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Objective: Thoracic spinal stenosis (TSS) surgeries necessitate a substantial amount of allogeneic blood resources. However, the efficacy of preoperative autologous blood donation (PABD) in TSS surgery has not been clearly evaluated. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of PABD for TSS surgery. Methods: This study is a retrospective study. Totally 397 patients who underwent TSS surgeries at our institution from January 2019 to June 2023 were included. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to make the PABD and Non‐PABD groups comparable at baseline. Regarding outcome measures, the incidence and amount of allogeneic blood transfusion, changes in postoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, occurrence of postoperative complications, medical costs, drainage time, length of hospital stay, and postoperative neurological function were analyzed. The outcomes were compared between the matched PABD (n = 79) and Non‐PABD (n = 79) groups. Univariate analysis methods were used for statistical analysis, including independent samples t‐test, Wilcoxon rank‐sum test, and chi‐square test. Results: The incidence of allogeneic blood transfusion (8.9% vs. 25.3%, p = 0.006) and volume of intraoperative red blood cell (RBC) transfusion (10.12 ± 54.52 vs. 122.78 ± 275.00 mL, p < 0.001) in the PABD group were significantly lower than those in the Non‐PABD group. The PABD group had significantly higher average postoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit levels than the Non‐PABD group at 1, 3, and 5 days after surgery (p < 0.05). Similarly, the PABD group exhibited a smaller reduction in hemoglobin and hematocrit levels compared with the Non‐PABD group on 1, 3, and 5 days postoperatively. There were no significant intergroup differences in terms of transfusion‐related complications, medical expenses, neurological function, length of hospital stay, or drainage time. Notably, PABD was an independent protective factor of allogeneic transfusion in the multivariate regression analysis (OR = 0.334, 95%CI = 0.051–0.966). Conclusions: PABD can effectively reduce the incidence of allogeneic blood transfusion and amount of allogeneic blood in TSS surgeries with safety. It also significantly improved the postoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. Under the premise of clear indications, PABD is worth promoting for the surgical treatment of TSS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) remains the primary treatment option for femoral neck fractures in elderly patients. This study aims to explore the risk factors associated with allogeneic blood transfusion after surgery and to develop a dynamic prediction model to predict post‐operative blood transfusion requirements. This will provide more accurate guidance for perioperative humoral management and rational allocation of medical resources. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from 829 patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty for femoral neck fractures at three third‐class hospitals between January 2017 and August 2023. Patient data from one hospital were used for model development, whereas data from the other two hospitals were used for external validation. Logistic regression analysis was used to screen the characteristic subsets related to blood transfusion. Various machine learning algorithms, including logistic regression, SVA (support vector machine), K‐NN (k‐nearest neighbors), MLP (multilayer perceptron), naive Bayes, decision tree, random forest, and gradient boosting, were used to process the data and construct prediction models. A 10‐fold cross‐validation algorithm facilitated the comparison of the predictive performance of the models, resulting in the selection of the best‐performing model for the development of an open‐source computing program. Results: BMI (body mass index), surgical duration, IBL (intraoperative blood loss), anticoagulant history, utilization rate of tranexamic acid, Pre‐Hb, and Pre‐ALB were included in the model as well as independent risk factors. The average area under curve (AUC) values for each model were as follows: logistic regression (0.98); SVA (0.91); k‐NN (0.87) MLP, (0.96); naive Bayes (0.97); decision tree (0.87); random forest (0.96); and gradient boosting (0.97). A web calculator based on the best model is available at: (https://nomo99.shinyapps.io/dynnomapp/). Conclusion: Utilizing a computer algorithm, a prediction model with a high discrimination accuracy (AUC > 0.5) was developed. The logistic regression model demonstrated superior differentiation and reliability, thereby successfully passing external validation. The model's strong generalizability and applicability have significant implications for clinicians, aiding in the identification of patients at high risk for postoperative blood transfusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Patient Blood