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Desmopressin to reduce periprocedural bleeding and transfusion: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Wang, C., Lebedeva, V., Yang, J., Anih, J., Park, L. J., Paczkowski, F., Roshanov, P. S.
Perioperative medicine (London, England). 2024;13(1):5
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Abstract
We systematically reviewed the literature to investigate the effects of peri-procedural desmopressin in patients without known inherited bleeding disorders undergoing surgery or other invasive procedures. We included 63 randomized trials (4163 participants) published up to February 1, 2023. Seven trials were published after a 2017 Cochrane systematic review on this topic. There were 38 trials in cardiac surgery, 22 in noncardiac surgery, and 3 in non-surgical procedures. Meta-analyses demonstrated that desmopressin likely does not reduce the risk of receiving a red blood cell transfusion (25 trials, risk ratio [RR] 0.95, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.86 to 1.05) and may not reduce the risk of reoperation due to bleeding (22 trials, RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.47 to 1.19) when compared to placebo or usual care. However, we demonstrated significant reductions in number of units of red blood cells transfused (25 trials, mean difference -0.55 units, 95% CI - 0.94 to - 0.15), total volume of blood loss (33 trials, standardized mean difference - 0.40 standard deviations; 95% CI - 0.56 to - 0.23), and the risk of bleeding events (2 trials, RR 0.45, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.84). The certainty of evidence of these findings was generally low. Desmopressin increased the risk of clinically significant hypotension that required intervention (19 trials, RR 2.15, 95% CI 1.36 to 3.41). Limited evidence suggests that tranexamic acid is more effective than desmopressin in reducing transfusion risk (3 trials, RR 2.38 favoring tranexamic acid, 95% CI 1.06 to 5.39) and total volume of blood loss (3 trials, mean difference 391.7 mL favoring tranexamic acid, 95% CI - 93.3 to 876.7 mL). No trials directly informed the safety and hemostatic efficacy of desmopressin in advanced kidney disease. In conclusion, desmopressin likely reduces periprocedural blood loss and the number of units of blood transfused in small trials with methodologic limitations. However, the risk of hypotension needs to be mitigated. Large trials should evaluate desmopressin alongside tranexamic acid and enroll patients with advanced kidney disease.
PICO Summary
Population
Children or adults without known inherited bleeding disorders undergoing surgery or other invasive procedures (63 randomised controlled trials, n= 4,163).
Intervention
Desmopressin administered intravenously or subcutaneously before, during, or immediately after a surgical or interventional procedure.
Comparison
Placebo, usual care, or antifibrinolytic agents.
Outcome
Meta-analyses demonstrated that desmopressin likely does not reduce the risk of receiving a red blood cell transfusion (25 trials, risk ratio [RR] 0.95; 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.86, 1.05]) and may not reduce the risk of reoperation due to bleeding (22 trials, RR 0.75; 95% CI [0.47, 1.19]) when compared to placebo or usual care. However, the authors demonstrated significant reductions in number of units of red blood cells transfused (25 trials, mean difference -0.55 units; 95% CI [-0.94, -0.15]), total volume of blood loss (33 trials, standardized mean difference - 0.40 standard deviations; 95% CI [-0.56, -0.23]), and the risk of bleeding events (2 trials, RR 0.45; 95% CI [0.24, 0.84]). The certainty of evidence of these findings was generally low.
