The utility and prediction of allogeneic blood transfusion use in orthopedic surgery

It is possible to predict the likelihood of postoperative blood transfusion using patient variables. The information could be used to target the high-risk group for intervention(s) that would subsequently reduce the risk of exposure to allogeneic blood. The cost of several of the alternatives to allogeneic blood precludes their use on all surgical patients, and hence the need to identify those patients who are most likely to benefit from such therapy. Further research is needed to assess the impact of predictive models on the use of allogeneic blood and costs. Research is also needed to clarify the impact of blood transfusion on perioperative morbidity and mortality, in patients with and without heart disease. If such an association does indeed exist, then an optimal hemoglobin or transfusion threshold is needed to guide clinicians in caring for their patients.