Red Blood Cell Transfusion Practices Research Articles

Red blood cell transfusions in preterm infants in 2021: a narrative review

Anemia is frequent in preterm infants. Red blood cell transfusion practices vary between different centers. The objective of this study was to review red blood cell transfusion practices in preterm infants between 2020 and 2021. This was a narrative review that included studies published on PubMed (Medline) and Web of Science between October 2020 and October 2021. Ten studies were included finally. Red blood cell transfusion frequency was variable. Some neonatal units did not report transfusion protocols. Most studies reported volumes of 10-15 ml/kg per transfusion. The implementation of an anemia care bundle and adoption of restrictive transfusion resulted in a reduction in the number of transfusions, the volume transfused, and a reduction in the rate of multiple transfusions. We suggest that neonatal units that care for preterm infants should have a transfusion protocol based on the best evidence available and this issue may improve.

Improvement of Transfusion Practice in Cardiothoracic Surgery Through Implementing a Patient Blood Management Program.

In this study, we examined the impact of a patient blood management (PBM) program on red blood cell (RBC) transfusion practices in cardiothoracic surgery. The PBM program had 3 components: monitoring transfusions through an order communication system checklist, educating the medical team about PBM, and providing feedback to ordering physicians on the appropriateness of transfusion. The retrospective analysis examined changes in the hemoglobin levels triggering transfusion and the proportions of appropriate RBC transfusions before, during, and after PBM implementation. Further analysis was focused on patients undergoing cardiac surgery, with outcomes including 30-day mortality, durations of intensive care unit and hospital stays, and rates of pneumonia, sepsis, and wound complications. The study included 2,802 patients admitted for cardiothoracic surgery. After the implementation of PBM, a significant decrease was observed in the hemoglobin threshold for RBC transfusion. This threshold dropped from 8.7 g/dL before PBM to 8.3 g/dL during the PBM education phase and 8.0 g/dL during the PBM feedback period. Additionally, the proportion of appropriate RBC transfusions increased markedly, from 23.9% before PBM to 34.9% and 58.2% during the education and feedback phases, respectively. Among the 381 patients who underwent cardiac surgery, a significant reduction was noted in the length of hospitalization over time (p<0.001). However, other clinical outcomes displayed no significant differences. PBM implementation effectively reduced the hemoglobin threshold for RBC transfusion and increased the rate of appropriate transfusion in cardiothoracic surgery. Although transfusion practices improved, clinical outcomes were comparable to those observed before PBM implementation.

A novel measure to summarize blood transfusion practice during critical illness.

Large-scale observational studies have summarized transfusion practice using traditional measures of central tendency (e.g., the mean hemoglobin concentration at the time of transfusion). However, the mean hemoglobin concentration fails to identify specific hemoglobin concentration thresholds that drive practice. In the following brief report, we propose a novel measure of "practice discontinuity" that identifies specific practice-defining hemoglobin thresholds. We used the PINC AI Database (2016-2022) to identify adult patients admitted to an intensive care unit with at least one hemoglobin concentration measurement. For each day that hemoglobin was measured, we identified whether the patient received a red blood cell transfusion using hospital charge codes. We defined the "practice discontinuity" measure as the hemoglobin concentration at which there was the largest increase in transfusion use going from a higher to an incrementally lower hemoglobin concentration. We also calculated the mean and median pretransfusion hemoglobin concentrations. We identified 1,298,367 patients and 4,905,839 patient-days for inclusion. RBC transfusion occurred in a total of 530,654 (10.8%) patient-days. The overall pre-transfusion mean and median hemoglobin concentrations were 8.4 and 8.0 g/dL, respectively. The practice discontinuity measure identified 7.0 g/dL as the hemoglobin concentration at which transfusion use increased the most, from 46.6% of patient-days at a concentration of 7.0 g/dL to 74.8% of patient-days at a concentration of 6.9 g/dL. We propose that future studies of red blood cell transfusion practice consider inclusion of the practice discontinuity measure to more fully summarize clinical practice.

Nonclinical factors affecting intraoperative red blood cell transfusion: a systematic review.

