Independent preoperative predictors of day-of-surgery red cell transfusion in major orthopedic surgery: a six-year retrospective cohort of 7072 patients.

BACKGROUND

Major Orthopedic Surgery (MOS) is frequently associated with significant blood loss, potentially resulting in perioperative anemia and the need for allogeneic blood transfusion, which carries inherent risks. This study aimed to identify independent preoperative predictors of early Packed Red Blood Cell (PRBC) transfusion in patients undergoing MOS.

METHODS

We analyzed, retrospectively, data from 7072 patients who underwent MOS. The variables assessed included age, sex, weight, height, Body Mass Index (BMI), ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) physical status classification, surgical category (hip, knee, spine), type of procedure (primary or revision total hip/knee arthroplasty, spinal arthrodesis, scoliosis surgery), preoperative hemoglobin levels and levels at 8:00 AM on postoperative day 1, hemoglobin thresholds (> 13, < 13, < 12, < 11, and < 10 g.dL-1), administration of tranexamic acid, and the requirement for PRBC transfusion.

RESULTS

The overall transfusion rate was 4.8 % (3.6 % for hip, 2.7 % for knee, and 15.0 % for spine surgery). Independent predictors of PRBC transfusion included: preoperative hemoglobin < 13 g.dL-1 (Relative Risk [RR] 6.55), high-risk surgical procedures (RR = 7.40), ASA physical status III‒IV (RR = 2.00), absence of tranexamic acid use (RR = 2.52), and, to a lesser extent, age > 75 years (RR = 1.50). The combination of all identified risk factors was associated with a markedly increased transfusion risk (RR = 14.55; p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

These findings have informed modifications to our clinical practice, aimed at enhancing quality standards through the implementation of more effective Patient Blood Management (PBM) strategies.