Management programme was established at the University Hospital of Zurich, along with a monitoring and feedback programme, at the beginning of 2014 with a first analysis reported in 2015. Our study aimed to investigate the further impact of this Patient Blood Management monitoring and feedback programme on transfusion requirements and related costs. We included adult patients discharged between 2012 and 2017. A total of 213,882 patients underwent analysis: 66,659 patients in the baseline period (2012-2013); 35,309 patients in the year after the introduction of the Patient Blood Management monitoring and feedback programme (2014) and 111,914 patients in the continued sustainability period (2015-2017). The introduction of the Patient Blood Management monitoring and feedback programme reduced allogeneic blood product transfusions by 35%, from 825 units per 1000 hospital discharges in 2012 to 536 units in 2017. The most sustained effect was an approximately 40% reduction in red blood cell transfusions, from 535 per 1000 discharges to 319 units. Fewer patients were transfused in the periods after the introduction of the Patient Blood Management monitoring and feedback programme (6251 (9.4%) vs. 2932 (8.3%) vs. 8196 (7.3%); p < 0.001). Compared with 2012, the yearly OR for being exposed to any blood transfusion declined steadily after the introduction of the Patient Blood Management monitoring and feedback programme to 0.64 (95%CI 0.61-0.68; p < 0.001) in 2017. For patients requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, transfusion requirements were also sustainably reduced. This reduction in allogeneic blood transfusions led to savings of 12,713,754 Swiss francs (£ 9,497,000 sterling; EUR 11,100,000; US$ 12,440,000) in blood product acquisition costs over 4 years. In-hospital mortality was not affected by the programme. The Patient Blood Management monitoring and feedback programme sustainably reduced transfusion requirements and related costs, without affecting in-hospital mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Postoperative blood loss may be a risk factor for allogeneic blood transfusion ( ABT) in patients undergoing subcapital hip fracture ( SHF) repair. We investigated the utility and costs of using a low-vacuum reinfusion drain (Bellovac ABT) within a blood management protocol for reducing ABT requirements in consecutive SHF. Methods The blood management protocol consisted of the application of a restrictive transfusion trigger (Hb < 8 g/dl), the peri-operative administration of IV iron sucrose (3 × 200 mg/48 h) ± recombinant erythropoietin (1 × 40 000 IU sc) and the use of Bellovac ABT (Group 2, n = 117). An immediate previous SHF series managed without Bellovac ABT served as control (Group 1, n = 138). Results Overall, 72 out of 255 (28%) received at least one ABT unit (2·1 ± 1·0 U/transfused patient) without differences between groups. However, in the subgroup of patients with admission Hb < 13 g/dl, the use of Bellovac ABT reduced postoperative ABT rates (16% vs. 46%, for groups 2 and 1, respectively; P = 0·001), although only 3 were reinfused, and was cost-saving. The use of Bellovac ABT also resulted in fewer wound bleeding complications, but there were no differences in Hb at postoperative days 7 and 30 between groups. Conclusions In SHF patients with admission Hb < 13 g/dl and managed with peri-operative IV iron ± recombinant erythropoietin plus restrictive transfusion indication, the use of Bellovac ABT was associated with reduced ABT requirements, without increasing postoperative complications, and cost-savings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Preoperative anaemia is a major risk factor for allogeneic blood transfusion (ABT) in patients undergoing hip fracture repair. We investigated the efficacy of preoperative recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) administration for reducing ABT requirements in a series of consecutive hip fracture patients presenting with haemoglobin (Hb) between 10 g/dl and 13 g/dl. Methods The blood conservation protocol consisted of the application of a restrictive transfusion trigger (Hb < 8 g/dl) and the perioperative administration of intravenous iron sucrose (3 × 200 mg/48 h) (group 1, n = 115). Additionally, some patients received preoperative rHuEPO (40 000 IU sc) on admission to the orthopaedic ward (group 2, n = 81). Results Overall, 103 of 196 patients (52·5%) received at least one ABT unit (2·1 ± 1·0 U/patient). However, there were significant differences in perioperative ABT rates between groups (60% vs. 42%, for groups 1 and 2, respectively; P = 0·013). Postoperative Hb on postoperative days 7 and 30 was higher in group 2 than in group 1. In addition, in group 2, Hb levels were higher on postoperative day 30 than on admission (12·7 ± 1·0 g/dl vs. 11·9 ± 0·8 g/dl, respectively; P = 0·030). Administration of rHuEPO did not increase postoperative complications or 30-day mortality rate. Only three