Transfusion Rate Research Articles

Red Blood Cell Transfusion Practice Pattern Before and After Implementation of a Local Restrictive Transfusion Protocol in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Background: A restrictive red blood cell (RBC) transfusion guideline was established in 2019 in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), suggesting a hemoglobin concentration threshold of 7 g/dL. Objectives: (a) To determine its impact on the number of RBC transfusions and donor exposure; (b) to characterize RBC-transfusion determinants and justifications. Study Design: Single-center retrospective historical control study comparing all neonates consecutively admitted to the NICU during two five-month periods: 401 patients in 2013 before and 402 patients in 2021 after restrictive guideline implementation. Possible determinants were assessed via logistic regressions and justifications via a questionnaire. Results: In 2021, 9.2% of neonates received at least one RBC transfusion compared to 13.5% in 2013 ( p = .075). Adherence to protocol thresholds was 50%. Implementation of a restrictive transfusion protocol had some impact on determinants related to neonatal morbidity and illness severity and some impact on justifications being mainly based on hemoglobin value. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that the implementation of a restrictive RBC transfusion protocol tended to decrease transfusion rates and donor exposure in the NICU, but the trend was not statistically significant. Future work should focus on improving protocol adherence.

Inpatient outcomes of metastatic epidural spinal cord compression in patients with gastric cancer compared to patients with other solid cancer.

255 Background: Metastatic epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC) is an oncologic emergency which can be associated with poor outcomes for cancer patients. Our aim was to study the differences in outcomes of MESCC in patients with gastric cancer (GC-MESCC) compared to those with other solid malignancies. Methods: Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project-Nationwide Inpatient Sample database (2016-2020) was queried to identify all solid (breast, prostate, lung, gastrointestinal, renal and thyroid) cancer patients admitted with spinal cord compression. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate differences in socio-demographics, medical comorbidities and outcomes between MESCC in gastric cancer patients and those with other solid cancers. The primary outcome included inpatient mortality, length of stay (LOS), and total hospital charges (THC). Results: 78,385 patients with the above solid cancers were admitted for spinal cord compression. Among them, 710 had gastric cancer. Patients with gastric cancer were younger (Mean age: 59.1 vs 66.3 years, p < 0.001). They had higher prevalence of anemia (56 vs 41%), protein energy malnutrition (28.9 vs 18.9%, p < 0.001), and lower prevalence of COPD (8.45 vs 18.5%, p =0.003), smoking (22.5 vs 33.6%, p =0.007) and CKD (9.4 vs 12.3%, p =0.03). On multivariate regression, those with GC-MESCC had two-fold higher odds of all-cause mortality (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 2.0; 95% CI: 1.05-3.96, p = 0.034). On subgroup analysis, mortality was about four times higher for females with GC-MESCC relative to the other group (aOR = 3.8, 95% CI: 1.69-8.52, p = 0.001). There was a trend towards increased LOS (8.9 vs 7.8 days) and THC ($115, 805 vs $96, 074) but it was not statistically significant. Compared with the other cohort, GC-MESCC patients had higher rates of blood transfusion (16.2 vs 9%, p = 0.003). Conclusions: Metastatic epidural spinal cord compression is associated with increased odds of inpatient mortality in gastric cancer patients compared to those with other solid malignancies. Hence, these patients ought to have urgent intervention and close monitoring to prevent adverse outcomes. [Table: see text]

Anemia diagnosis and therapy in malignant diseases: implementation of guidelines—a representative study

