The Red Blood Cell Transfusion Trigger: Has the Sin of Commission Now Become a Sin of Omission?.
Abstract
Since 1983 when it became apparent that the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) could be transmitted through blood transfusions, the number of blood transfusions administered in the United States has decreased significantly (1-7). A restrictive transfusion practice is now being employed, even though much of the reported data in support of this practice are from retrospective studies and thus incomplete (8-21). This paper will report how anemia affects oxygen delivery, hemostasis and non-surgical blood loss, and nitric oxide production and platelet dysfunction. We will discuss normovolemic and hypovolemic anemia, as well as central blood volume and peripheral blood volume, and will report how red blood cell transfusions may affect morbidity and mortality.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA360342
Entities
People
- C. R. Valeri
- James P. Crowley
- Joseph Loscalzo
Organizations
- Boston University