Unplanned blood use within 24 hours of emergency department presentation: A cohort study in an ageing population

ObjectiveResults This research aims to elucidate drivers of blood use in an older population, with a focus on unplanned transfusions following ED presentation. Methods In a retrospective cohort study we examined 2015 data for ED presentations and blood use in two hospitals serving a population containing a high proportion (21%) of adults aged >= 65 years. Unplanned blood use was defined as any transfusion <= 24 h of presentation. Data were analysed by age, sex, Major Diagnostic Category, triage category and time to transfusion. A total of 5294 blood components were transfused, comprising red cells (n = 3784), fresh frozen plasma (n = 657), platelets (n = 563) and cryoprecipitate (n = 290). Men aged >= 65 years were the highest users (40%, 2107 components). Unplanned transfusions accounted for 28% (n = 1057) of annual red cell use. Of 85 014 ED presentations, 494 (0.6%) were associated with unplanned red cell transfusion. Four Major Diagnostic Categories accounted for 81% (n = 853) of unplanned red cell use: gastrointestinal (n = 375), haematology (n = 267), trauma (n = 144) and cardiovascular (n = 67). Over one-fifth of unplanned transfusions (21%, n = 222 of 1057) were associated with ICD-10 codes for anaemia as a reason for presentation within the Haematology Major Diagnostic Category. Adults aged >= 65 years accounted for 62% of overall red cell use and 61% of transfusions <= 24 h of presentation. Odds of unplanned red cell transfusion increased with age, peaking at odds ratio 28.5 (95% confidence interval 14.2-57.4) in those aged 85 years and above. Conclusions Unplanned blood use accounted for 28% of annual hospital blood consumption. Blood component use increased with age and was greatest in older men. A significant burden of anaemia treatment was identified by the ED.