Blood Management in Orthopedic Surgery

Aim: to investigate whether the use of several transfusion alternatives (erythropoietin, the cell-saver or postoperative drainage and reinfusion systems) in patients undergoing elective total knee or hip replacement surgery can lead to allogeneic red blood cell (RBC) saving if a restrictive transfusion policy is used. Study design: a prospective, double randomized, open, multicenter study in which patients are stratified according to their preoperative hemoglobin(Hb) level: stratum I= Hb between 6,1 and 8,2 mmol/l. These patients are first randomized for Erythropoetin (Epo) or no Epo. Stratum II= Hb of 6,1 and lower or 8,2 mmol/l and higher, are not eligible for Epo and thus not randomized. Patients in both strata will be randomized for three modalities: a cell saver (CS)(to wash, filter and reinfuse autologous shed blood) which is used intra- and postoperatively or a postoperative autologous reinfusion drainage system (D) only (to filter and reinfuse autologous shed blood) or a restrictive transfusion trigger only (controls). Inclusion criteria: All orthopedic patients of 18 years and older being considered for a primary or revision total knee- (TKR) or total hip replacement (THR). Outcome measures: Primary outcome: number of allogeneic red blood cell (RBC) transfusions. Secondary outcome: transfusion reactions, rehabilitation time, length of hospital stay (days), peri- and post-operative complications during hospitalization, quality of life, cost analysis