Effect of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in cardiac surgery

Autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) was harvested before cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). After heparin neutralization, it was returned to patients. The purpose of this study was to examine platelet function and the amount of blood loss and blood transfusion after transfusion of PRP. Twenty-eight patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting and other procedures were divided into three groups: group A; patients undergoing CAGB between May and October 1997 (n = 10), group B; patients undergoing other between May and October 1997 (n = 8), group C; patients undergoing CAGB before May 1997 (n = 10). Blood cell count, platelet aggregation in response to ADP, and platelet adhesion were measured before CPB, just after CPB, after infusion of protamine and PRP, 24 hrs after CPB and 48 hrs after CPB. Blood loss and blood transfusion in group. A and group C were examined after CPB. There was no significant difference in platelet count between group A and group B. There was significant difference in platelet aggregation in group A. There was no significant difference in blood loss after CPB between group A and group C, but there was a significant difference in blood transfusion between group A and group C. These results suggest that PRP was useful to preserve platelet function and to decrease blood loss after CPB in cardiac surgery.     

Effets du plasma riche en plaquettes sur l'hémostase et le besoin transfusionnel en chirurgie vasculaire

• Objective :To assess the effect of intraoperative autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) transfusion on haemostasis, blood loss and blood requirements during vascular surgery.• Study design :Randomized clinical trial.• Patients :Twenty patients undergoing elective abdominal infrarenal aortic aneurysmectomy, using autologous transfusion techniques (predonation programme and/or preoperative normovolaemic haemodilution and/or intraoperative use of a cell-saver), were randomly allocated either into the PRP group (n = 10) or the Control group (n = 10).• Method :In patients of PRP group, 10 mL·kg⁻¹ of PRP were obtained over 40 to 50 min, prior to induction of anaesthesia, and compensated simultaneously with an equivalent amount of hydroxyethyl starch. Each PRP unit was transfused to its donor after aortic declamping. Blood samples were obtained before induction, before incision, at wound closing and at the end of PRP unit transfusion for determination of biological variables.• Results :The PRP units transfused in the patients of PRP group contained 755 ± 117 mL of plasma with a platelet count of 62 ± 31 G·L⁻¹. The intra and postoperative blood losses were similar in both groups (1622 ± 758 and 233 ± 322 mL respectively in PRP group vs 1890 ± 1331 and 291 ± 303 mL respectively in Control group). In both groups, three patients required an additional transfusion of homologous blood. The results of biological tests (haematocrit, platelet and white cell counts, prothrombine time, aPTT, thrombine time, fibrinogen, D-dimers, proteins, calcium) were also similar between groups at the various times of sampling. The reinfusion of the PRP unit did not increase the platelet count.• Conclusions :This study demonstrates that intraoperative infusion of autologous PRP does not decrease blood loss and homologous transfusion requirements in patients undergoing elective abdominal infrarenal aortic aneurysmectomy. This result can be related to the relatively moderate enrichment in platelets obtained with the centrifugation speed used in this study.     

自体血小板分离联合术中自体血回输对骨科手术患者凝血功能的影响作用

目的观察术前自体血小板分离联合术中自体血回输对骨科手术患者凝血功能的影响作用。方法60例骨科择期手术患者（预计出血量〉1000ml,ASAⅠ～Ⅱ级）,随机分为3组,每组20例患者。Ⅰ组采用术前自体血小板分离联合术中自体血回输,Ⅱ组采用单纯术中自体血回输,Ⅲ组不进行任何血液保护措施。各组分别于麻醉前、血小板分离后10min、保存的血小板或自体血回输前10min、回输后10min、术后24h、术后48h检测相应时点的血红蛋白水平、凝血功能、血小板水平和聚集功能、术中术后出血量及异体输血情况。结果三组的一般资料、术中出血量、术中术后的血红蛋白水平比较未见明显差异。与Ⅰ组相比,Ⅱ、Ⅲ组术后24h和术后48h的血小板水平和聚集功能明显降低（P〈0．05）,术后出血量及异体输血率则明显增高（P〈0．01）。结论术前自体血小板分离联合术中自体血回输可明显改善骨科手术患者的凝血功能,并有效降低术后出血量和异体血的输注。     

Posterior spinal fusion in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis with or without intraoperative cell salvage system: a retrospective comparison

This study investigates efficacy and safety of routine cell salvage system use in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients undergoing primary posterior spinal fusion surgery with segmental spinal instrumentation. Forty-five consecutive adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients undergoing posterior spinal fusion by two surgeons at a single hospital were studied. Intraoperative cell salvage system was used in 23 patients, and the control group was 22 patients who underwent surgery without cell salvage system. The cell salvage system was the Haemonetics Cell Saver 5. The primary outcome measures were intraoperative and perioperative allogeneic transfusion rate, difference between preoperative and discharge Hg and Hct levels. Average patient age was 14.65 ± 1.49 in cell saver group and 13.86 ± 2.0 in control group. In cell saver group, average intraoperative autotransfusion was 382.1 ± 175 ml. Average perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion need was 1.04 ± 0.7 unit in cell saver group and 2.5 ± 1.14 unit in control group. No transfusion reactions occurred in either group. Average hemoglobin level in cell saver group was 10.7 ± 0.86 and average hemoglobin level in control group was 10.7 ± 0.82 on discharge. Cell saver reduces perioperative transfusion rate in patients undergoing posterior spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.     

Effects of cell saver autologous blood transfusion on blood loss and homologous blood transfusion requirements in patients undergoing cardiac surgery on- versus off-cardiopulmonary bypass: a randomised trial.

OBJECTIVE: Off-pump CABG is potentially associated with reduced intraoperative blood loss and homologous blood transfusion in comparison to on-pump CABG. In this randomised controlled study we investigated the effects of autologous cell saver blood transfusion on blood loss and homologous blood transfusion requirements in patients undergoing CABG on- versus off-CPB. METHODS: Eighty patients were randomised into one of four groups: (A) on-CPB with cell saver blood transfusion (CSBT), (B) on-CPB without CSBT, (C) off-pump with CSBT and (D) off-pump without CSBT. Volume of intraoperative autologous blood transfusion, postoperative mediastinal blood loss and homologous blood transfusion requirements were measured. Homologous blood was transfused when haemoglobin concentration fell below 8 g/dl postoperatively. Pre- and postoperatively prothrombin time and partial thromboplastin time were measured. RESULTS: Preoperative patient characteristics were well matched among the four groups. The amount of salvaged mediastinal blood available for autologous transfusion was significantly higher in the on-pump group (A) compared to the off-CPB group (C) (433+/-155 ml vs 271+/-144 ml, P=0.001). Volume of homologous blood transfusion was significantly higher in group B vs groups A, C and D (595+/-438 ml vs 179+/-214, 141+/-183 and 230+/-240 ml, respectively, P<0.005). The cell saver groups (A and C) received significantly less homologous blood than the groups without cell saver (160+/-197 ml vs 413+/-394 ml, respectively, P<0.005). Patients undergoing off-CPB surgery received significantly less homologous blood than those undergoing on-CPB CABG irrespective of cell saver blood transfusion (184+/-214 ml vs 382+/-397 ml, P<0.05). Postoperative blood loss was similar in the four groups (842+/-276, 1023+/-291, 869+/-286 and 903+/-315 ml in groups A to D, respectively, P>0.05). Clotting test results revealed no significant difference between the groups. There was no significant difference in postoperative morbidity between groups. CONCLUSION: Off-pump CABG is associated with significant reduction in intraoperative mediastinal blood loss and homologous transfusion requirements. Autologous transfusion of salvaged washed mediastinal blood reduced homologous transfusion significantly in the on-CPB group. Cell saver caused no significant adverse impact on coagulation parameters in on- or off-CPB CABG. Postoperative morbidity and blood loss were not affected by the use of CPB or autologous blood transfusion. We recommend the use of autologous blood transfusion in both on- and off-pump CABG surgery.     

