Journal of cardiothoracic and vascular anesthesia
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Sep 2023
Morbidity and Mortality Associated With Blood Transfusions in Elective Adult Cardiac Surgery.
Perioperative transfusion thresholds have garnered increasing scrutiny as restrictive strategies have been shown to be noninferior. The study authors used data from a statewide academic collaborative to test the association between transfusion and 30-day mortality. ⋯ The present analysis found increasing HCT to be associated with a lower incidence of mortality. The study authors also found a direct dose-response association between transfusions and all study endpoints examined.
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Sep 2023
Evaluation of Activated Clotting Times With a Heparin Reversal Protocol Designed to Conserve Protamine During Drug Shortages: A Retrospective, Cohort Study.
To retrospectively evaluate a protamine conservation approach to heparin reversal implemented during times of critical shortages. This approach was aimed at maintaining access to cardiac surgical services. ⋯ The primary endpoint was differences in post-reversal activated clotting times between the 2 groups. The secondary endpoint was differences in the number of protamine vials used between the 2 reversal strategies. The first activated clotting times values measured after initial protamine administration were not different between the Low Dose and Conventional Dose groups (122.3 s v 120.6 s, 1.47 s, 99% CI -1.47 to 4.94, p = 0.16). The total amount of protamine administered in the Low Dose group was less than that in the Conventional Dose group (-100.5 mg, 99% CI -110.0 to -91.0, p < 0.0001), as were the number of 250 mg vials used per case (-0.69, 99% CI -0.75 to -0.63, p < 0.0001). The mean initial protamine doses between groups were 250 mg and 352 mg, p < 0.0001. The mean protamine vials used were 1.33 v 2.02, p < 0.0001. When the calculations were based on 50 mg vials, the number of vials used per case in the Low Dose group was even less (-2.16, 99% CI -2.36 to -1.97, p < 0.0001).) CONCLUSIONS: Conservation measures regarding critical medications and supplies during times of shortages can maintain access to important services within a community.