Red blood cell transfusion in the neurological ICU

A Contemporary Review of Blood Transfusion in Critically Ill Patients

Blood transfusion is a common therapeutic intervention in hospitalized patients. There are numerous indications for transfusion, including anemia and coagulopathy with deficiency of single or multiple coagulation components such as platelets or coagulation factors. Nevertheless, the practice of transfusion in critically ill patients has been controversial mainly due to a lack of evidence and the need to consider the appropriate clinical context for transfusion. Further, transfusion carries many risk factors that must be balanced with benefits. Therefore, transfusion practice in ICU patients has constantly evolved, and we endeavor to present a contemporary review of transfusion practices in this population guided by clinical trials and expert guidelines.

Differences in Prevalence of Transfusion Protocols between Critically Ill Neurologic and Non-Neurologic Patient Populations

This study describes the prevalence of blood transfusion protocols in ICUs caring for neurologically vs. non-neurologically injured patients across a sample of US ICUs. This prospective, observational multi-center cohort study is a subgroup analysis of the USCIITG-CIOS, comprising 69 ICUs across the US (25 medical, 24 surgical, 20 mixed ICUs). Sixty-four ICUs were in teaching hospitals. A total of 6179 patients were enrolled, with 1266 (20.4%) having central nervous system (CNS) primary diagnoses. We evaluated whether CNS versus non-CNS diagnosis was associated with care in ICUs with restrictive transfusion protocols (RTPs) or massive transfusion protocols (MTPs) and whether CNS versus non-CNS diagnosis was associated with receiving blood products or colloids during the initial 24 h of care. Protocol utilization in CNS vs. non-CNS patients was as follows: RTPs-36.9% vs. 42.9% (p < 0.001); MTPs-48.3% vs. 47.4% (p = 0.57). Blood product transfusions in the first 24 h of ICU care (comparing CNS vs. non-CNS patients) were as follows: packed red blood cells-4.3% vs. 14.6% (p < 0.001); fresh frozen plasma-2.9% vs. 5.1% (p < 0.001); colloid blood products-3.2% vs. 9.2% (p < 0.001). In this cohort, we found differences in ICU utilization of RTPs, but not MTPs, when comparing where critically ill patients with neurologic versus non-neurologic primary diagnoses received ICU care.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of outcome-relevant anemia in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage

Anemia is a common, treatable condition in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and has been associated with poor outcome. As there are still no guidelines for anemia management after aneurysm rupture, we aimed to identify outcome-relevant severity of anemia in SAH. We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library for publications before Oct 23rd, 2022, reporting on anemia in SAH patients. The presence and severity of anemia were assessed according to the reported hemoglobin values and/or institutional thresholds for red blood cells transfusion (RBCT). Out of 1863 original records, 40 full-text articles with a total of 14,701 patients treated between 1996 and 2020 were included in the final analysis (mean 445.48 patients per study). A substantial portion of patients developed anemia during SAH (mean pooled prevalence 40.76%, range 28.3-82.6%). RBCT was administered in a third of the cases (mean 32.07%, range 7.8-88.6%), with institutional threshold varying from 7.00 to 10.00 g/dL (mean 8.5 g/dL). Anemia at the onset of SAH showed no impact on SAH outcome. In contrast, even slight anemia (nadir hemoglobin < 11.0-11.5 g/dL) occurring during SAH was associated with the risk of cerebral infarction and poor outcome at discharge and follow-up. The strongest association with SAH outcome was observed for nadir hemoglobin values ranging between 9.0 and 10.0 g/dL. The effect of anemia on SAH mortality was marginal. The development of anemia during SAH is associated with the risk of cerebral infarction and poor outcome at discharge and follow-up. Outcome-relevant severity of post-SAH anemia begins at hemoglobin levels clearly above the thresholds commonly set for RBCT. Our findings underline the need for further studies to define the optimal management of anemia in SAH patients.

Impact of Anemia Severity on the Outcome of an Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Objective: Previous reports indicate a negative impact of anemia on the outcome of an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). We aimed to identify the outcome-relevant severity of post-SAH anemia. Methods: SAH cases treated at our institution between 01/2005 and 06/2016 were included (n = 640). The onset, duration, and severity (nadir hemoglobin (nHB) level) of anemia during the initial hospital stay were recorded. Study endpoints were new cerebral infarctions, a poor outcome six months post-SAH (modified Rankin scale > 3), and in-hospital mortality. To assess independent associations with the study endpoints, different multivariable regression models were performed, adjusted for relevant patient and baseline SAH characteristics as well as anemia-associated clinical events during the SAH. Results: The rates of anemia were 83.3%, 67.7%, 40.0%, 15.9%, and 4.5% for an nHB < 11 g/dL, < 10 g/dL, < 9 g/dL, < 8 g/dL, and < 7 g/dL, respectively. The higher the anemia severity, the later was the onset (post-SAH days 2, 4, 5.4, 7.6 and 8, p < 0.0001) and the shorter the duration (8 days, 6 days, 4 days, 3 days, and 2 days, p < 0.0001) of anemia. In the final multivariable analysis, only an nHB < 9 g/dL was independently associated with all study endpoints: adjusted odds ratio 1.7/3.22/2.44 for cerebral infarctions/in-hospital mortality/poor outcome. The timing (post-SAH day 3.9 vs. 6, p = 0.001) and duration (3 vs. 5 days, p = 0.041) of anemia with an nHB < 9 g/dL showed inverse associations with the risk of in-hospital mortality, but not with other study endpoints. Conclusions: Anemia is very common in SAH patients affecting four of five individuals during their hospital stay. An nHB decline to < 9 g/dL was strongly associated with all study endpoints, independent of baseline characteristics and SAH-related clinical events. Our data encourage further prospective evaluations of the value of different transfusion strategies in the functional outcomes of SAH patients.