PurposeAnemia in cancer should be diagnosed and treated according to guideline recommendations. The implementation of ESMO and German guidelines and their effect on anemia correction was analyzed.MethodsThis retrospective epidemiological study, representative for Germany, analyzed data on anemia management of cancer patients with anemia ≥ grade 2. The Guideline Adherence Score (GLAD) for diagnosis (GLAD-D) and therapy (GLAD-T) was defined as follows: 2 points for complete, 1 point for partial, 0 point for no adherence.ResultsData were analyzed for 1046 patients. Hb levels at diagnosis of anemia were 8–10 g/dL in 899 (85.9%) patients, 7–8 g/dL in 92 (8.7%), and < 7 g/dL (5.0%) in 52. Transferrin saturation was determined in 19% of patients. Four hundred fifty-six patients received RBC (43.6%), 198 (18.9%) iron replacement, 106 (10.1%) ESA, and 60 (5.7%) vitamin B12 replacement. 60.6% of patients receiving iron replacement were treated intravenously and 39.4% were treated orally. Two hundred eighty-eight (36.6%) of 785 patients receiving transfusions had no guideline-directed indication. GLAD-D was 2 in 310 patients (29.6%), 1 in 168 (16.1%), and 0 in 568 (54.3%). GLAD-T was 2 in 270 patients (25.8%), 1 in 320 patients (30.6%), and 0 in 456 patients (43.6%). Higher GLAD-D significantly correlated with higher GLAD-T (τB = 0.176, p < 0.001). GLAD-T 2 was significantly associated with greater Hb increase than GLAD-T 0/1 (p < 0.001) at 28 days (10.2 vs. 9.7 g/dL) and at 2 months (10.4 vs. 9.9 g/dL).ConclusionsAnemia assessment is inadequate, transfusion rates too high, and iron and ESA therapy too infrequent.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05190263, date: 2022–01-13.

Low titer group O whole blood and risk of RhD alloimmunization: Rationale for use in Finland.

Prehospital low-titer group O whole blood (LTOWB) used for patients with life-threatening hemorrhage is often RhD positive. The most important complication following RhD alloimmunization is hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN). Preceding clinical use of RhD positive LTOWB, we estimated the risk of HDFN due to LTOWB prehospital transfusion in the Finnish population. We collected data on prehospital transfusions in Tampere and Helsinki University Hospital areas. Using the mean of reported alloimmunization rates in trauma studies (24%) and a higher reported rate representing trauma patients of 13-50 years old (42.7%), we estimated the risk of HDFN and extrapolated it to the whole of Finland. We estimated that in Finland, with the current prehospital transfusion rate we would see 1-3 cases of severe HDFN due to prehospital LTOWB transfusions every 10 years, and fetal death due to HDFN caused by LTOWB transfusion less than once in 100 years. The estimated risk of serious HDFN due to prehospital LTOWB transfusion in the Finnish population is similar to previous estimates. As Finland routinely screens expectant mothers for red blood cell antibodies and as the contemporary treatment of HDFN is very effective, we support the prehospital use of RhD positive LTOWB in all patient groups.

Is Preoperative Type and Screen High-value Care? A Cost-effectiveness Analysis of Performing Preoperative Type and Screen Prior to Urogynecological Surgery.

Routine preoperative type and screen (T&S) is often ordered prior to urogynecological surgery but is rarely used. We aimed to assess the cost effectiveness of routine preoperative T&S and determine transfusion and transfusion reaction rates that make universal preoperative T&S cost effective. A decision tree model from the health care sector perspective compared costs (2020 US dollars) and effectiveness (quality-adjusted life-years, QALYs) of universal preoperative T&S (cross-matched blood) vs no T&S (O negative blood). Our primary outcome was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). Input parameters included transfusion rates, transfusion reaction incidence, transfusion reaction severity rates, and costs of management. The base case included a transfusion probability of 1.26%; a transfusion reaction probability of 0.0013% with or 0.4% without T&S; and with a transfusion reaction, a 50% probability of inpatient management and 0.0042 annual disutility. Costs were estimated from Medicare national reimbursement schedules. The time horizon was surgery/admission. We assumed a willingness-to-pay threshold of $150,000/QALY. One- and two-way sensitivity analyses were performed. The base case and one-way sensitivity analyses demonstrated that routine preoperative T&S is not cost effective, with an ICER of $63,721,632/QALY. The optimal strategy did not change when base case cost, transfusion probability, or transfusion reaction disutility were varied. Threshold analysis revealed that if transfusion reaction probability without T&S is >12%, routine T&S becomes cost effective. Scenarios identified as cost effective in the threshold and sensitivity analyses fell outside reported rates for urogynecological surgery. Within broad ranges, preoperative T&S is not cost effective, which supports re-evaluating routine T&S prior to urogynecological surgery.

A simple program to improve the appropriateness of red blood cell transfusions in non-bleeding hospital patients: a before-and-after study.

