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Annals of Intensive Care
Published in: Annals of Intensive Care 1/2011

Open Access 01-12-2011 | Review

Red blood cell transfusion in the critically ill patient

Authors: Christophe Lelubre, Jean-Louis Vincent

Published in: Annals of Intensive Care | Issue 1/2011

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Abstract

Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion is a common intervention in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Anemia is frequent in this population and is associated with poor outcomes, especially in patients with ischemic heart disease. Although blood transfusions are generally given to improve tissue oxygenation, they do not systematically increase oxygen consumption and effects on oxygen delivery are not always very impressive. Blood transfusion may be lifesaving in some circumstances, but many studies have reported increased morbidity and mortality in transfused patients. This review focuses on some important aspects of RBC transfusion in the ICU, including physiologic considerations, a brief description of serious infectious and noninfectious hazards of transfusion, and the effects of RBC storage lesions. Emphasis is placed on the importance of personalizing blood transfusion according to physiological endpoints rather than arbitrary thresholds.
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Metadata
Title
Red blood cell transfusion in the critically ill patient
Authors
Christophe Lelubre
Jean-Louis Vincent
Publication date
01-12-2011
Publisher
Springer Paris
Published in
Annals of Intensive Care / Issue 1/2011
Electronic ISSN: 2110-5820
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/2110-5820-1-43

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