Factors affecting blood loss and blood transfusion in patients with proximal humeral fractures

The aim of this study was to determine the amount of blood loss and the rate of blood transfusion in patients receiving surgery for proximal humeral fractures depending on the treatment and fracture classification. Moreover, factors associated with blood loss and blood transfusion were analyzed.

The study included 420 patients who had received surgery for proximal humeral fractures. Data from medical records were collected retrospectively. The calculated blood loss and the transfusion rate were analyzed depending on the type of surgery (plate fixation, arthroplasty, and others) or the fracture classification (2-, 3-, and 4-part fractures). The extent of blood loss and the need for transfusion were correlated with potential risk factors. A score to estimate the probability of blood transfusion was developed.

Average blood loss was 284 mL, and the transfusion rate was 14.5% for all proximal humeral fractures. Shoulder arthroplasty was associated with higher blood loss (353 mL, P < .01) and a higher blood transfusion rate (27.3%, P < .01) than plate fixation (263 mL and 10.9%, respectively). The fracture classification had no effect on either factor. Significant risk factors for blood loss were male sex, body mass index, surgery time, time until surgery, and vitamin K antagonists. Age, blood loss, American Society of Anesthesiologists score greater than 2, vitamin K antagonists, coronary artery disease (CAD), peripheral artery disease (PAD), and renal disease were associated with a higher transfusion rate.

Blood loss could be affected by a shorter surgery time and by choosing an adequate time until surgery. The consideration of risk factors and the use of a transfusion risk score allow more elaborate ordering of cross-matched blood units and can decrease institutional costs.