Predictors Of Transfusion Requirements Research Articles

Using microfluidic shear to assess transfusion requirements in trauma patients

BackgroundViscoelastic assays have widely been used for evaluating coagulopathies but lack the addition of shear stress important to in vivo clot formation. Stasys technology subjects whole blood to shear forces...

Developing a predictive risk score for perioperative blood transfusion: a retrospective study in patients with oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma undergoing free flap reconstruction surgery.

BackgroundA simple and accurate scoring system to predict risk of blood transfusion in patients having surgical tumor resection with immediate free flap reconstruction primary surgery for oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OOSCC) is lacking. Anticipating the blood transfusion requirements in patients with oral cancer is of great clinical importance. This research aimed to propose a valid model to predict transfusion requirements in patients undergoing surgery with free flap reconstruction for an OOSCC.MethodsThis retrospective study consisted of 385 patients who underwent oncologic surgery with immediate free flap reconstruction for locally advanced OOSCC from 2012 to 2019. The primary outcome measured was the exposure of patients to perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion. Based on a multivariate model of independent risk variables and their odds ratio, a blood transfusion risk score (TRS) was developed to predict the likelihood of the perioperative blood transfusion. The discriminatory accuracy of the model was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and Youden index was used to identify the optimal cut-point.ResultsLogistic regression analyses identified lymph node status, preoperative hemoglobin (Hb) levels, bone resection, osseous free tissue transfer, and operative duration were identified as independent predictors of blood transfusion. A TRS integrating these variables was separated into three categories. The TRS assessed the transfusion risk with good predictive ability, with an overall area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.826. At the optimal cut-point of 5.5, the TRS had a sensitivity of 72.3% and a specificity of 78.2%. The ROC analysis showed that patients with a TRS of 5.5 or more had a greater requirement for perioperative transfusion.ConclusionsThe use of the integer-based TRS allowed the identification of high-risk patients who may require perioperative transfusion undergoing tumor resection surgery for the treatment of OOSCC.

Assessment of blood consumption score for pediatrics predicts transfusion requirements for children with trauma.

Although transfusion is a primary life-saving technique, the assessment of transfusion requirements in children with trauma at an early stage is challenging. We aimed to develop a scoring system for predicting transfusion requirements in children with trauma.This was a case–control study that employed a nationwide registry of patients with trauma (Japan Trauma Data Bank) and included patients aged <16 years with blunt trauma between 2004 and 2015. An assessment of blood consumption score for pediatrics (ped-ABC score) was developed based on previous literatures and clinical relevance. One point was assigned for each of the following criteria: systolic blood pressure ≤90 mm Hg, heart rate ≥120/min, Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score <15, and positive focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST) scan. For sensitivity analysis, we assessed age-adjusted ped-ABC scores using cutoff points for different ages.Among 5943 pediatric patients with trauma, 540 patients had transfusion within 24 hours after trauma. The in-hospital mortality rate was 2.6% (145/5615). The transfusion rate increased from 7.6% (430/5631) to 35.3% (110/312) in patients with systolic blood pressure ≤90 mm Hg (1 point), from 6.1% (276/4504) to 18.3% (264/1439) in patients with heart rate ≥120/min (1 point), from 4.1% (130/3198) to 14.9% (410/2745) in patients with disturbance of consciousness with GCS score <15 (1 point), and from 7.4% (400/5380) to 24.9% (140/563) in patients with positive FAST scan (1 point). Ped-ABC scores of 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 points were associated with transfusion rates of 2.2% (48/2210), 7.5% (198/2628), 19.8% (181/912), 53.3% (88/165), and 89.3% (25/28), respectively. After age adjustment, c-statistic was 0.76 (95% confidence interval, 0.74–0.78).The ped-ABC score using vital signs and FAST scan may be helpful in predicting the requirement for transfusion within 24 hours in children with trauma.

Prehospital end-tidal CO2 as an early marker for transfusion requirement in trauma patients.

