Vox sanguinis
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The timing of blood administration in critically ill patients is first driven by patients' needs. This study aimed to define the epidemiology and significance of overnight transfusion in critically ill patients. ⋯ Transfusion occurs evenly across day and night in ICU; nonetheless, there are differences in type of blood products administered that reflect differences in indication. Critically ill patients were more likely to receive blood for major bleeding at night irrespective of admission diagnosis.
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Observational Study
Iron deficiency and preoperative anaemia in patients scheduled for elective hip- and knee arthroplasty - an observational study.
Preoperative anaemia is prevalent in elderly patients scheduled for major orthopaedic surgery and is associated with increased transfusion risk and postoperative morbidity. New guidelines recommend preoperative correction of anaemia and iron deficiency in all patients with a Hb < 13 g/dl. However, iron deficiency and other causes of preoperative anaemia in hip- (THA) and knee (TKA) arthroplasty are only sparsely studied. ⋯ Anaemia is prevalent prior to THA and TKA with iron deficiency as the most common and reversible cause.