Transfusion Requirements Research Articles

Early transfusion patterns improve the Molecular International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS-M) prediction in myelodysplastic syndromes.

The Molecular International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS-M) is the new gold standard for diagnostic outcome prediction in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). This study was designed to assess the additive prognostic impact of dynamic transfusion parameters during early follow-up. We retrieved complete transfusion data from 677 adult Swedish MDS patients included in the IPSS-M cohort. Time-dependent erythrocyte transfusion dependency (E-TD) was added to IPSS-M features and analyzed regarding overall survival and leukemic transformation (acute myeloid leukemia). A multistate Markov model was applied to assess the prognostic value of early changes in transfusion patterns. Specific clinical and genetic features were predicted for diagnostic and time-dependent transfusion patterns. Importantly, transfusion state both at diagnosis and within the first year strongly predicts outcomes in both lower (LR) and higher-risk (HR) MDSs. In multivariable analysis, 8-month landmark E-TD predicted shorter survival independently of IPSS-M (p<0.001). A predictive model based on IPSS-M and 8-month landmark E-TD performed significantly better than a model including only IPSS-M. Similar trends were observed in an independent validation cohort (n=218). Early transfusion patterns impacted both future transfusion requirements and outcomes in a multistate Markov model. The transfusion requirement is a robust and available clinical parameter incorporating the effects of first-line management. In MDS, it provides dynamic risk information independently of diagnostic IPSS-M and, in particular, clinical guidance to LR MDS patients eligible for potentially curative therapeutic intervention.

Laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal hernia repair in patients with a history of previous abdominopelvic surgery.

A retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair compared short- and long-term outcomes between individuals with or without history of previous abdominopelvic surgery, aiming to determine the feasibility of totally extraperitoneal (TEP) repair within this population. All patients who underwent elective TEP inguinal hernia repair by one consultant surgeon across three London hospitals from January 2017 to May 2023 were retrospectively analysed to assess perioperative outcomes. Two hundred sixty-two patients were identified, of whom two hundred forty-three (93%) underwent laparoscopic TEP repair. The most frequent complications were haematoma (6.2%) and seroma (4.1%). Recurrence occurred in four cases (1.6% of operations, 1.1% of hernias). One hundred eighty-four patients (76%) underwent day-case surgery. There were no mesh infections or explanations, vascular or visceral injuries, port-site hernias, damage to testicle, or persisting numbness. There were no requirements for blood transfusion, returns to theatre, or readmissions within 30days. There was one conversion to open and one death within 60days of surgery. Eighty-three (34%) had a history of previous AP surgery. There was no significant difference in perioperative outcomes between the AP and non-AP arms. This finding carried true for subgroup analysis of 44 patients whose AP surgical history did not include previous inguinal hernia repair and for those undergoing repair of recurrent hernia. In expert hands, laparoscopic TEP repair is associated with excellent outcomes and low rates of long-term complications, and thus should be considered as standard for patients regardless of a history of AP surgery.

Comparison of early surgical outcomes of robotic and laparoscopic colorectal cancer resection reported by a busy district general hospital in England

Robotic platforms provide a stable tool with high-definition views and improved ergonomics compared to laparoscopic approaches. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the intra- and short-term postoperative results of oncological resections performed robotically (RCR) and laparoscopically (LCR) at a single centre. Between February 2020 and October 2022, retrospective data on RCR were compared to LCR undertaken during the same period. Parameters compared include total operative time, length of stay (LOS), re-admission rates, 30-day morbidity. 100 RCR and 112 LCR satisfied inclusion criteria. There was no difference between the two group’s demographic and tumour characteristics. Overall, median operative time was shorter in LCR group [200 vs. 247.5 min, p < 0.005], but this advantage was not observed with pelvic and muti-quadrant resections. There was no difference in the rate of conversion [5(5%) vs. 5(4.5%), p > 0.95]. With respect to perioperative outcomes, there was no difference in the overall morbidity, or mortality between RCR and LCR, in particular requirement for blood transfusion [3(3%) vs. 5(4.5%), p 0.72], prolonged ileus [9(9%) vs. 15(13.2%), p 0.38], surgical site infections [5(4%) vs. 5(4.4%), p > 0.95], anastomotic leak [7(7%) vs. 5(4.4%), p 0.55], and re-operation rate [9(9%) vs. 7(6.3%), p 0.6]. RCR had shorter LOS by one night, but this did not reach statistical significance. No difference was observed in completeness of resection but there was a statically significant increase in lymph node harvest in the robotic series. Robotic approach to oncological colorectal resections is safe, with comparable intra- and peri-operative morbidity and mortality to laparoscopic surgery.

