1.
Restrictive versus liberal transfusion thresholds in very low birth weight infants: A systematic review with meta-analysis
Wang P, Wang X, Deng H, Li L, Chong W, Hai Y, Zhang Y
PloS one. 2021;16(8):e0256810
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Abstract
BACKGROUND To assess the efficacy and safety of restrictive versus liberal red blood cell transfusion thresholds in very low birth weight infants. METHODS We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane database without any language restrictions. The last search was conducted in August 15, 2020. All randomized controlled trials comparing the use of restrictive versus liberal red blood cell transfusion thresholds in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants were selected. Pooled risk ratio (RR) for dichotomous variable with 95% confidence intervals were assessed by a random-effects model. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. RESULTS Overall, this meta-analysis included 6 randomized controlled trials comprising 3,483 participants. Restrictive transfusion does not increase the risk of all-cause mortality (RR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.84 to 1.17; I2 = 0%; high-quality evidence), and does not increase the composite outcome of death or neurodevelopmental impairment (RR, 1.01, 95% CI, 0.93-1.09; I2 = 7%; high-quality evidence) or other serious adverse events. Results were similar in subgroup analyses of all-cause mortality by weight of infants, gestational age, male infants, and transfusion volume. CONCLUSIONS In very low birth weight infants, a restrictive threshold for red blood cell transfusion was not associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality, in either short term or long term.
PICO Summary
Population
Very low birth weight infants (6 studies, n= 3,483).
Intervention
Restrictive red blood cell transfusion threshold.
Comparison
Liberal red blood cell transfusion threshold.
Outcome
Restrictive transfusion did not increase the risk of all-cause mortality (RR, 0.99; I2 = 0%; high-quality evidence), and did not increase the composite outcome of death or neurodevelopmental impairment (RR, 1.01; I2 = 7%; high-quality evidence) or other serious adverse events. Results were similar in subgroup analyses of all-cause mortality by weight of infants, gestational age, male infants, and transfusion volume.
2.
Appropriateness of red blood cell use in China in the last thirteen years: A systematic review
Kong Y, Wang X, Yin Y, Tian X, Li L, Wang J, Tian L, Song N, Liu Z
Heliyon. 2019;5(3):e01408
Abstract
Objective: To determine both the rates of appropriate red blood cells (RBCs) use in China and where inappropriate use is particularly prevalent. Background: In China, obtaining the comprehensive picture in unnecessary RBCs transfusion is helpful for understanding the strained blood supplies and targeting training of clinicians. Study design: and methods: Eligible studies were mainly retrieved from four Chinese medical databases and four databases from abroad. In all studies, the appropriateness of RBCs transfusion in transfusion cases, blood request forms, or RBC units within the last thirteen years was determined by using national guidelines. Relationships between RBCs-transfusion appropriateness and type of RBCs-transfusion record, geographical region, level of hospital (LOH-2 and LOH-3), department type (operative vs. non-operative), and study quality (high vs. low) were analyzed by Chi-squared tests. Results: On average, 72.30% (standard deviation, SD = 18.87%) of all cases/forms/units throughout China were appropriate. The appropriateness of RBCs-transfusion differed significantly depending on RBCs-transfusion record type, they were 69.10%, 68.85%, and 75.64% for blood request forms, transfusion cases, and RBCs units, respectively (p < 0.001). The southwest and northeast were the most (80.62%) and the least (66.57%) appropriate transfusion areas, respectively. The coefficients of variances (CV) for the geographical regions differed significantly (0.029-0.39). LOH-3 were more appropriate than LOH-2 (p < 0.001). Non-operative departments were more appropriate than operative departments (p < 0.001). High-quality studies reported higher appropriate rate than low-quality studies (74.48% vs. 69.72%, p < 0.001). Conclusion: In China, unnecessary RBCs transfusion was common and may exacerbate the current pressure on blood supplies. Clinicians in certain geographical regions, LOH-2, and operative departments should be targeted with training in transfusion medicine.