Rotational Thromboelastometry-Guided Transfusion Protocol to Reduce Allogeneic Blood Transfusion in Proximal Aortic Surgery With Deep Hypothermic Circulatory Arrest.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES\nTo determine the impact of a rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM)-guided transfusion protocol on the use of blood products, patient outcomes, coagulation factor concentrates, and costs.\n\n\nDESIGN\nA single-center retrospective cohort study.\n\n\nSETTING\nA tertiary university hospital.\n\n\nPATIENTS\nAdults undergoing proximal aortic surgery with deep hypothermic circulatory arrest.\n\n\nINTERVENTION\nROTEM-guided transfusion protocol compared with clinically-guided transfusion.\n\n\nMEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS\nTwo hundred seventeen patients were included; seventy-one elective and 24 emergency patients in the clinically-guided group, and 59 elective and 63 emergency patients in the ROTEM-guided transfusion protocol group. In the ROTEM-guided transfusion protocol group, a significant reduction in transfusion of red blood cells (5 [3-8] v 2 [0-4], p < 0.001), platelet concentrate (2 [2-3] v 1 [1-2], p < 0.001), and plasma (1,980 mL [1,320-3,300] v 800 mL [0-1,000], p < 0.001) was seen in elective surgery. Emergency patients received fewer red blood cells (7 [5-10] v 5 [2-10], p\xa0=\xa00.040), platelet concentrate (3 [2-4] v 2 [2-3], p\xa0=\xa00.023), and plasma (3,140 mL [1,980-3,960] v 1,000 mL [0-1,400], p < 0.001). Prothrombin complex concentrate and fibrinogen concentrate were increased significantly in elective and emergency patients. The surgical reexploration for bleeding rate was decreased in elective patients 33.8% v 5.1%.\n\n\nCONCLUSION\nThe implementation of a ROTEM-guided transfusion protocol might have the potential to decrease blood product transfusion and may improve patient outcomes.