Comparison of two red-cell transfusion strategies after pediatric cardiac surgery: A subgroup analysis

OBJECTIVE:To determine the impact of a restrictive vs. a liberal transfusion strategy on new or progressive multiple organ dysfunction syndrome in children post cardiac surgery. The optimal transfusion threshold after cardiac surgery in children is unknown. DESIGN:Randomized, controlled trial. SETTING:Tertiary pediatric intensive care units. PATIENTS:Participants are a subgroup of pediatric patients post cardiac surgery from the TRIPICU (Transfusion Requirements in Pediatric Intensive Care Units) study. Exclusion criteria specific to the cardiac surgery subgroup includedage