Placenta accreta spectrum disorders: A retrospective continuous audit of clinical outcomes of 82 cases over 18 years in a large outer London associated teaching hospital

AbstractObjectiveTo analyse and describe the clinical outcomes for the women with placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorders managed in our Trust over the last 18 years.DesignHospital‐based retrospective continuous audit.SettingContinuous audit of the women diagnosed with PAS between 2005 and 2023.PopulationLarge outer London teaching hospital.MethodsAll women with low‐lying placenta on a previous caesarean scar were screened during their anomaly scan. Those with suspected PAS were referred to foetal medicine and once confirmed, managed using a multidisciplinary team approach.Main Outcome MeasuresTime of diagnosis, risk factors, timing of and gestation at delivery, type of surgical procedure, length of stay, intensive therapy unit admission, blood transfusion requirements, use of cell salvage, haemostatic techniques, histology, in‐utero transfer rate, need for emergency delivery and complications.ResultsOf the 82 women, 61% were nonwhite and 76% overweight or obese. Thirty‐four percent occurred in women with one previous caesarean. The number managed each year increased, with 39% occurring since 2018. Twenty‐two percent were transferred from other Trusts. Eighty‐four percent delivered &gt;32 weeks gestation with only two women delivering live births &lt;28 weeks. Eighty‐three percent delivered by planned caesarean. Complication rates were low overall, haemorrhage &gt;3 L occurred in 35%. Since 2018, 72% had excision and these cases had better surgical outcomes and fewer complications.ConclusionsOur data demonstrates that our cohort of women are a high‐risk population but despite this, our results are favourable and demonstrate a move to excision surgery with associated reduced morbidity, low rate of complications, a short hospital stay and very low rates of extremely premature deliveries.

Postoperative bleeding after complex abdominal wall reconstruction: A post hoc analysis of a randomized clinical trial

BackgroundAbdominal wall reconstruction requires extensive dissection of the abdominal wall, exposure of the retroperitoneum, and aggressive chemoprophylaxis to reduce the risk of thromboembolic complications. The need for early anticoagulation puts patients at risk for bleeding. We aimed to quantify postoperative blood loss, incidence of transfusion and reoperation, and associated risk factors in patients undergoing complex abdominal wall reconstruction. MethodsAll patients underwent a posterior component separation with transversus abdominis release and placement of retromuscular mesh for ventral hernias <20 cm wide and were enrolled in a clinical trial assessing the utility of trans-fascial mesh fixation. A post hoc analysis was performed to quantify postoperative hemoglobin drop, blood transfusions, and procedural interventions for ongoing bleeding during the first 30 postoperative days. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify predictors of transfusion. ResultsIn 325 patients, hemoglobin decreased by 3.61 (±1.58) g/dL postoperatively. Transfusion incidence was 9.5% (n = 31), and 3.1% (n = 10) required a surgical intervention for bleeding. Initiation of therapeutic anticoagulation postoperatively resulted in a higher likelihood of requiring surgical intervention for bleeding (odds ratio 10.4 [95% confidence interval 2.75–43.8], P < .01). Use of perioperative therapeutic anticoagulation was associated with higher rates of transfusion (odds ratio 3.51 [95% confidence interval 1.34–8.53], P < .01). Neither intraoperative blood loss nor operative times were associated with an increased transfusion requirement or need for operative intervention. ConclusionPatients undergoing transversus abdominis release are at a high risk of postoperative bleeding that can require transfusion and reoperation. Patients requiring postoperative therapeutic anticoagulation are at particularly high risk.