mild intravenous iron adverse effects were witnessed. Conclusions In anaemic hip fracture patients managed with perioperative intravenous iron and restrictive transfusion protocol, preoperative administration of rHuEPO is associated with reduced ABT requirements. However, appropriate training, education and awareness are needed to avoid protocol violations and to limit further exposure to ABT and ABT-related risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The safety of allogeneic blood and blood products in relation to infection risk is paramount, even though absolute safety is an ideal that clearly cannot be attained. In countries with developed healthcare systems and with effective and well-managed national transfusion services, any residual infection risk is generally much lower than the risk of non-infectious adverse events. The number of infectious agents known to be transmitted by transfusion is not insignificant, but at the same time only a proportion of these present a significant universal threat. It is therefore important to understand and attempt to quantify the residual infectious risks associated with transfusion. These risks generally fall into two categories: the risk of infection because of the failure to identify infection in a donation from a recently infected donor and the risk of infection from a ‘new’ infectious agent or from one that donations are not routinely screened for. Both of these scenarios are ‘real’ in the sense that these are the threats faced every day by transfusion services. The mitigation of such threats is by ensuring that there are effective donor screening and deferral procedures in place, that the screening performed is carried out to the highest possible standards in terms of sensitivity and reliability, and finally that the transfusion service actively monitors ‘new’ or emerging infectious threats so that action can be taken if the safety of the blood supply is likely to be compromised, as well as maintaining hemovigilance of adverse events in recipients of transfusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Requirements for allogeneic blood transfusion (ABT) after total knee replacement (TKR) are still high (30–50%), and salvage of unwashed filtered postoperative shed blood (USB) may represent an alternative to ABT. We evaluated that patients are more likely to benefit of USB reinfusion after TKR. Patients and Methods Data from 581 consecutive primary TKR, managed with (reinfusion group, n= 382) or without (control group, n= 199) reinfusion of USB, were retrospectively reviewed. Results Patients from reinfusion group received 119 ± 88 ml of red blood cells from USB, without clinically relevant incidents, and showed a lower ABT rate (30.6% vs. 8·4%, for control and reinfusion groups, respectively; P = 0·001) (transfusion trigger, haemoglobin [Hb] < 9 g/dl). Differences in ABT rate between groups were significant for all preoperative Hb levels, except for Hb ≤ 12 g/dl. A lower transfusion threshold (Hb < 8 g/dl) might have further decreased ABT rate (14·6% vs. 5·2%, respectively; P < 0·001), with differences being significant for preoperative Hb between 12 and 15 g/dl. There were no differences with respect to postoperative infection rate, but patients from reinfusion group had a shorter length of hospital stay (11 ± 4 vs. 13 ± 4 days, respectively; P= 0·001). Conclusions Return of USB after TKR seems to reduce the need for ABT, especially in patients with preoperative Hb between 12 and 15 g/dl. There is little benefit of USB reinfusion for patients with preoperative Hb > 15 g/dl, whereas patients with preoperative Hb < 12 g/dl would probably benefit from the combination of USB with some other blood-saving method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In unilateral total knee replacement (TKR), perioperative blood loss, low transfusion thresholds and short hospital stay result in patients being discharged with low haemoglobin (Hb). We assessed the effects of perioperative administration of intravenous iron, with or without erythropoietin, plus a restrictive transfusion threshold (Hb <80 g L-1) both on transfusion rate and recovery from post-operative anaemia. TRK patients received iron sucrose (2 × 200 mg per 48 h, iv) (Group IVI, n = 129). Patients with admission Hb < 130 g L-1, also received erythropoietin (1 × 40 000 IU, sc) (Group EPO, n = 19). Perioperative clinical and laboratory data were obtained. Mean Hb loss was 36 g L-1, but only seven patients were transfused (5%). Pre-operatively, 66 (45%) patients did not have enough stored iron to compensate Hb loss. At post-operative day 30, only 15% were anaemic, 70% of Hb loss and 92% of pre-operative Hb were recovered and ferritin increased by 73 μg L-1 (P < 0.01), although erythropoietic response was higher in patients receiving erythropoietin (P < 0.05). No adverse effects of iron sucrose or erythropoietin were witnessed. This protocol seems to reduce allogeneic blood