Techniques for reducing allogeneic transfusion rates

AORN Journal,  March, 2007  by George Allen

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Clinical implications. The results of this study revealed that a blood-saving protocol consisting of a restrictive transfusion trigger plus perioperative administration of IV iron sucrose with or without rHuEPO appears to be effective at reducing the need for allogeneic blood transfusion in total knee replacement surgery. Perioperative nurses should understand, however, that additional studies are warranted to determine which patients are more likely to benefit from either perioperative iron administration or selective addition of postoperative blood salvage to pharmacologic treatment to avoid needing allogeneic blood transfusion.

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REFERENCES

(1.) Tejirian T, DiFronzo LA, Haigh PI. Antibiotic prophylaxis for preventing wound infection after breast surgery: a systematic review and metaanyalysis. J Am Coil Surg. 2006;203:729-734.

(2.) Macario A, Morris D, Morris S. Initial clinical evaluation of a handheld device for detecting retained surgical gauze sponges using radiofrequency identification technology. Arch Surg. 2006; 141:659-662.

(3.) Debreceni G, Meggyesi R, Mestyan G. Efficacy of spray disinfection with a 2-propanol and benzalkonium chloride containing solution before epidural catheter insertion--a prospective, randomized, clinical trial. Br J Anaesth. 2007;98:131-135.

(4.) Cuenca J, Garcia-Erce JA, Martinez F, Perez-Serrano L, Herrera A, Munoz M. Perioperative intravenous iron, with or without erythropoietin, plus restrictive transfusion protocol reduce the need for allogeneic blood after knee replacement surgery. Transfusion. 2006;46: 1112-1119.

GEORGE ALLEN

PHD, RN, CNOR, CIC

DIRECTOR OF INFECTION CONTROL

DOWNSTATE MEDICAL CENTER

BROOKLYN, NY

COPYRIGHT 2007 Association of Operating Room Nurses, Inc.
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