Below normal end-tidal carbon dioxide measurement (ETCO2) is associated with worse outcomes in sepsis and trauma patients as compared to patients with normal ETCO2. We sought to determine if ETCO2 can be used in the prehospital setting to predict transfusion requirement, operative hemorrhage control, or mortality in the first 24h after admission for trauma. This is a retrospective cohort study at a suburban, academic Level 1 Trauma Center. Patients were sequentially identified as prehospital trauma alerts from a single EMS system which requires, per policy, ETCO2 for all traumas. One year of prehospital data was collected and paired with hospital trauma registry data. Comparisons were made between ETCO2 values for patients who required transfusion, operative blood loss control, or who died, and those who did not. Two hundred thirty-five trauma patients were transported via the study EMS system, of which 105 (44.7%) had documented ETCO2 values. Patient mean age was 60 (SD24) years with 59 (56.2%) male. Three patients were intubated prehospital and seven were intubated in the trauma bay. Mean prehospital ETCO2 for those who needed transfusion, surgery, or died (n=11) was 25.7 (9.1) compared to 30.6 (7.8) for those who did not (p=0.049). Optimal cutoff for our population was EtCO2≤27 with a sensitivity of 72.7% (95% CI 32-93) and specificity of 72.2% (62-81). Below normal ETCO2 values were associated with increase need for transfusion, operative intervention, and death. Further study is warranted to determine if ETCO2 outperforms other predictors of severe trauma.

Change in Shock Index as a Predictor of Transfusion Requirement [07M

INTRODUCTION: Early identification of PPH is difficult. Shock index (SI) (SI=HR/SBP) of (&gt;0.9) has demonstrated good prediction of PPH, and identify identification of patients requiring massive transfusion. Our objective is to determine if there is a change in SI on admission to postpartum or at time of transfusion after which there is an increased transfusion requirement or morbidity. METHODS: IRB approved, retrospective cohort of patients who received blood transfusion at a University based hospital, 2017-2018. SI calculated; at time of admission, after delivery, and prior to transfusion. Patients with invasive carcinoma, with fetus of non-viable gestational age, and incomplete charts were excluded. Spearman correlate coefficient, univariable logistic regression, and ROC analyses were performed. RESULTS: 160 patients; 117/160 (73%) delivered by cesarean, 37/160 (23%) vaginally, and 6/160 (4%) operative vaginal delivery. Mean admission hemoglobin was 10.8 (± 1.5). Median EBL was 1320 mL (250-6000 mL). 77/160 (48%) of patients received 2 units of PRBC, 26/160 (17%) received 3 units of PRBC, 24/160 (15%) received 4 units of PRBC and 33/160 (20%) received ≥5 units of PRBC. Change in SI from admission to postpartum had a correlation coefficient of 0.022 and a P value of .78. Change in SI from admission to pre-transfusion had a correlation coefficient of 0.128 and a P value of .11. CONCLUSION: Changes in SI from admission to immediately postpartum or pre-transfusion do not show any correlation or predictive value for increasing morbidity, or transfusion requirements. This demonstrates change in SI is a poor predictor of morbidity and transfusion requirements.

Analysis of transfusion therapy during the March 2019 mass shooting incident in Christchurch, New Zealand.

A mass casualty incident occurred in Christchurch in March 2019. Thirty-seven patients with gunshot wounds were admitted. We describe and analyse the transfusion management of these casualties. Data on demographics, injury and laboratory characteristics, and transfusions are summarized using descriptive statistics. Relationships between variables are examined using Pearson's and Spearman's rank correlations. Univariate analysis of explanatory variables is performed to determine the best early predictors of transfusion requirements. The characteristics of massive transfusion and non-massive transfusion cases are compared using the t- and Mann-Whitney tests. Sixty-five per cent receivedtransfusions. Initial Hb, platelet counts and clotting results were mostly normal. On average, each gunshot wound patient was transfused 4, 3·1, 1·2 and 0·4 units of RBC, FFP, cryoprecipitate and platelets, respectively, on the day. Base excess was the single best predictor of transfusion requirements. A greater proportion of those with gunshot wounds in this incident were transfused than in other such incidents. Transfusion requirements for patients varied but were generally modest. Blood component transfusion ratios were close to that recommended. The role of base excess as a predictor of transfusion requirements in patients with similar injuries needs more study.