There is significant variability in intraoperative red blood cell (RBC) transfusion practice. We aimed to use the theoretical domains framework (TDF) to categorize nonclinical and behavioural factors driving intraoperative RBC transfusion practice in a systematic review of the literature. We searched electronic databases from inception until August 2021 to identify studies evaluating nonclinical factors affecting intraoperative RBC transfusion. Using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool, we assessed the quality of included studies and identified relevant nonclinical factors, which were coded into TDF domains by two independent reviewers using NVivo (Lumivero, QSR International, Burlington, MA, USA). We identified common themes within domains and sorted domains based on the frequency of reported factors. Our systematic review identified 18 studies: nine retrospective cohort studies, six cross-sectional surveys, and three before-and-after studies. Factors related to the social influences, behavioural regulation, environmental context/resources, and beliefs about consequences domains of the TDF were the most reported factors. Key factors underlying the observed variability in transfusion practice included the social effects of peers, patients, and institutional culture on decision-making (social influences), and characteristics of the practice environment including case volume, geographic location, and case start time (environmental context/resources). Studies reported variable beliefs about the consequences of both intraoperative transfusion and anemia (beliefs about consequences). Provider- and institutional-level audits, educational sessions, and increased communication between surgeons/anesthesiologists were identified as strategies to optimize intraoperative transfusion decision-making (behavioural regulation). Our systematic review has synthesized the literature on nonclinical and behavioural factors impacting intraoperative transfusion decision-making, categorized using the TDF. These findings can inform evidence-based interventions to reduce intraoperative RBC transfusion variability. Open Science Framework ( https://osf.io/pm8zs/?view_only=166299ed28964804b9360c429b1218c1 ; first posted, 3 August 2022).

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.

Red Blood Cell Transfusion in the Intensive Care Unit

Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion is common among patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Despite multiple randomized clinical trials of hemoglobin (Hb) thresholds for transfusion, little is known about how these thresholds are incorporated into current practice. To evaluate and describe ICU RBC transfusion practices worldwide. International, prospective, cohort study that involved 3643 adult patients from 233 ICUs in 30 countries on 6 continents from March 2019 to October 2022 with data collection in prespecified weeks. ICU stay. The primary outcome was the occurrence of RBC transfusion during ICU stay. Additional outcomes included the indication(s) for RBC transfusion (consisting of clinical reasons and physiological triggers), the stated Hb threshold and actual measured Hb values before and after an RBC transfusion, and the number of units transfused. Among 3908 potentially eligible patients, 3643 were included across 233 ICUs (median of 11 patients per ICU [IQR, 5-20]) in 30 countries on 6 continents. Among the participants, the mean (SD) age was 61 (16) years, 62% were male (2267/3643), and the median Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score was 3.2 (IQR, 1.5-6.0). A total of 894 patients (25%) received 1 or more RBC transfusions during their ICU stay, with a median total of 2 units per patient (IQR, 1-4). The proportion of patients who received a transfusion ranged from 0% to 100% across centers, from 0% to 80% across countries, and from 19% to 45% across continents. Among the patients who received a transfusion, a total of 1727 RBC transfusions were administered, wherein the most common clinical indications were low Hb value (n = 1412 [81.8%]; mean [SD] lowest Hb before transfusion, 7.4 [1.2] g/dL), active bleeding (n = 479; 27.7%), and hemodynamic instability (n = 406 [23.5%]). Among the events with a stated physiological trigger, the most frequently stated triggers were hypotension (n = 728 [42.2%]), tachycardia (n = 474 [27.4%]), and increased lactate levels (n = 308 [17.8%]). The median lowest Hb level on days with an RBC transfusion ranged from 5.2 g/dL to 13.1 g/dL across centers, from 5.3 g/dL to 9.1 g/dL across countries, and from 7.2 g/dL to 8.7 g/dL across continents. Approximately 84% of ICUs administered transfusions to patients at a median Hb level greater than 7 g/dL. RBC transfusion was common in patients admitted to ICUs worldwide between 2019 and 2022, with high variability across centers in transfusion practices.

Patient Blood Management after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in a Pediatric Setting: Starting Low and Going Lower.