Transfusion of red blood cells (RBCs) is not devoid of risks; nor is anemia. The aim of the study was to assess the usefulness of a program designed to improve the appropriateness of RBC transfusions in hospital patients.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed time periods before and after program implementation. Before program implementation 415 out of 23492 (1.8%) patients received at least 1 RBC, whereas after implementation 162 out of 25062 (0.6%) did so. The percentage of appropriate RBC transfusions increased from 23.6 to 37.1%. A simple program may lead to a 3-fold decrease in transfusion rate and a significant increase in the percentage of appropriate RBC transfusions.

Validation of Three Models for Prediction of Blood Transfusion during Cesarean Delivery Admission.

Prediction of blood transfusion during delivery admission allows for clinical preparedness and risk mitigation. Although prediction models have been developed and adopted into practice, their external validation is limited. We aimed to evaluate the performance of three blood transfusion prediction models in a U.S. cohort of individuals undergoing cesarean delivery. This was a secondary analysis of a multicenter randomized trial of tranexamic acid for prevention of hemorrhage at time of cesarean delivery. Three models were considered: a categorical risk tool (California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative [CMQCC]) and two regression models (Ahmadzia et al and Albright et al). The primary outcome was intrapartum or postpartum red blood cell transfusion. The CMQCC algorithm was applied to the cohort with frequency of risk category (low, medium, high) and associated transfusion rates reported. For the regression models, the area under the receiver-operating curve (AUC) was calculated and a calibration curve plotted to evaluate each model's capacity to predict receipt of transfusion. The regression model outputs were statistically compared. Of 10,785 analyzed individuals, 3.9% received a red blood cell transfusion during delivery admission. The CMQCC risk tool categorized 1,970 (18.3%) individuals as low risk, 5,259 (48.8%) as medium risk, and 3,556 (33.0%) as high risk with corresponding transfusion rates of 2.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.5-2.9%), 2.2% (95% CI: 1.8-2.6%), and 7.5% (95% CI: 6.6-8.4%), respectively. The AUC for prediction of blood transfusion using the Ahmadzia and Albright models was 0.78 (95% CI: 0.76-0.81) and 0.79 (95% CI: 0.77-0.82), respectively (p = 0.38 for difference). Calibration curves demonstrated overall agreement between the predicted probability and observed likelihood of blood transfusion. Three models were externally validated for prediction of blood transfusion during cesarean delivery admission in this U.S. Overall, performance was moderate; model selection should be based on ease of application until a specific model with superior predictive ability is developed. · A total of 3.9% of individuals received a blood transfusion during cesarean delivery admission.. · Three models used in clinical practice are externally valid for blood transfusion prediction.. · Institutional model selection should be based on ease of application until further research identifies the optimal approach..

Imposter or knight in shining armor? Pelvic circumferential compression devices (PCCD) for severe pelvic injuries in patients with multiple trauma: a trauma-registry analysis

BackgroundPelvic Circumferential Compression Devices (PCCD) are standard in hemorrhage-control of unstable pelvic ring fractures (UPF). Controversial data on their usefulness exists. Aim of the study was to investigate whether prehospital application of PCCD can reduce mortality and transfusion requirements in UPF.MethodsRetrospective cohort study. From 2016 until 2021, 63,371 adult severely injured patients were included into TraumaRegister DGU® of the German Trauma Society (TR-DGU). We analyzed PCCD use over time and compared patients with multiple trauma patients and UPF, who received prehospital PCCD to those who did not (noPCCD). Groups were adjusted for risk of prehospital PCCD application by propensity score matching. Primary endpoints were hospital mortality, standardized mortality rate (SMR) and transfusion requirements.ResultsOverall UPF incidence was 9% (N = 5880) and PCCD use increased over time (7.5% to 20.4%). Of all cases with UPF, 40.2% received PCCD and of all cases with PCCD application, 61% had no pelvic injury at all. PCCD patients were more severely injured and had higher rates of shock or transfusion. 24-h.-mortality and hospital mortality were higher with PCCD (10.9% vs. 9.3%; p = 0.033; 17.9% vs. 16.1%, p = 0.070). Hospital mortality with PCCD was 1% lower than predicted. SMR was in favor of PCCD but failed statistical significance (0.95 vs. 1.04, p = 0.101). 1,860 propensity score matched pairs were analyzed: NoPCCD-patients received more often catecholamines (19.6% vs. 18.5%, p = 0.043) but required less surgical pelvic stabilization in the emergency room (28.6% vs. 36.8%, p < 0.001). There was no difference in mortality or transfusion requirements.ConclusionWe observed PCCD overuse in general and underuse in UPF. Prehospital PCCD appears to be more a marker of injury severity and less triggered by presence of UPF. We found no salutary effect on survival or transfusion requirements. Inappropriate indication and technical flaw may have biased our results. TR-DGU does not contain data on these aspects. Further studies are necessary. Modular add-on questioners to the registry could offer one possible solution to overcome this limitation. We are concerned that PCCD use may be unfairly discredited by misinterpretation of the available evidence and strongly vote for a prospective trial.

