Risk factors and transfusion requirements in aortic surgery
Chant, A.D.; McEleny, P.; Machin, D.; Clifford, P.C.
Journal of Cardiovascular Surgery 29(2): 208-210
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0021-9509 PMID: 3360844 Document Number: 314285
An audit of heterologous blood usage was made on 169 of 185 successive patients undergoing aortic surgery with a view to identifying factors determining individual transfusion requirements. The use of knitted prostheses was associated with 1.4 units, and aneurysmal disease 1.0 units of extra transfusion. Other factors influencing extra transfusion requirements were presence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus and low preoperative haemoglobin values. Clearly, if appropriate, the use of woven grafts seems worthwhile in terms of reduced transfusion requirements. However, individual prediction of patient transfusion requirements does not appear feasible with the factors studied.