Retrograde autologous priming reduces transfusion requirements during CPB

Dr Sneha Ann Ancheri; Dr Shoma Vinay Rao

Volume : VI, Issue : VIII, August - 2016

Retrograde autologous priming reduces transfusion requirements during CPB

Dr Sneha Ann Ancheri, Dr Shoma Vinay Rao

Abstract :

Background: Retrograde autologous priming involves priming the cardio–pulmonary bypass circuit with the patient’s own blood and is being used worldwide to reduce haemodilution and transfusion rates. No literature has emerged from the Indian subcontinent on the usefulness of blood conservation strategies in cardiac surgery in spite of very high transfusion rates. We decided to study the effectiveness of retrograde autologous priming of cardio–pulmonary bypass in reducing transfusion requirements in Indians at our center and to incorporate it into routine practice, if found beneficial. Aims: To compare the effect of retrograde autologous priming vs. standard priming techniques on peri–operative transfusion requirements and morbidity in patients presenting for elective primary coronary artery bypass grafting. Methods: A randomized control study, compå the effect of retrograde autologous priming to standard priming techniques on perioperative transfusion requirements and morbidity, in patients undergoing elective primary coronary artery bypass grafting. Results: Mean hemoglobin levels during cardio–pulmonary bypass were significantly lower in the standard priming group when compared to retrograde autologous priming group. Number of units of packed red cells transfused per patient was significantly lesser in the retrograde autologous priming group. Conclusion: Retrograde autologous priming is effective in reducing the number of units of packed cells transfused per patient during cardio–pulmonary bypass although there is no reduction in the transfusion requirements during the entire length of hospital stay