[Therapy with blood products]

Blood products are frequently used in intensive care medicine although there is little evidence of improvement in clinical outcome. The threshold for erythrocyte transfusion in non-bleeding critically ill patients is currently a hemoglobin level of 7.0 g/dl. The indications for platelet transfusion must be assessed after evaluation of the cause of thrombocytopenia, the clinical condition and the expected effect. The use of plasma should also be critically viewed, mainly due to hypervolemia. Prothrombin complex concentrates are better than plasma for warfarin reversal. There is good evidence for the use of albumin for massive paracentesis, in the treatment of hepatorenal syndrome type 1 and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. Albumin infusion can have favorable effects in severe sepsis and septic shock. A restrictive strategy should be favored in the use of blood products and the decision should be based on a critical appraisal of the available evidence.