Primer of vein of galen malformation management

Vein of Galen Malformations offer a unique clinical challenge that can present as heart failure and hydrocephalus. The mainstay of treatment is embolization and management of systemic issues. Recently, radiation treatment has also offered some benefit. Herein we review the literature and present common findings, pathophysiology, and management strategies. This user-friendly guide can help clinicians and researchers tackle this important topic.

Red blood cell transfusion practice in a single institution in Poland in 2018-2019 - Is there room for improvement?

INTRODUCTION

Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion (RBCT) is one of the most frequently performed procedures in inpatients within modern hospital systems. However transfusion practices may vary by an institution or even by a prescribing physician. In order to assess the current RBCT practice in our institution, we performed a detailed analysis of RBCTs.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of all RBCTs in our institution between January 2018 and December 2019. The data collected included: age, sex, type of RBC, number of single and multiple unit RBCTs in bleeding and nonbleeding patients, number of multiple unit RBCTs in non-bleeding patients with and without hemoglobin (Hb) concentration determination after each RBC, primary indication for RBCT, pre-post RBCT Hb concentration in non-bleeding patients, lactate concentration pre-post RBCT in non-bleeding patients.

RESULTS

The indications for RBCT were anemia (2244, 56.2 % RBC) and bleeding (1463, 36.6 % RBC). The most frequently used types of RBCs were RBCs without buffy coat (75.1 %) and leucodepleted RBCs (20.9 %). In non-bleeding patients 45.7 % were multiple unit RBCTs, only 3% were performed with Hb determination following the first unit of RBC, 508 (20.2 %) RBCT were performed with pre-post RBCT lactate concentration determination.

CONCLUSIONS

Analysis of the local RBCT practice showed significant room for improvement. Areas of concern were type of RBC ordered, multiple unit transfusions in non-bleeding patients, lack of laboratory control of oxygenation pre-post transfusion or not taking it into account in RBCT decision making. Deficiencies are planned to be addressed by a comprehensive blood utilization review programme.

Pathophysiological and clinical considerations in the perioperative care of patients with a previous ischaemic stroke: a multidisciplinary narrative review

With an ageing population and increasing incidence of cerebrovascular disease, an increasing number of patients presenting for routine and emergency surgery have a prior history of stroke. This presents a challenge for pre-, intra-, and postoperative management as the neurological risk is considerably higher. Evidence is lacking around anaesthetic practice for patients with vascular neurological vulnerability. Through understanding the pathophysiological changes that occur after stroke, insight into the susceptibilities of the cerebral vasculature to intrinsic and extrinsic factors can be developed. Increasing understanding of post-stroke systemic and cerebral haemodynamics has provided improved outcomes from stroke and more robust secondary prevention, although this knowledge has yet to be applied to our delivery of anaesthesia in those with prior stroke. This review describes the key pathophysiological and clinical considerations that inform clinicians providing perioperative care for patients with a prior diagnosis of stroke.

Associations of Anemia With Outcomes in Patients With Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A Meta-Analysis

Background: Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a highly lethal disease without effective therapeutic interventions. Anemia is prevalent in neurocritical disease and correlated with higher mortality in the intensive care unit. However, there is a lack of evidence concerning the association between anemia and the clinical outcomes of ICH.

Object: We aimed to assess the association between anemia and outcomes in patients with ICH.

Methods: We systematically searched the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE and Web of Science from inception to November 2017. Eligible studies were cohort studies exploring the association between anemia and mortality or functional outcomes in patient with ICH. A Meta-analysis was performed, and heterogeneity was assessed using the I² index. Sensitivity analyses were performed to account for heterogeneity and risk of bias. Effect estimates were combined using random effects model for mortality and poor outcomes.

Results: We identified seven cohort studies with 7,328 ICH patients, including 1,546 patients with anemia. The meta-analysis revealed that anemia was associated with higher mortality {OR = 1.72 for 30-day mortality (95% CI 1.37 to 2.15; I² = 64%; low-quality evidence); OR = 2.05 for 12-month mortality (95% CI 1.42 to 2.97; I² = 82%; low-quality evidence)} and an increased risk of poor outcome in patients with ICH {OR = 2.29 for 3-month outcome (95% CI 1.16 to 4.51; I² = 91%; very low-quality evidence); OR = 3.42 for 12-month outcome (95% CI 0.50 to 23.23; I² = 96%; very low-quality evidence)}.

Conclusions: Anemia on admission was associated with higher mortality and an increased risk of poor outcome in patients with ICH. However, the results were limited by the high heterogeneity of included studies. Prospective, multi-center or population-based, large sample cohort studies are needed in the future.

Periprocedural Management of Vein of Galen Aneurysmal Malformation Patients: An 11-Year Experience

Context:

The vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation (VGAM) is a rare arteriovenous malformation where a dilated median prosencephalic vein provides a low-resistance conduit for intracerebral blood flow resulting in high-output cardiac failure, severe pulmonary hypertension, with or without central nervous system symptoms secondary to hydrocephalus, in the neonatal and pediatric population.

Aim:

This study aims to analysis of the anesthetic management of this unique subset of patients with VGAM.

Settings and Design:

This was a retrospective analysis of case series of VGAM patients admitted between January 2005 and June 2016 in our Institute.

Subjects and Methods:

Case records of VGAM patients were reviewed for the anesthetic technique and medications administered. The incidence of intra-and post-procedural complications and their management and outcomes were analyzed.

Statistical Analysis:

Parametric data were expressed as mean and standard deviation. Descriptive statistics was used for describing associated pathologies, drugs and monitors used during the procedure, incidence of any adverse events, and the treatment protocol.

Results:

Twenty-one patients underwent treatment for the VGAM. There were a total of forty anesthetics administered for embolization, diagnostic angiography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Eighty-five percent had increased head circumference, 40% had associated focal neurological deficits, and 15% had seizures as presenting symptoms. Cardiac anomalies were seen in 41% of the patients, and difficult airway was anticipated in 38% of the patients. The majority of the patients had inhalational induction (62.2%) and inhalation maintenance (84.4%) of anesthesia. Intraprocedural adverse events were noted in 43% and postprocedure complications in 38% of the patients.

Conclusion:

Anesthetic management for embolization of VGAM with a combination of opioids and inhalational agents helps in minimizing the incidence of intraprocedural adverse events and provides a better hemodynamic profile.

The effects of anaemia and transfusion on patients with traumatic brain injury: A review

BACKGROUND

Anaemia in traumatic brain injury (TBI) is frequently encountered. Neurosurgical texts continue to recommend transfusion for hematocrit below 30%, despite clear evidence to do so. Transfusion should increase oxygen delivery to the brain, but it may also increase morbidity and mortality.

METHODS

This study reviewed the relevant literature to better understand the risks of anaemia and benefits of correction of anaemia by transfusion.

RESULTS

Of the 21 studies reviewed, eight found that anaemia was harmful to patients with TBI; five found no significant outcome; seven found transfusion was associated with higher rates of morbidity and mortality; two found that transfusion lowered mortality and increased brain tissue oxygen levels; and ten found no correlation between transfusion and outcome. However, the levels of anaemia severity and the outcome measurements varied widely and the majority of outcomes focused on crude measurements rather than detailed functional assessments.

CONCLUSIONS

No division of response based on gender difference or impact of anaemia in the post-hospital treatment setting was observed. A randomized control trial is recommended to determine the impact of anaemia and transfusion on detailed outcome assessment in comparison of transfusion thresholds ranging from ≤ 7 g dL^-1 to ≤ 9 g dL^-1 in patients with moderate-to-severe TBI.

Red Blood Cell Transfusion in Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Our objectives were to evaluate the frequency of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) as well as potential determinants and outcomes associated with RBC transfusion in this population. We conducted a systematic review of cohort studies and randomized trials of patients with TBI. We searched Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and BIOSIS databases from their inception up to April 2015. We selected studies of adult patients with acute TBI reporting data on RBC transfusions. Cumulative incidences of transfusion were pooled using random-effect models with a DerSimonian approach. To evaluate the association between RBC transfusion and potential determinants or clinical outcomes, we pooled risk ratios or mean differences with random-effect models and the Mantel-Haenszel method. We identified 24 eligible studies (17414 patients). After pooling data from 23 studies (7524 patients), approximately 36% (95% confidence interval [CI], 28-44; I(2) = 98%) of patients received RBC transfusion at some point during their hospital stay. Hemoglobin thresholds for transfusion were rarely available (reported in 9 studies) and varied from 6 to 10 g/dL. Glasgow Coma Scale scores at admission were lower in patients who were transfused than those who were not (3 cohort studies; 1371 patients; mean difference of 1.38 points [95% CI, 0.86-1.89]; I(2) = 12%). Mortality was not significantly different among transfused and nontransfused patients in univariate and multivariate meta-analyses. Hospital length of stay was longer among patients receiving RBC transfusion compared to those who did not (3 studies; n = 455; mean difference, 9.58 days [95% CI, 3.94-15.22]; I(2) = 74%). Results should be considered cautiously due to the high heterogeneity and high risk of confounding from the observational nature of included studies. Red blood cell transfusion is frequent in patients with TBI, and transfusion practices varied widely between studies. Current published data highlight the lack of clinical evidence guiding transfusion strategies in TBI.