Heart & lung : the journal of critical care
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Mediastinitis, a serious complication after cardiac surgery, increases morbidity, mortality, and cost of care. Accumulating evidence implicates blood transfusions in the development of mediastinitis. ⋯ The findings of this systematic review suggest that allogeneic red blood cell transfusions are associated with an increased risk of mediastinitis in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Individual risks and benefits should be assessed in each patient before a red blood cell transfusion.