Red blood cell transfusion in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage: a multidisciplinary North American survey.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Anemia is associated with poor outcomes in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). It remains unclear whether this association can be modified with more aggressive use of red blood cell (RBC) transfusions. The degree to which restrictive thresholds have been adopted in neurocritical care patients remains unknown.

Methods

We performed a survey of North American academic neurointensivists, vascular neurosurgeons and multidisciplinary intensivists who regularly care for patients with SAH to determine hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations which commonly trigger a decision to initiate transfusion. We also assessed minimum and maximum acceptable Hb goals in the context of a clinical trial and how decision-making is influenced by advanced neurological monitori

SUBMITTER: Kramer AH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3222066 | biostudies-literature | 2011

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature