Implementation of Patient Blood Management in Orthotopic Heart Transplants: A Single Centre Retrospective Observational Review.

Background: Blood transfusion in the perioperative cardiothoracic setting has accepted risks including deep sternal wound infection, increased intensive care unit length of stay, lung injury, and cost. It has an immunomodulatory effect which may cause allo-immunisation. This may influence long-term survival through immune-mediated factors.

Is low serum albumin associated with postoperative complications in patients undergoing cardiac surgery?

A best evidence topic was written according to a structured protocol. The clinical question investigated was: is low serum albumin associated with postoperative complications in patients undergoing cardiac surgery? There were 62 papers retrieved using the reported search strategy. Of these, 12 publications embodied the best evidence to answer this clinical question.

Does preoperative statin therapy prevent postoperative atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing cardiac surgery?

A best evidence topic was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was: does preoperative statin therapy prevent postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients undergoing cardiac surgery? There were 445 papers found using the reported search. From these, 12 represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question.

Is low serum albumin associated with postoperative complications in patients undergoing oesophagectomy for oesophageal malignancies?

A best evidence topic was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was: in patients undergoing oesophagectomy for oesophageal malignancy, is low serum albumin associated with postoperative complications? Altogether, 87 papers were found using the reported search, of which 16 demonstrated the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The authors, journal, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes and results of these papers are tabulated.