transfusion rate and may hasten the recovery from post-operative anaemia in TKR patients, without depleting iron stores. Further studies are needed to ascertain which patients may benefit of extended intravenous iron and/or erythropoietin administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several recent studies have shown differences in blood loss and allogeneic transfusion requirements between on-pump and off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Recently a new concept, the mini-extracorporeal circulation, was introduced to minimize the side effects of extracorporeal circulation. Therefore, there are no data comparing the three techniques with special emphasis to blood loss and transfusion requirements. Two hundred and eighty-five patients undergoing first-time coronary artery bypass grafting were retrospectively matched for number of grafts, age and sex. Ninety-five patients underwent surgery with the off-pump CABG (OPCAB) technique, 97 patients using conventional CABG with cold cardioplegia (CCABG) and 93 patients with the mini-extracorporeal circuit with warm blood cardioplegia (MCABG). Blood loss for the CCABG group with a mean loss of 819 ± 557 mL and the OPCAB group with a mean loss of 870 ± 768 mL was significant different compared to the MCABG group with a mean loss of 679 ± 290 mL. The use of units red blood cell units was significantly higher for CCABG group and OPCAB group compared to the MCABG group. On the day of operation the use of platelet concentrate was significantly higher for the CCABG group compared to MCABG group. As a consequence of improvements of several components of the mini heart lung machine, significantly less blood products are needed in MCABG patients. The expected reduced need for transfusion when the pump was completely avoided could not be confirmed in this single retrospective cohort study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salvage and return of unwashed filtered shed blood (USB) after unilateral total knee replacement (TKR) is a blood-saving method frequently used to avoid allogeneic blood transfusion (ABT). However, the use of USB is controversial, as it may impair hemostasis when retransfused. We report on 1-month follow-up of fibrinolytic activity in TKR patients who received either ABT, USB or no transfusion. One hundred and six consecutive TKR patients entered the study: 88 received no transfusion (group 1), five received ABT (group 2), and 13 received USB (group 3). Blood samples were obtained on day of surgery and postoperative days 1, 7 and 30, and assayed for blood counts, C-reactive protein (CRP), and D-dimers. Demographic and clinical data were also collected. There were no differences in demographic data or postoperative infection rate between groups, but length of hospital stay was longer in group 2 ( P < 0.05). Postoperative levels of D-dimers increased on day 1, and remained elevated on day 30 in all groups, but on day 1 they were higher in group 3 ( P < 0.05). There were no differences in perioperative levels of CRP between groups, and they correlated with D-dimers both preoperatively and on day 30. Taken together, these data suggest that surgery for TKR induced an activation of coagulation and fibrinolysis. This situation lasts at least as late as 30 days after surgery, and is not modified by transfusion, except for a transitory induction of fibrinolysis by USB return in the early postoperative period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients undergoing surgery for hip fracture (HF) often receive perioperative allogeneic blood transfusions (ABT) to avoid anaemia. However, concerns about the adverse effects of ABT have prompted the review of transfusion practice and the search for a safer treatment of perioperative anaemia.We prospectively investigated the effect of a blood-saving protocol of perioperative iron sucrose (3 × 200 mg/48 h, intravenously) plus erythropoietin (1 × 40 000 IU, subcutaneously) if admission haemoglobin level< 130 g/l, on transfusion requirements and postoperative morbid-mortality in patients with HF (group 2;n= 83). A parallel series of 41 HF patients admitted to another surgical unit within the same hospital served as the control group (group 1). Perioperative blood samples were taken for haematimetric, iron metabolism and inflammatory parameter determination.This blood-saving protocol reduced the number of transfused patients (P < 0·001), the number of transfused units (P < 0·0001), increased the reticulocyte count and improved iron metabolism. In addition, the blood-saving protocol also reduced the rate of postoperative infections (P = 0·016), but not the 30-day mortality rate or the mean length of hospital stay.The blood-saving protocol implemented seems to reduce ABT requirements in patients with HF, and is associated with a lower postoperative morbidity. The possible mechanisms involved in these effects are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]