Surgical infections
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Surgical infections · Jan 2004
Allogenic blood transfusion in the first 24 hours after trauma is associated with increased systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and death.
Previous studies have documented that blood transfusion incites a substantial inflammatory response with the systemic release of cytokines. Furthermore, blood transfusion is a significant independent predictor of multiple organ failure in trauma. The objective of this study was to assess the risk of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and intensive care unit (ICU) admission, length of stay (LOS), and mortality in trauma patients who require blood transfusion. ⋯ Blood transfusion within the first 24 h was an independent predictor of mortality, SIRS, ICU admission, and ICU LOS in trauma patients. The use of blood substitutes and alternative agents to increase serum hemoglobin concentration in the post-injury period warrants further investigation.