[Effect of red blood cell transfusions on the frequency of infections in the ITU]

It has been suggested that red blood cell transfusions may affect the outcome and frequency of infection in patients treated in ITU settings. We have therefore retrospectively analysed the records of one hundred and sixty-three patients treated in a large tertiary intensive care unit, in order to find any relationship between red blod cell transfusions and the frequency of nosocomial infections.

The patients were allocated to two groups: T - those who were transfused and N - those who were not. Among the transfused patients, two further subgroups were selected: those who were transfused within 48 h before any signs of infection were observed (n), and those in whom the transfusion was more than 48 h before infection was noted (t).

There was a statistically significant difference between groups T and N (50.9% vs 38.1% infected patients), but not between subgroups t and n.

Nosocomial infections were more frequently observed in patients who required red blood cell transfusion. Red blood cell transfusion cannot be regarded a sole factor affecting nosocomial infection rates.