Related Experiment Videos
Transfusion and long-term hemodialysis.
J P Crowley1, T A Nealey, J Metzger
1Department of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI.
Archives of Internal Medicine
|November 1, 1987
Summary
A significant portion of long-term dialysis patients require frequent blood transfusions, with a small group receiving over ten units annually. This intensely transfused dialysis (ITD) group experiences higher mortality rates and iron overload concerns.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Hematology
- Transfusion Medicine
Background:
- Blood transfusions are common in long-term dialysis patients.
- A subset of patients requires a disproportionately high number of transfusions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze transfusion practices in a regional renal dialysis center.
- To identify characteristics and outcomes of intensely transfused dialysis (ITD) patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of transfusion data for 318 dialysis patients over one year.
- Comparison of ITD patients with the general dialysis population.
- Review of transfusion trends over the preceding five years.
Main Results:
- 15.0% of patients were ITD, receiving >10 transfusions annually and accounting for 67% of all units transfused.
- ITD patients were older, predominantly women (73%), and had longer dialysis duration.
- One-year mortality in the ITD group was 27%, more than double the overall group (12.8%).
- Significant iron overload was noted in ITD patients, influencing conservative transfusion practices.
Conclusions:
- A small group of ITD patients drives a significant portion of blood transfusion use in dialysis centers.
- ITD patients face higher mortality risks and complications like iron overload.
- Concerns regarding transfusion-related hemosiderosis are impacting current transfusion strategies.