Hemodynamics, fluids & transfusion
Dose–response relationship between transfusion and the incidence of infection in critically ill patients: a systematic review and dose–response meta-analysis
Authors' conclusion
Our findings suggest a non-linear relationship between RBC transfusion volume and HAI risk in critically ill patients
Study context
- Population
- Critically ill patients
- Participants
- 9,587 patients · 16 studies
- Comparison
- Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion volume
- Outcome
- Incidence of hospital-acquired infections (HAI)
Methodological detailsone-stage random-effects model, 14 studies without results and 15 with a critical risk of bias excluded from the dose-response meta-analysis (DRMA)
- One-stage random-effects model
- 14 studies without results and 15 with a critical risk of bias excluded from the DRMA
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
HAI by RBC transfusion volume
Non-linear risk curve; OR for hospital-acquired infections (HAI) decreasing and reaching a trough at three units of RBC transfusion
3 units
Original publication
Dose–response relationship between transfusion and the incidence of infection in critically ill patients: a systematic review and dose–response meta-analysis. J Intensive Care. Published 30 September 2025. doi:10.
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