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Effect of red blood cell storage time in pediatric cardiac surgery patients: A subgroup analysis of a randomized controlled trial
Martin, S. M., Tucci, M., Spinella, P. C., Ducruet, T., Fergusson, D. A., Freed, D. H., Lacroix, J., Poirier, N., Sivarajan, V. B., Steiner, M. E., et al
JTCVS open. 2023;15:454-467
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine whether or not transfusion of fresh red blood cells (RBCs) reduced the incidence of new or progressive multiple organ dysfunction syndrome compared with standard-issue RBCs in pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery. METHODS Preplanned secondary analysis of the Age of Blood in Children in Pediatric Intensive Care Unit study, an international randomized controlled trial. This study included children enrolled in the Age of Blood in Children in Pediatric Intensive Care Unit trial and admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. Patients were randomized to receive either fresh (stored ≤7 days) or standard-issue RBCs. The primary outcome measure was new or progressive multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, measured up to 28 days postrandomization or at pediatric intensive care unit discharge, or death. RESULTS One hundred seventy-eight patients (median age, 0.6 years; interquartile range, 0.3-2.6 years) were included with 89 patients randomized to the fresh RBCs group (median length of storage, 5 days; interquartile range, 4-6 days) and 89 to the standard-issue RBCs group (median length of storage, 18 days; interquartile range, 13-22 days). There were no statistically significant differences in new or progressive multiple organ dysfunction syndrome between fresh (43 out of 89 [48.3%]) and standard-issue RBCs groups (38 out of 88 [43.2%]), with a relative risk of 1.12 (95% CI, 0.81 to 1.54; P = .49) and an unadjusted absolute risk difference of 5.1% (95% CI, -9.5% to 19.8%; P = .49). CONCLUSIONS In neonates and children undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass, the use of fresh RBCs did not reduce the incidence of new or progressive multiple organ dysfunction syndrome compared with the standard-issue RBCs. A larger trial is needed to confirm these results.
PICO Summary
Population
Children admitted to a paediatric intensive care unit after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass, enrolled in the Age of Blood in Children in Pediatric Intensive Care Unit trial (ABC-PICU), (n= 178).
Intervention
Fresh (stored ≤7 days) red blood cells (RBCs), (n= 89).
Comparison
Standard-issue RBCs (n= 89).
Outcome
The authors performed a preplanned subgroup analysis of the ABC-PICU trial. The primary outcome measure was new or progressive multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, measured up to 28 days post-randomization or at paediatric intensive care unit discharge, or death. There were no statistically significant differences in new or progressive multiple organ dysfunction syndrome between fresh (43 out of 89 [48.3%]) and standard-issue RBCs groups (38 out of 88 [43.2%]), with a relative risk of 1.12; 95% CI [0.81, 1.54] and an unadjusted absolute risk difference of 5.1%; 95% CI [-9.5%, 19.8%].
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An Individualized Red Blood Cell Transfusion Strategy Using Pediatric Perioperative-Transfusion-Trigger Score Reduced Perioperative Blood Exposure for Children: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Luo Z, Li Y, Li X, Liao R
Therapeutics and clinical risk management. 2023;19:229-237
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE The optimal red blood cell transfusion strategy for children remains unclear. We developed an individualized red blood cell transfusion strategy for children and tested the hypothesis that transfusion guided by this strategy could reduce blood exposure, without increasing perioperative complications in children. METHODS In this randomized controlled clinical trial, 99 children undergoing noncardiac surgeries who had blood loss of more than 20% total blood volume were randomly assigned to an individualized-strategy group using Pediatric Perioperative-Transfusion-Trigger Score or a control group. The amount of transfused red blood cell was counted, and patients were followed up for postoperative complications within 30 days. RESULTS Twenty-six children (53.1%) in the individualized-strategy group received transfusion perioperatively, as compared with 37 children (74%) in the control group (p < 0.05). During surgery, children in the individualized-strategy group were exposed to fewer transfusions than in the control group (0.87±1.03 vs 1.33±1.20 Red-Blood-Cell units per patient, p = 0.02). The incidence of severe complications in the individualized-strategy group had a lower trend compared to the control group (8.2% vs 18%, p = 0.160). No significant difference was found in the other outcomes. CONCLUSION This trial proved that red blood cell transfusion guided by the individualized strategy reduced perioperative blood exposure in children, without increasing the incidence of severe complications. This conclusion needs to be reaffirmed by larger-scale, multicenter clinical trials.
PICO Summary
Population
Children undergoing non-cardiac surgery who had blood loss of more than 20% total blood volume (n= 99).
Intervention
Individualized red blood cell (RBC) transfusion strategy using Pediatric Perioperative-Transfusion-Trigger Score (individualized-strategy group, n= 49).
Comparison
RBC transfusion initiated when the patient’s haemoglobin concentration was lower than 8g per deciliter, or lower than 10g per deciliter for newborns (control group, n= 50).
