Health Care–Associated Infection After Red Blood Cell Transfusion

This meta-analysis of 18 randomized trials investigated the risk of infection related to blood transfusions given according to liberal or restrictive criteria. The restrictive strategy (Hgb <7) was associated with an 18% reduction in the risk of serious infection (11.8% vs 16.9%). The effects were most pronounced in patients with sepsis and in those undergoing orthopedic surgery. No difference was evident among patients with heart disease, critical illness, or GI bleeding.