Red blood cell transfusion compared with gelatin solution and no infusion after cardiac surgery: effect on microvascular perfusion, vascular density, hemoglobin, and oxygen saturation

Abstract

The data argue in favor of efficacy of RBC transfusion after cardiac surgery. RBC transfusion increases systemic Hb and this in turn increases medium-sized vascular density and DO2 in the sublingual microcirculation, independently of systemic hemodynamics and volume status.