Transfusion thresholds and other strategies for guiding allogeneic red blood cell transfusion.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Most clinical practice guidelines recommend restrictive red cell transfusion practices with the goal of minimising exposure to allogeneic blood (from an unrelated donor). The purpose of this review is to compare clinical outcomes in patients randomised to restrictive versus liberal transfusion thresholds (triggers). OBJECTIVES: To examine the evidence on the effect of transfusion thresholds, on the use of allogeneic and/or autologous blood, and the evidence for any effect on clinical outcomes. SEARCH STRATEGY: Trials were identified by: computer searches of OVID Medline (1966 to December 2000), Current Contents (1993 to Week 48 2000), and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (..