Elective surgery without transfusion: influence of preoperative hemoglobin level and blood loss on mortality

To clarify the widespread practice of preoperative transfusion to attain a 10 g/dL level of hemoglobin, the relationship between preoperative hemoglobin level, operative blood loss, and mortality was studied by analyzing the results of 113 operations in 107 consecutive Jehovah's Witness patients who underwent major elective surgery. Ninety-three patients had preoperative hemoglobin values greater than 10 g/dL; 20 had preoperative hemoglobin levels between 6 to 10 g/dL. Mortality for preoperative hemoglobin levels greater than 10 g/dL was 3 of 93 (3.2%); for preoperative hemoglobin levels between 6 to 10 g/dL, mortality was 1 of 20 (5%). Mortality was significantly increased with an estimated blood loss of greater than 500 mL, regardless of the preoperative hemoglobin level (p less than 0.025). More importantly, there was no mortality if estimated blood loss was less than 500 mL, regardless of the preoperative hemoglobin level. From these data, we conclude that: (1) Mortality in elective surgery appears to depend more on estimated blood loss than on preoperative hemoglobin levels; and (2) Elective surgery can be done safely in patients with a preoperative hemoglobin level as low as 6 g/dL if estimated blood loss is kept below 500 mL.     

Autologous blood transfusion after primary unilateral total knee replacement surgery

A prospective study was undertaken to assess the efficacy and financial cost of the use of an autologous blood transfusion device in the reduction of allogeneic blood requirements of patients undergoing primary unilateral total knee arthroplasty. Forty-nine consecutive patients received either the CellTrans blood salvage device (group A of 32 patients) or the Redivac high vacuum drainage system (group B of 17 patients). The preoperative and postoperative haemoglobin levels were recorded at 72 or 96 hours. Nine percent of group A patients received an allogeneic blood transfusion compared to 59% in group B. There was an average saving of 1.1 unit of allogeneic blood per patient in group A (p<0.001). The total cost per patient was about Euro 111 less for the group A patients. Autologous re-infusion was found in this study to be an effective method of reducing allogeneic blood requirements and to afford significant cost savings in primary unilateral knee arthroplasty.     

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.     

Acute normovolaemic haemodilution decreases postoperative allogeneic blood transfusion after total knee replacement

We hypothesized that the success of postoperative blood conservation after acute normovolaemic haemodilution (NVHD) is influenced by the extent of intraoperative bleeding and surgical trauma, and the timing of autologous blood transfusion. As total knee replacement is associated with minimal intraoperative but extensive postoperative blood loss, this procedure is ideally suited to acute NVHD. Therefore, to test our hypothesis, 30 patients undergoing elective total knee replacement were enrolled in a prospective, randomized, controlled study. In groups NVHD-2 and NVHD-6, before induction of anaesthesia patients were bled to a target packed cell volume (PCV) of 28-30%, and in the post-anaesthesia care unit autologous blood was transfused over a 2-h period terminating after operation at 2 and 6 h, respectively. In the control group, NVHD was not performed. After operation, platelets, fibrinogen, prothrombin and partial thromboplastin time, and liver function, urea and electrolytes were measured and compared with preoperative baseline values. Significantly (P < 0.024) more allogeneic blood was transfused in the control group (21 u.) compared with either group NVHD-2 (7 u.) or group NVHD-6 (5 u.). In the control group, despite the allogeneic blood transfusion, postoperative PCV decreased until day 4 after operation. Coagulation profile, liver function and urea and electrolytes concentrations were unaffected by the method of treatment. We conclude that for total knee replacement, acute NVHD is an effective blood conservation strategy. However, there was no difference in allogeneic blood administration between the two NVHD groups. Coagulation and liver function, and urea and electrolyte concentrations were unaffected by treatment.      

Autologous blood transfusion in total knee replacement surgery

We compared allogeneic blood usage for two groups of patientsundergoing total knee replacement surgery (TKR). Patients wererandomized to receive either their post-operative wound drainageas an autotransfusion (n=115) after processing or to have thiswound drainage discarded (n=116). Allogeneic blood was transfusedin patients of either group whose haemoglobin fell below 9 gdl^–1. Only 7% of patients in the autotransfusion grouprequired an allogeneic transfusion compared with 28% in thecontrol group (P<0.001). There was no hospital mortalityand only 3% mortality from all causes at the study completion,which spanned 6 months to 3 yr. There was a higher incidenceof infection requiring intervention in the allogeneic group(P<0.036). Total patient costs were £113 greater inthe autotransfusion group. We conclude that in this type ofsurgery post-operative cell salvage is a safe and effectivemethod for reducing allogeneic blood use. Br J Anaesth 2001; 86: 669–73     