Despite the substantial transfusion requirements, there are few studies on the optimal transfusion strategy in pediatric patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Our study aimed to retrospectively analyze red blood cell (RBC) and platelet (PLT) transfusion practices during the first 100 days after HSCT at the pediatric hematology/oncology unit of our hospital between 2016 and 2019, due to a more restrictive approach adopted after 2016. We also evaluated the impact on patient outcomes. A total of 146 consecutive HSCT patients were analyzed. In patients without hemorrhagic complications, the Hb threshold for RBC transfusions decreased significantly from 2016 to 2017 (from 7.8 g/dL to 7.3 g/dL; p = 0.010), whereas it remained the same in 2017, 2018, and 2019 (7.3, 7.2, and 7.2 g/dL, respectively). Similarly, the PLT threshold decreased significantly from 2016 to 2017 (from 18,000 to 16,000/μL; p = 0.026) and further decreased in 2019 (15,000/μL). In patients without severe hemorrhagic complications, the number of RBC and PLT transfusions remained very low over time. No increase in 100-day and 180-day non-relapse mortality or adverse events was observed during the study period. No patient died due to hemorrhagic complications. Our preliminary observations support robust studies enrolling HSCT patients in patient blood management programs.

Patient blood management: Myths and facts about red blood cell transfusions.

Transfusion medicine resembles all of medicine in that expert opinion predominates because hard data on clinical outcomes from randomized controlled trials and high quality observational data are simply unavailable. Indeed, some of the first trials evaluating important outcomes are barely two decades old. Patient blood management (PBM) depends on high quality data for assisting clinicians in making clinical decisions. In this review, we focus on several red blood cell (RBC) transfusion practices that new data suggest need reconsideration. The practices that may need revision include transfusion for iron deficiency anaemia, except in life threatening situations, toleration of anaemia as a largely benign condition and use of haemoglobin/haematocrit as primary indications for RBC transfusion, as opposed to adjuncts to clinical judgement. In addition, the long-standing notion that the minimum transfusion should be two units needs to be abandoned due to the danger to patients and a lack of clinical evidence of benefit. Finally, the difference in indications for leucoreduction versus irradiation needs to be understood by all practitioners. PBM is one of the strategies for managing anaemia and bleeding that holds great promise for patients, and transfusion is only one facet of the bundle of practices.

How much have we improved? trends in red blood cell transfusion in hepatectomy over 50 years

Background: Red blood cell (RBC) transfusions are an important component of blood loss mitigation in patients undergoing hepatectomy. Although potentially lifesaving, RBC transfusions may also be harmful and are limited in supply. RBC transfusion incidence is thus an important quality indicator for surgeons and patients alike. While RBC transfusion incidence in hepatectomy is intuitively understood to have decreased over several years, formal examination of this trend is lacking in the literature. Thus, the objective of this work was to describe the temporal evolution of RBC transfusion practice among patients having liver resections.

Rationale and design for the myocardial ischemia and transfusion (MINT) randomized clinical trial

Accumulating evidence from clinical trials suggests that a lower (restrictive) hemoglobin threshold (<8g/dL) for red blood cell (RBC) transfusion, compared with a higher (liberal) threshold (≥10 g/dL) is safe. However, in anemic patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI), maintaining a higher hemoglobin level may increase oxygen delivery to vulnerable myocardium resulting in improved clinical outcomes. Conversely, RBC transfusion may result in increased blood viscosity, vascular inflammation, and reduction in available nitric oxide resulting in worse clinical outcomes. We hypothesize that a liberal transfusion strategy would improve clinical outcomes as compared to a more restrictive strategy. We will enroll 3500 patients with acute MI (type 1, 2, 4b or 4c) as defined by the Third Universal Definition of MI and a hemoglobin <10 g/dL at 144 centers in the United States, Canada, France, Brazil, New Zealand, and Australia. We randomly assign trial participants to a liberal or restrictive transfusion strategy. Participants assigned to the liberal strategy receive transfusion of RBCs sufficient to raise their hemoglobin to at least 10 g/dL. Participants assigned to the restrictive strategy are permitted to receive transfusion of RBCs if the hemoglobin falls below 8 g/dL or for persistent angina despite medical therapy. We will contact each participant at 30 days to assess clinical outcomes and at 180 days to ascertain vital status. The primary end point is a composite of all-cause death or recurrent MI through 30 days following randomization. Secondary end points include all-cause mortality at 30 days, recurrent adjudicated MI, and the composite outcome of all-cause mortality, nonfatal recurrent MI, ischemia driven unscheduled coronary revascularization (percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass grafting), or readmission to the hospital for ischemic cardiac diagnosis within 30 days. The trial will assess multiple tertiary end points. The MINT trial will inform RBC transfusion practice in patients with acute MI.

