Transfusion of packed red blood cells is not associated with improved central venous oxygen saturation or organ function in patients with septic shock

Background: The exact role of packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusion in the setting of early resuscitation in septic shock is unknown. Study Objective: To evaluate whether PRBC transfusion is associated with improved central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO₂) or organ function in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock receiving early goal-directed therapy (EGDT). Methods: Retrospective cohort study (n = 93) of patients presenting with severe sepsis or septic shock treated with EGDT. Results: Thirty-four of 93 patients received at least one PRBC transfusion. The ScvO₂ goal > 70% was achieved in 71.9% of the PRBC group and 66.1% of the no-PRBC group (p = 0.30). There was no difference in the change in Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score within the first 24 h in the PRBC group vs. the no-PRBC group (8.6-8.3 vs. 5.8-5.6, p = 0.85), time to achievement of central venous pressure > 8 mm Hg (732 min vs. 465 min, p = 0.14), or the use of norepinephrine to maintain mean arterial pressure > 65 mm Hg (81.3% vs. 83.8%, p = 0.77). Conclusions: In this study, the transfusion of PRBC was not associated with improved cellular oxygenation, as demonstrated by a lack of improved achievement of ScvO ₂ > 70%. Also, the transfusion of PRBC was not associated with improved organ function or improved achievement of the other goals of EGDT. Further studies are needed to determine the impact of transfusion of PRBC within the context of early resuscitation of patients with septic shock.