Tolerance to perioperative anemia. Mechanisms, influencing factors and limits

The expected cost explosion in transfusion medicine increases the socio-economic significance of specific institutional transfusion programs. In this context the estimated use of the patient's physiologic tolerance represents an integral part of any blood conservation concept. The present article summarizes the mechanisms, influencing factors and limits of this natural tolerance to anemia and deduces the indication for perioperative red blood cell transfusion. The current recommendations coincide to the effect that perioperative transfusion is unnecessary up to a Hb concentration of 10 g/dl (6.21 mmol/l) even in older patients with cardiopulmonary comorbidity and is only recommended in cases of Hb <6 g/dl (<3.72 mmol/l) in otherwise healthy subjects including pregnant women and children. Critically ill patients with multiple trauma and sepsis do not seem to benefit from transfusions up to Hb concentrations >9 g/dl (>5.59 mmol/l). In cases of massive hemorrhaging and diffuse bleeding disorders the maintenance of a Hb concentration of 10 g/dl (6.21 mmol/l) seems to contribute to stabilization of coagulation.     

Perioperative Anämietoleranz

The expected cost explosion in transfusion medicine (increasing imbalance between donors and potential recipients, treatment of transfusion-associated complications) increases the socio-economic significance of specific institutional transfusion programs. In this context the estimated use of the patient's physiologic tolerance to anemia enables 1) the tolerance of larger blood losses (loss of "diluted blood"), 2) the onset of transfusion to the time after surgical control of bleeding to be delayed and 3) the perioperative collection of autologous red blood cells. The present review article summarizes the mechanisms, influencing factors and limits of this natural tolerance to anemia and deduces the indication for perioperative red blood cell transfusion. Under strictly controlled conditions (anesthesia, normovolemia, complete muscular relaxation, hyperoxemia, mild hypothermia) extremely low hemoglobin concentrations [Hb <3 g/dl (<1.86 mmol/l)] are tolerated without transfusion by individuals with no cardiopulmonary disease. In the clinical routine these situations are limited to borderline situations e.g. unexpected massive blood losses in Jehovah's Witnesses or unexpected shortcomings in blood supply. The current recommendations coincide to the effect that perioperative red blood cell transfusion 1) is unnecessary up to a Hb concentration of 10 g/dl (6.21 mmol/l) even in older patients with cardiopulmonary comorbidity and 2) is only recommended in cases of Hb <6 g/dl (<3.72 mmol/l) in otherwise healthy subjects including pregnant women and children. Critically ill patients with multiple trauma and sepsis do not seem to benefit from transfusions up to Hb concentrations >9 g/dl (>5.59 mmol/l). In cases of massive hemorrhaging and diffuse bleeding disorders the maintenance of a Hb concentration of 10 g/dl (6.21 mmol/l) seems to contribute to stabilization of coagulation.     

Blood use in lung resection for carcinoma: perioperative elective anaemia does not compromise the early outcome.