Fibrin sealants or cell saver eliminate the need for autologous blood donation in anemic patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty

Introduction

Reducing allogeneic blood transfusions remains a challenge in total knee arthroplasty. Patients with preoperative anemia have a particularly high risk for perioperative blood transfusions.

Materials and methods

176 anemic patients (Hb < 13.5 g/dl) undergoing total knee replacement were prospectively evaluated to compare the effect of a perioperative cell saver (26 patients), intraoperative fibrin sealants (5 ml Evicel^®, Johnson & Johnson Wound Management, Ethicon, Somerville, NJ) (45 patients), preoperative autologous blood donation (PABD) (21 patients), the combination of fibrin sealants and preoperative autologous blood donation (44) and no intervention (40 patients) on perioperative blood loss and transfusion requirements.

Results

All protocols resulted in significant reduction of allogeneic blood transfusions. Transfusion rates were similar with the use of PABD (19 %), Evicel^® (18 %), and cell saver (19 %), all significantly lower than the control group (38 %, p < 0.05). Combining Evicel^® with PABD resulted in significantly higher wastage of autologous units (p < 0.05) with no significant reduction in allogeneic transfusion rate (14 %). The use of fibrin sealant resulted in a significant reduction of blood loss compared to the PABD group (603 vs. 810 ml, p < 0.005) as well as the control group (603 vs. 822 ml, p < 0.005).

Conclusions

While PABD proved to be the most cost-effective treatment option in anemic patients, fibrin sealants and cell saver show similar reduction in allogeneic transfusion rates compared to controls. The combination of fibrin sealants and PABD is not cost-effective and increases the number of wasted units.     

急性血小板分离回输对体外循环心脏直视手术患者的血液保护效果

目的 评价急性血小板(Plt)分离回输对体外循环(CPB)心脏直视手术患者的血液保护效果.方法 择期拟在CPB下行心脏直视手术患者30例,ASA分级Ⅱ或Ⅲ级,年龄41～63岁,体重52～72 kg.采用随机数字表法,将患者随机分为2组(n=15):对照组(C组)和急性Plt分离组(APP组).APP组在麻醉诱导后行APP,提取富Plt血浆,于CPB结束鱼精蛋白中和肝索后回输,C组不行APP.于麻醉诱导前、术后1、24和48h时记录Hb、Plt、PT、APTT及Fib.记录CPB时间、主动脉阻断时间、术后引流量和输血情况.结果 APP组急性Plt分离处理的全血容量为(1285±185) ml,采集富Plt血浆(192±38) ml,其中Plt计数(817±282)×10/L,占全身血容量Plt总数(21±3)％,Plt分离时间(35±10) min.与C组比较,APP组术后1h时Plt升高,术后24h内引流量、异体红细胞、Plt输注量和异体Ph输注率降低(P＜0.05或0.01),其余指标差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结论 急性Plt分离回输对CPB心脏直视手术患者具有血液保护作用.     

