Continuous hemoglobin and plethysmography variability index monitoring can modify blood transfusion practice and is associated with lower mortality.

To determine the effect of implementing an algorithm of fluid and blood administration based on continuous monitoring of hemoglobin (SpHb) and PVI (plethysmography variability index) on mortality and transfusion on a whole hospital scale. This single-center quality program compared transfusion at 48 h and mortality at 30 days and 90 days after surgery between two 11-month periods in 2013 and 2014 during which all the operating and recovery rooms and intensive care units were equipped with SpHb/PVI monitors. The entire team was trained to use monitors and the algorithm.