Red blood cell transfusions and nosocomial infections in critically ill patients.

Objective: A previous retrospective evaluation of Project Impact data demonstrated an association between red blood cell transfusions, nosocomial infections, and poorer outcomes in critically ill patients, independent of survival probability or patient age. The objective of this study was to determine whether transfused patients, independent of survival probability based on Mortality Prediction Model scores, have higher nosocomial infection rates, longer intensive care unit and hospital lengths of stay, and higher mortality rates than nontransfused patients.

Design: Prospective, observational, cohort study.

Impact of allogenic packed red blood cell transfusion on nosocomial infection rates in the critically ill patient.

Objective: To determine whether critically ill patients who receive allogenic packed red blood cell transfusions are at increased risk of developing nosocomial infections during hospitalization.

Design: Retrospective database study utilizing Project IMPACT.

Setting: A 40-bed medical-surgical-trauma intensive care unit in an 825-bed tertiary referral teaching hospital.

Percutaneous tracheostomy tube obstruction: warning.

Study Objectives: To determine the patency of standard and modified Portex tracheostomy tubes inserted by the percutaneous dilatational technique.

Design: Prospective observational study.

Setting: Medical-surgical ICUs in a tertiary care community hospital.