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document
Does single use of an autologous transfusion system in TKA reduce the need for allogenic blood ? : a prospective randomized trial . BACKGROUND Mechanical autotransfusion systems for washed shed blood ( WSB ) were introduced to reduce the need for postoperative allogenic blood transfusions ( ABTs ) . Although some authors have postulated decreased requirements for ABT by using autologous retransfusion devices , other trials , mostly evaluating retransfusion devices for unwashed shed blood ( USB ) , verified a small or no benefit in reducing the need for postoperative ABT . Because of these contradictory findings it is still unclear whether autologous retransfusion systems for WSB can reduce transfusion requirements . QUESTIONS/PURPOSES We therefore asked whether one such autologous transfusion system for WSB can reduce the requirements for postoperative ABT . METHODS In a prospective , randomized , controlled study , we enrolled 151 patients undergoing TKA . In Group A ( n=76 patients ) , the autotransfusion system was used for a total of 6 hours ( intraoperatively and postoperatively ) and the WSB was retransfused after processing . In Control Group B ( n=75 patients ) , a regular drain without suction was used . We used signs of anemia and/or a hemoglobin value less than 8 g/dL as indications for transfusion . If necessary , we administered one or two units of allogenic blood . RESULTS Twenty-three patients ( 33 % ) in Group A , who received an average of 283 mL ( range , 160-406 mL ) of salvaged blood , needed a mean of 2.1 units of allogenic blood , compared with 23 patients ( 33 % ) in Control Group B who needed a mean of 2.1 units of allogenic blood . CONCLUSIONS We found the use of an autotransfusion system did not reduce the rate of postoperative ABTs . LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level II , therapeutic study . See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence .
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Intervention_Physical
Mechanical autotransfusion systems
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Intervention_Other
controlled
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Intervention_Physical
autotransfusion system
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Intervention_Other
WSB was retransfused after processing
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Intervention_Physical
regular drain without suction
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Intervention_Other
was used
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Participant_Condition
TKA
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Participant_Sample-size
151
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Participant_Condition
TKA
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Participant_Sample-size
n=76
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Participant_Sample-size
n=75