Abstract

Objective: The aims of this study were to determine the rate of blood product transfusion, associated perioperative factors and cost of such blood product transfusion in primary coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG).

Subjects and methods: The medical records of 159 consecutive primary CABG patients (142 male, 17 female) from January 1, 2003 to June 30, 2003 at Chest Diseases Hospital, Kuwait, were reviewed. Urgent and emergency cases were included.

Results: The mean age of the patients was 57.2 (range 36-77 years). Overall, 128 (80.5%) patients received blood product transfusion during primary CABG: 113 (70.5%) packed red blood cells (RBC), 54 (33.9%) fresh frozen plasma, and 13 (8%) platelets. Overall, 23 patients (12.6%) received more than two RBC transfusions intraoperatively. Significant factors for intraoperative RBC transfusion were: age >60 years, female gender, preoperative hemoglobin <12 g/dl, and 3 or more coronary bypass grafts constructed. One hundred and fifty-nine patients consumed 342 units of RBC at an average of 2.1 RBC units per patient. The cost per patient was 80 Kuwaiti dinar (KD; USD 240).

Conclusion: The findings indicate a high rate of blood component transfusion in primary CABG patients in Kuwait that could expose the patients to the possible adverse effects, and such transfusions have high economic impact.