OBJECTIVE: Blood transfusion may adversely affect the prognosis following surgery for non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). Conventionally by most thoracic surgeons, a perioperative haemoglobin (Hb) less than 10 g/dl has been considered a transfusion trigger. In this prospective trial we have (a) evaluated the overall blood transfusion requirements and factors associated with an increased need for transfusion and (b) in a subsequent subset of patients, tested the hypothesis that elective anaemia after major lung resection may be safely tolerated in the early postoperative period. METHODS: A total of 198 (M/F 179/10, mean age 61.2, range 32--85 years) patients suffering from NSCLC were submitted to pneumonectomy (n = 89), bilobectomy (n = 19) and lobectomy (n = 90). A rather strict protocol was used as a transfusion strategy. The transfusion requirements were analyzed and seven parameters (gender, age > 65, preoperative Hb < 11.5 g/dl, chest wall resection, history of previous thoracotomy, pneumonectomy and total blood loss) were statistically evaluated by univariate and logistic regression analysis. Subsequently, according to the perioperative Hb level during the first 48 h, patients were divided into group A (n = 49, Hb = 8.5--10) and group B (n = 149, Hb > 10) with a view to estimate the risks of elective perioperative anaemia. Groups were comparable in terms of age, sex, type of operation performed, preoperative Hb, creatinine level, FEV1, arterial blood gases and history of heart disease. RESULTS: The overall transfusion rate was 16%. Univariate analysis revealed that preoperative Hb < 11.5 g/dl (P < 0.01) and total blood loss (P < 0.0001) were associated with increased need for transfusion, but only the total blood loss was identified as an independent variable in multivariate analysis. Statistical analysis between groups A and B showed no significant difference regarding postoperative morbidity and mortality: atelectasis (3 vs. 6), chest infection (2 vs. 9), sputum retention requiring bronchoscopy (5 vs. 12), admission to intensive care unit (5 vs. 7), ARDS (0 vs. 3), postoperative hospital stay (7.7 +/- 2.6 vs. 9.1 +/- 3.8 days) and deaths (1 vs. 3). CONCLUSIONS: The use of a strict transfusion strategy could help in reducing overall blood transfusion. Furthermore, a perioperative Hb of 8.5--10 g/dl could be considered safe in elective lung resections for carcinoma.     

Klinische Aspekte der Therapie mit Erythrozyten

With the decreased risk of homologous blood transfusions, the costs of blood products have become increasingly important for hospitals with major surgical procedures and oncologic treatment. It is well established from clinical physiology that a hemoglobin concentration (cHb) lower than 6.21 mmol/l (10 g/dl) is enough to serve the oxygen demand of the tissues, but transfusion of erythrocytes is still liberally carried out. Data obtained from Jehovah's Witnesses, who categorically refuse blood transfusions, demonstrate that they have an outcome similar to patients who are transfused. The lessons we have learned from Jehovah's Witnesses should result in an emotionless discussion, and a reduction in transfusion requirements.     

Neues Konzept minimiert die Blutung bei der radikalen retropubischen Prostatektomie

BACKGROUND: Radical retropubic prostatectomy is an intervention known to be associated with severe bleeding. Even experienced surgeons report a blood transfusion rate of up to 20%. The perioperative concept for this intervention underwent various modifications in January 2001. This study describes the effect of these modifications on the blood loss in a retrospective analysis comparing approximately 100 operations by a single experienced surgeon before the change (group 1) with 100 operations thereafter (group 2). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The new perioperative concept comprised the following points: reducing the intravenously applied volume, employing a peridural catheter (PDC), and maintaining a 25-30 degrees Trendelenburg's position. The difference in pre- and postsurgical hemoglobin (Hb) was analyzed before (group 1) and after the intervention (group 2). If transfusions were performed, this value was corrected according to the following formula: 1 ml of erythrocyte concentrate increases the patient's Hb by 0.003 g/dl. RESULTS: Assessment was possible in 201 of 234 cases, 110 from the first and 91 from the second group. The mean transfusion-corrected Hb difference was 5.3 g/dl in group 1 (20% transfusion rate) and 3.52 g/dl in group 2 (1.09% transfusion rate); p>0.0001. The median intravenous volume applied was 5.960 ml in group 1 and 3.490 ml in group 2 (p>0.0001). The complication rate did not differ between groups. CONCLUSION: The new perioperative concept minimizes the intraoperative blood loss during radical open retropubic prostatectomy. Transfusions are only necessary in rare cases. The complication rate remains unaltered.     

Perioperativer Einsatz von rhEPO bei Angehörigen der Glaubensgemeinschaft „Zeugen Jehovas“