A Retrospective Review of Red Blood Cell Transfusion Practices in a Rural Community Hospital System

Introduction: Anemia is associated with increased length of stay and mortality in hospitalized patients. Red blood cell (RBC) transfusions could be lifesaving intervention and are generally used as a stabilizing measure until underlying etiology of anemia is identified and corrected. However, RBC transfusions have several adverse effects which occasionally could be life-threatening, including transfusion associated infections, immunologic reactions, volume overload, electrolyte imbalances, and iron overload. The decision on RBC transfusions should be based on patient's clinical status and physician's judgment, supported by data from randomized trials. Methods: In efforts to improve RBC transfusion practices in Northern Arizona Healthcare (NAH) facilities, all RBC transfusions between 01/01/2021 and 03/31/2022 were evaluated. Based on randomized clinical trial data, the following RBC transfusion thresholds were considered: Hemoglobin (Hgb) <8 g/dL for hospitalized anemic patients with established cardiovascular disease (CVD) or undergoing surgery, and Hgb <7 g/dL in hemodynamically stable hospitalized patients. Transfusions in pediatric patients, active/suspected blood loss, anemia with hemodynamic instability and massive or recurrent transfusions were excluded from the analysis. For the purpose of this study, RBC transfusion was deemed to be unjustified in cases where only 1 unit of RBC could have been sufficient to raise Hgb level above the specified threshold, however >1 unit was used with no clear justification. Results: A total of 2756 units of RBC transfusions were analyzed in hospitalized patients ages 18-102 years. Three patient groups were identified based on the documented provider justification for RBC transfusions: 1) Hgb <7 g/dL, 2) Hgb <8 g/dL with established CVD or undergoing surgery, 3) "other" who did not meet criteria for the previous groups. In the "other" group, the justification was manually entered by the provider. In the Hgb <7 group, 2004 RBC units were transfused in 1019 patients. Of those, 1440 units were transfused for Hgb level of 6.0-6.9 g/dL in 837 patients, with 273 patients receiving 2-4 units of RBCs when 1 unit could have been sufficient to raise the Hgb level >7 g/dL. Therefore, 303 RBC units were considered unjustified. Also, 83 units were deemed unjustified as they were transfused in 72 patients with pre-transfusion Hgb of ≥7.0 g/dL. In the Hgb <8 group, a total of 711 units were transfused in 500 patients. In the CVD group, 401 units were transfused in 287 patients, of which 260 patients had a Hgb of 7.0-7.9 g/dL. Thirty-four of these patients received 2-3 units when 1 unit was deemed sufficient to increase Hgb >8 (35 unjustified units). Additionally, 5 patients received at least 1 unit of RBC when Hgb was ≥8.0 g/dL (6 unjustified units). In patients undergoing surgery, 213 patients received 310 units. Of those, 150 patients had a Hgb 7.0-7.9 g/dL, 23 of which received >1 units (23 unjustified units). In the group classified as "other", 41 units were transfused in 39 patients. Hgb levels in this group were between 6.7 to 13.3 g/dL. After further evaluation, 18 units transfused in 17 patients were deemed to be unjustified. Discussion: RBC transfusion practices were evaluated in two hospitals in a rural setting in Arizona. From a total of 2756 units, 468 (16.9%) were deemed to be unjustified. The majority of these cases were seen in the Hgb <7 group. This is the first evaluation of RBC transfusion practices at this institution and a stepping stone to implement measures to improve these practices in the future. The next step includes creating an order set module that would not only require providing justification for blood transfusion, but also confirmation of pre-transfusion and desired target Hgb levels. Additionally, it would implement a notification encouraging single unit transfusions when feasible to decrease transfusion associated adverse reactions and cost burden on patients. Figure 1View largeDownload PPTFigure 1View largeDownload PPT Close modal

Evaluating variation in perioperative red blood cell transfusion for patients undergoing elective gastrointestinal cancer surgery

