Justification of the Use of Blood Products in Cardiac Surgery Patients

Abstract

Background: The aim was to investigate whether patients on dual anticoagulant therapy undergoing cardiac surgery experience more significant bleeding and a greater need for blood products.

Methods: Data were collected from the medical documentation of the Transfusion Center at the University Clinical Hospital (UCH) Mostar and the Department of Cardiac Surgery at the Surgery Clinic, UCH Mostar. Medical histories, records retrieved from the Hospital Information System (HIS), and the Renovatio system were utilized. The recorded data included age, gender, blood group, Rh factor, hemoglobin levels, smoking habits, type of surgical procedure, primary diagnosis, additional diagnoses, type, and number of doses of blood products used.

Main findings: Age, hemoglobin levels, Rh factor, primary diagnosis, and type of surgery significantly influenced the number of blood product doses administered. On average, more blood product doses were used in male patients. No statistically significant differences were observed in other analyzed parameters.

Principal conclusion: The study demonstrated a justified increased use of blood products in cardiac surgery patients, emphasizing that every transfusion carries risks. When available, rational and justified use of transfusion therapy provides benefits.