Mannheim concept of preoperative autologous blood donation and perioperative autologous blood transfusion in hip endoprosthesis surgery

PURPOSE: To investigate the efficiency of preoperative autologous deposit and intra- and postoperative cell salvage (CS) to reduce homologous transfusion in hip arthroplasty and revision hip arthroplasty. METHODS: In a retrospective study, the data of 1402 patients scheduled for hip arthroplasty and for revision hip arthroplasty were analysed. RESULTS: 767 women and 635 men, age 62.9 +/- 9.8 years (x +/- s) were included in the study. 1270 were scheduled for hip arthroplasty, 132 for revision hip arthroplasty. Of the autologous donors, 51 patients predeposited four units, 1020 patients three, 204 patients two, 39 patients one unit. 88 patients who had not enrolled in the autologous donation program but received CS served as a control group. Blood loss in autologous donors amounted to 1620 (220-5620) ml in hip arthroplasty and 2830 (950-7910) ml in revision arthroplasty. CS was employed in part of the cases in arthroplasty and in all revision operations. 470 (0-2200) ml and 705 (0-2200) were retransfused. In hip arthroplasty 227 of 1182 patients (19.2%) received homologous blood. Homologous transfusion in patients with coxarthrosis due to acetabular protrusio, avascular necrosis of the femoral head and hip dysplasia showed a trend to higher values. Patients who had donated 3 units and received CS required homologous transfusion in 12.4% of the cases. CS reduced the homolgous transfusion rate significantly if the preoperative hemoglobin concentration was < or = 12 g/dl. A group of autologous donors receiving CS was matched with patients receiving CS only. 12 of 76 (15.8%) vs. 45 of 76 (59.2%) required homologous transfusion. In revision hip arthroplasty 58 of 132 patients (43.9%) required homologous blood. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative deposit reduces homologous transfusion requirements considerably in hip surgery. Under the conditions studied CS should be employed in hip arthroplasty in addition to preoperative deposit if the preoperative hemoglobin concentration falls below 12 g/dl. In revision arthroplasty, 4 or more autologous units should be predeposited and CS should be used regularly.     

术中自体血回输与输注异体血对脊柱手术术后血液流变学的影响

目的 对比术中自体血回输和输注异体血对脊柱手术病人血液流变学（凝血功能）的影响,进一步探讨术中血液回收的安全性和可行性。方法 选择2015年1月至2016年12月我院收治的术前实验室检验正常、无凝血功能异常且未接受抗凝治疗、非恶性肿瘤、术中血液无污染的骨科脊柱开放性手术病人100例。严格遵守献血与输血的伦理准则分组：①自体血液回输组（自体组）,即术中回输经洗涤处理的自体血,男22例,女28例;②异体输血组（异体组）,即行异体输血,男23例,女27例。两组病人一般资料比较,差异均无统计学意义（均P＞0.05）。同时进行血液流变学项目监测,并对比输血对病人凝血功能的影响。结果 自体组的术中回输自体血量为（289.4±55.7） ml,少于异体组的异体输血量［（396.5±141.1） ml］,两者比较差异有统计学意义（t=4.992,P＜0.05）。术后第3天两组病人的红细胞压积,自体组为31.00%±5.84%,小于异体组的34.25%±6.15%,两组比较差异具有统计学意义（t=2.710,P=0.007）;两组病人其余血液流变学参数比较,差异均无统计学意义（均P＞0.05）。术后第7、14天,两组病人各项血液流变学参数比较,差异均无统计学意义（均P＞0.05）。结论 自体血回输对血液流变学参数的影响与输注异体血相比无显著差异,可广泛应用于临床。     

