Transfusion of packed red blood cells is associated with nosocomial infection. This association continues to exist when adjusted for probability of survival and age. In addition, mortality rates and length of intensive care unit and hospital stay are significantly increased in transfused patients.

Red blood cell transfusions should be used sparingly, bearing in mind the potential risks of infection and poor outcomes in critically ill patients.

Based on the data from this study, we concluded that femoral vein catheterization is associated with a 25% frequency of lower extremity deep vein thrombosis compared with similar patients receiving subclavian or internal jugular vein catheters. The femoral vein remains an important emergency venous access route. Physicians inserting femoral vein catheters should be aware of the risk of lower extremity deep vein thrombosis and should consider performing lower extremity duplex ultrasound examinations on removal of femoral vein catheters.