Intra-operative cell salvage in cardiac surgery may increase platelet transfusion requirements: a cohort study

A Z Al-Riyami1, M Al-Khabori1, B Baskaran2

  • 1Department of Hematology, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman.

Vox Sanguinis
|April 23, 2015
PubMed

Insights

The cell saver (CS) increases platelet transfusion needs in cardiac surgery patients and does not affect red blood cell (RBC) transfusion rates. Further research is needed to confirm these findings on CS use.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Surgery
  • Transfusion Medicine
  • Critical Care Medicine

Background:

  • The cell saver (CS) is commonly used in cardiac surgery to minimize red blood cell (RBC) transfusions.
  • Its impact on allogeneic transfusion rates, patient morbidity, and mortality requires further investigation within specific healthcare settings.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effect of cell saver (CS) utilization on allogeneic transfusion rates.
  • To assess the influence of CS on postoperative morbidity and mortality in cardiac surgery patients.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective review of 673 cardiac surgery patients (2008-2013) at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital.
  • Data collected included demographics, comorbidities, surgical details, and study end-points (transfusion, infection, renal failure, mortality).
  • Multivariable logistic regression was used to adjust for baseline differences between CS and non-CS groups.

Main Results:

  • The CS group (n=395) showed significantly higher rates of platelet (36% vs. 18%) and plasma (31% vs. 19%) transfusions compared to the non-CS group (n=278).
  • Adjusted analysis indicated CS use increased the odds of platelet transfusion (OR 3.2) but not plasma transfusion (OR 1.6).
  • No significant differences were observed in RBC transfusion rates (45% vs. 40%), renal failure (11% vs. 6%), infection (16% vs. 13%), or mortality (5% vs. 2%) between groups.

Conclusions:

  • Cell saver (CS) use in cardiac surgery is associated with increased platelet requirements.
  • CS does not appear to impact red blood cell transfusion rates, morbidity, or mortality in this population.
  • Findings suggest caution regarding widespread CS adoption and highlight the need for larger studies to validate these outcomes.
Abstract