Transfusion In Surgical Patients Research Articles

Use of preoperative erythropoietin-stimulating agents is associated with decreased thrombotic adverse events compared to red blood cell transfusion in surgical patients with anaemia.

Preoperative red blood cell (RBC) transfusions increase post-operative venous thromboembolic (VTE) events. Erythropoietin-stimulating agents (ESAs) increase VTE risk in cancer patients; we aimed to assess ESA versus RBC-associated VTE risks in a broad population of surgical patients. We queried TriNetX Diamond Network from 2006 to 2023, comparing patients with anaemia within 3 months preoperatively who received preoperative ESAs with or without intravenous (IV) iron to patients who received preoperative RBCs. Sub-analyses included (1) all surgeries and (2) cardiovascular surgeries. We propensity score matched for demographics, comorbidities, medical services, post-treatment haemoglobin (g/dL) and, for all-surgery comparisons, surgery type. Outcomes included 30-day post-operative mortality, VTE, pulmonary embolism (PE), disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and haemoglobin. In our 19,548-patient cohorts, compared with preoperative RBC transfusion, ESAs without IV iron were associated with lower mortality (relative risk [RR] = 0.51 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.45-0.59]), VTE (RR = 0.57 [0.50-0.65]) and PE (RR = 0.67 [0.54-0.84]). Post-operative haemoglobin was higher in the ESA without IV iron cohort compared with the transfusion cohort (10.0 ± 1.4 vs. 9.4 ± 1.8 g/dL, p = 0.002). Cardiac surgical patients receiving ESAs with or without IV iron had lower risk for post-operative mortality, VTE and PE (p < 0.001) than those receiving RBCs. Post-operative haemoglobin differed between patients receiving ESAs with IV iron versus RBCs (10.1 ± 1.5 vs. 9.4 ± 1.9 g/dL, p = 0.0009). Compared with surgical patients who were transfused RBCs, ESA recipients had reduced 30-day post-operative risk of mortality, VTE, PE and DIC and increased haemoglobin levels. IV iron given with ESAs improved mortality.

The practice of blood cross-match request and transfusion in surgical patients at Debre Markos comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Debre Markos, Ethiopia, 2021/2022. A prospective study

BackgroundBlood transfusions play a great role to improve oxygen delivery to tissues for indicated surgical patients. Preoperative ordering of blood, especially in elective surgery, is often based on the worst-case assumptions, demanding large quantities of blood or overestimating the anticipated blood loss, of which little is ultimately used. This study aimed to assess the practices of blood requisite and transfusion in surgical patients. MethodAn institutional-based prospective study was conducted from September to February 2021/2022, in Debre Markos comprehensive Specialized Hospital. Socio-demographic data like age, sex, ASA status, type of anesthesia, and type of surgeries were taken preoperatively. The number of cross-matched and transfused data were collected from patient charts throughout the perioperative periods. Efficacy of blood utilization was evaluated using the following indices like cross-match to transfusion ratio (C/T ratio), transfusion probability (%T), and transfusion index (TI); a ratio of 2.5 and below, A value of 30% and above, and values of 0.5 or more respectively were considered indicative of significant blood usage and this study is registered with a research unique identifying number of researchregistry7989 and reported in line with STROCSS 2021 guideline. ResultIn all procedures, among cross-matched blood units 64.1% were unutilized. Depending on the urgency of the procedures about 77.7% of cross-matched blood units were not utilized in elective patients. In emergency procedures, the majority (64.3%) of cross-matched units were transfused. The overall blood transfusion indices result was C/T ratio, %T, and TI was 2.9, 33.5%, and 0.7, respectively. The overall blood transfusion indices for elective and emergency surgery are set respectively as follows C/T ratio (4.6 vs 1.5), %T (22 vs 78.8), and TI (0.4 vs 1.9). Among elective procedures, blood utilization was significant in orthopedic surgery with the value of C/T ratio 1.3, %T 66, and TI 1.4. In the rest of the elective procedures, blood transfusion indices were not significant. ConclusionThe overall blood utilization indices in emergency surgical patients were better than in elective and preoperative grouping, screening, and hold (GSH) is sufficient for elective surgical procedures to decrease wastage of valuable supplies.