Erythropoietin, the hematopoietic growth factor, is synthesised in the kidneys and liver and regulates red blood cell production. Within the last few years, recombinant DNA technology has produced synthetic erythropoietin (rhEPO). Some patients, especially Jehova's Witnesses, will not accept blood transfusion. The perioperative administration of rhEPO increases the patients' hematocrit (HCt) to a higher than physiological level. Methods and results. We report a case of a 66-year-old female Jehova's Witness who refused blood transfusions and responded favourably to rhEPO treatment. A total hip arthroplasty was planned. A pre-treatment hemoglobin level (Hb) of 13.7 g/dl and HCt of 43% were documented. After preoperative subcutaneous application of 5000 I.E. rhEPO three times per week and daily oral substitution of 300 mg ferrous sulfate over a period of 3 weeks, the Hb increased to 15.5 g/dl and the HCt to 49%. The operation was carried out after the ninth application of rhEPO. Postoperatively, the Hb concentration was 11.8 g/dl and the HCt 35%. Therefore, postoperative administration of rhEPO was not considered indicated. No side effects of rhEPO application were noted. The patient left hospital on the 10th postoperative day. Conclusions. The case report describes perioperative management using human rhEPO in Jehova's Witnesses. Treatment with rhEPO increases preoperative Hb levels to a point making it possible to compensate for operative blood loss. RhEPO combined with daily iron substitution may be useful in patients who refuse transfusion based on religious convictions.     

Blood transfusion in total hip replacement: is it always necessary?

Routine blood transfusion was prospectively withheld from 10 patients undergoing routine elective total hip arthroplasty who fulfilled specific criteria. A standard anaesthetic regimen was used. The mean perioperative fall in haemoglobin concentration was 1.9 g/dl, and only one patient required a postoperative blood transfusion. There were no postoperative complications. The need for routine peroperative blood transfusion of patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty is questioned.     

A comparison of autologous transfusion procedures in hip surgery

The risks associated with transfusion can be minimized with autologous blood. The efficiency of preoperative deposit, preoperative hemodilution and intra- and postoperative autotransfusion in reducing homologous transfusions has been demonstrated. There seem to be few studies, however, that compared the different methods of autologous transfusion. This study was designed to evaluate the comparative efficiency of these methods. PATIENTS AND METHODS. Sixty-four patients scheduled for total hip arthroplasty were randomly divided into four groups: group I--preoperative autologous deposit: group II--preoperative hemodilution; group III--intra- and postoperative autotransfusion; group IV--control. Preoperative autologous donations were stored in CPDA-1 buffer. Three units of 450 ml were requested. A predonation hemoglobin (Hb) concentration of 11 g dl was required. Surgery was carried out in the 5th week after the first donation. Preoperative hemodilution to Hb 9 g/dl was carried out after induction of anesthesia and initial circulatory stabilization. A cell separator was used for intra- and postoperative autotransfusion. Postoperative autotransfusion of drainage blood was continued until 6 h after the beginning of the operation. Polygeline was used for volume resuscitation. If the Hb concentration fell below 9 g/dl in the operating room and intensive care unit or below 10 g/dl in the general ward, autologous blood or homologous packed red cells were transfused. Autologous blood collected with the cell separator was retransfused at the end of the operation and after the autotransfusion period irrespective of the actual Hb concentration. RESULTS. The general data of the patients, blood loss, and Hb concentration at the beginning of the study and postoperatively were comparable in the four groups. Homologous transfusion requirements amounted to 0 (0-1250) ml (median, range) packed red cells in group I (preoperative deposit). 500 (0-2000) ml in group II (hemodilution), 125 (0-1000) ml in group III (autotransfusion) and to 500 (0-1500) ml in group IV (control). In group I 14 of 16 patients, in group II 1 of 16, in group III 8 of 16 patients, in group IV 5 of 15 patients did not require homologous transfusion. The difference between group I and IV was significant (p = 0.004 and p = 0.003). Global coagulation tests, antithrombin III, and total serum protein were comparable in the four groups. DISCUSSION. The efficiency of preoperative hemodilution to reduce homologous transfusion requirements is limited]. In the present study, as in two other recent studies, hemodilution did not reduce homologous transfusion requirements. Autotransfusion with a cell separator can save approximately 50% of the erythrocytes lost during hip arthroplasty and 70% of the drainage loss. The homologous transfusion requirements for the autotransfused group reported here were less than in the control group; the difference, however, was not statistically significant. Patients participating in preoperative autologous deposit did not require homologous blood for hip arthroplasty in 62%-70% of cases in other investigations; in the present study 88% of the patients did not require homologous blood. CONCLUSION. Under the conditions studied, preoperative autologous deposit was the most efficient method of autologous transfusion for hip arthroplasty. It should be employed primarily.     

