Patient blood management during the COVID-19 pandemic: a narrative review

Area of Science:

• Medicine
• Hematology
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic presents significant challenges to healthcare systems globally.
• Optimizing patient outcomes and managing resources are paramount during this crisis.
• Patient blood management (PBM) principles are essential for improving care and should be prioritized.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide clinicians and healthcare authorities with guidance on applying PBM principles during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To review the impact of COVID-19 on blood supply, donor management, and anemia prevalence.
• To discuss PBM strategies for critically ill COVID-19 patients and alterations in coagulation.

Main Methods:

• Expert review of current literature and clinical practices.
• Analysis of the effects of COVID-19 on blood management strategies.
• Synthesis of information on anemia, coagulation, and critical care in the context of PBM.

Main Results:

• COVID-19 impacts blood supply and donor management, necessitating careful consideration.
• Preventative measures and disease progression can affect anemia prevalence and management.
• Significant alterations in coagulation are observed in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, requiring specific PBM approaches.

Conclusions:

• Established PBM principles are adaptable and vital for managing patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Integrating PBM strategies can mitigate risks associated with blood management challenges posed by COVID-19.
• Consideration of supply-demand and cost-benefit aspects is crucial for effective PBM implementation during the pandemic.