Audit of transfusion among the oldest old: treading the fine line between undertransfusion and optimum trigger

BACKGROUND Recent research has questioned restrictive transfusion policies in vulnerable elderly populations. Our audit assesses the prevalence and postoperative outcomes of extremely elderly patients undergoing the stress of surgery with perioperative hemoglobin (Hb) less than 9 g/dL. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS This retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data addressed patients aged 85+ undergoing elective surgery. Demographic data and baseline characteristics were recorded, as well as Hb and transfused red blood cell (RBC) units. The main endpoint was the prevalence of perioperative Hb less than 9 g/dL, that is, patients with baseline Hb