自体血小板分离联合术中自体血回输在脊柱侧弯矫形术中的价值

目的探讨自体血小板分离联合术中自体血回输技术在脊柱侧弯矫形术中的临床价值。方法 60例行脊柱侧弯手术患者随机分为三组,每组20例。Ⅰ组:术前自体血小板分离并制备富血小板血浆（PRP）,术中自体血回收,手术结束前回输PRP;Ⅱ组:仅行术中自体血回收,未进行自体血小板分离回输;Ⅲ组:未进行血液保护措施。测定Ⅰ组手动提取PRP中血小板计数（Plt）,于麻醉诱导前（T₁）、自体血小板分离后10 min（T₂）、输自体回收血及PRP前10 min（T₃）、输自体回收血及PRP后10 min（T₄）、术后24 h（T₅）、术后48 h（T₆）各时点测Hb水平、凝血功能、Plt和血小板聚集功能;比较手术时间、术中出血量、术后24、48 h切口总引流量、术中及术后48 h异体血输入量。结果三组手术时间、术中出血量差异无统计学意义;T₃、T₄时三组Plt和血小板聚集功能明显低于T₁时（P<0.01）。与Ⅰ组比较,T₅、T₆时Ⅱ、Ⅲ组凝血功能、血小板聚集功能显著降低（P<0.05）,术后24、48 h切口总引流量明显增加（P<0.01）,术中及术后48 h内输异体血总量明显增加（P<0.01）。结论自体血小板分离联合术中自体血回输可显著改善脊柱侧弯矫形术患者术后血小板聚集及凝血功能,减少术后切口引流量及异体血输注量。     

Combination of acute preoperative plateletpheresis, cell salvage, and aprotinin minimizes blood loss and requirement during cardiac surgery

Acute preoperative plateletpheresis (APP), cell salvage (CS) technique, and the use of aprotinin have been individually reported to be effective in reducing blood loss and blood component transfusion while improving hematological profiles in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). In this prospective randomized clinical study, the efficacy of these combined approaches on reducing blood loss and transfusion requirements was evaluated. Seventy patients undergoing primary coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) were randomly divided into four groups: a control group (group I, n = 10) did not receive any of the previously mentioned approaches. An APP and CS group (group II, n = 20) experienced APP in which preoperative platelet-rich plasma was collected and reinfused after reversal of heparin, along with the cell salvage technique throughout surgery. The third group (group III, n = 22) received aprotinin in which 5,000,000 KIU Trasylol was applied during surgery, and a combination group (group IV, n = 18) was treated with all three approaches, i.e., APP, CS, and aprotinin. Compared with group I (896+/-278 mL), the postoperative total blood loss was significantly reduced in groups II, III, and IV (468+/-136, 388+/-122, 202+/-81 mL, respectively, p < 0.05). The requirements of packed red blood cells in the three approached groups (153+/-63, 105+/-178, 0+/-0 mL, respectively) also were reduced when compared with group I (343+/-118 mL, p < 0.05). In group I, six patients (6/10) received fresh-frozen plasma and three patients (3/10) received platelet transfusion, whereas no patients in the other three groups required fresh-frozen plasma and platelet. In conclusion, both plateletpheresis concomitant with cell salvage and aprotinin contribute to the improvement of postoperative hemostasis, and the combination of these two approaches could minimize postoperative blood loss and requirement.     

Preoperative autologous donation of blood in cardiac surgery —Age related factors—

We have studied influence of the age related factors on preoperative autologous donation (PAD) of blood in cardic surgery. PAD was undertaken in 246 cases of elective cardiac surgery by means of simple or leap-frog method, starting at approximately 4.5 weeks before operation. It provided 1726 ml of autologous blood storage on the average. Sorting the patients into three groups with age, leading surgical procedures were as follows: closure of the atrial septal defect (ASD) in teen-30s (group L, n=51), aortic valve replacement (AVR) or mitral valve replacement (MVR) in 40s–50s (group M, n=83) and 60s and over (group H, n = 112). Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) was more common in group H. Percent-freedom from allogeneic blood transfusion was 82.3% in group L, 80.7% in group M and 61.6% in group H, respectively (p<0.05; L, M vs. H). donated blood volume in group H was significantly less than that of group M (p<0.05, M: 1987 ± 63, H: 1610 ± 60 ml), because blood volume and hemoglobin level before donation tended to be less in group H. Each group did not differ in blood loss during and after operation, which showed a significant positive correlation with operation time and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time. Comparing factors in ASD, CPB time was relatively long, and postoperative blood loss was significantly larger in group H (p<0.05; L: 432 ± 71 ml, M: 369 ± 34 ml, H: 754 ± 124 ml). This finding suggests that the secondary lesions in agd ASD cases adversely affected hemostasis. As to AVR, MVR and CABG, there were no differences in these factors but donated blood volume among three groups. We conclude that elderly patient (60s and over) tends to necessitate allogeneic blood transfusion in cardiac surgery because of the insufficient PAD. Earlier commencement of PAD or concomitant application of erythropoietin will improve this situation.     

