Blood component transfusion in primary coronary artery bypass surgery in Kuwait

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Transfusion Medicine
• Health Economics

Background:

• Blood product transfusion is common in primary coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG).
• Understanding transfusion rates, influencing factors, and costs is crucial for optimizing patient care and resource allocation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence of blood product transfusion in primary CABG.
• To identify perioperative factors associated with transfusion.
• To assess the economic impact of blood product transfusion in primary CABG.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of medical records for 159 consecutive primary CABG patients.
• Data collected included patient demographics, preoperative hemoglobin, transfusion types and volumes, and costs.
• Statistical analysis to identify significant factors associated with transfusion.

Main Results:

• A high transfusion rate of 80.5% was observed, with 70.5% receiving packed red blood cells (RBC).
• Factors associated with intraoperative RBC transfusion included age >60, female gender, low preoperative hemoglobin, and complex grafting.
• The average cost per patient for RBC transfusion was 80 Kuwaiti dinar (USD 240).

Conclusions:

• Primary CABG patients in Kuwait exhibit a high rate of blood component transfusion.
• These transfusions carry potential risks of adverse effects and a substantial economic burden.
• Strategies to reduce transfusion rates may improve patient outcomes and lower healthcare costs.