Outcome
Twenty-six children (53.1%) in the individualized-strategy group received transfusion perioperatively, as compared with 37 children (74%) in the control group. During surgery, children in the individualized-strategy group were exposed to fewer transfusions than in the control group (0.87±1.03 vs. 1.33±1.20 red blood cell units per patient). The incidence of severe complications in the individualized-strategy group had a lower trend compared to the control group (8.2% vs. 18%). No significant difference was found in the other outcomes.
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Perioperative blood loss reduction using a sterile exsanguination tourniquet for orthopedic femoral-related surgeries in children: a randomized controlled study
Rattanathanya, T., Adulkasem, N., Wongcharoenwatana, J., Ariyawatkul, T., Chotigavanichaya, C., Eamsobhana, P.
Journal of orthopaedic surgery and research. 2023;18(1):580
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES The sterile exsanguination tourniquet (SET) could be an alternative for providing bloodless surgeries in orthopedic femoral-related surgeries in pediatric patients where the standard pneumatic tourniquet would not be feasible. This randomized-controlled study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of SET in decreasing total perioperative blood loss and blood transfusion. METHODS We conducted an unplanned interim analysis of data from a randomized-controlled trial. At the time of the analysis, 31 pediatric patients had been randomly assigned to undergo surgery with the SET application (the SET group, 15 patients) and without the SET application (the control group, 16 patients). An intention-to-treat analysis was performed to evaluate the total perioperative blood loss, postoperative blood transfusion, estimated intraoperative blood loss, total drainage volume, postoperative hemoglobin level, and operative time according to the significance level adjusted for multiplicity (p < 0.029). RESULTS There was a borderline statistically significant lower body weight-adjusted TBL in the SET group (SET = 14.1 (7.7, 16.9) ml/kg vs. control 18.3 (14.8, 37.2) ml/kg, p-value = 0.027). The body weight-adjusted transfusion volume was statistically significantly greater in the control group (SET = 0.0 (0.0, 0.0) ml/kg vs. control = 2.1 (0.0, 9.7) ml/kg, p = 0.017). Body weight-adjusted estimated intraoperative blood loss was significantly lower in the SET group (SET = 0.8 (0.2, 3.5) ml/kg vs. control = 5.6 (3.4, 21.5) ml/kg, p < 0.001). In addition, the operative time was lower in the SET group with borderline statistical significance (SET = 105 (85.0, 125.0) vs. control = 130 (101.3, 167.5), p = 0.039). CONCLUSION Utilization of a sterile exsanguination tourniquet (SET) significantly reduced an estimated intraoperative blood loss while preventing the need for blood transfusion after pediatric orthopedic femoral-related surgeries. Trial registration TCTR20220412003.
PICO Summary
Population
Paediatric patients aged 3 to 18 undergoing elective femoral-related surgery (n= 31).
Intervention
Sterile exsanguination tourniquet (SET), (SET group, n= 15).
Comparison
No SET (Control group, n= 16).
Outcome
The primary outcomes were perioperative total blood loss (TBL) and transfusion rate at 72 hours after surgery. There was a borderline statistically significant lower body weight-adjusted TBL in the SET group (SET= 14.1 (7.7, 16.9) ml/kg vs. control 18.3 (14.8, 37.2) ml/kg). The body weight-adjusted transfusion volume was statistically significantly greater in the control group (SET= 0.0 (0.0, 0.0) ml/kg vs. control= 2.1 (0.0, 9.7) ml/kg). Body weight-adjusted estimated intraoperative blood loss was significantly lower in the SET group (SET= 0.8 (0.2, 3.5) ml/kg vs. control= 5.6 (3.4, 21.5) ml/kg). The operative time was lower in the SET group with borderline statistical significance (SET= 105 (85.0, 125.0) vs. control= 130 (101.3, 167.5)).
