Transfusion outcomes differ by race for peds scoliosis surgery

(HealthDay)—In the surgical correction of pediatric scoliosis, black race is independently associated with increased estimated blood loss, increased rate of blood transfusion, and increased amount of blood transfused, according to a study published online March 9 in Pediatric Anesthesia.

Keila M. Maher, M.D., from the Duke University Medical Center in Durham, N.C., and colleagues evaluated electronic records for all patients younger than 18 years undergoing primary corrective scoliosis surgery by a single pediatric orthopedic surgeon at a single academic medical center between 2013 and 2015. Comparisons between race and associated blood loss and transfusion were made.

The researchers found that black race was independently associated with 1.61 times higher estimated blood loss than white race (P < 0.01). Relatedly, the odds a black patient receiving blood transfusion was 6.25 times higher (P = 0.03) than that seen for a white patient. Among patients who received blood transfusion, compared to white race, black race was independently associated with 2.61 times greater volume of blood transfusion (P < 0.01).

"Black race was independently associated with increased estimated blood loss, increased rate of blood transfusion, and increased amount of blood transfused during surgical correction of pediatric scoliosis," the authors write. "Further investigation is needed to better understand the etiology of the disparity and assess opportunities for improving outcomes."

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