BackgroundPatients undergoing gastrointestinal cancer surgery often receive packed red blood cell transfusions. Understanding practice variation is critical to support efforts working toward responsible transfusion use. We measured the extent and importance of variation in perioperative packed red blood cell transfusion use across physicians and hospitals among gastrointestinal cancer surgery patients. MethodsWe identified patients who underwent elective gastrointestinal cancer resection between 2007 and 2019 using linked administrative health data sets in Ontario, Canada. We used funnel plots to describe variation in transfusion use, adjusted for patient case mix. Hierarchical regression models quantified patient-level, between-physician, and between-hospital variation in transfusion use with R2 measures, variance partition coefficients, and median odds ratios. ResultsOf 59,964 included patients (median age 69 years; 43.2% female; 75.8% colorectal resections), 18.0% received perioperative packed red blood cell transfusions. Funnel plots showed variation in transfusion use among physicians and hospitals. Patient characteristics, such as age, comorbidity, and procedure type, combined to explain 12.8% of the variation. After adjusting for case mix, systematic between-physician and between-hospital differences were responsible for 2.8% and 2.1% of the variation, respectively. This translated to an approximately 30% difference in the odds of transfusion for 2 similar patients treated by distinct physicians (median odds ratio: 1.35, 95% confidence interval 1.30–1.40) and hospitals (median odds ratio: 1.30, 95% confidence interval 1.23–1.42). We observed comparable effects across procedure-type subgroups. ConclusionTransfusion provision is highly driven by patient factors. Yet the impact of the treating physician and hospital on variation relative to other factors is important and reflects opportunities to target modifiable processes of care to standardize perioperative packed red blood cell transfusion practice.

Survey of intrauterine red blood cell (RBC) transfusion practices in the United States.

A paucity of data exists about the current practice of fetal red blood cell (RBC) transfusion in the United States (US). This investigation describes intrauterine transfusion (IUT) RBC product selection and processing practices at different US institutions. A transfusion medicine and maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) team designed a survey to interrogate and characterize RBCs utilized for IUT. This survey was distributed to seventy US institutions with fetal treatment centers (October 2020-April 2021) identified through the NAFTNet (North American Fetal Therapy Network). Thirty-seven institutions responded (response rate 53%, 37/70), but five were excluded for not performing IUTs. Most (84%; 27/32) performed 1-24 IUTs annually; two performed >50 IUTs/year. Group O, Rh(D) negative RBC units were always used by 66% (21/32), and 75% (24/32) provided hemoconcentrated RBCs by washing (17/24) or dry packing (6/24). Overall, 66% (21/32) targeted a hematocrit ≥75%. Fifty percent provided both leukocyte-reduced and CMV-negative RBC units. Irradiation of RBC units was performed within 6 h of issue at 63% (20/32) of sites. Most (81%, 26/32) used RBC units at <7 days of age after collection, 56% (18/32) always provided washed RBC units, while 19% (6/32) issued washed RBC only if fresh units are unavailable. Implicated maternal RBC alloantibodies were matched for 78% (25/32) of the time. The transfused volume was universally determined by the MFMs. Heterogeneity and lack of standardization exist in RBC product selection and special processing steps for IUTs in the US. Hence, the establishment of a consensus to standardize IUT protocols is needed.

The impact of red blood cell transfusion practices on inpatient mortality in variceal and non-variceal gastrointestinal bleeding patients: a 20-year US nationwide retrospective analysis.

Previous studies in upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding have reported inconsistent outcomes about packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusion practices. To assess whether PRBC transfusion is more likely to be dangerous in variceal bleeding than in non-variceal bleeding due to concern of over-transfusion leading to elevated portal pressure. We used the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (1999-2018). We identified patients with upper GI bleeding using an algorithmic approach, categorising bleeding from non-variceal or variceal sources. Our primary outcome was all-cause inpatient mortality. To control for the severity of bleeding, we performed propensity matching of baseline features, including age, gender, the presence of shock, the need for ICU care and co-morbidities. We also examined PRBC transfusion, inpatient mortality and hospitalisation rates for both populations. We included 10,228,524 upper GI bleeding discharges; 755,135 patients had variceal bleeding. After propensity matching, PRBC transfusion in variceal bleeders was associated with a 22% increase in inpatient mortality, whereas non-variceal bleeders had a 9% increase in inpatient mortality. Compared to non-variceal bleeders receiving blood transfusion, variceal bleeders had nearly four-fold higher odds of inpatient mortality (propensity-matched OR: 3.8; 95% CI: 3.7-3.8; p < 0.001). Notably, PRBC transfusion rates in both groups have declined since 2011, although it has remained higher in variceal bleeders. Mortality for upper GI bleeding has been declining since 1999. Although decreased over the last decade, PRBC transfusion rates remain high for variceal bleeders. In addition, PRBC transfusion appears to be more detrimental in variceal bleeders than in non-variceal bleeders.

Questionnaire Survey on Current Red Blood Cell Transport and Storage in Korea for Reducing Wastage.

