Pulmonary effects of red blood cell transfusion in critically ill, non-bleeding patients.

This retrospective study reported a degradation of the PaO2/FiO2 ratio (from 250 105 to 240 102; p = 0.003) on the first day after RBC transfusion in 83 non-bleeding ICU patients. This alteration was associated with an increased Lung Injury Score (LIS) in a dose-dependent fashion. After 48 hours, both oxygenation and LIS returned to baseline values. This limited study (few patients, retrospective design) is in agreement with others about the side effects of RBC transfusion on pulmonary function in critically ill patients.

– Michael Piagnerelli