Transfusion practices among the neurosurgical community of Puerto Rico

AP and 33% were R. 43% of AP vs 25% of R transfused to increase oxygen delivery, 50% of R vs 38% of AP transfused to avoid ischemic injury, 50% of both AP and R considered that age and disease severity may interfere with adaptation of anemia, therefore needing transfusion, and 50% of AP vs 38% of R to improved safety margin anticipating further blood loss. Threshold for transfusion was a Hb level of 8-10 g/dL (36%) or 12 g/dL. The appropriate Hb for post-op patient without CAD was 10-12 g/dL, and there was no significant difference between AP and R. Conclusions: Recognizing when to transfuse blood in a neurological critical care patient remains a clinical challenge. Frequent and unwarranted transfusions may worsen outcome of patients. More studies regarding transfusion recommendations in neurological critical care are needed.