Perioperative thrombelastography serves as an important assessment tool of transfusion requirements during liver transplantation

BackgroundThrombelastography has become increasingly used in liver transplantation. The implications of thrombelastography at various stages of liver transplantation, however, remain poorly understood. Our goal was to examine thrombelastography-based coagulopathy profiles in liver transplantation and determine whether preoperative thrombelastography is predictive of transfusion requirements perioperatively. MethodsA retrospective review of 364 liver transplantations from January 2013 to May 2017 at a single institution was performed. Patients were categorized as hypocoagulable or nonhypocoagulable based on their preoperative thrombelastography profile. The primary outcome was intraoperative transfusion requirements. ResultsOf patients undergoing liver transplantation, 47% (n = 170) were hypocoagulable and 53% (n = 194) were nonhypocoagulable preoperatively. Hypocoagulable patients had higher transfusion requirements compared to nonhypocoagulable patients, requiring more units of packed red blood cells (7 vs 4, P < .01), fresh frozen plasma (14 vs 8, P < .01), cryoprecipitate (2 vs 1, P < .01), platelets (3 vs 2, P < .01), and cell saver (3 vs 2 L, P < .01). Additionally, these patients were more likely to receive platelets and cryoprecipitate in the first 24 hours following liver transplantation (both P < .05). No differences were found between rates of intensive care unit length of stay, 30-day readmission, or mortality. ConclusionCoagulation abnormalities are common among liver transplantation patients and can be identified using thrombelastography. Identification of a patient's coagulation state preoperatively aids in guiding transfusion during liver transplantation. This work serves to better direct clinicians during major surgery to improve perioperative resource utilization. Future prospective work should aim to identify specific thrombelastography values that may predict transfusion requirements.

Abstract 321: Pediatric Transfusion Score Predicts Transfusion Requirements for Children With Trauma

Introduction: Trauma is a leading cause of death in young populations. Transfusion is often a key life-saving element in cases of children with trauma. Nonetheless, clinicians may hesitate to use transfusion in children given the risks of complications. Hypothesis: A pediatric transfusion score can accurately predict 24-hour transfusion requirement in pediatric trauma patients. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study using a nationwide registry of trauma patients (Japan Trauma Data Bank). All patients under 16 years of age with blunt or penetrating trauma between 2004 and 2015 were included. A pediatric transfusion score was developed based on previous literature and clinical relevance. One point was given for each of the following criteria: systolic blood pressure ≤ 90 mmHg; heart rate ≥ 120/min; Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) &lt; 15; and positive result on focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST) scan. For sensitivity analysis, age-adjusted pediatric transfusion score was also developed using cut off points for different age categories (infant, toddler, preschool age, school age, and adolescent). Results: Of the eligible 5,976 pediatric trauma patients, 550 patients had transfusion within 24 hours after trauma. In-hospital mortality rate was 2.6% (146/5,647). Transfusion increased from 7.7% (113/315) to 35.9% (437/5,661) in those with systolic blood pressure ≤ 90 mmHg (1 point); from 6.2% (280/4,526) to 18.6% (270/1,450) for heart rate ≥ 120/min (1 point); from 4.1% (113/3,220) to 15.1% (417/2,756) for altered mental status with GCS &lt; 15 (1 point); and from 7.5% (403/5,404) to 25.7% (147/572) for FAST positivity (1 point). Pediatric transfusion scores of 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 points were associated with transfusion rates of 2.2% (48/2,223), 7.5% (199/2,638), 20.3% (187/919), 53.9% (90/167), and 89.7% (26/29), respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.77 (95% CI, 0.75-0.79). For those without isolate head injury, it was 0.77 (95% CI, 0.75-0.80). After age adjustment, AUC was 0.76 (95% CI, 0.74-0.78). Conclusions: The pediatric transfusion score using vital signs and FAST may be helpful in predicting transfusion requirements within 24 hours for children with trauma.

Preoperative Thrombelastography Predicts Transfusion Requirements During Liver Transplantation

Background: Thrombelastography (TEG) has become increasingly utilized in liver transplantation (LT). The implications of TEG at various stages of LT, however, remain poorly understood. Our goal was to examine TEG-based coagulopathy profiles in LT and determine whether preoperative TEG is predictive of transfusion requirements perioperatively. Methods: A retrospective review of 364 LTs from January 2013 to May 2017 at a single institution was performed. Patients were categorized as hypocoagulable or nonhypocoagulablebased on their preoperative TEG profile. The primary outcome was intraoperative transfusion requirements. Results: Of patients undergoing LT, 47% (n=170) were hypocoagulable and 53% (n=194) were non-hypocoagulable preoperatively. Hypocoagulable patients had higher transfusionrequirements compared to non-hypocoagulable patients, requiring more units of pRBC (7 vs.4, p 0.05). Conclusions: Coagulation abnormalities are common among LT patients and can be identified using TEG. Identification of a patient’s coagulation state preoperatively using TEG may predict transfusion requirements during LT. Preoperative TEG should be used when available to identify patients who may be higher risk for intraoperative coagulopathy and require increased perioperative resource utilization.