术前自体血小板分离回输在非体外循环下冠状动脉旁路移植术中的应用

目的 探讨术前自体血小板分离回输在非CPB下冠状动脉旁路移植术(off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting,OPCABG)中应用的临床效果. 方法 32例OPCABG患者采用随机数字表法分为两组(每组16例):对照组(A组)行术中自体血回输,急性血小板分离组(B组)行急性等容血液稀释(acute normovoemic hemodiltion,ANH)联合自体富血小板血浆(platelet-rich plasma,PRP)回输及术中自体血回输.于麻醉诱导前(T0)、肝素化前(T1)、术后1 h(T2)、术后24 h(T3)各时间点记录有关凝血功能的各项指标.记录T2、T3时点引流液. 结果 B组急性血小板处理的全血容量为(1 100±145) ml,采集PRP(166±30) ml,血小板计数(platelet count,Plt)(1 010±210)×109/L,占全身Plt总数(26±3)％.与A组比较,B组T2时点Plt升高明显,T2、T3时点引流液降低、异体红细胞输注率降低(P＜0.05),凝血功能指标差异无统计学意(P＞0.05). 结论 术前自体血小板分离回输在OPCABG中可减少异体血输注量,减少输血费用,降低术后出血量,避免血液传播性疾病及输血反应的发生.     

The change of clinical features and surgical outcomes in patients with pressure injury during the COVID-19 pandemic

This retrospective study aims to explore whether the COVID-19 pandemic altered patient conditions and surgery outcomes by studying 213 pressure injury (PI) patients who underwent surgery during 2016 to 2019 (pre-COVID) and 2020 to 2021 (COVID) in Taiwan. We extracted patient demographics, surgical and blood test records, preoperative vital signs, and flap surgery outcomes. In total, 464 surgeries were performed, including 308 pre-COVID and 156 COVID. During the COVID period, there were more patients presenting with dementia, and it had significantly more patients with >12 000 white blood cells/μL (24.03% vs 15.59%, P = 0.029), higher C-reactive protein levels (7.13 ± 6.36 vs 5.58 ± 5.09 mg/dL, P = 0.014), pulse rates (86.67 ± 14.76 vs 81.26 ± 13.66 beats/min, P < 0.001), and respiratory rates (17.87 ± 1.98 vs 17.31 ± 2.39 breaths/min, P = 0.009) but lower haemoglobin levels (9.75 ± 2.02 vs 10.43 ± 1.67 mg/dL, P < 0.001) preoperatively. There were no between-group differences in flap surgery outcomes but had fewer flap surgeries during COVID-19. Thus, PI patient condition was generally poor during the COVID-19 pandemic because of reduced access to medical treatment; this problem may be resolved through holistic care during a future pandemic or pandemic-like situation.     

Predictors of allogenic blood transfusion in elective cardiac surgery after preoperative autologous blood donation

Purpose  Preoperative autologous blood donation (PAD) is important for reducing exposure to allogenic blood in cardiac surgery. Unfortunately, even after PAD, allogenic blood transfusion is not always avoided. We investigated the predictors of blood component usage during elective cardiac surgery in patients prepared with PAD. Methods  Clinical data were collected for 143 consecutive patients (103 men and 40 women; mean age, 62 ± 9 years) who underwent elective cardiac surgery after PAD (959 ± 240 ml), often using iron supplement and recombinant human erythropoietin. Results  Allogenic blood transfusion was avoided during and after surgery in 107 patients (75%), whereas 36 patients required an allogenic transfusion (4.1 ± 3.8 U of packed red cells, 3.4 ± 4.1 U of fresh frozen plasma, and 5.8 ± 11.0 U of platelet concentrate). The independent factors for perioperative allogenic blood transfusion in these patients included the pre-donation hemoglobin value, the preoperative platelet count, and the lowest hemoglobin value during cardiopulmonary bypass. Conclusion  Even with PAD for elective cardiac surgery, patients whose pre-donation hemoglobin value and preoperative platelet count are low may require allogenic blood transfusion.     

