Liberal versus restrictive red blood cell transfusion thresholds in acute acquired brain injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To evaluate the effects of liberal transfusion strategy (trigger haemoglobin ≤90-100 g/L) compared with a restrictive strategy (trigger haemoglobin ≤70-80 g/L) on long-term neurological functional outcome in anaemic adult patients with acute acquired brain injury (ABI).

Design

Systematic review and study-level meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs).

Data sources

MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane from inception to 6 February 2025.

Study selection

RCTs enrolling patients with acute ABI and anaemia (haemoglobin ≤100 g/L), comparing a liberal vs restrictive transfusion strategy.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two reviewers independently identified eligible studies, extracted data and assessed risk of bias. We performed random-effects meta-anal

SUBMITTER: Sud S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12718594 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature