Clinical outcome and inflammatory response after transfusion of washed and unwashed red blood cells in children following cardiovascular surgery

Children frequently require red blood cell transfusion after cardiac surgery, which can generate an inflammatory response that is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the inflammatory response and clinical effect of RBC transfusion in children.In a pediatric prospective controlled clinical trial 48 children were randomized to an unwashed or washed red blood cell transfusion group after cardiac surgery. Red blood cells were washed using an auto transfusion device with blood gas analyses of the packed red blood cells performed before transfusion.
Source: Progress in Pediatric Cardiology - Category: Cardiology Authors: Source Type: research