The effect of triple-dose-intravenous tranexamic acid on blood loss in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty without affecting blood coagulopathy: A prospective thromboelastographic analysis.

This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of triple-dose intravenous tranexamic acid (TXA) in patients following total hip arthroplasty (THA) using thromboelastography (TEG). One hundred thirty patients undergoing THA were prospectively enrolled in the study. According to the intravenous infusion TXA dose, patients were divided into single-dose (n=65; mean age=60.8 ± 8.1 years) and triple-dose groups (n=65; mean age=61.8 ± 8.6 years). Complete blood count (CBC), conventional coagulation tests (CCT), and TEG were conducted 1 day before the operation, on postoperative day 1 (POD1), and postoperative day 7 (POD7). Color Doppler ultrasonography was performed 1 day before the operation and on POD7. Drainage blood loss, total blood loss (TBL), hidden blood loss (HBL), deep vein thrombosis (DVT) incidence, and blood transfusion rates were calculated and recorded. The CCT, CBC, and TEG parameters were compared between the 2 groups. Single- and triple-dose groups had significantly different hematocrit on POD7 (P < .05). No significant differences were found in CCT and hemoglobin at any corresponding time point between the 2 groups (P > .05). Despite the reaction time (R) on POD1 (P < .05), there were no significant differences in other TEG parameters at any other time point between the 2 groups (P > 0.05). For drainage blood loss and TBL, the triple-dose group had lesser blood loss than the single-dose group (P < .05). However, no significant differences were found for blood transfusion rate, HBL, or incidence of DVT (P > .05). Compared with single-dose, triple-dose TXA can be more effective in decreasing blood loss without increasing DVT incidence in patients undergoing THA. Although there is a notable disparity in the R time on POD1, the administration of triple-dose TXA does not substantially impact the coagulation status as assessed by TEG and CCT.

Topical tranexamic acid (TXA) is non-inferior to intravenous TXA in adult spine surgery: a meta-analysis.

Tranexamic acid (TXA) has long been utilized in spine surgery and can be administered through intravenous (IV)and topical routes. Although, topical and IV administration of TXA are both effective in decreasing blood loss during spine surgery, complications like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism have been reported with the use of intravenous TXA (ivTXA). These potential complications may be mitigated through the use of topical TXA (tTXA). To assess optimal dosing protocols and efficacy of topical TXA in spine surgery, Embase, Ovid-MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane, and clinicaltrials.gov were queried for original research on the use of tTXA in adult patients undergoing spine surgery. Data parameters analyzed included blood loss, transfusion rate, thromboembolic, and other complications. Data was synthesized and confidence evaluated according to the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. Nineteen studies were included in the final analysis with 2197 patients. Of the 18 published studies, 9 (50%) displayed high levels of evidence. Topical TXA showed a trend towards a lower risk of transfusion and complications. Protocols that used 1g tTXA showed a significantly reduced risk for transfusion when compared to controls (risk ratio -1.05, 95% CI (-1.62, -0.48); P = 0.94, I2 = 0%). Complications associated with tTXA included DVTs and wound infections. Topical TXA was non-inferior to intravenous TXA with similar efficacy and complication profiles for bleeding control in spine surgery; however, more studies are needed to discern benefits and risks.

