| Summary: | Decrease of patient’s hematocrit level is a natural process which occurs during
the initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass. To some extent it is a beneficial
occurrence, but excessive hematocrit decrease can lead to many complications and
increase patient’s demand for blood transfusion. In this study authors
investigated the causes and clinical implications of ≥30% hematocrit
decrease after the initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass. Retrospective analysis
of 172 patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery procedures was conducted. It
was concluded that 30% or greater hematocrit decrease (comparing to preoperative
level) after the initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass, is associated with an
increased demand for blood transfusion. The most important factors influencing
hematocrit decrease after the initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass proved to be:
lower BMI, female gender, more advanced age and the usage of priming fluid of
higher volume and lower osmolality.
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