An audit on the blood transfusion requirements for revision hip arthroplasty

The hospital transfusion committee of Swindon and Marlborough NHS Trust had formulated a maximum surgical blood ordering schedule (MSBOS) which included the standard practice of 6 units of blood for revision hip arthroplasty. A retrospective audit of 73 patients who underwent revision hip arthroplasty over a year was undertaken to identify current practice and to ensure that the standard was adequate for patient safety. Information regarding the number of units requested, number of units transfused, pre-operative haemoglobin (Hb), lowest postoperative Hb and number of additional units of blood requested within 3 days postoperatively, was collected from patients' case-notes. Of the 73 patients, 80.3% received less than 6 units, 12.2% received 6 units and 7.5% received more than 6 units. Based on pre-operative Hb, blood usage was analysed. Of cross-matched units, 92.3% were used when pre-operative Hb was < 12 g/dl, 64.4% were used when Hb was between 12.1-13.0 g/dl, 54.3% were used when the Hb was between 13.1-14.0 g/dl, 38.9% were used when Hb was between 14.1-15.0 g/dl and 39.7% used with pre-operative Hb of > 15.0 g/dl. Of the total, 14 patients had a postoperative Hb of < 9 g/dl for whom additional units of blood were ordered and given to achieve a Hb of between 10.1-14.2 g/dl prior to discharge. This audit suggests that in patients with pre-operative Hb of 13 g/dl or more, the cross-match could be 4 units instead of 6 units for revisions.     

老年股骨粗隆间骨折髓内钉固定围手术期中隐性失血现象的病例对照研究

目的:分析髓内钉固定治疗老年股骨粗隆间骨折易被忽略的隐性失血现象,通过改善围手术期的治疗方式来保障临床疗效。方法:回顾性分析2010年1月至2014年1月采取髓内钉固定治疗的99例老年性股骨粗隆间骨折患者(男47例,女52例),其中围手术期采取输血支持47例(输血组),未输血患者52例(未输血组),根据Gross方程,用患者围手术期平均血红蛋白(Hb)、平均红细胞压积(HCT)来分析围手术期失血量,评估该类患者围手术期隐性失血情况。结果:未输血组(男22例,女30例)手术时间为(62.13±4.01) min,术中显性失血及术后引流量共215 ml;术前Hb(103.22±9.01) g /L,术后(81.13±6.20) g /L;术前HCT(96.93±3.38) I/L,术后(308.00±11.81) I/L.输血组(男25例,女22例)手术时间为(60.12±3.27) min,术中显性失血及术后引流量共196 ml,平均输血量621 ml;术前Hb(92.15±5.46) g /L,术后(95.20±8.93) g /L;术前HCT(96.52±3.63) I/L,术后(392.70±14.03) I/L.按Gross方程计算,未输血组和输血组围手术期失血总量分别为(937.29±63.04) ml和(706.43±35.02) ml,其中隐性失血量占较大比例。术后1、3个月,髋关节Harris评分输血组优于未输血组,术后12个月两组差异无统计学意义。结论:股骨粗隆间骨折髓内钉固定手术围手术期的隐性失血现象需引起足够重视,避免因贫血导致的围手术期并发症,影响患者预后。     

Perioperative management of total parenteral nutrition, glucose containing solutions, and intraoperative glucose monitoring in paediatric patients: a survey of clinical practice

Infants and children, particularly those who are chronically ill and maintained on total parenteral nutrition (TPN), are at risk for perioperative hypoglycaemia [blood glucose < 2.2 mmol x l(-1) (40 mg x dl(-1))] and hyperglycaemia [blood glucose > 11 mmol x l(-1) (200 mg x dl(-1))]. We surveyed paediatric anaesthesiologists regarding their perioperative management of blood glucose and TPN in paediatric patients to determine the current practice and its perceived success. Questionnaires were mailed to all members of the Study Group on Pediatric Anesthesia and the response rate was 70%. Results indicate that the current perioperative management of blood glucose and TPN is somewhat varied. Furthermore, greater than 10% of those surveyed report that their management results in a variable response in the maintenance of normoglycaemia. While the detrimental effects of perioperative hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia are rare, they are serious. A Medline search shows that no studies have been published regarding perioperative management of paediatric patients receiving TPN, although it appears that clinical study is warranted.     