BackgroundTo ensure safe red blood cell (RBC) transfusion practice, it is important to comply with storage and transport requirements of RBC units. We conducted a comprehensive survey on the practice of RBC transport and storage to explore the awareness of and compliance with the 30-minute rule, the current status of RBC unit transport, and possible utility of temperature indicators (TIs) to reduce RBC wastage.MethodsFrom June to August of 2019, 64 blood bank physicians (14 questions) in 64 secondary- and tertiary-care hospitals and 673 nurses (13 questions) in 42 tertiary-care hospitals replied to a questionnaire survey. The results of the survey were analyzed with descriptive statistics.ResultsAmong the physicians surveyed, 97.0% (N=62) of hospitals had transfusion guidelines in place. The RBC wastage in 2018 ranged from less than five units to more than 200 units. Among the nurses surveyed, 99.4% (N=669) were aware of and complied with the 30-minute rule; 13.5% (N=91) of the nurses had experience of RBC wastage due to violation of the 30-minute rule. Both physicians (67%, N=43) and nurses (83.1%, N=559) responded that TIs would help reduce RBC wastage.ConclusionsThis is the first survey on the practices related to RBC transport and storage in Korea. This study provides fundamental data on current practice for the blood cold chain, insights into RBC wastage, and highlights the utility of TIs.

Regional Oxygenation and Perfusion Monitoring to Optimize Neonatal Packed Red Blood Cell Transfusion Practices: A Systematic Review.

Contemporary packed red blood cell transfusion practices in anaemic preterm infants are primarily based on measurement of hemoglobin or haematocrit. In neonatal intensive care units, most preterm infants receive at least 1 packed red cell transfusion as standard treatment for anaemia of prematurity. Clinicians are faced with a common question "at what threshold should anaemic preterm infants receive packed red blood cell transfusion?". While evidence from interventional trials offers a range of haemoglobin levels to clinicians on thresholds to initiate red cell transfusion, it does not offer identification of exact haemoglobin level at which regional oxygenation and perfusion gets compromised. Assessment of regional oxygenation using near infrared spectroscopy and perfusion using ultrasound could offer a personalized transfusion medicine approach to optimize transfusion practices. We conducted a systematic review of the literature to identify the role of both regional oxygenation and/or ultrasound-based perfusion monitoring as a potential trigger to initiate packed red blood cell transfusion in anaemic preterm infants. MEDLINE, Embase, Maternity and Infant Care database were searched up to March 2021. Publications identified were screened and relevant data was extracted. Changes to regional oxygenation and/or perfusion monitoring before and after packed red blood cell transfusion were the primary outcomes. 44 out of 755 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis. Most were prospective, observational studies in stable preterm infants. Overall, studies reported an improvement in regional oxygenation and/or ultrasound-based perfusion after packed red blood cell transfusion. These changes were more consistently observed when hemoglobin <9.6g/dL or hematocrit was <0.30. Significant variation was found for patient characteristics, postnatal age at the time of monitoring, criteria for diagnosis of anaemia, and period of monitoring as well as regional oxygenation monitoring methodology. Regional oxygenation and/or perfusion monitoring can identify at-risk anaemic preterm infants and are promising tools to individualize packed red blood cell transfusion practices. However, there is lack of evidence for incorporating this monitoring, in their present form, into standard clinical practice. Additionally, consistency in reporting of study methodology should be improved.

Anemia and Red Blood Cell Transfusion Practices in a Medical Intensive Care Unit

Anemia and Red Blood Cell Transfusion Practices in a Medical Intensive Care Unit

Optimizing red blood cell transfusion practices in the intensive care unit: a multi-phased health technology reassessment

Health technology reassessment (HTR) is a process to manage existing health technologies to ensure ongoing optimal use. A model to guide HTR was developed; however, there is limited practical experience. This paper addresses this knowledge gap through the completion of a multi-phase HTR of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion practices in the intensive care unit (ICU). The HTR consisted of three phases and here we report on the final phase: the development, implementation, and evaluation of behavior change interventions aimed at addressing inappropriate RBC transfusions in an ICU. The interventions, comprised of group education and audit and feedback, were co-designed and implemented with clinical leaders. The intervention was evaluated through a controlled before-and-after pilot feasibility study. The primary outcome was the proportion of potentially inappropriate RBC transfusions (i.e., with a pre-transfusion hemoglobin of 70 g/L or more). There was marked variability in the monthly proportion of potentially inappropriate RBC transfusions. Relative to the pre-intervention phase, there was no significant difference in the proportion of potentially inappropriate RBC transfusions post-intervention. Lessons from this work include the importance of early and meaningful engagement of clinical leaders; tailoring the intervention modalities; and, efficient access to data through an electronic clinical information system. It was feasible to design, implement, and evaluate a tailored, multi-modal behavior change intervention in this small-scale pilot study. However, early evaluation of the intervention revealed no change in technology use leading to reflection on the important question of how the HTR model needs to be improved.

