Modifiable Risk Factors associated with Post-Operative Bleeding and transfusion requirements in Cardiac Surgery

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Transfusion Medicine
• Anesthesiology

Background:

• Bleeding and transfusion are significant concerns in patients undergoing open heart surgery (OHS).
• Identifying modifiable factors can improve patient outcomes and reduce complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine modifiable factors associated with bleeding and transfusion in post-cardiac surgery patients.
• To identify key parameters for preventing excessive blood product use after OHS.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of 200 patients who underwent OHS from December 2018 to July 2021.
• Analysis of pre-operative hemoglobin levels and post-operative platelet counts.
• Correlation of these parameters with transfusion requirements.

Main Results:

• Patients with pre-operative hemoglobin < 10 g/dL showed an increased need for blood and blood product transfusions.
• Post-operative platelet counts varied, with a significant portion requiring transfusion.
• Higher pre-operative hemoglobin and appropriate post-operative platelet management are linked to reduced transfusion needs.

Conclusions:

• Pre-operative hemoglobin correction and post-operative platelet count management are significant, preventable factors in cardiac surgery.
• Thorough pre-operative patient assessment is crucial for optimizing these parameters.
• Addressing these factors can lead to better outcomes and reduced transfusion dependency.