Justification of the Use of Blood Products in Cardiac Surgery Patients

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study 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, type of surgical procedure, and primary and additional diagnoses, as well as hemoglobin levels, smoking habits, and the type and number of doses of blood products used.

Main findings: Age, Rh factor, primary diagnosis, type of surgery, and hemoglobin levels 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 usage of transfusion therapy provides benefits.