Six-month outcomes after restrictive or liberal transfusion for cardiac surgery (TRICS III trial).

CLINICAL QUESTION

Is transfusing red cell components using a restrictive transfusion threshold (Hb < 75 g L ) as safe as a liberal transfusion threshold (Hb < 95 g L in intensive care and < 85 g L outside intensive care) during and after cardiac surgery for adults at moderate to high risk of death?

EVIDENCE FROM TRIAL

In adults undergoing cardiac surgery who were at moderate to high risk for death, using a restrictive red-cell transfusion threshold was as safe as a liberal red cell transfusion threshold (composite outcome of death from any cause, myocardial infarction, stroke or new-onset renal failure with dialysis at 6 months after surgery).