The Impact and Efficacy of Blood Transfusions on Oxygen Delivery and Consumption in Critically Ill Patients

Managing Anemia in the Critically Ill Patient

“…This was reported in a recent abstract of a study in which blood transfusion supplied additional oxygen to tissues in patients who appeared to be on the dependent portion of the oxygen delivery-oxygen consumption curve. 41 In this study, blood transfusions increased oxygen delivery and consumption and decreased lactate levels at 4 hours. 41 In an earlier study, patients with elevated lactic acid concentrations had an increase in systemic oxygen consumption in response to transfused blood, a potential surrogate marker for benefit; a comparable response was not observed in patients with normal lactate concentration.…”

“…41 In this study, blood transfusions increased oxygen delivery and consumption and decreased lactate levels at 4 hours. 41 In an earlier study, patients with elevated lactic acid concentrations had an increase in systemic oxygen consumption in response to transfused blood, a potential surrogate marker for benefit; a comparable response was not observed in patients with normal lactate concentration. 42 Given the inconsistent data published to date, each clinical situation must be evaluated to determine if a patient is clinically manifesting consequences of anemia, and the decision to treat anemia in the ICU should be made based not only on a laboratory value of hemoglobin or hematocrit, but also, more appropriately, on the need for improved oxygenation.…”