Journal of clinical anesthesia
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Blood loss resulting in severe anemia is the most common indication for postoperative allogenic red blood cell (RBC) transfusions. In high-income countries, the majority of transfusions is received by elderly patients. Preservatives extend the storage of RBCs, though concerns exist about potential harm from transfusing older RBCs. This study tested the hypothesis that RBC storage duration effects hemoglobin increase in patients older than 70 years who underwent non-cardiac surgery. ⋯ The aspired increase in hemoglobin can be achieved with red blood cell concentrates of any storage duration. In general, elderly patients exhibit a sufficient hemoglobin rise following transfusion. However, if this is associated with improved outcomes cannot be answered.
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To explore risk factors for 1-year postoperative mortality and to identify its association with the Revised Cardiac Risk Index (RCRI). ⋯ RCRI is significantly correlated with 1-year postoperative mortality regardless of sex, age, and type of anesthesia. Further studies to validate these findings are warranted.