ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECTS OF BLOOD TRANSFUSIONS IN BRAIN NEUROSURGERY

• Grant number: 24/15978-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: December 01, 2024
• End date: May 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Isabel Cristina Céspedes
• Grantee: Marina Tami Matsumura
• Host Institution: Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus São Paulo. São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Blood transfusions are among the treatments most prescribed by doctors, especially in patients with anemia. Although transfusion therapy can be beneficial in many cases, studies indicate that it has been used excessively, putting patients at risk, since the use of blood components can be associated with several complications, such as infections and immunological reactions. In this context, a more conservative approach to transfusion practice has been recommended, with the adoption of more restrictive and individualized limits. In the case of neurosurgeries, more specifically in brain tumor resections, this approach has promising potential, given that many patients are anemic and the use of blood components is frequent. Considering this scenario, the objective of this study is to analyze the use of blood components in neurosurgery, evaluating the association between blood transfusions and length of stay, infection, hospital readmission and mortality. The effects of the following confounding factors will be analyzed: age, underlying disease category, whether it involves primary site or metastasis in cases of malignant neoplasm, comorbidities, smoking or alcoholism. For this, we will carry out a retrospective data collection of 50 patients who have undergone encephalic neurosurgery and who are in regular follow-up at the Ambulatório de Neurologia Clínica, Setor de Neurocirurgia, Hospital São Paulo (HSP) of the Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM) of Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP). Clinical information will be acquired from the HSP's Electronic Patient Record (PEP), which is a computerized clinical and administrative record of the patient's health and illness by a qualified clinical professional at this Outpatient Clinic. Thus, male and female individuals aged 20-60 years who underwent cranioencephalic surgery will be included and individuals with hematological disorders prior to the diagnosis of the current disease associated with the surgical procedure will be excluded. Our hypothesis is that the transfusion practice occurs excessively in neurosurgery patients, not in line with the current trend of reducing the use of blood components. After statistical analysis of the data, we hope to evaluate the way in which blood components have been used in Brazil, contributing to the implementation of blood management programs in the country, in order to optimize care in operating rooms and reduce costs related to excessive transfusion practice.