Clinical Outcomes, Blood Utilization, and Ethical Considerations for Pediatric Patients in a Bloodless Medicine and Surgery Program.

Pediatric patients requesting bloodless care represent a challenging clinical situation, as parents cannot legally refuse lifesaving or optimal interventions for their children. Here, we report clinical outcomes for the largest series of pediatric inpatients requesting bloodless care and also discuss the ethical considerations. We performed a single-institution retrospective cohort study assessing 196 pediatric inpatients (<18 years of age) who requested bloodless care between June 2012 and June 2016. Patient characteristics, transfusion rates, and clinical outcomes were compared between pediatric patients receiving bloodless care and those receiving standard care (including transfusions if considered necessary by the clinical team) (n = 37,271). Families were informed that all available measures would be undertaken to avoid blood transfusions, although we were legally obligated to transfuse blood if the child's life was threatened. The primary outcome was composite morbidity or mortality. Secondary outcomes included percentage of patients transfused, individual morbid events, length of stay, total hospital charges, and total costs. Subgroup analyses were performed after stratification into medical and surgical patients. Of the 196 pediatric patients that requested bloodless care, 6.1% (n = 12) received an allogeneic blood component, compared to 9.1% (n = 3392) for standard care patients ( P = .14). The most common indications for transfusion were perioperative bleeding and anemia of prematurity. None of the transfusions were administered under a court order. Overall, pediatric patients receiving bloodless care exhibited lower rates of composite morbidity compared to patients receiving standard care (2.6% vs 6.2%; P = .035). There were no deaths in the bloodless cohort. Individual morbid events, length of stay, and total hospital charges/costs were not significantly different between the 2 groups. After multivariable analysis, bloodless care was not associated with a significant difference in composite morbidity or mortality (odds ratio [OR], 0.37; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.12-1.11; P = .077). Pediatric patients receiving bloodless care exhibited similar clinical outcomes compared to patients receiving standard care, although larger studies with adequate power are needed to confirm this finding. There were no mortalities among the pediatric bloodless cohort. Although a subset of our pediatric bloodless patients received an allogeneic transfusion, no patients required a court order. When delivered in a collaborative and patient-centered manner, blood transfusions can be safely limited among pediatric patients.

Benchmarks in Liver Resection for Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma

IntroductionBenchmarking in surgery has been proposed as a means to compare results across institutions to establish best practices. We sought to define benchmark values for hepatectomy for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) across an international population.MethodsPatients who underwent liver resection for ICC between 1990 and 2020 were identified from an international database, including 14 Eastern and Western institutions. Patients operated on at high-volume centers who had no preoperative jaundice, ASA class <3, body mass index <35 km/m2, without need for bile duct or vascular resection were chosen as the benchmark group.ResultsAmong 1193 patients who underwent curative-intent hepatectomy for ICC, 600 (50.3%) were included in the benchmark group. Among benchmark patients, median age was 58.0 years (interquartile range [IQR] 49.0–67.0), only 28 (4.7%) patients received neoadjuvant therapy, and most patients had a minor resection (n = 499, 83.2%). Benchmark values included ≥3 lymph nodes retrieved when lymphadenectomy was performed, blood loss ≤600 mL, perioperative blood transfusion rate ≤42.9%, and operative time ≤339 min. The postoperative benchmark values included TOO achievement ≥59.3%, positive resection margin ≤27.5%, 30-day readmission ≤3.6%, Clavien-Dindo III or more complications ≤14.3%, and 90-day mortality ≤4.8%, as well as hospital stay ≤14 days.ConclusionsBenchmark cutoffs targeting short-term perioperative outcomes can help to facilitate comparisons across hospitals performing liver resection for ICC, assess inter-institutional variation, and identify the highest-performing centers to improve surgical and oncologic outcomes.

Effectiveness of Tranexamic Acid in Trauma Patients: A Systematic Review.

