Significant reduction in red blood cell transfusions in a general hospital after successful implementation of a restrictive transfusion policy supported by prospective computerized order auditing.

Background: Our hospital transfusion policy was recently revised to recommend single-unit red blood cell transfusion (RBC TXN) for nonbleeding inpatients when the hemoglobin (Hb) level is not more than 7 g/dL. Our computerized provider order entry system was reconfigured to provide real-time decision support using prospective computerized order auditing based on the most recent Hb level and to remove the single-click ordering option for 2-unit RBC TXNs to enhance compliance. This study was undertaken to assess the impact of these changes on hospital transfusion practice.

Extended Outcomes of Complex Coronary Disease in the Drug Eluting Stent Era.

Background: Several randomized trials comparing bare-metal stents to Drug-Eluting Stents (DES) have demonstrated a significant reduction in Target Vessel Revascularization (TVR) and Target Lesion Revascularization (TLR) exists with the use of drug-eluting stents, without compromising survival. These conclusions are based on restricted inclusion criteria for patients and lesion. It is unknown if these results can be generalized to an unselected patient population and more complex disease.