Blood product transfusion and lung transplant outcomes: A systematic review

The perioperative transfusion of blood products has long been linked to development of acute lung injury and associated with mortality across both medical and surgical patient populations.(1,2) The need for blood product transfusion during and after lung transplantation is common and, in many instances, unavoidable. However, this practice may potentially be modifiable.(3) In this systematic review, we explore and summarize what is known regarding the impact of blood product transfusion on outcomes following lung transplantation, highlighting the most recent work in this area. Overall, the majority of the literature consists of single center retrospective analyses or the work of multicenter working groups referencing the same database. In the end, there are a number of remaining questions regarding blood product transfusion and their downstream effects on graft function and survival.

Automated summary

Perioperative blood transfusion has been associated with acute lung injury and mortality in medical and surgical patients. The necessity of blood products during and after lung transplantation is common, but potentially modifiable. Current literature mainly consists of retrospective analyses or multicenter studies, with remaining questions regarding the effects of blood product transfusion on graft function and survival.