Though transfusion is a life saving intervention for those with acute blood loss and severe anemia due to critical illness, several studies have indicated the increased risk for mortality and morbidity. Nosocomial infections and the risk for septic complications are increased in postoperative cases involving blood transfusion. Studies have also linked blood transfusion to the development of respiratory distress syndrome and multi-organ failure. The studies discussed above clearly attest to the increased mortality risk associated with blood transfusion. The currently practiced liberal transfusion approach should be replaced by a more conservative blood transfusion protocol. The case of Canada which has adopted evidence-based restrictive blood transfusion policy should be assessed and similar approach implemented in our hospitals and trauma care settings. From the available evidence it is clear that a more conservative strategy involving the use of haemostatic agents,...
TEIXEIRA, M.D., DIDEM ONCEL, M.D., & DEMETRIOS DEMETRIADES, M.D., PH.D, (2008), 'Blood Transfusions in Trauma: Six-year analysis of the transfusion practices at a level 1 Trauma
center', The American Surgeon, Vol 74 No 10.
3) Taylor J. Stone, Paul J. Riesenman & Anthony G. Charles, (2008), 'Red Blood Cells Transfusion within the first 24 hours of admission is associated with increased mortality in the pediatric trauma population: A retrospective cohort study', Journal…
