[Survival after blood transfusion: a study at Rouen university hospital]

The aim of this study was to estimate short term survival rate after blood transfusion according to various criteria.

Patients admitted and transfused from January, 1 until June, 30 1996 at Rouen university hospital were retrospectively included, and their status (alive or dead) was determined. The characteristics of patients admitted and transfused were compared to the overall population of inpatients. Independent factors associated with mortality six months after blood transfusion were evaluated using Cox model.

During the study period, 1887 patients were transfused. These patients were older, more often admitted in surgical or in intensive care units, and had a longer duration of stay, than the overall inpatients population. The survival rate at six months in transfused patients was 76.1%. Mortality rate at six months was independently higher in patients aged 75 and older, in men, in patients admitted in intensive care units, or transfused with homologous fresh-frozen plasma or packed platelet blood cells. Mortality rate was lower in patients who underwent a surgical procedure, in children under 16, and in patients whose stay was classified in "Circulatory system disorders", "Musculoskeletal system and connective tissues disorders or trauma", or "Injuries, allergy or poisoning".

In this study implemented in a teaching hospital inpatients receiving blood transfusion, the survival was mainly associated with the severity and characteristics of the diseases requiring transfusion.