Impact of Blood Transfusion on Septic Shock Outcomes
Author Information
Author(s): Brian M. Fuller, Mithil Gajera, Christa Schorr, David Gerber, R. Phillip Dellinger, Joseph Parrillo, Sergio Zanotti
Primary Institution: Washington University School of Medicine
Hypothesis
What is the impact of packed red blood cell transfusion on clinical outcomes in patients with septic shock treated with early goal directed therapy?
Conclusion
Transfusion of packed red blood cells was associated with worsened clinical outcomes in patients with septic shock treated with early goal directed therapy.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients receiving PRBC transfusion had a higher mortality rate of 41.2% compared to 33.9% in the no PRBC group.
- Patients in the PRBC group required more days of mechanical ventilation (11.2 days vs. 5.0 days).
- The hospital length of stay was longer for the PRBC group (25.9 days vs. 12.5 days).
- The intensive care unit length of stay was also longer for the PRBC group (11.4 days vs. 3.8 days).
Takeaway
Giving blood to patients with septic shock might actually make them worse instead of better.
Methodology
Retrospective cohort study comparing outcomes of patients receiving packed red blood cell transfusion versus those who did not.
Potential Biases
Potential unaccounted or missing data may affect baseline characteristics and outcomes.
Limitations
The small sample size and retrospective design limit the ability to draw definitive conclusions.
Participant Demographics
Average age was 63.5 years in the PRBC group and 59.3 in the no PRBC group; no significant differences in gender or race.
Statistical Information
P-Value
NS
Statistical Significance
p ≤ 0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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