TRANSFUSION TRIGGERS IN CRITICALLY ILL PATIENTS

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of inappropriate transfusions in tertiary care hospital.

Study Design: Cross sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: General Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar, from Dec 2017 to Feb 2018.

Material and Methods: We analyzed fifty blood transfusions in a cross sectional study, each patient was individually examined regarding the presence of indication of transfusion. Frequency of inappropriate transfusions was noted.

Results: Out of 50 transfusions 25 were done in medical patients and 25 in surgical patients. Red cell concentrate was the most frequently used blood product as 70% of all the transfusions were red cells. Out of the total transfusions 42% were not according to international guidelines, platelet was the most frequently misused blood product. Medical patients were significantly more likely to receive inappropriate transfusions.

Conclusion: Our study concludes that 42% of total transfusions were not according to international guidelines.