Anesthesiologists’ knowledge about packed red blood cells transfusion in surgical patients

Introduction: Blood is an important resource in several lifesaving interventions, such as anemia correction and improvement of oxygen transport capacity. Despite advances, packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusion still involves risks. The aim of this study was to describe the knowledge of anesthesiologists about the indications, adverse effects, and alternatives to red blood cell transfusion intraoperatively. Method: Cross-sectional study using a questionnaire containing multiple choice questions and clinical cases related to relevant factors on the decision whether to perform PRBC transfusion, its adverse effects, hemoglobin triggers, preventive measures, and blood conservation strategies. The questionnaire was filled without the presence of the investigator. Likert scale was used and the average rank of responses was calculated. The Epi Info 7 software was used for data analysis. Results: 79% of the institution's anesthesiologists answered the questionnaire; 100% identified the main adverse effects related to blood transfusion. When asked about the factors that influence the transfusion decision, hemoglobin level had the highest agreement (MR = 4.46) followed by heart disease (MR = 4.26); hematocrit (MR = 4.34); age (RM = 4.1) and microcirculation evaluation (MR = 4.22). Respondents (82.3%) identified levels of Hb = 6 g.dL−1 as a trigger to transfuse healthy patient. Regarding blood conservation strategies, hypervolemic hemodilution (MR = 2.81) and decided by drugs (MR = 2.95) were the least reported. Conclusion: We identify a good understanding of anesthesiologists about PRBC transfusion; however, there is a need for refresher courses on the subject. Resumo: Introdução: O sangue é importante recurso em diversas intervenções mantenedoras da vida, como corrigir a anemia e melhorar a capacidade de transporte de oxigênio. Apesar dos avanços, a transfusão de concentrado de hemácias (TCH) ainda envolve riscos. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever o conhecimento dos anestesiologistas sobre as indicações, os efeitos adversos e as opções ao procedimento de transfusão de concentrado de hemácias no intraoperatório. Método: Estudo transversal que usou questionário com perguntas de múltipla escolha e casos clínicos, referentes a fatores relevantes na decisão de transfundir concentrado de hemácias, seus efeitos adversos, gatilhos de hemoglobina, suas medidas preventivas e estratégias de conservação de sangue. Respondido sem a presença do pesquisador. Usada a escala de Likert e feito cálculo do ranking médio das respostas. Análise dos dados feita com programa Epi Info 7. Resultados: Dos anestesiologistas da instituição, 79% responderam ao questionário e 100% identificaram os principais efeitos adversos relacionados à hemotransfusão. Questionados sobre os fatores que influenciariam na decisão de transfundir, o nível de hemoglobina obteve a maior concordância (RM = 4,46), seguido de cardiopatia (RM = 4,26), níveis de hematócrito (RM = 4,34), idade (RM = 4,1) e avaliação da microcirculação (RM = 4,22). Dos entrevistados, 82,3% identificaram níveis de Hb = 6 g.dL−1 como gatilho para transfundir paciente sadio. Quanto às estratégias de conservação de sangue, a hemodiluição hipervolêmica (RM = 2,81) e a deliberada por medicamentos (RM = 2,95) foram as menos citadas. Conclusão: Identificou-se uma boa compreensão dos anestesiologistas a respeito da TCH. No entanto, há necessidade de cursos de atualização sobre o tema. Keywords: Blood transfusion, Anesthesiology, Knowledge, Risks, Adverse effects, Palavras-chave: Transfusão sanguínea, Anestesiologia, Conhecimento, Riscos, Efeitos adverso

Anesthesiologists' knowledge about packed red blood cells transfusion in surgical patients

Abstract Introduction Blood is an important resource in several lifesaving interventions, such as anemia correction and improvement of oxygen transport capacity. Despite advances, packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusion still involves risks. The aim of this study was to describe the knowledge of anesthesiologists about the indications, adverse effects, and alternatives to red blood cell transfusion intraoperatively. Method Cross-sectional study using a questionnaire containing multiple choice questions and clinical cases related to relevant factors on the decision whether to perform PRBC transfusion, its adverse effects, hemoglobin triggers, preventive measures, and blood conservation strategies. The questionnaire was filled without the presence of the investigator. Likert scale was used and the average rank of responses was calculated. The Epi Info 7 software was used for data analysis. Results 79% of the institution's anesthesiologists answered the questionnaire; 100% identified the main adverse effects related to blood transfusion. When asked about the factors that influence the transfusion decision, hemoglobin level had the highest agreement (MR = 4.46) followed by heart disease (MR = 4.26); hematocrit (MR = 4.34); age (RM = 4.1) and microcirculation evaluation (MR = 4.22). Respondents (82.3%) identified levels of Hb = 6 g.dL-1 as a trigger to transfuse healthy patient. Regarding blood conservation strategies, hypervolemic hemodilution (MR = 2.81) and decided by drugs (MR = 2.95) were the least reported. Conclusion We identify a good understanding of anesthesiologists about PRBC transfusion; however, there is a need for refresher courses on the subject