Pre-hospital shock index correlates with transfusion, resource utilization and mortality; The role of patient first vitals

IntroductionThe aim of our study was to evaluate if pre-hospital shock index (SI) can predict transfusion requirements, resource utilization and mortality in trauma patients. MethodsWe performed a 2-year analysis of all adult trauma patients in the TQIP database. Shock index was calculated by dividing heart-rate over systolic blood pressure. Patients were divided into two groups pre-hospital SI ≤ 1 and prehospital SI > 1. Regression and ROC curve analyses were performed. Results144951 patients were included in the study. Mean age was 45 ± 34 years, 61% were male, 84.7% had blunt injuries and median ISS was 13 [9–17]. Overall 9.1% of the patients had a pre-hospital SI > 1. Patients with pre-hospital SI > 1 had higher likelihood of requiring massive transfusion (25% vs. 0.012%, p < 0.02), interventional-radiology intervention (6.2% vs. 1%,p < 0.001) or operative intervention (14.7% vs. 2%,p < 0.001) compared to SI ≤ 1. Similarly, patients with SI > 1 had higher mortality (12.3% vs. 5.2%, p < 0.001) and were more likely to be discharged to Rehab/SNF (34.6% vs. 21.4%, p < 0.001). ConclusionsPre-hospital SI predicts trauma-center resource utilization and can guide patient triage and trauma resource recruitment.

A comparative study of viscoelastic hemostatic assays and conventional coagulation tests in trauma patients receiving fibrinogen concentrate

BackgroundBoth thrombelastography (TEG) and rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) have been investigated for diagnosis of coagulopathy and guidance of resuscitation in trauma and surgery. Given similarities between the two systems, it is important to determine whether one is superior to the other and how comparable they are to conventional coagulation tests (CCTs). Therefore, we conducted a comparative study of functional fibrinogen and coagulation assays using TEG and ROTEM and CCTs to determine their capability to monitor coagulation profiles, diagnose coagulopathy and predict blood transfusion requirements in trauma patients. MethodsBlood samples were collected from 45 patients at admission and during 48-h hospitalization as part of a randomized control trial on early fibrinogen replacement in trauma. Functional fibrinogen (FF) TEG, ROTEM FIBTEM and EXTEM, and CCTs were performed and compared. ResultsWe found significant differences between the placebo and fibrinogen groups over hospitalization time in FF TEG MA, ROTEM CT, MCF and LI30. FF TEG MA and ROTEM FIBTEM MCF mirrored plasma fibrinogen profiles, reached a maximum difference between the two groups 1–3 h after fibrinogen administration. In comparison, CCTs detected minimal hemostatic changes by fibrinogen treatment. TEG and ROTEM showed various degrees of correlations with CCTs. TEG MA and ROTEM MCF provided better predictions for plasma and RBC transfusions than CCTs, but poor accuracy for cryoprecipitate transfusion. Both TEG and ROTEM well predicted hypofibrinogenemia (fibrinogen concentration < 1 g/L), but poorly detected coagulopathy (INR ≥ 1.2). ConclusionsTEG and ROTEM detected increases in clot strength following early use of fibrinogen. ROTEM also detected changes in coagulation time and clot lysis. Both were better than CCTs for monitoring coagulation profiles and predicting transfusion requirements.

Thromboelastography and Thromboelastometry in Assessment of Fibrinogen Deficiency and Prediction for Transfusion Requirement: A Descriptive Review.

Fibrinogen is crucial for the formation of blood clot and clinical outcomes in major bleeding. Both Thromboelastography (TEG) and Rotational Thromboelastometry (ROTEM) have been increasingly used to diagnose fibrinogen deficiency and guide fibrinogen transfusion in trauma and surgical bleeding patients. We conducted a comprehensive and comparative review on the technologies and clinical applications of two typical functional fibrinogen assays using TEG (FF TEG) and ROTEM (FIBTEM) for assessment of fibrinogen level and deficiency, and prediction of transfusion requirement. Clot strength and firmness of FF TEG and ROTEM FIBTEM were the most used parameters, and their associations with fibrinogen levels as measured by Clauss method ranged from 0 to 0.9 for FF TEG and 0.27 to 0.94 for FIBTEM. A comparison of the interchangeability and clinical performance of the functional fibrinogen assays using the two systems showed that the results were correlated, but are not interchangeable between the two systems. It appears that ROTEM FIBTEM showed better associations with the Clauss method and more clinical use for monitoring fibrinogen deficiency and predicting transfusion requirements including fibrinogen replacement than FF TEG. TEG and ROTEM functional fibrinogen tests play important roles in the diagnosis of fibrinogen-related coagulopathy and guidance of transfusion requirements. Despite the fact that high-quality evidence is still needed, the two systems are likely to remain popular for the hemostatic management of bleeding patients.