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Prophylactic Use of Antifibrinolytics During Pediatric Cardiac Surgery With Cardiopulmonary Bypass on Postoperative Bleeding and Transfusion: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Schertz K, Karam O, Demetres M, Faraoni S, Faraoni D, Nellis ME
Pediatric critical care medicine : a journal of the Society of Critical Care Medicine and the World Federation of Pediatric Intensive and Critical Care Societies. 2022
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Editor's Choice
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the effect of intraoperative antifibrinolytics, including tranexamic acid (TXA), aminocaproic acid (EACA), or aprotinin, on bleeding in children undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). DATA SOURCES Relevant articles were systematically searched from Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science to November 15, 2021. STUDY SELECTION Abstracts were screened, and full texts were reviewed using predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses reporting guideline. DATA EXTRACTION A standardized data extraction tool was used. DATA SYNTHESIS Sixty-eight studies including 28,735 patients were analyzed. TXA compared with placebo resulted in a mean decrease in chest tube output of 9.1 mL/kg (95% CI, 6.0-12.3 mL/kg), I2 equals to 65.2%, p value of less than 0.001, platelet requirement of 2.9 mL/kg (95% CI, 0.1-5.8 mL/kg), I2=72.5%, p value less than 0.001 and plasma requirement of 4.0 mL/kg (95% CI, 0.6-7.2 mL/kg), I2 equals to 94.5%, p value less than0.001. Aprotinin compared with placebo resulted in a mean decrease in chest tube output of 4.3 mL/kg (2.4-6.2 mL/kg), I2 equals to 66.3%, p value of less than 0.001, platelet transfusion of 4.6 mL/kg (95% CI, 0.6-8.6 mL/kg), I2 equals to 93.6%, p value of less than 0.001, and plasma transfusion of 7.7 mL/kg (95% CI, 2.1-13.2 mL/kg), I2 equals to 95.3%, p value of less than 0.001. EACA compared with placebo resulted in a mean decrease in chest tube output of 9.2 mL/kg (2.3-21.0 mL/kg), I2 equals to 96.4%, p value of less than 0.001, RBC transfusion of 7.2 mL/kg (95% CI, 2.4-12.1 mL/kg), I2 equals to 94.5%, p value equals to 0.002, and platelet transfusion of 10.7 mL/kg (95% CI, 2.9-18.5 mL/kg), I2 equals to 0%, p value of less than 0.001. No statistical difference was observed in chest tube output when TXA was compared with aprotinin. Subgroup analysis of cyanotic patients showed a significant decrease in chest tube output, platelet requirement, and plasma requirement for patients receiving aprotinin. Overall, the quality of evidence was moderate. CONCLUSIONS Antifibrinolytics are effective at decreasing blood loss and blood product requirement in children undergoing cardiac surgery with CPB although the quality of evidence is only moderate.
PICO Summary
Population
Children undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass, (68 studies, n= 28,735).
Intervention
Intraoperative antifibrinolytics, including tranexamic acid (TXA), aminocaproic acid (EACA), or aprotinin.
Comparison
Placebo.
Outcome
TXA compared with placebo resulted in a mean decrease in chest tube output of 9.1 mL/kg (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 6.0-12.3 mL/kg), platelet requirement of 2.9 mL/kg (95% CI: 0.1-5.8 mL/kg), and plasma requirement of 4.0 mL/kg (95% CI: 0.6-7.2 mL/kg). Aprotinin compared with placebo resulted in a mean decrease in chest tube output of 4.3 mL/kg (2.4-6.2 mL/kg), platelet transfusion of 4.6 mL/kg (95% CI: 0.6-8.6 mL/kg), and plasma transfusion of 7.7 mL/kg (95% CI: 2.1-13.2 mL/kg). EACA compared with placebo resulted in a mean decrease in chest tube output of 9.2 mL/kg (2.3-21.0 mL/kg), red blood cell transfusion of 7.2 mL/kg (95% CI: 2.4-12.1 mL/kg), and platelet transfusion of 10.7 mL/kg (95% CI: 2.9-18.5 mL/kg). Overall, the quality of evidence was moderate.