Anesthesiologists’ knowledge about packed red blood cells transfusion in surgical patients

IntroductionBlood is an important resource in several lifesaving interventions, such as anemia correction and improvement of oxygen transport capacity. Despite advances, packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusion still involves risks. The aim of this study was to describe the knowledge of anesthesiologists about the indications, adverse effects, and alternatives to red blood cell transfusion intraoperatively. MethodCross-sectional study using a questionnaire containing multiple choice questions and clinical cases related to relevant factors on the decision whether to perform PRBC transfusion, its adverse effects, hemoglobin triggers, preventive measures, and blood conservation strategies. The questionnaire was filled without the presence of the investigator. Likert scale was used and the average rank of responses was calculated. The Epi Info 7 software was used for data analysis. Results79% of the institution's anesthesiologists answered the questionnaire; 100% identified the main adverse effects related to blood transfusion. When asked about the factors that influence the transfusion decision, hemoglobin level had the highest agreement (MR=4.46) followed by heart disease (MR=4.26); hematocrit (MR=4.34); age (RM=4.1) and microcirculation evaluation (MR=4.22). Respondents (82.3%) identified levels of Hb=6g.dL−1 as a trigger to transfuse healthy patient. Regarding blood conservation strategies, hypervolemic hemodilution (MR=2.81) and decided by drugs (MR=2.95) were the least reported. ConclusionWe identify a good understanding of anesthesiologists about PRBC transfusion; however, there is a need for refresher courses on the subject.

Association of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors with Transfusion in Surgical Patients.

The clinical relevance of chronic exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to transfusion in surgical patients is unclear. We conducted a prospective cohort study involving patients undergoing cardiac, vascular, spinal, and intracranial surgery at 2 academic medical centers. Medication use, demographics, comorbidities, and laboratory values were determined at baseline by patient interview and review of medical records. The primary outcome was transfusion of any hemostatic allogeneic blood product (i.e., fresh frozen plasma, platelets, and/or cryoprecipitate) through postoperative day 2. The study sample consisted of 767 patients; 364 patients (47.5%) underwent cardiac surgery and the remainder underwent noncardiac surgery. Eighty-eight patients (11.5%) used SSRIs preoperatively. Among cardiac patients, the absolute number of allogeneic transfusions was higher for SSRI users than nonusers (2 [0-6] vs 0 [0-2], median [25%-75%], respectively, P = 0.008), and a similar trend was observed for noncardiac surgery. After adjusting for covariates using ordinal logistic regression, preoperative SSRI use was associated with an approximately 2-fold (odds ratio, 2.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-3.98) increase in odds of exposure to allogeneic hemostatic blood products; similar results were observed using propensity score adjustment (odds ratio, 1.85; 95% confidence interval, 1.11-3.07). A significant interaction between SSRI use and surgery type, age, sex, or concurrent antiplatelet therapy was not found; however, heterogeneity in magnitude of effect could not be excluded. Preoperative use of SSRIs is associated with increased exposure to allogeneic hemostatic blood products in surgical patients at high risk for perioperative bleeding. Determining whether perioperative continuation or withdrawal of SSRIs produces a net clinical benefit requires randomized controlled trials.

Surgery and transfusion

Even though blood transfusion saves thousands of lives worldwide, it causes complications in some patients, and must therefore be correctly administered. As there is no universally accepted consensus on blood transfusion in surgical patients, we have reviewed the latest studies and gathered the best available evidence on blood management strategies. In this study, we discuss indicators for transfusion of erythrocytes and other blood products, haemostatic agents for cardiothoracic and orthopaedic interventions where it is imperative to regulate blood loss, and alternatives in specific situations such as Jehovah's Witnesses patients. Finally, we put forward an algorithm for the preoperative management of surgery patients with low haemoglobin levels.

HALT-IT--tranexamic acid for the treatment of gastrointestinal bleeding: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