Tranexamic acid (TXA), a fibrinolytic agent, effectively inhibits plasminogen activation, thereby reducing fibrinolysis and hemorrhage. This study focused on its application in trauma patients undergoing emergency surgery, a critical area due to trauma's significant role in mortality. Our investigation involved a meticulous screening of randomized controlled trials from databases including Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane. The findings indicate that TXA intervention is promising in enhancing outcomes for trauma patients.However, the drug's effectiveness may vary based on the specific nature of the medical condition. In summary, robust evidence suggests that TXA can diminish blood loss, lower transfusion rates, reduce complications, and improve hemoglobin and hematocrit levels in surgical patients. Consequently, TXA should be considered a crucial medication, readily available to mitigate morbidity and mortality in surgical settings. Future research should explore factors influencing TXA's effectiveness in traumatic brain injury cases and across a broad spectrum of surgical scenarios in diverse patient populations. This would further guide clinicians in refining and optimizing the use of TXA.

Hemoadsorption and Coagulation Systemic Rebalance in Patients Undergoing Nonelective Cardiac Surgery and Treated with Antithrombotics

Introduction: Insufficient withdrawal duration of antithrombotics leads to excessive bleeding after major surgery. We hypothesize that intraoperative hemoadsorption (HA) can reduce postoperative allogeneic transfusion requirements and excessive bleeding events (EBE), without an increase in ischemic/thromboembolic events (ITE) in patients who have taken antithrombotics and undergone nonelective cardiac surgery. Methods: A total of 460 patients admitted to our hospital from 2018 to 2022 were included in this study and divided into two groups: HA and non-HA. Because of the risk of bias due to differences in antithrombotic type, withdrawal duration, or basic coagulation function, propensity score matching was used for analyses. Results: Out of 154 cases in the HA group, 144 pairs were successfully matched. No HA safety events such as hemolysis, hypotension, or device failure occurred. After matching, the two groups were found to be comparable in preoperative antithrombotic type, withdrawal duration, platelets and coagulation function, and demographic and perioperative characteristics. Although the HA group did not have a reduced incidence of EBE, this group exhibited significant decreases in the transfusion rate and volume, the incidence of ITE, acute kidney injury, and central nervous system injury. Conclusions: For patients who have undergone nonelective cardiac surgery and taken antithrombotics, HA can simply and safely rebalance the postoperative coagulation system and have associations with reduced transfusion and postoperative ITE.

Is the Mayo Adhesive Probability Score Predictive in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy?

Introduction: Mayo Adhesive Probability (MAP) score was developed as a means to predict the presence of adherent perinephric fat. Our aim was to determine the predictive value of the MAP score on surgical outcomes in patients undergoing standard adult percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data from 130 renal units that underwent PCNL between January 2022 and 2023. MAP scores 0-2 were classified as low, whereas MAP scores 3-5 were classified as high. The impact of the MAP score on perioperative and postoperative outcomes was studied. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 24.0 for Windows. Results: The median age of the patients at the time of surgery was 48 (21) years, with a female-to-male ratio of 1:1.82. The median MAP score was 2 (2), with 43.8% of patients falling into the high MAP score group. Advanced age, hypertension history, low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) levels, and low renal parenchymal thickness were significantly higher in the high MAP score group (P = .010, P = .004, P = .001, and P = .005, respectively). Female patients had a significantly higher MAP score of 0 (P = .021). Operation time, postoperative hematocrit decrease, blood transfusion rate, postoperative fever rate, hospitalization, and stone-free rates were comparable between the low and high MAP score groups (P = .535, P = .209, P = .313, P = .289, P = .281, and P = .264, respectively). Gender and eGFR levels were shown to be significant predictors of a MAP ≥3 (P = .004 and P = .003, respectively). Conclusion: The present study showed that the MAP score groups had similar perioperative and postoperative results. Low eGFR levels and the male gender were associated with MAP score ≥3. To determine the predictive MAP score value for PCNL outcomes, more prospective studies are needed.

Older versus younger patients in robot-assisted radical cystectomy with intracorporeal ileal conduit comparing safety and clinical outcomes.

