Transfusion algorithms and how they apply to blood conservation: the high-risk cardiac surgical patient

Considerable blood product support is administered to the cardiac surgery population. Due to the multifactorial etiology of bleeding in the cardiac bypass patient, blood products frequently and empirically are infused to correct bleeding, with varying success. Several studies have demonstrated the b...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inHematology/oncology clinics of North America Vol. 21; no. 1; p. 177
Main Authors Steiner, Marie E, Despotis, George John
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.02.2007
Subjects
Algorithms
Blood Preservation
Blood Transfusion
Cardiac Surgical Procedures - adverse effects
Humans
Risk Factors
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Summary:Considerable blood product support is administered to the cardiac surgery population. Due to the multifactorial etiology of bleeding in the cardiac bypass patient, blood products frequently and empirically are infused to correct bleeding, with varying success. Several studies have demonstrated the benefit of algorithm-guided transfusion in reducing blood loss, transfusion exposure, or rate of surgical re-exploration for bleeding. Some transfusion algorithms also incorporate laboratory-based decision points in their guidelines. Despite published success with standardized transfusion practices, generalized change in blood use has not been realized, and it is evident that current laboratory-guided hemostasis measures are inadequate to define and address the bleeding etiology in these patients.
ISSN:0889-8588
DOI:10.1016/j.hoc.2006.11.009