Continuation of chronic antiplatelet therapy is not associated with increased need for transfusions: a cohort study in critically ill septic patients.

The decision to maintain or halt antiplatelet medication in septic patients admitted to intensive care units presents a clinical dilemma. This is due to the necessity to balance the benefits of preventing thromboembolic incidents and leveraging anti-inflammatory properties against the increased risk of bleeding. This study involves a secondary analysis of data from a prospective cohort study focusing on patients diagnosed with severe sepsis or septic shock. We evaluated the outcomes of 203 patients, examining mortality rates and the requirement for transfusion. The cohort was divided into two groups: those whose antiplatelet therapy was sustained (n = 114) and those in whom it was discontinued (n = 89). To account for potential biases such as indication for antiplatelet therapy, propensity score matching was employed. Therapy continuation did not significantly alter transfusion requirements (discontinued vs. continued in matched samples: red blood cell concentrates 51.7% vs. 68.3%, p = 0.09; platelet concentrates 21.7% vs. 18.3%, p = 0.82; fresh frozen plasma concentrates 38.3% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.7). 90-day survival was higher within the continued group (30.0% vs. 70.0%; p < 0.001) and the Log-rank test (7-day survivors; p = 0.001) as well as Cox regression (both matched samples) suggested an association between continuation of antiplatelet therapy < 7 days and survival (HR: 0.24, 95%-CI 0.10 to 0.63, p = 0.004). Sepsis severity expressed by the SOFA score did not differ significantly in matched and unmatched patients (both p > 0.05). The findings suggest that continuing antiplatelet therapy in septic patients admitted to intensive care units could be associated with a significant survival benefit without substantially increasing the need for transfusion. These results highlight the importance of a nuanced approach to managing antiplatelet medication in the context of severe sepsis and septic shock.

Prognostic Role of Initial Thromboelastography in Emergency Department Patients with Primary Postpartum Hemorrhage: Association with Massive Transfusion.

The early prediction of the need for massive transfusions (MTs) and the preparation of blood products are essential for managing patients with primary postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). Thromboelastography (TEG) enables a thorough evaluation of coagulation status and is useful for guiding the treatment of hemorrhagic events in various diseases. We investigated the role of TEG in predicting the need for MT in patients with primary PPH. A retrospective observational study was conducted in the emergency department (ED) of a university-affiliated, tertiary referral center between November 2015 and August 2023. TEG was performed upon admission. We defined MT as the requirement for transfusion of more than 10 units of packed red blood cells within the first 24 h. The primary outcome was the need for MT. Among the 184 patients with initial TEG, 34 (18.5%) required MT. Except for lysis after 30 min, the MT and non-MT groups had significantly different TEG values. Based on multivariate analysis, an angle < 60 was an independent predictor of MT (odds ratio (OR) 7.769; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.736-22.062), along with lactate (OR, 1.674; 95% CI, 1.218-2.300) and shock index > 0.9 (OR, 4.638; 95% CI, 1.784-12.056). Alpha angle < 60 degrees indicated the need for MT with 73.5% sensitivity, 72.0% specificity, and 92.3% negative predictive value. Point-of-care testing of TEG has the potential to be a useful tool in accurately predicting the necessity for MT in ED patients with primary PPH at an early stage.