Autotransfusion with cell saver for off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery: a randomized trial

Objectives. Off-pump coronary surgery reduces transfusions, however, many patients still receive blood. This trial aims to clarify the effect of using a cell saver intraoperatively. Design. In 60 patients shed blood was collected in the cell saver reservoir intraoperatively; randomization and processing or discharge were performed immediately after surgery. Primary outcome measures: proportion of patients receiving allogeneic blood, and average number of units per patient. Secondary outcome measures: blood loss, hemoglobin levels, complications, and costs. Results. Cell saver group versus control group; received transfusions: 17/30 vs. 14/29 (p?=?0.28), allogeneic units: median 1 (interquartile range 0 – 2) vs. 2 (IQR 0 – 7) (p?=?0.06), intraoperative net blood loss: median 300 ml (IQR 193 – 403) vs. 610 ml (IQR 450 – 928) (p?<?0.001). Control group patients had more complications leading to transfusion. Hemoglobin levels and costs were comparable between groups. Conclusions. Use of cell saver reduced intraoperative net blood loss and seemed to reduce transfusions by 1 unit per patient, however, this was probably attributable to more complications leading to transfusion in the control group. In the future larger trials are necessary.     

Cell saver devices in coronary revascularization surgery without extracorporeal circulation reduce transfusion requirements

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the effectiveness of a cell saver device in reducing transfusion requirements in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-six consecutive ASA class 4-5 patients who underwent coronary surgery without extracorporeal circulation in our cardiac surgery department between June 2004 and January 2005 were included in this retrospective study; the series comprised 28 patients who received conventional management (control group) without use of the cell saver device and 28 who received cell saver treatment. Variables analyzed were preoperative and discharge hemoglobin levels and hematocrit values, age, weight, height, ejection fraction, packed red blood cells transfused, exitus, and adverse events. RESULTS: The groups were similar with respect to preoperative characteristics. Fewer patients in the cell saver group required transfusions (6 vs 18 in the control group; relative risk 0.33, 95% confidence interval, 0.16-0.71). The mean amount of packed red cells transfused was greater in the control group than in the cell saver group (2.5 L vs 1.2 L, P = 0.03). No deaths or adverse events occurred in either group. CONCLUSIONS: The routine use of a cell saver device during off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery reduces the need for postoperative transfusions and is not associated with adverse events. Cell saver devices should be used routinely, especially in situations where the ability to provide blood transfusions may be compromised.     

Contribution de l'hémodilution préopératoire par érythrophérèse à l'épargne de sang homologue au cours de l'arthroplastie totale de hanche