Enhanced platelet reactivity with erythropoietin but not following transfusion in dialysis patients

Although the haemostatic defects that occur in uraemia are complex,a major factor is the anaemia of renal failure. This may nowbe corrected by recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEpo) therapyrather than by repeated blood transfusion. Platelet reactivityto shear stress and collagen was measured using non-anticoagulatedblood to study the effect of erythropoietin or blood transfusionon platelet function. Twenty dialysis patients were commencedon 25–50 U/kg rHuEpo twice weekly. The dose was adjustedafter 3 months to maintain target Hb 10–10.5 g/dl. A further15 patients were studied before and 10–12 days after receivingblood transfusion. Baseline platelet reactivity was subnormalin both groups versus control (P<0.0001). In the rHuEpo group,a significant increase in platelet reactivity was observed at2 months (P<0.005) which disappeared at 3 months. This wasnot related to the increase in Hb (7.3±0.3 to 10.2±0.3g/dl, P<0.0001). There was no change in platelet reactivityafter transfusion, despite an increase in Hb (6.2±0.2to 8.8±0.2 g/dl, P<0.0001) similar to that occurringin the rHuEpo group. We conclude that after rHuEpo therapy butnot after transfusion a transient increase in platelet reactivityoccurs which is dissociated from changes in platelet and redcell numbers.     

Solicitud de sangre preoperatoria en cirugía programada de colon: ¿necesidad o rutina?

Background

Preoperative blood ordering is frequently in elective colon surgery, even for procedures that rarely require blood transfusion. Most often this procedure is performed without proper analysis of the real needs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the patients who receive transfusion and determining their associated factors.

Methods

Retrospective study of all consecutive patients scheduled for elective colon surgery was carried out at 2007-2012. Several clinico-pathological and surgical variables were analyzed and predictive blood transfusion indices such as the cross-matched/transfusion ratio (C/T ratio), transfusion index and transfusion probability were calculated. Patients were divided in 2 groups according have received perioperative surgical transfusion or not.

Results

There were 457 surgery patients. A total of 171 blood units, in a 74 patients were perioperative transfused. Overall cross-matched transfused ratio was 5.34, the transfusion probability 162%, and the transfusion index 0.18. Variables that were significantly associated with receiving blood transfusion in a multivariable analysis were a preoperative haemoglobin level less than 10 g/dl (OR: 309.8; 95% CI: 52.7-985.2), chronic pulmonary obstructive disease (OR: 3.7; 95% CI: 1.3-10.7), oral anticoagulant therapy (OR: 5.7; 95% CI: 1.7-19.4) and surgical time over 120 min (OR: 10.7; 95% CI: 4.7-24.1).

Conclusions

Likelihood of receiving perioperative transfusion in elective colon surgery is very low. Among their associated factors, the haemoglobin level less than 10 g/dl is the one with strongest association. Those patients with such low preoperative haemoglobin level should not be scheduled for elective colon surgery until they received specific treatment.     

Impact of Delta Hemoglobin on Provider Transfusion Practices and Post-operative Morbidity Among Patients Undergoing Liver and Pancreatic Surgery

Background

Delta hemoglobin (ΔHb) is defined as the difference between the preoperative Hb and the lowest post-operative Hb level. We sought to define the impact of ΔHb relative to nadir Hb levels on the likelihood of transfusion, as well as characterize the impact of ΔHb and nadir Hb on morbidity among a large cohort of patients undergoing complex hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) surgery.