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Safety and efficacy of aprotinin versus tranexamic acid for reducing absolute blood loss and transfusion in pediatric patients undergoing craniosynostosis surgery: a randomized, double-blind, three-arm controlled trial
Ebrahim Soltani Z, Hanaei S, Dabbagh Ohadi MA, Maroufi SF, Tayebi Meybodi K, Khademi S, Yaghmaei B, Ebrahim Soltani A, Nejat F, Habibi Z
Journal of neurosurgery. Pediatrics. 2022;:1-9
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Craniosynostosis surgery is associated with considerable blood loss and need for transfusion. Considering the lower estimated blood volume (EBV) of children compared to adults, excessive blood loss may quickly lead to hypovolemic shock. Therefore, reducing blood loss is important in craniosynostosis surgery. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of aprotinin or tranexamic acid (TXA) in blood loss reduction in these patients. METHODS In the current randomized controlled trial, 90 eligible pediatric patients with craniosynostosis were randomly divided into three groups to receive either aprotinin, TXA, or no intervention. The absolute blood loss and transfusion amount were assessed for all patients both intraoperatively and 2 and 8 hours postoperatively. RESULTS Although crude values of estimated blood loss were not significantly different between groups (p = 0.162), when adjusted to the patient's weight or EBV, the values reached the significance level (p = 0.018), particularly when the aprotinin group was compared to the control group (p = 0.0154). The EBV losses 2 hours and 8 hours postoperatively significantly dropped in the TXA and aprotinin groups compared to the control group (p = 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Rates of postoperative blood transfusion were significantly higher in the control group (p = 0.024). Hemoglobin and hematocrit 8 hours postoperatively were lower in the control group than in the TXA or aprotinin treatment groups (p < 0.002 and p < 0.001, respectively). There were no serious adverse events associated with the interventions in this study. CONCLUSIONS Aprotinin and TXA can reduce blood loss and blood transfusion without serious complications and adverse events in pediatric patients undergoing craniosynostosis surgery.
PICO Summary
Population
Paediatric patients undergoing craniosynostosis surgery (n= 90).
Intervention
Aprotinin (n= 30).
Comparison
Tranexamic acid (TXA, n= 30). No intervention (n= 30).
Outcome
The estimated blood volume losses 2 hours and 8 hours postoperatively significantly dropped in the TXA and aprotinin groups compared to no intervention. Rates of postoperative blood transfusion were significantly higher in the no intervention group. Haemoglobin and haematocrit 8 hours postoperatively were lower in the no intervention group than in the TXA or aprotinin treatment groups.
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A physiology-based trigger score to guide perioperative transfusion of allogeneic red blood cells: A multicentre randomised controlled trial
Lu K, Huang Z, Liang S, Pan F, Zhang C, Wei J, Wei H, Wang Y, Liao R, Huang A, et al
Transfusion medicine (Oxford, England). 2022
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Editor's Choice
Abstract
BACKGROUND Restrictive blood transfusion is recommended by major guidelines for perioperative management, but requires objective assessment at 7-10 g/dl haemoglobin (Hb). A scoring system that considers the physiological needs of the heart may simply the practice and reduce transfusion. METHODS Patients (14-65 years of age) undergoing non-cardiac surgery were randomised at a 1:1 ratio to a control group versus a Perioperative Transfusion Trigger Score (POTTS) group. POTTS (maximum of 10) was calculated as 6 plus the following: adrenaline infusion rate (0 for no infusion, 1 for ≤0.05 μg·kg(-1) ·min(-1) , and 2 for higher rate), FiO(2) to keep SpO(2) at ≥95% (0 for ≤35%, 1 for 36%-50%, and 2 for higher), core temperature (0 for <38°C, 1 for 38-40°C, and 2 for higher), and angina history (0 for no, 1 for exertional, and 2 for resting). Transfusion is indicated when actual Hb is lower than the calculated POTTS in individual patients. Transfusion in the control group was based on the 2012 American Association for Blood Banks (AABB) guideline. The primary outcome was the proportion of the patients requiring transfusion of allogeneic red blood cells (RBCs) during the perioperative period (until discharge from hospital), as assessed in the intention-to-treat (ITT) population (all randomised subjects). RESULT A total of 864 patients (mean age 44.4 years, 244 men and 620 women) were enrolled from December 2017 to January 2021 (433 in the control and 431 in the POTTS group). Baseline Hb was 9.2 ± 1.8 and 9.2 ± 1.7 g/dl in the control and POTTS groups, respectively. In the ITT analysis, the proportion of the patients receiving allogeneic RBCs was 43.9% (190/433) in the control group versus 36.9% (159/431) in the POTTS group (p = 0.036). Lower rate of allogeneic RBCs transfusion in the POTTS group was also evident in the per-protocol analysis (42.8% vs. 35.5%, p = 0.030). Transfusion volume was 4.0 (2.0, 6.0) and 3.5 (2.0, 5.5) units (200 ml/unit) in the control and POTTS groups, respectively (p = 0.25). The rate of severe postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo grade IIIa and higher) was 3.9% in the control group versus 1.2% in the POTTS group (p = 0.010). CONCLUSION Transfusion of allogeneic RBCs based on the POTTS was safe and reduced the transfusion requirement in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery.
PICO Summary
Population
Patients (14-65 years old) undergoing non-cardiac surgery (n= 864).
Intervention
Transfusion based on a perioperative transfusion trigger score (POTTS), (n= 431).
Comparison
Restrictive transfusion (n= 433).
Outcome
In the intention to treat analysis, the proportion of the patients receiving allogeneic red blood cells (RBCs) was 43.9% (190) in the restrictive group vs. 36.9% (159) in the POTTS group. Lower rate of allogeneic RBCs transfusion in the POTTS group was also evident in the per-protocol analysis (42.8% vs. 35.5%). Transfusion volume was 4.0 (2.0, 6.0) and 3.5 (2.0, 5.5) units (200 ml/unit) in the restrictive and POTTS groups, respectively. The rate of severe post-operative complications was 3.9% in the restrictive group vs. 1.2% in the POTTS group.
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Is fresh, leucodepleted, whole blood transfusion superior to blood component transfusion in pediatric patients undergoing spinal deformity surgeries? A prospective, randomized study analyzing postoperative serological parameters and clinical recovery
Vasan PK, Rajasekaran S, Viswanathan VK, Shetty AP, Kanna RM
European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society. 2021;:1-7
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Editor's Choice
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare the effectiveness of fresh whole blood (FWB) and blood component transfusion in improving clinical outcome and serological parameters in the early postoperative period following spinal deformity surgery. METHODS Patients undergoing major spinal deformity surgeries involving ≥ 6 levels of fusion and expected blood loss ≥ 750 ml between September 2017 and August 2018 were included in the study. The patients were randomized into two groups: FWBG and CG, receiving fresh whole blood and component transfusions, respectively. RESULTS A total of 65 patients with spinal deformities of different etiologies were included. The mean age was 14.0 and 14.9 years in FWB and CG, respectively. All other preoperative parameters were comparable. The mean fusion levels and surgical time were 11.1 and 221.20 min in FWB, as compared with 10.70 and 208.74minutes in CG, respectively. Intraoperative blood losses were 929 ml (FWBG) and 847 ml(CG), and the mean volumes of transfusion were 1.90 (FWBG) and 1.65 units (CG). FWBG was significantly superior to CG in the following clinical and laboratory parameters: duration of oxygen dependence [36.43 (FWBG) vs. 43.45 h (CG); P = 0.0256], mean arterial pH [7.442 (FWBG) vs. 7.394 (CG); p < 0.001], interleukin-6 [30.04 (FWBG) vs. 35.10 (CG); p < 0.019], mean duration of HDU stay [40.6 hours (FWBG) vs 46.51 hours (CG); p = 0.0234] and postoperative facial puffiness [7/30 in FWBG vs. 18/35 (CG) (P < 0.02)]. CONCLUSION FWB transfusion can potentially improve the immediate postoperative outcome in patients undergoing major spinal deformity surgeries by reducing the duration of intensive care unit stay and oxygen dependence. The other potential benefits of this practice, based on our study, include a reduced inflammatory response (reduced lactate and IL-6) and postoperative facial puffiness. However, further large-scale validation studies in future are necessary to precisely determine the role of FWB in spine surgeries. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE II Diagnostic: individual cross-sectional studies with the consistently applied reference standard and blinding.
PICO Summary
Population
Paediatric patients undergoing spinal deformity surgery (n= 65).
Intervention
Fresh whole blood: FWBG group (n= 30).
Comparison
Component transfusions: CG group (n = 35).
Outcome
The mean fusion levels and surgical time were 11.1 and 221.20 min in FWB, as compared with 10.70 and 208.74 minutes in CG, respectively. Intraoperative blood losses were 929 ml (FWBG) and 847 ml (CG), and the mean volumes of transfusion were 1.90 (FWBG) and 1.65 units (CG). FWBG was significantly superior to CG in the following clinical and laboratory parameters: duration of oxygen dependence, mean arterial pH, interleukin-6, mean duration of high dependency unit stay and postoperative facial puffiness.