夹管6小时后开放与自体血回输引流对膝关节表面置换术后并发症的影响

目的探讨人工膝关节表面置换术（TKA）后夹管6h后开放的引流方案相比自体血回输方案对术后并发症的影响。方法接受初始膝关节表面置换手术的骨性关节炎患者91例（103膝）,随机分为夹闭组（53膝）和回输组（50膝）。夹管组TKA术后夹闭引流管6h后开放,回输组术后6h内引流液过滤后回输。统计术后总引流量和自体血回输量、异体血输血量,同步监测术前和术后第1、3、6天血常规,通过Gross方程计算隐性出血量和总失血量。记录手术前后的患肢周径了解肢体肿胀幅度,记录切口愈合等级判断感染并发症,检查术后下肢血管超声排查下肢静脉血栓（DVT）,记录术后关节活动度了解关节粘连情况。结果夹管组总引流量（161.13±138.63）ml,与回输组（798.20±337.93）ml比较有统计学差异（t=12.65,P〈0.01）。夹管组隐性失血量（712.77±338.22）ml,与回输组（793.54±325.50）ml比较无统计学差异（t=1.23,P〉0.05）;但夹管组总失血量（1024.85±422.68）ml,与回输组（1561.54±416.83）ml比较有统计学差异（t=6.48,P〈0.01）。夹管组异体血输注率56.00%,平均输血量（150.94±159.74）ml,与回输组比较无统计学差异[异体血输血率65.31%（x~2=0.90,P〉0.05）,输血量（200.00±169.71）ml（t=1.50,P〉0.05）]。术后第1、3、6天夹管组大腿及小腿周径增幅与回输组无统计学差异（P〉0.05）。术后14d膝关节夹管组活动度（96.53°±6.07°）,与回输组（96.72°±6.85°）比较无统计学差异（t=0.15,P〉0.05）。夹管组出现2例切口乙级愈合,1例股深静脉血栓（DVT）,回输组切口全部甲级愈合,无DVT发生,但是,切口感染率和DVT发生率无组间统计学差异（t=0.17,P〉0.05）。结论 TKA术后引流管暂时夹闭6h后开放的引流方案较自体血回输方案可显著减少术后失血和引流量,不增加异体血输血率和输血量,同时,不影响肢体肿胀程度和术后近期关节活动度,不增加感染、DVT等并发症的风险。     

Laryngospasm after autologous blood transfusion

Although perioperative autologous blood transfusions are associated with few side effects, transfusion reactions can occur and can be life-threatening. We report the occurrence of postoperative laryngospasm in a patient who underwent spinal anesthesia for hip surgery. The laryngospasm could not be attributed to any cause other than the autologous blood transfusion and recurred when the transfusion was restarted. Laryngospasm was successfully treated both times with positive pressure ventilation. Autologous transfusions can trigger febrile nonhemolytic transfusion reactions, which may result in airway compromise.     

Efficacy of preoperative autologous blood donation: analysis of blood loss and transfusion practice in total hip replacement

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of allogeneic transfusion for total hip replacement (THR) surgery and to examine the efficacy of preoperative autologous blood donation (PABD) under specified, standardized blood transfusion guidelines. DESIGN: Prospective, nonrandomized study. SETTING: University medical center. PATIENTS: All ASA physical status I, II, III, and IV patients undergoing single, primary, THR surgery from April 1998 to March 1999. INTERVENTIONS: All patients received standardized transfusion and anticoagulation therapy. Demographic, blood loss, and transfusion data were collected and compared between all patients participating in PABD (donors) and patients not participating in PABD (nondonors). Overall allogeneic blood exposure was established. Since most anemic patients could not participate in PABD, allogeneic transfusion frequency was also examined in a subset of nonanemic patients (hemoglobin > or =12 g/dL) who were potentially able to participate in PABD. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: n = 231 patients, 142 donors and 89 nondonors. Mean estimated blood volume (EBV) of donors was 4991 +/- 1042 mL versus nondonors 4631 +/- 1108 mL (p < 0. 01). ASA physical status I-II/III-IV among donors was 118/24 versus nondonors 61/28 (p < 0.01). Overall allogeneic blood exposure was 22% (51/231). Allogeneic transfusion frequency for all donors was 15% (22/142) versus nondonors 33% (29/89) (p < 0.05). Among nonanemic patients, donor versus nondonor EBV and ASA physical status I-II/III-IV were 5074 +/- 1019 mL versus 4743 +/- 1172 mL and 107/20 versus 48/15 (p = NS); allogeneic transfusion frequency reduced to 13% (16/127) versus 17% (11/63) (p = NS), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Allogeneic blood exposure was >10% despite the use of PABD. The efficacy of PABD has been obscured by the fact that donors of autologous blood tend to be larger and healthier than nondonors. After exclusion of anemic patients, autologous donors and nondonors were clinically comparable and the difference in allogeneic blood exposure was not statistically significant. PABD offers only a modest, if any, benefit for THR surgery.     

