The risks of homologous blood transfusion are well documented and recently increased with the emergence of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.
This is a report concerning 29 consecutive adult with no blood conservation patients(Group I) who had an elective cardiac operations. A similar group of 29 patients operated on 1992 but with blood conservation(Group II).
In 1 of Group I patients and 15 of Group II patients, no homologous blood products were required. Group II patients used significantly less fresh frozen plasma (2.05*0.9 unit versus 6.52*0.72 unit, P<0.05) and the homologous blood transfusion
(0.42*0.9
unit versus 3.64*0.17 unit, P<0.05) than Group I patients.
Group II patients had also significantly less postoperative bleeding (338*39.9 ml versus 585*93.0 ml, P<0.05) than Group I patients. Group II patients received 460*62.6 ml of mediastinal shed blood in acquired group.
In conclusion, a simple and inexpensive blood conservation program, mainly combining autologous blood removal before bypass, retransfusion of the volume remaining the oxygenator, and consistent autotransfusion of mediastinal shed blood has
enabled
us to
avoid infusion of homologous blood in 15/29 patients of Group II patients. No side effects or complicatinos could be related to the blood conservation program. (Korean J Thoracic Cardiovas Surg 1994; 27:108-14)
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