Transfus Apher Sci
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Effects of the Sangvia blood collection system on patients undergoing elective hip surgery.
We have conducted a randomized controlled study where 164 patients were randomized to receive autologous salvaged blood collected by Sangvia™ Blood Salvage System or allogeneic red cell concentrates if transfusion was indicated by clinical judgement. The study was powered to detect if transfusion of autologous blood reduced the occurrence of postoperative infections. We found no statistical significant difference in postoperative infection rate between the groups, but this may be due to the fact that postoperative infections were diagnosed in only five patients. ⋯ The mean use of allogeneic red cell concentrates was 0.93 units (both groups combined), indicating that the transfusion policy may have been too liberal. There was a highly significant inverse correlation between pre-operative haemoglobin concentration and transfusion of allogeneic blood. In a patient population with a low frequency of postoperative infection, a larger study is needed to clarify if autologous salvaged blood protects against postoperative infections.