Methods

Patients who underwent pancreatic or hepatic resection between January 1, 2009 and June 30, 2015 at Johns Hopkins Hospital were identified. Data on the perioperative ΔHb, nadir Hb, as well as blood utilization were obtained and analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify the factors associated with ΔHb and the impact of ΔHb on perioperative morbidity. A Bayesian model was used to evaluate the correlation of ΔHb and nadir Hb with the likelihood of transfusion, as well as the impact on morbidity.

Results

A total of 4363 patients who underwent hepatobiliary (n?=?2200, 50.4 %) or pancreatic (n?=?2163, 49.6 %) surgery were identified. More than one quarter of patients received at least one unit of packed red blood cells (PRBC) (n?=?1187, 27.2 %). The median nadir Hb was 9.2 (IQR 7.9–10.5)?g/dL resulting in an average ΔHb of 3.4 mg/dL (IQR 2.2–4.7) corresponding to 26.3 %. Both ΔHb and nadir Hb strongly influenced provider behavior with regards to use of transfusion. Among patients with the same nadir Hb, ΔHb was strongly associated with use of transfusion; among patients who had a nadir Hb ≤6 g/dL, the use of transfusion was only 17.9 % when the ΔHb?=?10 % versus 49.1 and 80.9 % when the ΔHb was 30 or 50 %, respectively. Perioperative complications occurred in 584 patients (13.4 %) and were more common among patients with a higher value of ΔHb, as well as patients who received PRBC (both P?<?0.001).

Conclusions

The combination of the Hb trigger with ΔHb was associated with transfusion practices among providers. Larger ΔHb values, as well as receipt of transfusion, were strongly associated with risk of perioperative complication following HPB surgery.

     

Effect of liberal blood transfusion on clinical outcomes and cost in spine surgery patients

Background Context

Blood transfusions in spine surgery are shown to be associated with increased patient morbidity. The association between transfusion performed using a liberal hemoglobin (Hb) trigger—defined as an intraoperative Hb level of ≥10?g/dL, a postoperative level of ≥8?g/dL, or a whole hospital nadir between 8 and 10?g/dL—and perioperative morbidity and cost in spine surgery patients is unknown and thus was investigated in this study.

Identification and treatment of anaemia in patients awaiting hip replacement

INTRODUCTION

The correction of anaemia prior to total hip arthroplasty reduces surgical risk, hospital stay and cost. This study considers the benefits of implementing a protocol of identifying and treating pre-operative anaemia whilst the patient is on the waiting list for surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From a prospective series of 322 patients undergoing elective total hip arthroplasty (THA), patients identified as anaemic (haemoglobin (Hb) < 12 g/dl) when initially placed upon the waiting list were appropriately investigated and treated. Pre- and postoperative Hb levels, need for transfusion, and length of hospital stay were collated for the entire patient cohort.

RESULTS

Of the cohort, 8.8% of patients were anaemic when initially placed upon the waiting list for THA and had a higher transfusion rate (23% versus 3%; P < 0.05) and longer hospital stay (7.5 days versus 6.6 days; P < 0.05). Over 40% of these patients responded to investigation and treatment whilst on the waiting list, showing a significant improvement in Hb level (10.1 g/dl to 12.7 g/dl) and improved transfusion rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Quantifying the haemoglobin level of patients when initially placed on the waiting list helps highlight those at risk of requiring a postoperative blood transfusion. Further, the early identification of anaemia allows for the utilisation of the waiting-list time to investigate and treat these patients. For patients who respond to treatment, there is a significant reduction in the need for blood transfusion with its inherent hazards.     

Efficacy of preoperative autologous blood storage in one-stage bilateral total knee arthroplasty