Open versus minimally invasive nephroureterectomy in octogenarians: An analysis of surgical approach trends, outcomes, and survival analysis with propensity matching

IntroductionUpper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is a rare disease accounting only for 5%–10% of urothelial carcinoma (UC). For localized high-risk disease, radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) is the standard of care. While minimally invasive (MIS) RNU has not been shown to decisively improve overall survival (OS) compared to open surgery, MIS RNU has been associated with reduced hospital length of stay (LOS), blood transfusion requirements and improved recovery, which are important considerations when treating older patients.The purpose of this study is to examine trends in surgical approach selection and outcomes of open vs. MIS RNU in patients aged ≥80 years. MethodsUsing the National Cancer Database (NCDB), patients aged ≥80 years who underwent open or MIS (either robotic or laparoscopic) RNU were identified from 2010 to 2019. Demographic, patient-related, and disease-specific factors associated with either open or MIS RNU were assessed using multivariate logistic regression models. Survival analysis was conducted using Kaplan-Meier plots and Cox-proportional hazard regression. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was utilized to adjust for confounding variables. Survival analysis was also conducted on the IPTW adjusted cohort using Kaplan-Meier plots and Cox-proportional hazard regression. Results5,687 patients were identified, with 1,431 (25.2%) and 4,256 (74.8%) patients undergoing open and MIS RNU respectively. The proportion of RNU performed robotically has increased from 12.5% in 2010 to 50.4% in 2019. MIS was associated with a shorter hospital LOS (4.7 days versus 5.9 days, SMD 23.7%). Multivariate analysis revealed that MIS was associated with a significant reduction in 90-day mortality (OR: 0.571; 95%CI: 0.34–0.96, P = 0.033) and improved median OS (53.8 months [95%CI: 50.9–56.9] vs 42.35 months [95%CI: 38.6–46.8], P < 0.001) compared to open surgery. IPTW-adjusted survival analysis revealed improved median OS with MIS when compared to open surgery, with a survival benefit of 46.1 months (95%CI: 40.2–52.4 months) versus 37.7 months (95%CI: 32.6–46.5 months, P = 0.0034) respectively. IPTW-adjusted cox proportional hazard analysis demonstrated that MIS was significantly associated with reduced mortality (HR 0.76, 95%CI: 0.66–0.87, P < 0.001). ConclusionIn octogenarians undergoing RNU, MIS is associated with improved median OS and 90-day mortality.

Blood cardioplegia reduces intraoperative ventricular fibrillation and transfusion requirements compared to crystalloid cardioplegia in canine mitral valve repair.

Cardioplegic solutions are indispensable for open-heart surgeries, including mitral valve repair (MVR), a potentially curative treatment for myxomatous mitral valve disease in dogs. However, procedural methodologies are not fully established, and complications are yet to be comprehensively understood. Cardioplegic solutions contain various substances to protect the myocardium under temporal cardiac arrest. Nevertheless, ventricular fibrillation (VF) occurs as a common complication after releasing the crossclamp. Based on these backgrounds, the search for optimal cardioplegic solutions in dogs undergoing MVR is an urgent issue. This study aims to evaluate the occurrence of VF in dogs treated with blood cardioplegia (BCP) versus crystalloid cardioplegia (CCP) during MVR. A total of 251 client-owned dogs who underwent MVR from November 2015 to November 2017 were included. We retrospectively assessed the relationship between VF and type of cardioplegia (CCP or BCP) based on surgical records, including VF incidence, transfusion use, crossclamp time, and echocardiographic measurements. Logistic regression analysis showed that the CCP group was associated with the occurrence of VF (OR, 2.378; CI, 1.133-4.992; P = .022). In addition, the CCP group was associated with transfusion use (OR, 2.586; CI, 1.232-5.428, P = .022). There was no difference between the groups for the pre- and postoperative echocardiographic measurements. The BCP group had a lower incidence of VF and less transfusion use than the CCP group. This finding indicates that BCP may be a superior cardioplegic technique for MVR in dogs.

Postoperative outcomes of acute-on-chronic liver failure in infants and children with biliary atresia.

Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is associated with increased mortality and morbidity in patients with biliary atresia (BA). Data on impact of ACLF on postoperative outcomes, however, are sparse. We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with BA aged <18 years who underwent LT between 2011 and 2021 at our institution. ACLF was defined using the pediatric ACLF criteria: ≥1 extra-hepatic organ failure in children with decompensated cirrhosis. Of 107 patients (65% female; median age 14 [9-31] months) who received a LT, 13 (12%) had ACLF during the index admission prior to LT. Two (15%) had Grade 1; 4 (30%) had Grade 2; and 7 (55%) had Grade ≥3 ACLF. ACLF cohort was younger at time of listing (5 [4-8] vs. 9 [6-24] months; p < .001) and at LT (8 [8-11] vs. 16 [10-40] months, p < .001) compared to no-ACLF group. Intraoperatively, ACLF patients had higher blood loss (40 [20-53] vs. 10 [6-19] mL/kg; p < .001) and blood transfusion requirements (33 [21-69] vs. 18 [7-25] mL/kg; p = .004). Postoperatively, they needed higher vasopressor support (31% vs. 10.6%; p = .04) and had higher total hospital length of stay (106 [45-151] vs. 13 [7-30] days; p = .023). Rate of return to the operating room, hospital readmission rates, and 1-year post-LT survival rates were comparable between the groups. Despite higher perioperative complications, survival outcomes for ACLF in BA after LT are favorable and comparable to those without ACLF. These encouraging data reiterate prioritization during organ allocation of these critically ill children for LT.

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia may be the most morbid inherited bleeding disorder in women

AbstractHereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is the second-most common inherited bleeding disorder (BD) worldwide and remains without approved therapies. HHT causes serious mucosal bleeding resulting in severe iron-deficiency anemia, major psychosocial complications, and visceral arteriovenous malformations in the brain, lung, and liver, which can cause life-threatening hemorrhagic complications. No study has examined the relative morbidity of HHT and von Willebrand disease (VWD), which is the most common inherited BD in women. We performed an observational cohort study of women with HHT or VWD, comparing a representative sample of 100 randomly selected women with HHT to 100 randomly selected age-matched women with VWD. In HHT vs VWD, recurrent epistaxis and gastrointestinal bleeding were more likely (odds ratio [OR], 32.73 [95% confidence interval, 13.81-71.80]; P < .0001 and 5.69 [2.59-12.89]; P < .0001) and heavy menstrual bleeding was less likely (OR, 0.32 [0.18-0.57]; P < .0001). Iron-deficiency anemia was significantly more likely, and the lowest hemoglobin was significantly lower in HHT than in VWD. The odds of iron infusion dependence, requirement for red cell transfusion, and hemostatic surgical procedures were significantly higher—17-fold, threefold, and eightfold higher, respectively—and hospital admissions to manage disease complications were both ∼14 times more frequent in women with HHT vs those with VWD. In conclusion, much higher disease-related morbidity, mortality, and health care use were observed in women with HHT vs VWD, providing evidence that HHT may be the most clinically significant inherited BD in women. Given the vast gap in research funding for HHT compared with both hemophilia (a disease primarily of men) and VWD, these findings have significant implications for gender equity in hematology.

Anti-inflammatory therapies are associated with delayed onset of anemia and reduction in transfusion requirements in critically ill patients: results from two studies

BackgroundAnemia is a hallmark of critical illness, which is largely inflammatory driven. We hypothesized that the use of anti-inflammatory agents limits the development of anemia and reduces the need for red blood cell (RBC) transfusions in patients with a hyper-inflammatory condition due to COVID-19.MethodsAn observational cohort (n = 772) and a validation cohort (a subset of REMAP-CAP, n = 119) of critically ill patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure due to COVID-19 were analyzed, who either received no treatment, received steroids or received steroids plus IL-6 blocking agents. The trajectory of hemoglobin (Hb) decline and the need for RBC transfusions were compared using descriptive statistics as well as multivariate modeling.ResultsIn both cohorts, Hb level was higher in the treated groups compared to the untreated group at all time points. In the observational cohort, incidence and number of transfused patients were lower in the group receiving the combination treatment compared to the untreated groups. In a multivariate analysis controlling for baseline Hb imbalance and mechanical ventilation, receipt of steroids remained associated with a slower decline in Hb level and the combination treatment remained associated with a slower decline of Hb and with less transfusions. Results remained the same in the validation cohort.ConclusionImmunomodulatory treatment was associated with a slower decline in Hb level in critically ill patients with COVID-19 and with less transfusion. Findings point toward inflammation as an important cause for the occurrence of anemia in the critically ill.

