RBC Transfusion Practices in Critically Ill Patients With Sepsis
Authors' conclusion
Although not associated with overall mortality, a qualitative interaction was observed at a hemoglobin threshold of 10 g/dL.
Study context
- Population
- Adults (≥19 yr) admitted to the ICU with sepsis, 13 ICUs in South Korea, September 2019 to December 2022
- Participants
- 2,613 adults · 13 ICUs
- Comparison
- RBC transfusion vs no transfusion during ICU days 1-3
Methodological detailsKorean Sepsis Alliance cohort, propensity-score matched
- Korean Sepsis Alliance cohort
- Propensity-score matched
Primary result
As reported in the abstract
60-day mortality · 60 days
- No overall difference in 60-day mortality between groups
- Propensity score-matched cohort
Further findings
60-day mortality by ICU day 1 hemoglobin threshold of 10 g/dL (subgroup)
- Significant qualitative interaction by ICU day 1 hemoglobin threshold of 10 g/dL
- Transfusion linked to higher mortality at hemoglobin ≥10 g/dL; trend toward decreased mortality below 10 g/dL
- p for interaction = 0.0124
RBC transfusion during early resuscitation · ICU days 1-3
- Proportion receiving RBC transfusions
- 45.3%
- Mean lowest hemoglobin on day of transfusion (g/dL)
- 8.8 ± 1.7
Factors associated with RBC transfusion
- Higher SAPS 3 and Sepsis-Induced Coagulopathy scores, septic shock, surgical source control, elevated lactate and bilirubin, low platelets, ≥2 vasopressors, and CRRT
Parts of this Brief are withheld: the automatic checks could not confirm them against the abstract.
Original publication
RBC Transfusion Practices in Critically Ill Patients With Sepsis. Crit Care Med. Published 15 October 2025. doi:10.
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