Vox sanguinis
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Transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO) is a serious transfusion complication resulting in respiratory distress. The study's objective was to assess TACO occurrence and potential risk factors among elderly Medicare beneficiaries (ages 65 and older) in the inpatient setting during 2011. ⋯ Our study identified largest number of potential TACO cases to date and showed a substantial increase in TACO occurrence with age and number of units transfused. The study suggested increased TACO risk in elderly with congestive heart failure, chronic pulmonary disease and anaemias. Overall, study shows importance of large administrative databases as an additional epidemiological tool.