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Rational Use of Transfusion in Critically Ill Patients

Release Date: March 31, 2006
Expiration Date: March 31, 2007
Estimated time to complete this Activity: 45 minutes

Overview

Approximately 15% of all red blood cell units are used treat trauma patients, but increased use of blood transplantation and other blood-intensive procedures contributes to the growing demand for blood products. The ongoing challenge of maintaining adequate blood inventories is complicated by the absence of timely and accurate coagulation data and the lack of precise thresholds for transfusions. This can lead to inappropriate use of transfusions. Other factors, such as the development of storage lesions, the use of leukoreduction, and more stringent screening of donors, are driving the need for alternative platelet inventories. Emerging data indicate that more conservative use of blood may be safe in some intensive care settings. Indeed, in certain populations, such as critically ill patients, the benefits of liberal transfusion protocols are being questioned.

Target Audience

Rational Use of Transfusion in critically Ill Patients is intended for transfusion medicine specialists interested in learning about hemostasis management during trauma.

Learning Objectives

After completing this CME activity, participants should be able to:

  • Summarize the results of trials examining the use of restrictive vs. liberal transfusion policies
  • Explore the potential clinical consequences of prolonged red cell storage

Accreditation Statement

This activity has expired.

Designation Statement

This activity has expired.

How to Get Credit

This activity has expired.

Faculty Disclosure

It is the policy of the FCG Institute for Continuing Education that all faculty participating in continuing medical education activities are expected to disclose to the program audience (1) any real or apparent conflict(s) of interest related to the content of their presentation and (2) discussion of unlabeled or unapproved uses of drugs or medical devices. Faculty disclosure statements can be found with their biographical sketches.

Conflict of Interest Resolution

When individuals in a position to control or influence the development of the content have reported Financial Relationships with one or more commercial interests, The FCG Institute for Continuing Education utilizes a process to identify and resolve potential conflicts to ensure that the content presented is free of commercial bias. The content of this presentation was vetted through The Institute' process of peer review and content validation and modified as required to meet this standard.

Notice About Investigational or Off-Label Use

This educational activity may include discussion of drugs or devices or uses of drugs and devices, that have not been approved by the FDA or have been approved by the FDA for specific uses only. It is the responsibility of the physician to determine the FDA clearance status of each drug or device he or she wishes to use in clinical practice. The FCG Institute for Continuing Education is committed to the free exchange of medical education. Inclusion of any product or device discussion, including discussion of investigational or off-label uses, does not imply endorsement by The Institute of the uses, products, or techniques presented.

Disclaimer

This CME/CE activity is designed for use by healthcare professionals for educational purposes only. The information and opinions expressed by the faculty are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The FCG Institute. The FCG Institute for Continuing Education does not define a standard of care, nor does it intend to dictate an exclusive course of management but presents through the educational activities it sponsors recognized methods and techniques of clinical practice for consideration by physicians and other healthcare providers for incorporation into their practices. Participants should use their own clinical judgment before applying information, whether provided here or by others, for any professional use.

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Faculty:

Paul C. Hébert, MD, FRCPC, MHSc
Vice Chair, Research, Department of Medicine
Professor of Medicine, Critical Care and Epidemiology
Chair in Transfusion and Critical Research
Ottawa Health Research Institute and University of Ottawa
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Full Biographical Sketch

Jointly-Sponsored by:

The FCG Institute for Continuing Education and Acumentis gratefully acknowledge an educational grant from Novo Nordisk Inc. in support of this CME activity.

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