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Transfusion practices in primary total joint replacements in Finland
1Finnish Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service, Helsinki, Finland. leena.capraro@bts.redcross.fi
Vox Sanguinis
|September 24, 1998
Summary
Orthopedic surgery in Finland uses red blood cells (RBCs) generously. Practices vary significantly between hospitals, suggesting transfusion policies heavily influence blood use in total hip and knee replacements.
Area of Science:
- Transfusion Medicine
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Healthcare Practices
Background:
- A multicenter survey was conducted across 11 Finnish hospitals.
- Investigated current transfusion practices in orthopedic surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevailing transfusion practices in orthopedic surgery.
- To assess the variation in red blood cell (RBC) usage.
Main Methods:
- Reviewed records of 1,161 patients undergoing primary total hip replacement (THR) or total knee replacement (TKR).
Main Results:
- Allogeneic RBCs were transfused to 92% of THR patients and 84% of TKR patients.
- Significant interhospital variation in RBC transfusion units per patient was observed, even after adjusting for clinical factors.
Conclusions:
- RBC use in Finnish orthopedic surgery appears generous compared to international benchmarks.
- Individual hospital transfusion policies are a major factor influencing allogeneic blood utilization.