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of robot-assisted radical cystectomy using an intracorporeal ileal conduit in older compared to younger patients. We retrospectively analyzed 122 patients who underwent robot-assisted radical cystectomy with an intracorporeal ileal conduit at Fujita Health University Hospital and Fujita Health University Okazaki Medical Center between 2012 and 2022. Patients were categorized into two groups: older (age ≥ 75 years; n = 53) and younger (age < 75 years; n = 69). Perioperative outcomes, complications, recurrence-free survival, cancer-specific survival, and overall survival were compared between the cohorts. The groups had no significant differences in perioperative outcomes, such as estimated blood loss, operative time, and blood transfusion rate. However, hospital stay was longer in the older patients than in the younger group (19 vs. 16 days; p < 0.001). The 30-day minor and major complication rates were 33.3% and 13.0%, respectively, for the younger group and 50.9% and 9.4% for the older group (p = 0.11). Urinary tract infection and bowel ileus were the most common complications in both groups. No significant differences were observed in recurrence-free survival, cancer-specific survival, and overall survival between the groups (p = 0.58, p = 0.75, and p = 0.78), and subgroup analysis in ≥cT3 revealed the older group tended to have poorer cancer-specific survival and overall survival (p = 0.07 and p = 0.01). Multivariate analysis indicated that older age was not associated with high-grade complications and cancer-specific survival. Robot-assisted radical cystectomy with an intracorporeal ileal conduit is a safe and effective treatment option for older patients.

Effect of Preoperative Malnutrition Based on Albumin and BMI on Hepatocellular Carcinoma Surgery and Prediction of Risk Factors of Complications.

To investigate the correlation between preoperative malnutrition and perioperative variables in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to analyze the risk factors of complications after HCC resection. All patients who underwent hepatectomy because of HCC in the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from June 1, 2018, to December 1, 2021, were analyzed retrospectively. Preoperative malnutrition was defined as body mass index (BMI) < 18.5kg/m2 or serum albumin level < 3.5g/dL within 30days before operation. A total of 415 patients with HCC hepatectomy were included, and 75 (18.1%) were classified as malnutrition group. In the malnutrition group, blood loss (662.1 ± 748.1 VS 404.6 ± 681.9, P = 0.002), transfusion rate (36.0% VS 13.5%, P < 0.001), postoperative hospital stays (13.3 ± 9.6 VS 10.1 ± 4.2, P < 0.001), 30-day postoperative mortality (4.0 VS 0.6%, P = 0.043), complications rate (68% VS 34.8%, P < 0.001), and severe complication rate (17.3% VS 2.4%, P < 0.001) were significantly higher than those in the well-nourished group. Multivariate analysis showed that age (HR 1.037, 95% CI 1.015-1.059, P = 0.001), preoperative malnutrition (HR 2.933, 95% CI 1.515-5.679, P = 0.001), simultaneous cholecystectomy (HR 2.004, 95% CI 1.168-3.440, P = 0.012), cirrhosis (HR 4.997, 95% CI 2.864-8.718, P < 0.001), and transfusion (HR 5.166, 95% CI 2.272-11.748, P < 0.001) were independent risk factors for postoperative complications. In addition, preoperative malnutrition (HR 8.209, 95% CI 2.711-24.864, P < 0.001) and operation time (HR 1.088, 95% CI 1.003-1.103, P = 0.004) were independent risk factors for severe complications. Preoperative malnutrition can adversely affect the outcome of HCC resection. For patients with advanced age, cirrhosis, and malnutrition, preoperative planning is very important, and we should be more careful during the operation to avoid transfusion caused by bleeding and not to carry out preventive cholecystectomy, which are helpful to reduce the occurrence of postoperative complications.

Expedited surgery does not increase transfusion rates for patients with geriatric hip fracture taking factor Xa inhibitors.

Geriatric patients who sustain hip fractures and are taking factor Xa inhibitors (Xa-I) experience surgical delay. Our institution developed a pharmacokinetic protocol to formally guide and expedite surgical timing for these patients. The protocol is based on the patient's renal function and timing of last Xa-I dose. For patients with impaired renal function, longer wait times are recommended. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of this protocol for patients with geriatric hip fracture taking Xa-I. Retrospective cohort study. Level 1 trauma center. A total of 164 patients aged 65 and older who were taking Xa-I before admission and underwent hip fracture surgery; 68 patients in the Standard group (2014-2018) and 96 patients in the Expedited group (2020-2022, after protocol implementation). Hip fracture surgery. Time to surgery (TTS), transfusion rate, blood loss, 90-day complication rates. The median TTS was significantly shorter in the Expedited group (28.6 hours, interquartile range 21.3 hours) than in the Standard group (44.8 hours, interquartile range 21.1 hours) (P < .001). There were no differences in overall transfusion rates. Multivariable regression analysis demonstrated that time to surgery was not predictive of transfusion rate in all patients (OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.99-1.02, P = .652). There were no differences in blood loss or rates of 90-day complications. Geriatric patients with hip fractures and taking factor Xa inhibitors may warrant earlier surgery without an increased risk of transfusion or bleeding. Therapeutic Level III.

