An analysis of quality of life and functional outcomes as reported in randomized trials for red cell transfusions.
Transfusion
; 63(11): 2032-2039, 2023 11.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-37723866
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating thresholds for red blood cell (RBC) transfusion typically focus on mortality; however, other outcomes are highly relevant. The aim of this study is to summarize the effects of different transfusion thresholds on the outcomes of quality of life (QoL) and function. STUDYDESIGN:
We extracted data from RCTs identified in a recently published Cochrane systematic review. Primary analysis was descriptive.RESULTS:
A total of 23 RCTs with 13,743 adult participants were included. Fifteen RCTs included patients in the postoperative period, of which 9 RCTs were conducted in hip (n = 3024) and 6 (n = 8672) in cardiac surgeries; 5 RCTs (n = 489) were in patients with hematological malignancies; 2 in the setting of bleeding (gastrointestinal bleed [n = 936] and postpartum [n = 521]); and one RCT (n = 936) included critically ill patients. QoL and function were reported using a variety of questionnaires and tools. The timing of assessments varied between trials. No clear clinical differences in QoL outcomes were identified in comparisons between restrictive and liberal transfusion thresholds.DISCUSSION:
There is no evidence that a liberal transfusion strategy improves QoL and functional outcomes. However, the substantial limitations of many included studies indicate the need for further well-designed and adequately powered trials.Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Hematologic Neoplasms
/
Hemorrhage
Type of study:
Clinical_trials
Aspects:
Patient_preference
Limits:
Adult
/
Humans
Language:
En
Journal:
Transfusion
Year:
2023
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country: