Modifiable Risk Factors associated with Post-Operative Bleeding and transfusion requirements in Cardiac Surgery

Objectives: In this study we determine the modifiable factors related to bleeding and transfusion in post-cardiac surgery patients who underwent open heart surgery.

Methods: This is a retrospective study that include two hundred patients who had undergone open heart surgery (OHS) at Northwest General Hospital and Research Center from December 2018 to July 2021. Platelet count and hemoglobin level were measured in the pre-operative period.

Results: This study included both male and female patients. Postoperative platelets were counted as follow: 50-100 x109 L in 3.0% cases, 101-150 x109 L seen in 27.5% cases, and >150 x 109 L in 69.5% cases which required transfusion. We have also reported the increased requirement of transfusion of blood and blood products in patients with pre-operative hemoglobin (Hb) < 10 g/dl.

Conclusion: Correction of pre-op Hb, post-op platelet count and total bypass time are the significant and preventable parameters in patients undergoing cardiac surgery if proper pre-op assessment of the patient is performed.