Effects of blood products on nosocomial infections in liver transplant recipients.

This retrospective observational study suggests an association between transfusion of red blood cells or fresh frozen plasma (but not platelets) and postoperative infections in liver transplant recipients. There is a dose-effect relationship, with cut-off points of 2.5 and 7.5 units for red blood cells and fresh frozen plasma, respectively. However, the study suffers from major limitations including a small sample size and lack of adjustment for confounders.

– Yves Ozier