Association between red blood cell transfusion volume and infection risk: a dose–response analysis of a nationwide trauma registry
Authors' conclusion
RBC transfusion volume within the first 24 h after trauma was associated with in-hospital infection risk. The association was generally linear at lower transfusion volumes, whereas a plateau was observed at higher transfusion volumes.
Study context
- Population
- Trauma patients in a nationwide trauma registry in Japan, 2019–2021analysed
- Participants
- 55,807 patients
- Exposure
- Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion volume within first 24 h: Low, Moderate, High vs None
- Nonen = 48,308reference
- Lown = 3,724
- Moderaten = 1,733
- Highn = 2,042
- Outcome
- In-hospital infection
Methodological detailsnationwide trauma registry, multivariable modified Poisson regression, restricted cubic spline dose–response analysis
- Nationwide trauma registry
- Multivariable modified Poisson regression
- Restricted cubic spline dose–response analysis
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Each group vs noneAdjusted relative risk (95% CI)
Low
1.85(1.62–2.10)
Moderate
1.95(1.69–2.26)
High
2.07(1.76–2.43)
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Dose–response (restricted cubic spline)
- Infection risk increased at lower transfusion volumes, then plateaued at higher volumes
Original publication
Association between red blood cell transfusion volume and infection risk: a dose–response analysis of a nationwide trauma registry. Crit Care. Published 27 June 2026. doi:10.
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