Association of pelvic fracture patterns, pelvic binder use and arterial angio-embolization with transfusion requirements and mortality rates; a 7-year retrospective cohort study

BackgroundPelvic fractures are severe injuries with frequently associated multi-system trauma and a high mortality rate. The value of the pelvic fracture pattern for predicting transfusion requirements and mortality is not entirely clear. To address hemorrhage from pelvic injuries, the early application of pelvic binders is now recommended and arterial angio-embolization is widely used for controlling arterial bleeding. Our aim was to assess the association of the pelvic fracture pattern according to the Tile classification system with transfusion requirements and mortality rates, and to evaluate the correlation between the use of pelvic binders and arterial angio-embolization and the mortality of patients with pelvic fractures.MethodsSingle-center retrospective cohort study including all consecutive patients with a pelvic fracture from January 2008 to June 2015. All radiological fracture patterns were independently reviewed and grouped according to the Tile classification system. Data on patient demographics, use of pelvic binders and arterial angio-embolization, transfusion requirements and mortality were extracted from the institutional trauma registry and analyzed.ResultsThe present study included 228 patients. Median patient age was 43.5 years and 68.9% were male. The two independent observers identified 105 Tile C (46.1%), 71 Tile B (31.1%) and 52 Tile A (22.8%) fractures, with substantial to almost perfect interobserver agreement (Kappa 0.70-0.83). Tile C fractures were associated with a higher mortality rate (p = 0.001) and higher transfusion requirements (p < 0.0001) than Tile A or B fractures. Arterial angio-embolization for pelvic bleeding (p = 0.05) and prehospital pelvic binder placement (p = 0.5) were not associated with differences in mortality rates.ConclusionsTile C pelvic fractures are associated with higher transfusion requirements and a higher mortality rate than Tile A or B fractures. No association between the use of pelvic binders or arterial angio-embolization and survival was observed in this cohort of patients with pelvic fractures.

Predicting Perioperative Transfusion in Elective Hip and Knee Arthroplasty: A Validated Predictive Model.

Preoperative anemia is a significant predictor of perioperative erythrocyte transfusion in elective arthroplasty patients. However, interactions with other patient and procedure characteristics predicting transfusion requirements have not been well studied. Patients undergoing elective primary total hip arthroplasty or total knee arthroplasty at a tertiary hospital in Adelaide, South Australia, Australia, from January 2010 to June 2014 were used to identify preoperative predictors of perioperative transfusion. A logistic regression model was developed and externally validated with an independent data set from three other hospitals in Adelaide. Altogether, 737 adult patients in the derivation group and 653 patients in the validation group were included. Binary logistic regression modeling identified preoperative hemoglobin (odds ratio, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.43 to 0.59; P < 0.001 for each 1 g/dl increase), total hip arthroplasty (odds ratio, 3.56; 95% CI, 2.39 to 5.30; P < 0.001), and females 65 yr of age and older (odds ratio, 3.37; 95% CI, 1.88 to 6.04; P = 0.01) as predictors of transfusion in the derivation cohort. Using a combination of patient-specific preoperative variables, this validated model can predict transfusion in patients undergoing elective hip and knee arthroplasty. The model may also help to identify patients whose need for transfusion may be decreased through preoperative hemoglobin optimization.

