New trend in transfusion medicine – Patient blood management

Abstract Transfusion is often part of hospital care, the indication being in constant change as an effect of latest multicentric studies’ result. Although transfusion-related complications decreased significantly, the intervention still involves risks, that are worth assuming if only the anemia of patient cannot be managed with other, safer methods. Management of patients declining transfusion or of those unsuitable for transfusion has brought instructive results in assessment of hemoglobin concentration conditioning the necessity of the intervention. Further development of these findings led to development of Patient Blood Management concept, aiming the optimization of blood product usage while improving morbidity and mortality of patient care. Patient Blood Management applies guides helping to avoid transfusions that are not definitely necessary for patients. Using restrictive transfusion principles, preoperative anemia management, tight hemostasis monitoring and treatment, is not only safer but also cost-effective. The objective of our paper is the brief report of some Patient Blood Management guidelines, and to promote and facilitate the application of the new approach.