mechanical devices, such as the Impella. The use of these devices is associated with device-related complications, such as hemolysis and bleeding, which may necessitate blood transfusion. Blood transfusion has been associated with worse clinical outcome. Information on the occurrence and impact of blood transfusion in these patients is scarce. Purpose To assess the incidences of hemolysis, bleeding and red blood cell (RBC) transfusion in CS patients receiving Impella support, to identify patients at risk for RBC transfusion and to assess mortality in transfused and non-transfused patients. Methods We performed a single center retrospective cohort study between August 2006 and April 2019, collecting data on all patients supported by an Impella device (type 2.5, CP or 5.0) for more than 24 hours. Patient baseline characteristics, clinical course and outcomes were compared between patients transfused with RBCs and non-transfused patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with RBC transfusion. Correlations between patient characteristics and the number of units of RBCs administered were tested using the Spearman's Rank correlation coefficient. Results We included 122 CS patients who received Impella support for longer than 24 hours. Seventy-eight percent was male and the median age was 60.0 years. Transfused patients had a longer support duration compared with non-transfused patients (respectively; 97 (52–173) hours versus 51 (39–76) hours, p<0.001). Of all included patients, 68% received RBC transfusion. Transfused patients received a median of 1.5 (0.6–2.8) units of RBCs per day. The incidence of hemolysis was 10% in transfused patients and 11% in non-transfused patients (p=NS). Bleeding occurred in 61% of the transfused patients and 11% of the non-transfused patients (p<0.001). Higher age, lower hemoglobin level prior to Impella implant and longer support duration increased the odds of receiving RBC transfusion. The 30-day mortality was similar in transfused and non-transfused patients, respectively 58% and 42% (p=NS) (Figure 1. Kaplan-Meier Curve showing 30-day mortality of transfused and non-transfused patients). Conclusion RBC transfusion was required in more than two-third of the CS patients who received Impella support for longer than 24 hours. Higher age, lower hemoglobin level prior to implant and longer support duration were independent risk factors for RBC transfusion. In contrast to previous studies, transfusion was not associated with 30-day mortality. Future research should focus on the effects of RBC transfusion on morbidity and mortality and investigate the optimal transfusion criteria and aims. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None
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