Incidence and Impact of a Single-Unit Red Blood Cell Transfusion: Analysis of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Database 2010-2019.

TitleIncidence and Impact of a Single-Unit Red Blood Cell Transfusion: Analysis of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Database 2010-2019.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2023
AuthorsGirardi NIvascu, Cushing MM, Evered LA, Benedetto U, Schwann TA, Kurlansky P, Habib RH, Gaudino MFL
JournalAnn Thorac Surg
Volume115
Issue4
Pagination1035-1041
Date Published2023 Apr
ISSN1552-6259
KeywordsAdult, Cardiac Surgical Procedures, Erythrocyte Transfusion, Female, Humans, Incidence, Postoperative Complications, Retrospective Studies, Surgeons, Treatment Outcome
Abstract

BACKGROUND: As the adverse effects of blood transfusions are better understood, recommendations support single-unit red blood cell (RBC) transfusions (SRBCT). However, an isolated SRBCT across the entire index admission suggests even the single unit may be avoidable. We sought to identify the characteristics of cardiac surgery patients receiving an isolated SRBCT and analyze the impact on outcomes.

METHODS: The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Adult Cardiac Surgery Database was queried for the period between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2019. Patients aged >18 years undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting or isolated aortic valve replacement were included. A total of 2,151,430 encounters were analyzed.

RESULTS: Of the 847,442 patients (39.3%) receiving any RBC transfusion during their index admission, 206,555 (24.4%) received only 1 unit. Propensity-matching analysis determined SRBCT patients were significantly older (67.26 vs 64.02 years; odds ratio [OR], 1.02; P < .001), female (39.1% vs 17.8%; OR, 1.57; P < .001), non-White (18.2% vs 13.1%; OR, 0.81; P < .001), and had a smaller body surface area (1.94 vs 2.07 m2; OR, 0.20; P < .001). They also had higher mortality (1.4% vs 1.0%, P < .001), stroke (1.7% vs 1.2%, P < .001), prolonged ventilation (6.4% vs 3.4%, P < .001), renal failure (1.8% vs 0.9%, P < .001), and reoperations (1.3% vs. 0.5%, P < .001) than patients who received 0 RBCs.

CONCLUSIONS: SRBCT is a common occurrence in adult cardiac surgery. This low-volume transfusion is strongly associated with higher morbidity, even after controlling for preoperative risk factors.

DOI10.1016/j.athoracsur.2022.11.037
Alternate JournalAnn Thorac Surg
PubMed ID36528125
Related Faculty: 
Melissa Cushing, M.D.

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