The impact of erythrocyte suspension transfusion and viscosity on perfusion index in the emergency department

INTRODUCTION: Erythrocyte suspension (ES) transfusion is a frequently needed and performed procedure in emergency departments. In this study, the effect of transfusion on perfusion index (PI), shock index (SI), vital parameters, hemoglobin and hematocrit values in adult patients who applied to the emergency department and needed ES transfusion was investigated.
METHODS: Fifty-five adult patients who applied to the emergency medicine clinic within three months and underwent ES replacement were included in the study. The changes in PI, SI, vital parameters, hemoglobin and hematocrit values of the patients with ES transfusion compared to pre-transfusion were analyzed.
RESULTS: The mean age of 55 patients included in the study was 62.5±16.5 years, of which 28 (50.9%) were female. Pre-transfusion values of the patients were hemoglobin 6.4±1.2 g/dL, mean arterial pressure (MAP) 83.2±11.6 mmHg, SI 0.73±0. 19, PI was 3.07±2.21. After the transfusion procedure, hemoglobin was 9.0±1.2 g/dL (p<0.001), MAP 90.0±13.0 mmHg (p<0.001), SI 0.67±0.14 (p=0.003), PI 4.25±3.18 (p=0.004).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: ES transfusion procedure causes a statistically significant increase in post-transfusion PI, MAP, hemoglobin, hematocrit and body temperature values compared to pre-transfusion, and a statistically significant decrease in mean pulse and SI. PI can be used as a parameter to evaluate treatment response as well as transfusion decision in patients.