BackgroundGastrointestinal bleeding is a common emergency that causes substantial mortality worldwide. Acute upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding accounts for about 75,000 hospital admissions each year in the UK and causes the death of about 10% of these patients.Tranexamic acid has been shown to reduce the need for blood transfusion in surgical patients and to reduce mortality in bleeding trauma patients, with no apparent increase in thromboembolic events.A systematic review of clinical trials of upper gastrointestinal bleeding shows a reduction in the risk of death with tranexamic acid but the quality of the trials was poor and the estimates are imprecise. The trials were also too small to assess the effect of tranexamic acid on thromboembolic events.MethodsHALT-IT is a pragmatic, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial which will determine the effect of tranexamic acid on mortality, morbidity (re-bleeding, non-fatal vascular events), blood transfusion, surgical intervention, and health status in patients with acute gastrointestinal bleeding. Eight thousand adult patients who fulfil the eligibility criteria will be randomised to receive tranexamic acid or placebo.Adults with significant acute upper or lower gastrointestinal bleeding can be included if the responsible doctor is substantially uncertain as to whether or not to use tranexamic acid in that particular patient.Trial treatment consists of a loading dose of tranexamic acid (1 g by intravenous injection) or placebo (sodium chloride 0.9%) given as soon as possible after randomisation, followed by an intravenous infusion of 3 g tranexamic acid or placebo (sodium chloride 0.9%) over 24 hours.The main analyses will compare those allocated tranexamic acid with those allocated placebo, on an intention-to-treat basis. Results will be presented as effect estimates with a measure of precision (95% confidence intervals). Subgroup analyses for the primary outcome will be based on time to treatment, source of bleeding (upper versus lower), suspected variceal bleeding and severity of bleeding. A study with 8,000 patients will have over 90% power to detect a 25% reduction in mortality from 10% to 7.5%.Trial registrationCurrent Controlled Trials ISRCTN11225767 (registration date: 3 July 2012); Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01658124 (registration date: 26 July 2012).Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1745-6215-15-450) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Tranexamic acid reduces blood transfusion in surgical patients while its effects on thromboembolic events and mortality are uncertain

Commentary on: Ker K, Edwards P, Perel P, et al. Effect of tranexamic acid on surgical bleeding: systematic review and cumulative meta-analysis. BMJ 2012;344:e3054.[OpenUrl][1][Abstract/FREE Full Text][2] Surgical trauma leads to...

The case for universal access to tranexamic acid

Tranexamic acid safely reduces mortality in bleeding trauma patients and reduces exposure to allogenic blood transfusion in surgical patients. Considering the growing burden of trauma and the risk of transfusion transmitted viral infections in many parts of the world, a strong case can be made for ensuring universal access to this inexpensive treatment. Indeed, efforts to ensure universal access to safe blood without taking steps to reduce the need for blood transfusion seem inappropriate.

Avoiding blood transfusion in surgical patients (including Jehovah's Witnesses)

When treating Jehovah's Witnesses, the surgical team should carefully discuss the risks and clarify which products and treatments are available and might be acceptable to the patient. A range of multidisciplinary pre, peri and post-operative blood conservation strategies can be employed to reduce the need for transfusion and should be considered in the management of all surgical patients.

The True Cost of Red Blood Cell Transfusion in Surgical Patients

Complex technical, administrative, and clinical steps involving multiple staff members and various materials and other resources must be successfully completed for a blood transfusion to be given and properly managed. These factors are responsible for the direct and indirect costs of transfusion, which are often overlooked and vastly underestimated. In this study, the total cost of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion process in the surgical setting was calculated through activity-based costing (ABC) in a US hospital as a part of the Cost-of-Blood Consensus Conference (COBCON) project, sponsored by the Society for the Advancement of Blood Management (SABM; Shander et al, Transfus Med Rev. 2005; 19:66–78). Initially, main transfusion-related processes were identified by observing the “passage” of blood units (from ordering at local blood services to discarding empty bags and expired units) and recipients (for all major pre-, intra- and post-transfusion-related routines performed) through the system. Then, each main process was broken down into serial and parallel activity steps and the frequency (usage factor) and all required resources for each activity were determined. Local cost rates for all resources were retrieved. Specifically developed ABC software modules developed by Medizinische Gesellschaft für Blutmanagement, Laxenburg, Austria in collaboration with IDS-Scheer AG, Germany, based on ARIS Business Architect 7.02 (IDS-Scheer AG, Germany) were used to calculate the cost of each main transfusion process based on these data. Individual processes were condensed, multiplied by usage factor and flow-charted into the total transfusion process, generating the database for hospital's total process cost of transfusion. Direct and indirect overhead costs were also calculated and added. All data were validated by appropriate hospital personnel. In 2005, 2413 surgical patients were prepared for potential transfusion, of whom, 461 patients received a total of 1368 blood units (2.97 blood units per surgical patient; 1121 units transfused in ward, 132 in intensive care unit, 69 in operating room/post-anesthesia care unit and 46 in emergency room). RBC units were ordered and transported in bulk from blood services 156 times. Transfusion-related processes with highest usage factor for performing these 461 transfusions are listed in the table. A total of 21 mild or moderate and no severe transfusion reactions were reported. There was no transfusion-related litigation or patient reimbursement due to transfusion errors or complications in the studied period. Based on these data, the total cost of RBC transfusion per patient transfused in the surgical setting of this hospital was US$ 3433. The total cost of a unit of RBC was US$ 1,158 (2007 value), of which, indirect overhead, total transfusion process cost, weighted average acquisition cost and direct overhead cost per unit accounted for 40.6%, 34.0%, 21.5% and 3.9%, respectively. This study shows that the true cost of blood transfusion is much higher than the nominal value currently assigned to each unit of blood.Table: Transfusion-related processes with highest usage factor in surgical setting. Not all processes are listed.Main processesUsage factor/frequencyExplaining transfusion risk and obtaining informed consent13,233Pre-transfusion examination & clerical routine>2,413Phlebotomzig & delivering patient's blood specimen to blood bank & central lab>2,485Patient blood testing in central lab & analyzing results - routine & emergency>2,413Controlling & storing components in hospital blood bank1,445ABO/Rh-typing new patients>1,330ABO/Rh-typing control>2,413Antibody screening>2,413Cross matching4,028manual distribution of components and controlling delivery received at transfusion site1779Return deliveries of unused components633Cleaning transfusion site & disposing waste>455Administering and monitoring transfusion1368

