Background: One of the most important components of coronary
artery bypass graft surgery is need for blood transfusion that increases
morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the factors
affecting the need for blood transfusion during off pump coronary artery bypass
(OPCAB)
surgery.
Methods: In
this descriptive case control study 923
patients who had undergone OPCAB at Afshar Hospital in Yazd,
Iran, from July 2008 to January 2010
were evaluated. The data was gathered from their records and was analyzed.
Results: 54% of
male and 79% of female patient need
blood transfusion. Mean age in patients needed transfusion was 61.58±11.11
years and in other group was 60.27±10.98
years of the patients that needed transfusion (p= 0.08). 563
(61%) of the patients needed transfusion with the
average of two units. The need for blood transfusion was higher in female
gender (p< 0.0001),
low hematocrit (p< 0.0001),
diabetes (p< 0.001),
hypertension (p< 0.025)
and multiple grafts (p< 0.027).
There were no significant differences in preoperative hemostasis tests,
affection to hyperlipidemia, CVA or
renal failure, antiplatelet drug administration and the application of left internal
mammary artery between the transfusion and non transfusion groups.
Conclusion: In this study preoperative
hematocrit was most important risk factor in transfusion in patients that
underwent OPCAB. Female gender, preoperative
low hematocrit, multiple grafts, diabetes and hypertension increased the rate
of blood transfusion. According to the high prevalence of blood transfusion in OPCAB, considering factors that
affect the transfusion rate is essential.