ObjectivesTo compare three techniques for decreasing homologous blood requirements in total hip arthroplasty (THA), including preoperative autologous donation (PAD), preoperative acute normovolaemic haemodilution with erythrocytapheresis (erythro) and intraoperative normovolaemic haemodilution (haemo).Study designProspective clinical trial.PatientsThe study included 45 patients scheduled for THA, under general anaesthesia and operated on by the same surgeon. The patients were allocated into three groups of 15 each.MethodsBlood loss was assessed, during surgical procedure, by the weight of sponges and, the amount of blood collected in the suction bottles during and after surgery. The haemoglobin concentration was measured at the time of preoperative assessement (d-30), just prior to surgery (d-1), in the recovery room (d+3h), and 1, 3, and 8 days later (d8). The transfusion end-point in the three groups was to obtain a haemoglobin concentration of 100 g·L⁻¹ from d+3h until d8. Every pack of red blood cells transfused was weighed and its haematocrit assessed to determine the accurate volume of red blood celts.ResultsIn the three groups haemoglobin concentration was similar from d+3h until d8. In the PAD group, no patient required homologous blood transfusion. There was no significant difference between the two other groups in the mean volume of homologous red blood cells required (308 ± 197 mL in erythro group and 331 ± 202 mL in the haemo group, respectively). The intraoperative blood loss was significantly higher (P = 0.001) in the erythro group: 914 ± 305 ml vs 665 ± 263 in the PAD group and 512 ± 146 ml in the haemo group, respectively. There was an inverse correlation between haematocrit at d-1 and intraoperative bleeding (r = −0.7) (P = 0.0001). The distribution of the points was fitted as an exponential curve.ConclusionsIn THA, PAD is obviously the best technique to avoid homologous blood transfusion. However, when PAD is not feasible, removal of blood prior to surgery does not decrease requirements of homologous blood, as intraoperative blood loss is higher. Our results strongly question the use of major haemodilution during a surgical procedure exposing a major blood loss.     

Preoperative predictors for allogenic blood transfusion in hip and knee arthroplasty for rheumatoid arthritis

Introduction

To identify the preoperative predictors of requirement for postoperative allogenic blood transfusion following hip and knee joint arthroplasty.

Materials and methods

We analysed the retrospective data on patients with rheumatoid arthritis who had undergone either total hip or knee arthroplasty at a single university teaching hospital. Factors of age, sex, procedure type, preoperative haemoglobin, blood transfusion data, comorbidities and body mass index were investigated for association with postoperative allogenic blood after hip or knee arthroplasty.

Results

Three hundred and forty nine cases of patients with rheumatoid arthritis were reviewed. 21 % (n = 72) required allogenic blood transfusion. The only significant predictive preoperative factors associated with postoperative blood transfusion were a low preoperative haemoglobin (Hb) level (p < 0.001), procedure of total hip arthroplasty (p = 0.008), a previous history of myocardial infarction (p = 0.038) and previous allogenic blood transfusion (p = 0.03). A preoperative haemoglobin <120 g/l was associated with a tenfold increase in transfusion requirement. All patients with a preoperative Hb level <90 g/l were transfused.

Conclusions

The ability to identify those within this high-risk group who are likely to receive blood transfusion allows for an informed, appropriate and cost effective approach to blood management strategies.     

Effects of combined conventional ultrafiltration and a simplified modified ultrafiltration in adult cardiac surgery

Background Today’s practice of cardiac surgery encounters an increasing number of older and/or sicker patients, who are expected to have higher morbidity and mortality. Ultrafiltration during cardiac surgery is one of the strategies to prevent major vital organ dysfunction associated with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and therefore might reduce the morbidity and mortality in these patients. This study aims to evaluate the effects of combined conventional ultrafiltration (CUF) and a simplified modified ultrafiltration (S-MUF) on clinical outcome in sick adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Methods In this prospective, randomized controlled study fifty adult patients with > 3 Euro SCORE who underwent open heart surgery were enrolled. In this study group (n=25), both CUF and S-MUF was performed, using a simplified circuit. The control group of patients (n=25) were treated identically to the study group except no ultrafiltration was performed. Effects of ultrafiltration on hemodynamics, hematocrit, pulmonary function, postoperative blood loss and homologous blood and blood component usage were recorded. Results During the immediate S-MUF period there was a significant increase in MAP (mean arterial pressure) and haematocrit (54.3 ± 11.6 to 74.3 ± 9.1 mmHg; p < 0.001) and (28.6 ± 5.4% to 36.6 ± 4%; p < 0.001 respectively) in the study group, where as no such phenomenon was observed in the control group. This fact remains true for both the groups during the post operative period. In contrary to the control group, the oxygenation parameters were improved significantly (p < 0.05), immediately after S-MUF and remained at a higher level (p < 0.05) during the postoperative period in the study. The total postoperative blood loss was significantly less in the study group than the control group (402 ± 249 ml vs 603 ± 377 ml, p < 0.05) and (1.8 ± 1.3 U/patient vs 3.1 ± 1.1 U/patient, p < 0.001 respectively). The total duration of mechanical ventilation, ICU stay, inotropic/vasodilator support and hospital stay were similar in both the groups. Conclusion The use of combined CUF and S-MUF can effectively concentrate the blood, transiently improve pulmonary function and decrease postoperative blood loss as well as postoperative requirement of allogenic blood transfusion in sick adult patients. It did not have any major impact on clinical outcome.     

