Red Blood Cell Transfusion Risks Studied

British medical scientists suspect red blood cell transfusions given during heart surgery might increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.

The University of Bristol study involved more than 8,500 cardiac surgery patients during an eight year period. Researchers found patients receiving such transfusions experienced a three-fold increase in complications arising from lack of oxygen to key organs.

The study showed the risks associated with transfusion occurred regardless of the hemoglobin levels, age or level of patient disability.

Red blood cells carry oxygen around the body to supply vital organs, said Professor Peter Weissberg. “Not unreasonably, therefore, heart surgeons have assumed patients who have low red blood cell counts after surgery — as a result of blood loss during or shortly after surgery — would benefit from a Â… transfusion of donated red blood cells.

This study shows the importance of putting such widespread beliefs to the test, since it suggests such transfusions may cause more problems than they solve, he added.

The research appears in the journal Circulation.