Massive blood loss in elective spinal and orthopedic surgery: Retrospective review of intraoperative transfusion strategy

Our results indicate that a 1:1 RBC:FFP and 4:1 RBC:PLT transfusion ratio was associated with significant intraoperative variations in coagulation variables but stable intraoperative acid-base parameters. This transfusion ratio helped clinicians to achieve postoperative coagulation parameters not significantly different to those at baseline. Future studies should assess if more liberal transfusion strategies or point of care monitoring might be warranted in patients undergoing spinal surgery at risk of major blood loss.