Is prophylactic intraoperative transfusion needed in unilateral total knee arthroplasty? Comparison of hematologic data and postoperative transfusion rate between a prophylactic allogenic or autologous transfusion group with a no-transfusion group: A preliminary retrospective cohort study

ObjectivesTo determine whether prophylactic intra-operative allogenic or autologous transfusion could prevent postoperative anemia and additional transfusion comparing to the control group without receiving any prophylactic intervention in unilateral total knee arthroplasty. Materials and methodsThis study included 711 patients who underwent unilateral TKA. They were divided into four groups: allogeneic transfusion group (group AL), autologous transfusion group (group AT), tranexamic acid group (group TA), and control group (group C). The primary outcome was rate of postoperative allogeneic blood transfusions. Secondary outcomes were postoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, postoperative bleeding amount. ResultsGroups AT and AL did not exhibit a significant reduction in postoperative allogenic blood transfusion rate compared to group C (28/108 vs. 20/108, p = 0.21 and 37/159 vs. 34/159, p = 0.78 respectively). However, group TA demonstrated a significantly lower rate of postoperative allogenic blood transfusions than group C (22/125 vs. 3/125, p = 0.0001). Postoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit levels were statistically higher in group TA than in group C. However, those levels in group AT and AL did not differ significantly from those of group C. ConclusionIntra-operative prophylactic transfusions did not decrease postoperative anemia or additional postoperative transfusion compared to the control group in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty. However, the group receiving tranexamic acid showed lower transfusion rate and higher levels of hemoglobin and hematocrit.

Comparison of Early Complication Rates After High Tibial Osteotomy Versus Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty for Knee Osteoarthritis.

Although both high tibial osteotomy (HTO) and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) can be utilized to treat unicompartmental osteoarthritis (OA) in select patients, the early complication rates between the 2 procedures are not well understood. Understanding of the complication profiles for both procedures would help clinicians counsel patients with unicompartmental knee OA who may be eligible for either treatment option. To compare the 30-day complication rates after HTO versus UKA for the treatment of knee OA using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database. Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. NSQIP registries between 2006 and 2019 were queried using Current Procedural Terminology codes to identify patients undergoing HTO and UKA for knee OA. Patients >60 years of age were excluded. Patient demographics, preoperative comorbidities, and intraoperative data were collected. Postoperative 30-day complications, including venous thromboembolism (VTE), urinary tract infection (UTI), transfusion, surgical-site infection (SSI), and reoperations were recorded. Complication rates between treatment groups were compared using a multivariate logistic regression model adjusted for sex, age, body mass index, steroid use, respiratory status (smoking/dyspnea/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), diabetes, and hypertension. A total of 156 patients treated with HTO and 4755 patients treated with UKA for knee OA were identified. Mean patient ages were 46 years for the HTO group and 53.4 years for the UKA group. Operative time was significantly longer in the HTO group versus the UKA group (112 minutes vs 90 minutes; P < .001). Multivariate analyses found no significant differences in VTE (1.3% vs 0.6%), UTI (0.6% vs 0.3%), transfusion (0.6% vs 0.2%), deep SSI (0.6% vs 0.1%), and reoperation (1.3% vs 1%) rates between HTO and UKA groups. The HTO group had a higher rate of superficial SSI compared with the UKA group (2.6% vs 0.6%; P = .006) (adjusted odds ratio, 4.2; 95% CI, 1.4-12.5; P = .01). There were no differences in 30-day VTE, UTI, transfusion, deep SSI, and reoperation rates for HTO versus UKA in the treatment of knee OA. HTO was associated with a higher rate of superficial SSI compared with UKA. These findings serve to guide clinicians in counseling patients regarding the early risks after HTO and UKA.