A survey of physicians' reasons to transfuse plasma and platelets in the critically ill: a prospective single-centre cohort study.

Data on the rationality of transfusion practice of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and platelets in the critically ill are sparse and may contribute to efforts to reduce transfusion rates. To provide insight into determinants of the decision of intensive care unit (ICU)-physicians to transfuse, a survey study was performed. The reasons of ICU-physicians to transfuse FFP and platelets were determined during a 10-week period.

Determinants of transfusion decisions in a mixed medical-surgical intensive care unit: a prospective cohort study.

Background: For reasons unknown, a restrictive transfusion policy of red blood cells (RBC) is only gradually being implemented by Intensive Care Unit (ICU) physicians, resulting in a large variation in transfusion practice. Insight into physicians' transfusion decisions may aid efforts to restrict transfusion practice.

Study Design And Methods: In a prospective cohort study, transfusion triggers were determined in patients consecutively admitted to an ICU during a 10-week period.