Five‐Year Experience With Mini‐Volume Priming in Infants ≤5 kg: Safety of Significantly Smaller Transfusion Volumes

Reducing the cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) priming volume in congenital cardiac surgery is important because it is associated with fewer transfusions. This retrospective study was designed to compare safety and transfusion volumes between the mini‐volume priming (MP) and conventional priming (CP) methods. Between 2007 and 2012, congenital heart surgery using CPB was performed on 480 infants (≤5 kg): the MP method was used in 331 infants (MP group, 69.0%), and the CP method was used in 149 infants (CP group, 31.0%). In the MP group, narrow‐caliber (3/16″) tubing was used, and the pump heads were vertically aligned to shorten the tubing lengths. The smallest possible oxygenators and hemofilters were used, and vacuum drainage was applied. Ultrafiltration was vigorously applied during CPB to avoid excessive hemodilution. The mean age and body weight of the patients were 48 ± 41 (0–306) days and 3.8 ± 0.8 (1.3–5.0) kg, respectively. The total priming and transfusion volumes during CPB were lower in the MP group than in the CP group (141 ± 24 mL vs. 292 ± 50 mL, P < 0.001, and 82 ± 40 mL vs. 162 ± 82 mL, P < 0.001, respectively). In the MP group, the smallest priming volume was 110 mL. However, there was no significant difference in the lowest hematocrit level during CPB between the two groups (22 ± 3% vs. 22 ± 3%, P = 0.724). The incidence of postoperative neurological complications was not significantly different between the MP and CP groups (1.8% vs. 2.7%, P = 0.509). After adjustment for the Risk Adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery category, body surface area, and age, MP was not an independent risk factor of postoperative neurological complications or early mortality (P = 0.213 and P = 0.467, respectively). The MP method reduced the priming volume to approximately 140 mL without increasing the risk of morbidity or mortality in infants ≤5 kg. The total transfusion volume during CPB was reduced by 50% without compromising hematocrit levels. We recommend the use of mini‐volume priming, which is a safe and effective method for reducing transfusion volumes.     

Autotransfusion with cell saver for off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery: a randomized trial

OBJECTIVES: Off-pump coronary surgery reduces transfusions, however, many patients still receive blood. This trial aims to clarify the effect of using a cell saver intraoperatively. DESIGN: In 60 patients shed blood was collected in the cell saver reservoir intraoperatively; randomization and processing or discharge were performed immediately after surgery. Primary outcome measures: proportion of patients receiving allogeneic blood, and average number of units per patient. Secondary outcome measures: blood loss, hemoglobin levels, complications, and costs. RESULTS: Cell saver group versus control group; received transfusions: 17/30 vs. 14/29 (p = 0.28), allogeneic units: median 1 (interquartile range 0 - 2) vs. 2 (IQR 0 - 7) (p = 0.06), intraoperative net blood loss: median 300 ml (IQR 193 - 403) vs. 610 ml (IQR 450 - 928) (p < 0.001). Control group patients had more complications leading to transfusion. Hemoglobin levels and costs were comparable between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Use of cell saver reduced intraoperative net blood loss and seemed to reduce transfusions by 1 unit per patient, however, this was probably attributable to more complications leading to transfusion in the control group. In the future larger trials are necessary.