Outcome of surgical patients who needed blood transfusion

Blood transfusions are associated with immune modulation, a higher postoperative infection rate, transmission of infectious diseases and higher hospital costs. Measures are necessary to avoid blood transfusion both intraoperative and postoperative in surgeries with a major blood loss. This study aimed to verify the practices of blood transfusion in surgical patients.

Complications related to blood transfusion in surgical patients: data from the French national survey on anesthesia‐related deaths

Complications related to blood transfusion in surgical patients: data from the French national survey on anesthesia‐related deaths

Expectations and Implications of Blood Sparing with Hemoglobin Based Oxygen Carriers

To gain insight into the degree to which hemoglobin based oxygen carriers may replace the need for transfusion in surgical patients experiencing blood loss, a simple mathematical model was developed. This model predicts the amount of blood sparing resulting from a bolus infusion of different doses of hemoglobin solution as a function of circulating hemoglobin half-life and degree of erythropoesis enhancement subsequent to treatment. The results of this analysis are consistent with published clinical data and imply that blood sparing increases with increasing oxygen carrier dose and half-life, as well as increasing levels of erythropoesis enhancement. The analysis also predicts that the total circulating hemoglobin content in patients infused with HBOC solutions may reach a minimum value up to ten days after treatment.

Hierro por vía intravenosa en cirugía general

Preoperative anemia is the main cause of blood transfusion in surgical patients. In digestive surgery high blood loss and allogenic blood transfusion (ABT) are associated with serious adverse events and higher mortality. Consequently, we believe that intravenous iron administration is justified to correct perioperative anemia. We present the case of a woman with metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma in whom intravenous iron administration avoided the use of ABT. Subsequently, the iron metabolism profile improved. This had previously corresponded to a mixed pattern of iron deficiency, that is, to the association of organic and functional iron deficiency.

Effects of blood transfusion on clinical and functional outcomes in patients with hip fracture.

Anemia and transfusion are common among elderly patients requiring surgery. The effects of transfusion on morbidity and mortality are controversial. The influence of transfusion on risk-adjusted mortality, readmissions, and functional mobility was examined. A consecutive cohort of 551 patients undergoing surgery for hip fracture at four hospitals was prospectively studied. Outcomes were death, readmission, and functional independence measure-locomotion scores within 60 days of discharge. The trigger Hb level was defined as the lowest value before the first postoperative transfusion. Multivariate analyses adjusted for a validated, hip-fracture-specific risk model and predictors of transfusion. Overall, 54.4 percent of patients received transfusions after surgery. Seventy-two percent of patients with a lowest postoperative Hb level of less than 10.0 g per dL received transfusions compared to 19.6 percent of those whose lowest measurement was at least 10.0 g per dL (p < 0.0001). In the 60 days after discharge, 3.8 percent of patients died and 16.9 percent were readmitted. Transfusion was associated with lower risk-adjusted odds of readmission (OR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.30-0.97), but it did not influence mortality or mobility functioning. In subgroups analyses, the benefit of transfusion on readmission rates appeared to be concentrated among patients with a trigger Hb level of less than 10.0 g per dL. For patients with a trigger Hb level of at least 10.0 g per dL, transfusion did not affect risk-adjusted rates of death or readmission, but was associated with better risk-adjusted functional mobility scores (p < 0.01). Postoperative transfusion reduced the risk of readmission but did not decrease mortality or improve mobility. Randomized controlled trials of different transfusion strategies will be needed to clarify the true benefits and risks of transfusion in surgical patients.