自体血回输在单侧人工全膝关节表面置换术后的临床观察

目的探讨人工全膝关节表面置换术后自体血回输的安全性、有效性及护理特点。方法使用回顾性质量评估设计,比较了2005-2009年本组行单侧人工全膝关节表面置换术患者120例,其中60例采用自体血回输装置（A组）,60例术后伤口采用常规引流袋引流（B组）。根据患者的临床表现和血红蛋白水平决定异体血的输入量,使术后血红蛋白水平维持在10g/dL以上。比较两组患者术后8h内及术后总引流量;比较两组患者术前、术后第1天、术后第7天的血红蛋白变化及术后平均输血量、输异体血比例。观察两组患者输血后不良反应的发生情况。结果两组患者8h内引流量以及术后总引流量比较,差异均无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。两组患者术前、术后第7天血红蛋白的变化无统计学差异（P〉0．05）,术后第1天血红蛋白的变化有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。A组术后自体血回输量平均为382．5ml,术后有9例接受异体血输血,平均异体血输入量134．3ml;A组所有自体血回输未出现输血反应,无感染等并发症。B组术后23例接受异体血输血,平均异体血输入量252．4ml;B组异体血输血过程中有3例出现发热反应。输异体血的比例为A组15．0％,B组38．3％。结论单侧人工全膝关节表面置换术后使用自体血回输是安全有效的,能够节约血源,避免血液传播疾病的发生,临床效果好,值得推广应用。     

输注自体血与库存血对患者术后炎症反应的影响

目的探讨输注自体回输血与保存时间短于2周的库存血对患者术后炎症反应的影响。方法选择择期行腰椎滑脱椎弓根内固定植骨融合术手术,估计出血量多于500ml的骨科患者40例。其中20例患者应用自体血回输装置即为回收血组(A组),20例患者单独输注短于2周的库存血即为库存血组(B组)。检测两组患者Hb、Hct、pH、K+、ATP含量和2,3-二磷酸甘油酸(2,3-DPG)及输血后患者的WBC、C-反应蛋白(CRP)、血沉(ESR)。结果 A组患者的pH值、K+、Hct、ATP、2,3-DPG均明显高于B组(P0.05);两组术后1、3dWBC,术后1、3、5dCRP、ESR均明显高于术前(P0.05);术后1、3、5dB组的CRP、ESR均明显高于A组(P0.05)。结论自体血的质量明显优于库存血,输注自体血的患者术后CRP、ESR明显低于输注库存血的患者,提示输注自体血的炎症反应发生率较库存血低。     

Recombinant human erythropoietin in preoperative autologous blood donation did not influence the haemoglobin recovery after surgery

BACKGROUND: Recombinant human erythropoietin in combination with preoperative autologous blood donation is an established regime for avoiding allogenic blood transfusions. The aim of the study was to determine endogenous erythropoietin production and haemoglobin recovery after preoperative autologous blood donation and surgery, with or without recombinant human erythropoietin treatment. METHODS: Thirty-eight patients having total hip joint replacement surgery were randomised to receive either autologous blood transfusion (control group) or autologous transfusion plus preoperative recombinant human erythropoietin treatment (EPO group). Haemoglobin, haematocrit, erythropoietin and reticulocyte concentrations were repeatedly analysed, before, during, and after surgery. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between the groups regarding haemoglobin, haematocrit, and erythropoietin, but the reticulocyte count increased significantly more in the EPO group. There was no difference in the requirement for allogeneic blood transfusions between the groups. The baseline haemoglobin was >13 g dL-1 in all but four patients. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with normal preoperative haemoglobin levels, recombinant human erythropoietin treatment did not improve haemoglobin levels, or reduce the need for allogenic blood transfusion. There were no differences in serum erythropoietin concentrations between the groups. We question whether recombinant human erythropoietin treatment facilitates preoperative autologous blood donation in patients with normal haemoglobin levels.     

Pre-donated autologous blood transfusion in scoliosis surgery

We studied the use of autologous pre-donatedblood transfusion in surgery for scoliosis in 45 patients who were divided into two groups; 27 who pre-donated autologous blood (group 1) and 18 who were planned recipients of allogenic blood (group 2). Normovolaemic haemodilution and intra-operative blood salvage was used in six patients in group 1 and three patients in group 2. The two groups did not differ significantly with respect to age, American Society of Anaesthesiologists score, mean operative time, number of vertebral segments fused, total blood loss, length of stay in intensive care and length of stay in hospital. The risk of requiring allogenic blood transfusion was found to be significantly less in group 1 (7.4% v 88.9%, p < 0.001). Only 5.21% of autologous units were wasted. Although intra-operative blood salvage reduced the total blood loss in both groups, it did not affect the need for subsequent allogenic transfusion or reduce the number of pre-donated autologous units which were given (p < 0.67). Autologous blood transfusion requiredextra time, personnel, resources and cost pounds sterling 28.88 per patient more than allogenic transfusion, however, the projected costs at May 2002 make this programme cost-effective by pounds sterling 51.54 per patient. Pre-donated autologous blood transfusion is acceptable and safe in scoliosis surgery. It significantly reduces the subsequent requirement of allogenic transfusion. Although the cost is currently more than allogenic transfusion, with the increase in the costs of the latter and the decrease in potential donors which is anticipated, pre-donation of autologous blood will become comparatively cost-effective.     

