Intraoperative PRBC transfusion may increase pulmonary complications and ICU readmissions after isolated CABG surgery

Intraoperative packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusion during cardiac surgery is associated with increased postoperative morbidity and mortality; however, data regarding the association between packed red blood cell transfusion and postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) is somewhat conflicting. Using the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Adult Cardiac Surgery Database, we sought to determine whether intraoperative packed red blood cell transfusion was associated with postoperative pulmonary complications as well as longer intensive care unit (ICU) stays after isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. A registry-based cohort study was performed on 751,893 patients with isolated coronary artery bypass grafting between January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2019. Using propensity-score–weighted regression analysis, they analyzed the effect of intraoperative packed red blood cells on the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications (hospital-acquired pneumonia [HAP], mechanical ventilation >24 hours or reintubation), ICU length of stay, and ICU readmission. Results: Transfusion of 1, 2, 3 and ³4 units of packed red blood cells was associated with increased odds for hospital-acquired pneumonia, reintubation, prolonged ventilation, initial ICU length of stay, and readmission to ICU. Intraoperative packed red blood cell transfusion was associated with increased incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications, prolonged ICU stay, and ICU readmissions after isolated coronary artery bypass grafting surgery.