Predictive Factors and Prognostic Impact of Blood Transfusion in Surgical Intensive Care: A Retrospective Observational Study

Introduction: Blood transfusion is frequently administered in surgical intensive care units, primarily to correct anaemia or coagulopathy. However, it is associated with an increased risk of complications. Objective: to identify predictive factors for the use of blood transfusion in surgical intensive care and to assess its impact on clinical outcomes. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study at a single centre. This study included 100 postoperative patients admitted to the surgical intensive care unit of Ibn Sina University Hospital Center, Rabat, Morocco. Factors associated with transfusion were analysed using univariate and multivariate regression models. Results: Among the 100 patients included, 64 required a blood transfusion, mainly due to poorly tolerated anaemia (77%) or haemorrhagic shock (23%). Preoperative anaemia was identified as the main predictive factor for transfusion (p < 0.001). Transfused patients had a longer ICU stay (7.2 ± 6.9 days vs 4.4 ± 2 days; p = 0.004) and a higher rate of postoperative complications (35.9% vs 5.5%; p = 0.06). Mortality was also higher among transfused patients (10.9% vs 5.56%), although this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.367). Conclusion: Blood transfusion is common in surgical intensive care. Preoperative anaemia is its main predictive factor. Transfusion is associated with a higher rate of postoperative complications and prolonged length of stay.