A one-centre prospective audit of peri- and postoperative blood loss and transfusion practice in patients undergoing hip or knee replacement surgery

We prospectively audited peri-operative blood loss and blood transfusion practice in 42 elderly patients (mean age, 71.8 years, 68% female) undergoing hip or knee surgery in an orthopaedic unit. Only in 57% of all operations was blood loss recorded. Compliance with the Maximum Surgical Blood Ordering Schedule (MSBOS) was variable, and Cross-matching to Transfusion (C/T) ratios were low. In 86% of operations, blood had been issued pre-operatively (average three units, range = 1-61 units). Of these patients, 75% subsequently received a transfusion. In 26% of all the operations, the transfusion, although confirmed by the blood transfusion laboratory records, had not been recorded in the medical or nursing notes. The average pre-operative Hb in the transfusion group was 123 g/l (range, 80-144 g/l) and 112 g/l postoperatively and after a transfusion (range, 75-133 g/l). This compared to the non-transfusion group's value of 124 g/l (range, 86-186 g/l) and 113 g/l (range, 77-147 g/l) postoperatively. The high blood issuing and transfusion rates raise the concern that transfusions are being given in response to habit or blood availability, and not medical indications. This would imply that some patients are exposed to unnecessary risks. Furthermore, inadequate documentation of the transfusion process opens the medical profession to criticism and medical, legal and ethical complications regarding patient care. Positive improvements suggested by regular medical audit may help address these problems.     

An economic justification for autologous blood re-infusion in primary total knee replacement surgery

INTRODUCTION: To justify economically the use of autologous blood re-infusion after total knee replacement surgery compared with vacuum drains. To determine if the patients using autologous re-infusion units have a reduced allogenic blood transfusion requirement and hospital stay. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospectively, 50 patients undergoing primary unilateral total knee replacements with autologous re-infusion units were studied. They were matched for age, sex, type of prosthesis and the month in which surgery took place to a second group undergoing the same surgery with vacuum drains. The results for the second group were obtained retrospectively from the notes. The outcome measures were the need for allogenic blood transfusion and length of postoperative hospital stay. RESULTS: The use of re-infusion units reduced the need for postoperative allogenic blood transfusion from 28% to 4% in total knee replacement surgery. The cost of using re-infusion units was the same as vacuum drains. Overall, the autologous re-infusion patients were discharged 2 days earlier (99% confidence interval). CONCLUSIONS: Re-infusion units are no more expensive than vacuum drains. In addition, autologous blood has many clinical benefits compared to allogenic blood. Re-infusion may shorten the hospital stay for patients undergoing total knee replacement surgery.     

Fibrinolytic activity and postoperative salvaged untreated blood for autologous transfusion in major orthopaedic surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the fibrinolytic activity in a closed surgical wound, in postoperatively drained blood, and during autologous transfusion. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: National hospital, Norway. PATIENTS: 9 patients operated on for thoracic scoliosis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Concentrations of plasmin/antiplasmin (PAP), alpha2-antiplasmin, and D-dimers in drained, arterial, and mixed venous blood before, during, and after infusion of 10 ml/kg body weight of postoperatively drained, untreated blood. RESULTS: In drained blood the concentration of alpha2-antiplasmin was 31% of the preoperative arterial control value. Together with the increased concentrations of PAP to 18076 microg/L and D-dimers to 126 mg/L, this indicates extensive fibrinolytic activity in the closed wound. The postoperative autologous transfusion of drained, untreated blood increased the concentration of PAP from 507 to 2453 microg/L and of D-dimer from 0.7 mg/L to 15.3 mg/L in systemic blood. CONCLUSION: The systemic concentration of fibrin(ogen) degradation products, indicated by D-dimers, after recirculation of drained, untreated blood might impair coagulation. The extensive activation of plasmin might exhaust available alpha2-antiplasmin in the wound and result in postoperative rebleeding.