Transfusion requirements in elective cardiopulmonary bypass surgery patients: predictive value of Multiplate and Thromboelastography (TEG) Platelet Mapping Assay

Managing haemostasis in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) surgery remains a challenge. There is no established laboratory test to predict transfusion requirements in cardiac surgery. We investigated whether preoperative Thromboelastography (TEG) with Platelet Mapping Assay (PMA) or Multiple Electrode Aggrometry (MEA) could predict transfusion requirements in patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or combined CABG with aortic or mitral valve replacement. We prospectively investigated 199 patients undergoing elective CABG or combined procedures. PMA and MEA were performed at baseline (after anaesthesia induction), upon arrival at the intensive care unit and on the first postoperative day. Patients receiving fresh frozen plasma and/or platelets (FFP/PLT) had a lower PMA maximum amplitude (MA) for adenosine diphosphate (PMA-ADP) and arachidonic acid (PMA-AA) at baseline, at arrival in the intensive care unit and the first postoperative day compared to non-transfused patients. Receiver operating characteristic curves on PMA showed that lower values predicted FFP/PLT transfusion: PMA-ActF 0.64 (p = 0.04), PMA-ADP 0.69 (p = 0.01) and PMA-AA 0.71 (p = 0.002). In contrast, MEA values were not able to predict FFP/PLT transfusions. This study shows that preoperative PMA potentially is a better screening tool for platelet inhibition associated with transfusion requirements in patients undergoing CABG or combined procedures.

Is the shock index based classification of hypovolemic shock applicable in multiple injured patients with severe traumatic brain injury?-an analysis of the TraumaRegister DGU®.

BackgroundA new classification of hypovolemic shock based on the shock index (SI) was proposed in 2013. This classification contains four classes of shock and shows good correlation with acidosis, blood product need and mortality. Since their applicability was questioned, the aim of this study was to verify the validity of the new classification in multiple injured patients with traumatic brain injury.MethodsBetween 2002 and 2013, data from 40 888 patients from the TraumaRegister DGU® were analysed. Patients were classified according to their initial SI at hospital admission (Class I: SI < 0.6, class II: SI ≥0.6 to <1.0, class III SI ≥1.0 to <1.4, class IV: SI ≥1.4). Patients with an additional severe TBI (AIS ≥ 3) were compared to patients without severe TBI.Results16,760 multiple injured patients with TBI (AIShead ≥3) were compared to 24,128 patients without severe TBI. With worsening of SI class, mortality rate increased from 20 to 53% in TBI patients. Worsening SI classes were associated with decreased haemoglobin, platelet counts and Quick’s values. The number of blood units transfused correlated with worsening of SI. Massive transfusion rates increased from 3% in class I to 46% in class IV. The accuracy for predicting transfusion requirements did not differ between TBI and Non TBI patients.DiscussionThe use of the SI based classification enables a quick assessment of patients in hypovolemic shock based on universally available parameters. Although the pathophysiology in TBI and Non TBI patients and early treatment methods such as the use of vasopressors differ, both groups showed an identical probability of recieving blood products within the respective SI class.ConclusionRegardless of the presence of TBI, the classification of hypovolemic shock based on the SI enables a fast and reliable assessment of hypovolemic shock in the emergency department. Therefore, the presented study supports the SI as a feasible tool to assess patients at risk for blood product transfusions, even in the presence of severe TBI.

Low Rates of Blood Transfusion in Elective Resections of Neurofibromas in a Cohort Study: Neurofibroma Length as a Predictor of Transfusion Requirement.

Neurofibromas in neurofibromatosis type 1 induce aesthetic and functional morbidity. Perioperative bleeding has been reported as an obstacle to neurofibroma resections. The authors studied the requirement for blood transfusion during surgical treatment of neurofibromatosis type 1. Six hundred twenty-two procedures performed on 390 neurofibromatosis type 1 patients at the national referral center from 1995 to 2011 were analyzed in two chronologic sets of patients: set 1 (February of 1995 to September of 2007), in which only one surgeon operated; and set 2 (October of 2007 to January of 2011), in which two additional surgeons were involved. Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors, reconstructive procedures, and spontaneous hemorrhages were excluded from the analysis. Age, sex, preoperative hemoglobin concentration, location, length, estimated volume and histologic features of the largest neurofibroma (cumulative values for multiple neurofibromas), and procedure duration were studied as potential predictors of blood transfusion that were measured in terms of units of packed red blood cells. Seventy reconstructive procedures, two cases of spontaneous hemorrhage, and 32 malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor resections were excluded. Among 516 procedures (318 and 198 in sets 1 and 2, respectively), 17 (2.7 percent) required blood transfusions. The requirement for transfusion was associated with neurofibroma length in both sets, with an optimal cutoff value of 13 cm in both sets. Contrary to the literature, the requirement for blood transfusion was found to be low (2.7 percent of the cases) during elective resection of neurofibromas in neurofibromatosis type 1. Elective resections of benign neurofibromas less than 13 cm in length were not associated with a requirement for blood transfusion. Risk, III.

