Duration of Red Blood Cell Storage Is Associated with Increased Incidence of Deep Vein Thrombosis and in Hospital Mortality in Patients with Traumatic Injuries

Abstract

Introduction In critically ill patients the relationship between the storage age of red blood cells (RBCs) transfused and outcomes are controversial. To determine if duration of RBC storage is associated with adverse outcomes we studied critically ill trauma patients requiring transfusion. Methods This retrospective cohort study included patients with traumatic injuries transfused greater than or equal to 5 RBC units. Patients transfused greater than or equal to 1 unit of RBCs with a maximum storage age of up to 27 days were compared with those transfused 1 or more RBC units with a maximum storage age of greater than or equal to 28 days. These study groups were also matched by RBC amount (+/- 1 unit) transfused. Primary outcomes were deep vein thrombosis and in-hospital mortality. Results Two hundred and two patients were studied with 101 in both decreased and increased RBC age groups. No differences in admission vital signs, laboratory values, use of DVT prophylaxis, blood products or Injury Severity Scores were measured between study groups. In the decreased compared with increased RBC storage age groups, deep vein thrombosis occurred in 16.7% vs 34.5%, ( P = 0.006), and mortality was 13.9% vs 26.7%, ( P = 0.02), respectively. Patients transfused RBCs of increased storage age had an independent association with mortality, OR (95% CI), 4.0 (1.34 - 11.61), ( P = 0.01), and had an increased incidence of death from multi-organ failure compared with the decreased RBC age group, 16% vs 7%, respectively, (P = 0.037). Conclusions In trauma patients transfused greater than or equal to 5 units of RBCs, transfusion of RBCs greater than or equal to 28 days of storage may be associated with deep vein thrombosis and death from multi-organ failure.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 22, 2009
Accession Number
ADA627503

Entities

People

  • Charles E Wade
  • Christopher L. Carroll
  • Ilene Staff
  • Jacqueline Mcquay
  • John B Holcomb
  • Lauren Keibel
  • Philip C Spinella
  • Ronald Gross

Organizations

  • United States Army Institute of Surgical Research

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Age Groups
  • Blood
  • Blood Cells
  • Blood Coagulation Factors
  • Blood Groups
  • Blood Transfusions
  • Brain Injuries
  • Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena
  • Cells
  • Combat Support Hospitals
  • Data Analysis
  • Databases
  • Health Services
  • Hospitals
  • Medical Personnel
  • Patient Care

Fields of Study

  • Medicine

Readers

  • Cardiovascular Physiology
  • Trauma or Military Medicine