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Worldwide ICU Blood Transfusion Practices Study

ByThe Short Paper

Red Blood Cell Transfusion in the Intensive Care Unit

A global study conducted in 30 countries on six continents between March 2019 and October 2022 evaluated and described red blood cell (RBC) transfusion practices in 233 intensive care units (ICUs). Among 3,643 adult patients, 25% received one or more RBC transfusions during their ICU stay, with variations in transfusion rates among centers, countries, and continents. Common indications for transfusion included low hemoglobin levels, active bleeding, and hemodynamic instability. The study revealed significant variability in ICU blood transfusion practices worldwide.

Raasveld SJ, de Bruin S, Reuland MC, et al. Red Blood Cell Transfusion in the Intensive Care Unit. JAMA. Published online October 12, 2023. doi:10.1001/jama.2023.20737

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2810759

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