The use of blood and blood products in total hip arthroplasty in 31 European hospitals, 1990/'91
Ten Duis, H.J.; van Dalen, K.C.; Giovanetti, A.M.; Smit Sibinga, C.T.; Sirchia, G.
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde 140(25): 1307-1312
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0028-2162 PMID: 8710009 Document Number: 455100
To compare the use of blood products and artificial colloids during total hip arthroplasty in European hospitals. Descriptive. Europe. During the period October 1990-October 1991 transfusion data were obtained about patients who underwent a planned total hip replacement for the first time. The investigations were performed in 31 teaching hospitals in ten countries of the EC, as a part of the ¿Safe and good use of blood in surgery' (SANGUIS)-project. Red cells were ordered preoperatively in 97.4% of the 1647 cases and transfused in 81% (ranges among hospitals: 29-100). Hospitals in the Mediterranean area used more auto-transfusion than those in Central and Northern Europe. Plasma was transfused in 6% of the patients, predominantly in hospitals in southern European countries. Albumin was used especially in Central and Northern European countries. The reasons for red cell transfusion were stated in the medical records in 23% of the cases, for plasma transfusions in 7% and for albumin in 1%. Averaged transfusion-related costs were 192 ecu per patient (ranges per hospital: 60-383 ecu). Differences between European hospitals in the use of blood products for total hip arthroplasty are considerable.