Efficacy and safety of empiric treatment with omeprazole continuous infusion in critically ill children with gastrointestinal bleeding.

Gastrointestinal bleeding (GI) is a prevalent condition among pediatric patients, with a reported incidence of 6.4%, often severe enough to require admission to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). There are multiple therapies utilized in the management of GI bleeding in pediatrics, among which continuous intravenous (IV) infusion of omeprazole is used off-label without standard pediatric dosing recommendations. Reviewing the current literature reveals a lack of studies assessing the efficacy, safety, and appropriate dosing regimen of continuous omeprazole infusion in children with GI bleeding. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of continuous IV omeprazole infusion in comparison to other therapeutic modalities in children. This study is a single-center, retrospective chart review of children admitted to the PICU at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The treatment group included pediatric patients with GI bleeding and receiving omeprazole IV continuous infusion over ≥24 h while the control group included pediatric patients with GI bleeding managed using other therapies. Primary outcomes were the efficacy of omeprazole continuous infusion in stopping GI bleeding, and PICU length of stay (LOS). Secondary outcomes included instances of rebleeding post- therapy discontinuation, transfusion requirements, and the safety of omeprazole continuous infusion. The study included 81 critically ill pediatric patients, 22 of whom received continuous infusion omeprazole while 59 received other therapies. The results indicated that patients in the control group had a significantly shorter PICU LOS (8 vs. 18.5 days, p < 0.001) and bleeding episode (4 vs. 10.5 days, p < 0.001) than those in the treatment group. However, no significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding secondary outcomes. The treatment group had a significantly lower all-cause mortality rate during hospitalization compared to the control group (16 patients [72.7%] vs. 56 patients [94.9%], respectively, p = 0.005). Empirical use of omeprazole continuous intravenous infusion in children with GI bleeding was not favorable in terms of shortening PICU LOS and duration of GI bleeding. Our study results provide evidence supporting the safety and tolerability of omeprazole continuous infusion. Additional larger studies are necessary to determine the implication of such results.

Lack of efficacy of aprotinin over tranexamic acid in type A aortic dissection repair.

The role of aprotinin in modern cardiac surgery is not well defined. While licensed for use in isolated coronary artery bypass grafting it is more commonly used for cases deemed to be at an increased risk of bleeding. The relative efficacy, and safety profile, of aprotinin as compared to other antifibrinolytics in these high-risk cases is uncertain. A retrospective observational study with propensity matching to determine whether aprotinin versus tranexamic acid reduced bleeding or transfusion requirements in patients presenting for surgical repair of type A aortic dissection (TAD). Between 2016 and 2022, 250 patients presented for repair of TAD. A total of 231 patients were included in the final analysis. Bleeding and transfusion were similar between both groups in both propensity matched and unmatched cohorts. Compared to tranexamic acid, aprotinin use did not reduce transfusion requirements for any product. Rates of bleeding in the first 12 h, return to theater and return to intensive care unit with an open packed chest were similar between groups. There was no difference in rates of renal failure, stroke, or death. Aprotinin did not reduce the risk of bleeding or transfusion requirements in patients undergoing repair of type A aortic dissections. Efficacy of aprotinin may vary depending on the type of surgery performed and the underlying pathology.

