Red blood cell transfusion affects microdialysis-assessed interstitial lactate/pyruvate ratio in critically ill patients with late sepsis.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore the effect of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion on microdialysis-assessed interstitial fluid metabolic parameters in septic patients.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of 37 patients with severe sepsis/septic shock requiring transfusion of one to two RBC units. Interstitial fluid metabolic alterations were monitored by a microdialysis catheter inserted in the subcutaneous adipose tissue.