Predicting Transfusion Requirements During Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation.

Patients requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) have a well-known bleeding risk and the potential for experiencing possibly fatal thromboembolic complications. Risk factors and predictors of transfusion requirements during ECMO support remain uncertain. The authors hypothesized that compromised organ function immediately before ECMO support will influence transfusion requirements. A prospective observational study. A tertiary, single-institutional university hospital. The study included 40 adult patients requiring ECMO for intractable cardiac and respiratory failure between July 2010 and December 2012. Blood samples were taken before initiation of ECMO (baseline), after 24 and 48 hours on ECMO, and 24 hours after termination of ECMO. None. Independent of veno-arterial or veno-venous support, 26% of patients required≥2 packed red blood cells per day (PRBC/d) and 74% of patients required<2 PRBC/d during ECMO. Requirements of≥2 PRBC/d during ECMO support were associated with higher creatinine levels and lower prothrombin times (PT, %) at baseline and with impaired platelet function after 24 hours on ECMO. Platelet function, activated by thrombin receptor-activating peptide stimulation, decreased by 30% to 40% over time on ECMO. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed cut-off values for creatinine of 1.49 mg/dL (sensitivity 70%, specificity 70%; area under the curve [AUC] 0.76, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.58-0.94), for PT of 48% (sensitivity 80%, specificity 59%; AUC 0.69, 95% CI 0.50-0.87), and for thrombin receptor-activating peptide (TRAP) 32 U (sensitivity 90%, specificity 68%; AUC 0.76, 95% CI 0.59-0.93). The results of this study demonstrated that increased creatinine levels and lower PT before ECMO and secondary impaired platelet function significantly increased transfusion requirement.

Effects of iron deficiency on transfusion requirements in critically ill patients: a preliminary observational study

Critically ill patients often need blood transfusion, but no reliable predictors of transfusion requirements are available at ICU admission. We hypothesized that ICU patients admitted with iron deficiency may be at higher risk for developing anemia, requiring blood transfusion. The aims of this study were to determine the frequency of iron deficiency in ICU patients at admission and to investigate its relationship with transfusion requirements in ICU patients.

Preoperative Thromboelastometry as a Predictor of Transfusion Requirements during Adult Living Donor Liver Transplantation

Background: The ability to predict transfusion requirements may improve perioperative bleeding management as an integral part of a patient blood management program. Therefore, the aim of our study was to evaluate preoperative thromboelastometry as a predictor of transfusion requirements for adult living donor liver transplant recipients. Methods: The correlation between preoperative thromboelastometry variables in 100 adult living donor liver transplant recipients and intraoperative blood transfusion requirements was examined by univariate and multivariate linear regression analysis. Thresholds of thromboelastometric parameters for prediction of packed red blood cells (PRBCs), fresh frozen plasma (FFP), platelets, and cryoprecipitate transfusion requirements were determined with receiver operating characteristics analysis. The attending anesthetists were blinded to the preoperative thromboelastometric analysis. However, a thromboelastometry-guided transfusion algorithm with predefined trigger values was used intraoperatively. The transfusion triggers in this algorithm did not change during the study period. Results: Univariate analysis confirmed significant correlations between PRBCs, FFP, platelets or cryoprecipitate transfusion requirements and most thromboelastometric variables. Backward stepwise logistic regression indicated that EXTEM coagulation time (CT), maximum clot firmness (MCF) and INTEM CT, clot formation time (CFT) and MCF are independent predictors for PRBC transfusion. EXTEM CT, CFT and FIBTEM MCF are independent predictors for FFP transfusion. Only EXTEM and INTEM MCF were independent predictors of platelet transfusion. EXTEM CFT and MCF, INTEM CT, CFT and MCF as well as FIBTEM MCF are independent predictors for cryoprecipitate transfusion. Thromboelastometry-based regression equation accounted for 63% of PRBC, 83% of FFP, 61% of cryoprecipitate, and 44% of platelet transfusion requirements. Conclusion: Preoperative thromboelastometric analysis is helpful to predict transfusion requirements in adult living donor liver transplant recipients. This may allow for better preparation and less cross-matching prior to surgery. The findings of our study need to be re-validated in a second prospective patient population.