Tranexamic acid reduces intraoperative red blood cell transfusion rates in craniosynostosis surgery: a 6-year retrospective analysis

Surgery for craniosynostosis in children is associated with substantial intraoperative bleeding and the need for blood transfusions. Recent studies have supported the efficacy of tranexamic acid (TXA) in reducing blood loss and transfusion requirements. The records of 72 patients under 18 months of age who had undergone 113 surgeries for non-syndromic craniosynostosis in a single institution for 6 years were retrospectively analyzed. The transfusion requirements in infants with and without TXA administration were compared. The concept of patient blood management before and after TXA implementation in practice was also examined. The rate of intraoperative packed red blood cells (PRBC) transfusion was significantly lower in the TXA than in the non-TXA group (26.7% vs. 83%, p < 0.001). The volume of intraoperatively transfused PRBC was also lower in the TXA group compared to the non-TXA group (mean 68.25 mL vs. 101.91 mL, p < 0.001), as was the weight-adjusted volume (mean 11.2 mL/kg vs. 15 mL/kg, p = 0.002). There were no significant differences in the rate and volumes of postoperative PRBC transfusion between groups. The volume of intraoperatively transfused PRBC was dependent on TXA administration, but not on the affected suture and type of intervention. We found that while in the pre-TXA period all patients were transfused intraoperatively, the frequency of intraoperative transfusions in the post-TXA period was reduced by 40.9% even in the patients who had not received TXA. TXA seems to effectively reduce the intraoperative transfusion requirements in children undergoing craniosynostosis surgery. The optimal blood management in this patient population remains to be further evaluated.

Preferential whole blood transfusion during the early resuscitation period is associated with decreased mortality and transfusion requirements in traumatically injured patients

IntroductionWhole blood (WB) transfusion represents a promising resuscitation strategy for trauma patients. However, a paucity of data surrounding the optimal incorporation of WB into resuscitation strategies persists. We hypothesized that...

Comparison of minimal invasive extracorporeal circulation versus standard cardiopulmonary bypass systems on coronary artery bypass surgery.

In this study, we shared our experience with the minimal invasive extracorporeal circulation system for coronary artery bypass grafting patients. A total of 163 patients were included in the retrospective study, with 83 patients (63 males, 20 females; mean age: 61.9±8.9 years; range, 35 to 81 years) undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting with minimal invasive extracorporeal circulation and 80 patients (65 males, 15 females; mean age: 60.5±8.8 years; range, 43 to 82 years) undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting with conventional cardiopulmonary bypass between July 2021 and April 2023. Elective coronary bypass performed by same surgical team were included in the study. Mortality, major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular event, hospital stays and transfusion requirements were evaluated. There were no significant differences in sex distribution, age, comorbidities, and blood values between the two groups. Intraoperatively, the minimal invasive extracorporeal circulation group had a slightly higher number of distal anastomoses and comparable times for aortic cross-clamp and cardiopulmonary bypass. Postoperative outcomes such as tamponade, bleeding, atrial fibrillation, left ventricular ejection fraction improvement or reduction, and postoperative drainage were similar between the two groups. However, the minimal invasive extracorporeal circulation group had fewer transfusions of packed red blood cells and fresh frozen plasma and a shorter length of stay in the intensive care unit. The minimal invasive extracorporeal circulation system effectively preserves blood, works with lower activated clotting time values without additional complications in coronary artery bypass grafting, and could present a better option for patients with anemia or patients with a relatively high risk for high-dose heparinization.

Impact of coagulopathy assessment with thromboelastography and thromboelastometry on transfusion requirements in critically ill cirrhosis with nonvariceal bleeding: A prospective observational study.