Review of the clinical practice literature on patient characteristics associated with perioperative allogeneic red blood cell transfusion.

There is evidence to suggest that there exists considerable variation in red blood cell (RBC) transfusion practices, especially in the surgical specialties. This is in large part related to difficulties in defining specific transfusion threshold criteria, given that there is no minimum acceptable hemoglobin threshold concentration and there is variability in assigning importance to patient factors. The purpose of this study is to identify patient-related factors that might be associated with the need for allogeneic RBC transfusion in surgical patients. We systematically identified, selected, and reviewed all observational or interventional studies describing patient-specific or related variables associated with the need for allogeneic RBC transfusion in the surgical patient population. We also evaluated the methodological characteristics of the individual studies. Sixty-two studies met our inclusion criteria and were analyzed for this review. Most of these studies were conducted in patients undergoing cardiac surgery (n = 30) and orthopedic surgery (n = 16). Decreased preoperative red cell reserve was most frequently associated with RBC transfusions, being identified as a significant variable in 46 studies. The other factors commonly associated with transfusion were advancing age (n = 28), female gender (n = 21), and small body size (n = 14). Only 2 studies attempted to prospectively validate a predictive model for RBC transfusion based on the variables identified. This systematic review shows that preoperative anemia, advancing age, female gender, and small body size are often associated with perioperative allogeneic RBC transfusion. However, the retrospective nature of most of the studies and the small sample sizes make it difficult to formulate a clinically useful prediction rules regarding allogeneic RBC transfusion. Ongoing research in designing large prospective cohort studies evaluating transfusion patterns are needed to further elucidate how patient characteristics impact the transfusion threshold.

Review of the clinical practice literature on patient characteristics associated with perioperative allogeneic red blood cell transfusion

There is evidence to suggest that there exists considerable variation in red blood cell (RBC) transfusion practices, especially in the surgical specialties. This is in large part related to difficulties in defining specific transfusion threshold criteria, given that there is no minimum acceptable hemoglobin threshold concentration and there is variability in assigning importance to patient factors. The purpose of this study is to identify patient-related factors that might be associated with the need for allogeneic RBC transfusion in surgical patients. We systematically identified, selected, and reviewed all observational or interventional studies describing patient-specific or related variables associated with the need for allogeneic RBC transfusion in the surgical patient population. We also evaluated the methodological characteristics of the individual studies. Sixty-two studies met our inclusion criteria and were analyzed for this review. Most of these studies were conducted in patients undergoing cardiac surgery (n = 30) and orthopedic surgery (n = 16.) Decreased preoperative red cell reserve was most frequently associated with RBC transfusions, being identified as a significant variable in 46 studies. The other factors commonly associated with transfusion were advancing age (n = 28), female gender (n = 21), and small body size (n = 14). Only 2 studies attempted to prospectively validate a predictive model for RBC transfusion based on the variables identified. This systematic review shows that preoperative anemia, advancing age, female gender, and small body size are often associated with perioperative allogeneic RBC transfusion. However, the retrospective nature of most of the studies and the small sample sizes make it difficult to formulate a clinically useful prediction rules regarding allogeneic RBC transfusion. Ongoing research in designing large prospective cohort studies evaluating transfusion patterns are needed to further elucidate how patient characteristics impact the transfusion threshold.

Autologous transfusion in surgical patients at Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi.

To identify autotransfusion strategies and their basis in elective surgery patients. A cross sectional prospective study. General surgery and orthopaedic wards, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi. Adult patients of both sexes planned for elective surgery. Forevery patient, the following were enquired about and documented: age in years, sex, ethnicity, religion, occupation and educational standard. Blood values of haemoglobin, platelet counts, total and differential white cell counts, urea, electrolytes and liver function tests were assayed. Others were the number of units of blood donated before the operation, the type of surgery performed, time taken from diagnosis to performing the operation and whether the blood was transfused preoperatively, intraoperatively and postoperatively. A total of sixty three cases constituting five per cent of all surgical patients admitted during the period of study were evaluated. Of these 53 (84%) were males and ten (16%) females. The age range was 15 to 65 years with a peak at 45-49 years. There were more Christians (90%) than Muslims (10%). In all, 32 (51.6%) had primary school education, 23 (36.5%) secondary school education, seven (11.3%) no formal education and one (1.6%) had attained college level. Employment pattern showed 50% were civil servants, 30% were self employed and 20% were unemployed. The duration of disease ranged from 1-24 weeks with two peaks at two weeks and six weeks. Orthopaedic cases constituted 78.7% and general surgery 21.3%. Preoperative haemoglobin ranged from 13.5-14.2 g/dl. Transfusions were given intraoperatively to 41 (66.1%) and to 12 (33.9%) postoperatively. Mean duration of hospitalisation was 13 days (range 5 to 21 days). 98.4% deposited only one unit while 1.6% deposited four units of blood. Only one patient required additional transfusion from homologous donors. The strategies and basis for autotransfusion have been demonstrated among a majority of adult patients requiring orthopaedic procedures. Major determinants are shown to be baseline blood count profiles and time to operation.

