A Comparative Analysis of the Blood Products used in the Emergency Room and other Clinics with the Pre-pandemic Period

Aim: In this study, we evaluated the blood transfusion statistics by determining the frequency of blood component transfusions by year and the total number of transfusions administered in emergency departments (EDs) and all inpatient clinics across Turkey, to provide a foresight of the future and to guide planning. Method(s): The study was conducted retrospectively, covering the period between January 1, 2016, and January 1, 2022. The numerical data of the blood transfusions applied in the 2nd and 3rd level public hospitals in Turkey were collected as the number of units, and the data were used by obtaining the necessary permissions from the Ministry of Health. The most frequently used blood components in EDsand inpatient clinics in our country were examined. The total number of transfusions in EDs and all inpatient clinics was calculated, and the frequency changes over time were investigated. In the study, the 4-year period of 2016-2019 was specified as the prepandemic period. The 2-year data for 2020 and 2021 are also stated as the pandemic period. The mean values of the data belonging to both periods were taken, and their significance was evaluated with Fisher's exact test. Blood transfusion statistics for each year were recorded on the tabulation software, and the frequency changes were calculated using the statistical formulas of the tabulation software. Patient consent was waived because of the study. Result(s): The most common types of blood components transfused in Turkey were packed red blood cell (PRBC), fresh frozen plasma (FFP), platelet concentrate, whole blood, and cryoprecipitate. When the blood component transfusion rates in the EDs were evaluated, the most frequently transfused blood component was found to be PRBC, followed by FFP (64.4% and 29.8%, respectively). Platelet concentrate, cryoprecipitate, and whole blood transfusion rates were found to be 5.5%, 0.17%, and 0.13%, respectively. 6.6% of all blood transfusions were administered in EDs. The use of all blood and blood products, except PRBC, has decreased in the ED. In all departments, there was a decrease in the use of platelets and whole blood and an increase in the use of cryoprecipitate. Conclusion(s): Since the current study shows blood and blood product replacement and includes a broad comparison with the pandemic and pre-pandemic periods, it can guide the blood replacement strategies of the ED and all departments. Copyright © 2022 by The Medical Bulletin of Istanbul Haseki Training and Research Hospital The Medical Bulletin of Haseki published by Galenos Yayinevi.