Viscoelastic tests are now routinely used for coagulopathy correction in patients with cirrhosis. Thromboelastography (TEG®) and rotational thromboelastometry (RoTEM®) are the most widely studied tests in this population. However, they have not been compared with each other in critically ill patients with liver disease presenting with nonvariceal bleed. Hence, we aimed to compare these tests for coagulopathy correction in patients with liver disease presenting with nonvariceal bleeding. Sixty adult patients with liver cirrhosis presented to the liver intensive care unit, presenting with a nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleed (diagnosed by doing upper GI endoscopy which revealed bleeding from a nonvariceal source) oral or nasal bleed were enrolled. The patients were allocated to the TEG® group (Group T) or RoTEM® group (Group R) depending on the immediate availability of the viscoelastic test. Coagulopathy correction was done in each group as per established protocols and the results were compared. There was a significant difference in the fresh frozen plasma (FFP) transfusion between the groups. The TEG® group received more FFP when compared to the RoTEM® group (P = 0.001). RoTEM®-based coagulopathy correction leads to lesser use of blood products with similar control of bleeding when compared to TEG, in critically ill patients with cirrhosis.

Impact of Blood Sampling Methods on Blood Loss and Transfusion After Pediatric Cardiac Surgery: An Observational Study

Objective(s)The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the closed-loop sampling method on blood loss and the need for blood transfusion in pediatric patients following cardiac surgery. DesignRetrospective observational study. SettingA single tertiary center study. ParticipantsWe enrolled in this study all pediatric patients less than 4 years old who were admitted to PICU after cardiac surgery. The study involved 100 pediatric patients in the conservative (post-implementation) group, and 43 pediatric patients in the non-conservative group (pre-implementation) InterventionsObservational study. MeasurementsThe primary outcome of this study was the volume of blood loss during the PICU follow-up period. The secondary outcomes of this study were the requirement for blood transfusion in each group, duration of mechanical ventilation, ICU stay, hospital stay, and mortality. The main resultsIn the conservative (post-implementation) group, the blood loss during the follow-up period was 0.67 (0.33-1.16) ml/kg/day, while it was 0.95(0.50-2.30) ml/kg/day in the non-conservative (pre-implementation) group, demonstrating a significant reduction in blood loss in the conservative group, P value was 0.012. Both groups had no significant differences regarding the required blood transfusion volume postoperatively, during the first 24 hours, the first 48 hours, or after 48 hours (p-value was 0.061, 0.536, 0.442, respectively). The frequency of blood transfusion was comparable in both groups during the first 24 hours, the first 48 hours, or after 48 hours postoperatively (p-value was 0.277, 0.639, 0.075, respectively). In addition, both groups did not show significant differences in the duration of mechanical ventilation, ICU length of stay, hospital length of stay, and mortality ConclusionsThe closed-loop sampling method can be efficient to decrease the blood loss during postoperative PICU follow-up for pediatric patients after cardiac surgeries. However, its application didn't reduce the frequency or the volume of blood transfusion in those patients.

Intraoperative renal replacement therapy during liver transplantation in children: Safety, efficacy and impact on survival.

Intraoperative Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (iCRRT) can prevent life-threatening complications, facilitate fluid management, and maintain metabolic homeostasis during liver transplantation (LT) in adults. There is a paucity of data in pediatric LT. We evaluated the safety, efficacy, and impact on survival of iCRRT in pediatric LT. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all children requiring CRRT pre-OLT at a quaternary children's hospital from 2014 to 2022. Demographic characteristics, intraoperative events, and post-LT outcomes were compared between those who received iCRRT and those who did not. Out of 306 patients who received LT, 30 (10%) were supported with CRRT at least 24h prior to LT, of which 11 (36%) received iCRRT. The two cohorts were similar in demographics, diagnosis of liver disease, and severity of illness. The iCRRT patients experienced massive blood loss and increased transfusion requirements. There was no difference in intraoperative metabolic balance. One-year post-LT mortality rates were similar. ICRRT is safe in critically ill children with pre-LT renal dysfunction. It optimizes fluid and blood product resuscitation while maintaining metabolic homeostasis. Candidates need to be carefully chosen for this highly resource-intensive therapy to benefit this fragile population.