BackgroundOne-stage bilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has the advantages of a single hospital stay, shorter rehabilitation, and reduced financial burden on patients. However, perioperative bleeding is greater with one-stage bilateral TKA than with unilateral TKA and is more likely to require allogeneic blood transfusion. At our hospital, we normally store autologous blood about 1 month before surgery to reduce the need for allogeneic blood transfusion and avoid its adverse reactions as much as possible. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of preoperative autologous blood storage for patients undergoing one-stage bilateral TKA.MethodsWe retrospectively examined the allogeneic blood transfusion avoidance rate and the perioperative decrease in hemoglobin (Hb) level in 166 patients according to whether or not they had preoperative autologous blood stored. The patients for whom blood was stored were then subdivided according to whether the amount of blood stored was 400 mL or 200 mL.ResultsExcluding allogeneic transfusion cases, the mean perioperative decrease in Hb was significantly lower in the patients with stored blood than in those without stored blood (3.5 g/dL vs 4.4 g/dL, p < 0.001). The allogeneic blood transfusion avoidance rate was significantly higher in the group with stored blood (98.5% vs 86.7%, p < 0.01). In the group with stored blood, the transfusion avoidance rate was higher, but not significantly, in the subgroup with 400 mL of blood stored than in those with 200 mL of blood stored (100% vs 97.5%) and the mean perioperative decrease in Hb was 3.5 g/dL in both blood storage volume groups.ConclusionsPreoperative autologous blood storage can help increase the likelihood of avoiding allogeneic blood transfusion in patients undergoing one-stage bilateral TKA.     

El abordaje multidisciplinar es útil para la optimización de la hemoglobina preoperatoria en cirugía neoplásica colorrectal

Introduction

Optimising haemoglobin (Hb) levels less than 13 g/dl in the preoperative period can reduce the transfusion rate. With this aim, we developed a multidisciplinary protocol in our hospital for the treatment of patients proposed for colorectal cancer surgery.

Patients and method

A study was conducted on 437 patients who had surgery performed for colorectal cancer in the period 2005-2009. The data recorded were: demographic data, Hb and iron metabolism (Fe) at the time of diagnosis, Hb on the day of the surgery and on discharge, tumour location, preoperative adjuvant treatment (chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy), tumour stage (TNM), iron treatment, transfusion rate, and complications at 30 days. Patients were classified into Group A; Hb < 13 g/dl and/or abnormal Fe metabolism, and Group B; Hb > 13 g/dl and/or normal Fe metabolism.

Results

Of the total, 53.3% were in Group B and were treated with Fe; 73.6% intravenous (IV), and the rest oral. The mean dose of IV Fe was 867 mg. The mean intraindividual difference between the Hb on the day of surgery and at the initial value, increased by 0.6 g/dl in Group A, while it decreased by 0.8 g/dl in Group B. The mean intraindividual difference between the Hb at discharge and the diagnosis decreased by 0.4 g/dl in Group A compared to 2.5 g/dl in Group B. The overall transfusion rate was 8.6%. No statistically significant differences were observed in complications.

Conclusions

A multidisciplinary and early treatment of colorectal cancer enables patients with a low haemoglobin (Group A) to be optimised, as well as achieving a lower transfusion rate.     

Hemoglobin level is an important determinant of acid-base status in hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We studied the relationship between hemoglobin (Hb), which is a major buffer of blood, and arterial blood total carbon dioxide (tCO2) levels in maintenance hemodialysis (HD) patients. We also evaluated the difference between the tCO2 measured with a standard Hb value of 15 g/dl, and that assayed with an actual Hb level entered into an analyzer. METHODS/RESULTS: In 105 patients the predialysis tCO2 level of 21.4 +/- 2.84 mEq/l inversely correlated with the Hb level of 9.5 +/- 1.78 g/dl (r = -0.358, p = 0.0002). This indicated that the rise in Hb from 6 to 14 g/dl could result in a decrease of about 5 mEq/l in the tCO2 level. In 20 patients the tCO2 level measured at the Hb of 15 g/dl was 21.0 +/- 2.47 mEq/l, and higher (p = 0.009) than that of 20.8 +/- 2.45 mEq/l estimated at the actual Hb. The difference between these two measurements was inversely associated with the Hb level (r = -0.579, p = 0.007). The measurement of tCO2 at the unadjusted Hb slightly underestimated the degree of acidosis when the actual Hb level was < 11.5 g/dl. CONCLUSION: The degree of anemia and, to some extent, laboratory technique should always be considered when interpreting changes in arterial blood acid-base balance in maintenance HD patients.