Peri-operative red blood cell transfusion in neonates and infants: NEonate and Children audiT of Anaesthesia pRactice IN Europe: A prospective European multicentre observational study.

BACKGROUNDLittle is known about current clinical practice concerning peri-operative red blood cell transfusion in neonates and small infants. Guidelines suggest transfusions based on haemoglobin thresholds ranging from 8.5 to 12 g dl−1, distinguishing between children from birth to day 7 (week 1), from day 8 to day 14 (week 2) or from day 15 (≥week 3) onwards.OBJECTIVETo observe peri-operative red blood cell transfusion practice according to guidelines in relation to patient outcome.DESIGNA multicentre observational study.SETTINGThe NEonate-Children sTudy of Anaesthesia pRactice IN Europe (NECTARINE) trial recruited patients up to 60 weeks’ postmenstrual age undergoing anaesthesia for surgical or diagnostic procedures from 165 centres in 31 European countries between March 2016 and January 2017.PATIENTSThe data included 5609 patients undergoing 6542 procedures. Inclusion criteria was a peri-operative red blood cell transfusion.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURESThe primary endpoint was the haemoglobin level triggering a transfusion for neonates in week 1, week 2 and week 3. Secondary endpoints were transfusion volumes, ‘delta haemoglobin’ (preprocedure – transfusion-triggering) and 30-day and 90-day morbidity and mortality.RESULTSPeri-operative red blood cell transfusions were recorded during 447 procedures (6.9%). The median haemoglobin levels triggering a transfusion were 9.6 [IQR 8.7 to 10.9] g dl−1 for neonates in week 1, 9.6 [7.7 to 10.4] g dl−1 in week 2 and 8.0 [7.3 to 9.0] g dl−1 in week 3. The median transfusion volume was 17.1 [11.1 to 26.4] ml kg−1 with a median delta haemoglobin of 1.8 [0.0 to 3.6] g dl−1. Thirty-day morbidity was 47.8% with an overall mortality of 11.3%.CONCLUSIONSResults indicate lower transfusion-triggering haemoglobin thresholds in clinical practice than suggested by current guidelines. The high morbidity and mortality of this NECTARINE sub-cohort calls for investigative action and evidence-based guidelines addressing peri-operative red blood cell transfusions strategies.TRIAL REGISTRATIONClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT02350348

Changing red blood cell transfusion practice in obstetrics and gynaecology: A before and after study of hospital-wide education.

To assess transfusion practices at a Canadian tertiary care center before and after a hospital-wide blood management educational campaign based on the Choosing Wisely toolkit. Red blood cell (RBC) transfusions are an essential intervention in obstetrics and gynaec ology (O&G). However, with limited guidelines outlining the appropriate use of RBC transfusions, clinicians routinely transfuse based on haemoglobin values and habits. We conducted a retrospective chart review of all patients who received a RBC transfusion while admitted under an O&G provider in two 12-month periods-before and after the intervention. The campaign consisted of Grand Rounds, formal and informal teaching, and posters placed within the hospital. We judged appropriateness from a set of criteria guided by the status of ongoing bleeding, pre-transfusion haemoglobin, and the number of units ordered simultaneously. Transfusion appropriateness was poor in pre- and post-intervention periods (46% vs. 51%, p=0.59). The overall rate of RBC transfusion was reduced from 1.8% to 1.2% (83/4610 vs. 55/4618, p=0.02) after the intervention. There was a 52% reduction in the total number of RBC units of transfused (229 vs. 111, p < 0.001), a 33% reduction in the number of patients transfused (83 vs. 55, p=0.016), and fewer multiple-unit transfusions without reassessment (39 vs. 13, p=0.005). RBC transfusion appropriateness remained low after a hospital-wide educational campaign. However, there was a marked decrease in overall transfusion use, reflecting the adoption of more restrictive transfusion practices. The low rate of transfusion appropriateness represents an opportunity for further improvement.