Short- and long-term effects of perioperative homologous blood transfusion in surgical patients with cancer

Abstract Background The immunosuppressive effect of transfusion with homologous blood is debated. The aim of this study was to find the potential correlation between the use of homologous blood in the perioperative period and postoperative infection (short-term effect) and survival (long-term effect) in patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery for cancer. Methods A total of 1010 patients with a gastrointestinal neoplasm (316 gastric, 694 colorectal) having major surgical procedures were observed prospectively. The following variables were recorded: sex, age, type and duration of operation, operative blood loss, type and amount of blood transfusion, type and rate of postoperative complications, disease stage (tumour node metastasis (TNM) or Dukes), and use of adjuvant therapy (radiochemotherapy). The χ2 test was applied to correlate discrete variables. Cox multiple regression analysis was used to evaluate the impact of each single variable on survival. Five-year survival curves were studied by the Kaplan–Meier method and their correlation was made by the log rank test. Results According to the Cox model, in patients who underwent gastrectomy there was a significant correlation (P &amp;lt; 0·01) only between age, disease stage and 5-year survival rate. The odds ratio for the relationship between homologous transfusion and survival was 1·43 (P = 0·08). When overall 5-year survival was split by TNM class, homologous transfusion significantly affected the mortality rate for patients in stage II and III (P &amp;lt; 0·05), while survival in patients of stage I and IV was not influenced by the use of homologous blood. Similar results were obtained in subjects with colorectal cancer, with the difference that in the Cox multivariate analysis homologous transfusion was significantly correlated with the overall 5-year survival rate (P &amp;lt; 0·005). Again, the strongest correlation was observed for intermediate disease stages (Dukes B and C). The χ2 value for the linear trend also showed a significant relationship between the amount of blood transfused and 5-year survival rate. In this population there was also a statistically significant correlation between transfusion and the rate of postoperative infections (P = 0·001). Conclusion The correlation between homologous blood transfusion and short- and long-term immunosuppression appears to be valid dependent on the site of the neoplasm, particularly for patients with an intermediate disease stage.

Blood transfusion in oncologic surgery: the role of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO)

Anemia is common in cancer patients. The pathophysiology is multifactorial, however the most common cause is the anemia of chronic diseases (ACD). In 20-50% of cancer patients, anemia restricts physical activity and quality of life and requires transfusion support. The percentage of patients necessitating transfusion dramatically increases when patients require surgery. The traditional belief that blood transfusion is an effective and safe therapy has been challenged by a heightened awareness of the infectious and immunologic risks associated with allogeneic blood administration. In cancer patients transfusion-induced immunomodulation may have the potential to significantly increase postoperative infections and cancer recurrence so that it seems reasonable to minimize allogeneic blood exposure. Several strategies have been adopted to reduce allogeneic transfusion in surgical patients, however to properly select the appropriate blood conservation strategies the blood transfusion requirements for each patient should be defined. Allogeneic blood transfusion in surgery can be reduced by the introduction of autologous blood (AB) programmes and by the use of rHuEPO, alone or in association with AB techniques. AB donation is currently a standard of care for elective surgical patients but its efficacy is limited by anemia that prevents the donation of the optimal number of AB units. rHuEPO has been shown to significantly increase the volume of AB that anemic patients can predeposit or, used perisurgically, to expand the circulating RBCs mass before surgery. Moreover clinical trials employed rHuEPO in anemic cancer patients with various solid tumors both on and off chemotherapy reporting a significantly increase in Hct in more than 50% of the treated patients. Recently different studies have shown the efficacy of rHuEPO in increasing the volume of AB also in patients with ACD and cancer, thus proving to be a useful addition to existing strategies of blood conservation to minimize exposure to allogeneic blood in surgical cancer patients.