Autologous red blood cell transfusion does not result in a more profound increase in pulmonary capillary wedge pressure compared to saline in critically ill patients: A randomized crossover trial

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO) is a major cause of severe transfusion-related morbidity. Transfusion of red blood cells (RBCs) has been shown to induce hydrostatic pressure overload. It is unclear which product-specific factors contribute. We set out to determine the effect of autologous RBC transfusion versus saline on pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) change.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a randomized crossover trial, patients who had undergone coronary bypass surgery were allocated to treatment post-operatively in the intensive care unit with either an initial 300 ml autologous RBC transfusion (salvaged during surgery) or 300 ml saline infusion first, followed by the other. Primary outcome was the difference in PCWP change. Secondary outcome measures were the difference in extra-vascular lung water index (EVLWI) and pulmonary vascular permeability index (PVPI).

RESULTS: Change in PCWP was not higher after autologous RBC transfusion compared to saline (ΔPCWP 0.3 ± 0.4 vs. 0.1 ± 0.4 mmHg). ΔEVLWI and ΔPVPI were significantly decreased after autologous RBC transfusion compared to saline (ΔEVLWI -1.6 ± 0.6 vs. 0.2 ± 0.4, p = 0.02; ΔPVPI -0.3 ± 0.1 vs. 0.0 ± 0.1, p = 0.01). Haemodynamic variables and colloid osmotic pressure were not different for autologous RBC transfusion versus saline.

CONCLUSION: Transfusion of autologous RBCs did not result in a more profound increase in PCWP compared to saline. RBC transfusion resulted in a decrease of EVLWI and PVPI compared to saline. Our data suggest that transfusing autologous RBCs may lead to less pulmonary oedema compared to saline. Future studies with allogeneic RBCs are needed to investigate other factors that may mediate the increase of PCWP, resulting in TACO.