Inappropriate Packed RBC Transfusion in a Tertiary Care Center

Transfusion of packed red blood cells (pRBC) with appropriate indications is not only important for patient safety and well-being but is also crucial for proper utilization of resources and health care-related cost reduction. We aimed to investigate the clinical appropriateness of blood transfusion in Shariati Hospital, one of the largest academic medical centers in Tehran.

In this prospective observational study, 1000 transfusions of allogenic pRBCs from April 1st to October 31st, 2015 were included. The patients' characteristics, reason for hospitalization, indications for pRBC transfusions and ordering wards were collected.

The mean level of hemoglobin before transfusion was 7.4 ± 2.3 g/dL in the emergency department, 7.5 ± 1.0 g/dL in medical wards, 10.4 ± 2.6 g/dL in surgical wards, and 9.1 ± 2.2 g/dL in the intensive care unit. The baseline hemoglobin levels differed significantly between the departments (P < 0.001). Approximately 22% (219 patients) with hemoglobin level ≥ 10 g/dL received pRBC, which appeared to be unnecessary and inappropriate.

Despite current international guidelines emphasizing the importance of restricted transfusion policy, the transfusion of pRBC with insufficient indications occurred frequently in Shariati Hospital, particularly in surgical wards.