Transfusion practice and outcomes in non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes.

Overview

OBJECTIVES: To describe the association between transfusion and outcomes as a function of nadir hematocrit (HCT) in patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE ACS). BACKGROUND: The adverse outcomes associated with transfusion in NSTE ACS is uncertain and may vary by nadir HCT of the transfused. METHODS: Using data from 44242 patients with NSTE ACS in 400 US hospitals in the CRUSADE initiative (January 2004-December 2005), we describe blood transfusion as a function of nadir HCT and associated outcomes across nadir HCT groups (30%). We further explore patient and process variation across hospital quartiles defined by transfusion use. RESULTS: Overall, 22.2% of patients with NSTE ACS are anemic and 10.4% receive a blood transfusion during their care. Likelihood of transfusion rose from 1% when nadir HCT was >30% to 70% when nadir HCT was 30% (adjusted OR 3.47 [2.30-5.23]) had higher mortality. CONCLUSION: Anemia and transfusion are common in the care of NSTE ACS. The observed association between transfusion and adverse outcomes is neutral in the nadir HCT range where transfusions are most often given and trends strongly to benefit when nadir HCT is