Hemoglobin Optimization for Coronary Bypass: A 10-Year Canadian Multicenter Experience

Background We report our 10-year experience of a multicenter hemoglobin optimization program with the aim to reduce red blood cell transfusion in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Methods From 2006 to 2016, patients undergoing CABG at 10 centers in Ontario were referred to the Ontario Transfusion Coordinators (ONTraC) program. Of these, we present data on the first 60 consecutive patients per center, per year (n = 6,145). Results Overall, 45.7% patients were assessed p p p p p p p p  = 0.06). Blood transfusion was independently associated with an increased risk of death (OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.37 to 1.60; p p p Conclusions The results of this study suggest that preoperative hemoglobin optimization may be effective in reducing red blood cell transfusion after CABG, particularly for patients assessed ≥14 days preoperatively.