Ahmedabad Hospitals Enroll in Global Cardiac Surgery Blood Transfusion Study
Ahmedabad-based hospitals are set to contribute to a pivotal international research initiative investigating blood transfusion protocols during cardiac surgeries, with a specific emphasis on younger patients. This announcement was made by Dr. David Mazer, a professor of anaesthesiology and pain medicine at the University of Toronto and the Cara Phelan Chair in Critical Care at St. Michael's Hospital in Canada.
TRICS Study Expands to Include Indian Partners
Dr. Mazer, serving as the principal investigator for the Transfusion Requirements in Cardiac Surgery (TRICS) studies, engaged with the local medical community at a hospital in Ahmedabad on Friday. He highlighted that the ongoing fourth phase of the TRICS project now includes hospitals from India as active partners, marking a significant expansion of the research's global reach.
The earlier third phase of the TRICS study, which concluded in 2017, played a crucial role in shaping worldwide understanding of transfusion thresholds in cardiac surgery. Its findings demonstrated that long-term patient outcomes were comparable whether haemoglobin levels were maintained at 9.5 g/dL or a more restrictive 7.5 g/dL. This evidence supported adopting a conservative transfusion strategy, effectively reducing the necessity for blood transfusions and minimizing associated risks like infections.
Focus on Younger Patients Amid Rising Cardiovascular Disease
In an interview, Dr. Mazer explained that the current fourth phase of the TRICS project is specifically targeting younger individuals undergoing cardiac surgery. "This phase is examining similar clinical questions, but specifically in younger patients," he stated. "The focus has shifted to this group because of the rising burden of cardiovascular disease among younger individuals due to multiple factors. We hope the ongoing study will help refine treatment protocols, especially in countries with a higher disease burden."
This shift in focus is driven by increasing concerns over cardiovascular issues in younger populations, influenced by lifestyle changes and other risk factors. The study aims to develop more tailored and effective transfusion guidelines that can improve surgical outcomes and resource management globally.
Advances in Surgical Techniques Reduce Transfusion Needs
Local cardiac surgeons in Ahmedabad noted significant progress in reducing blood transfusion requirements over the years. Previously, major cardiac surgeries often necessitated as many as 8 to 10 units of blood. However, with advancements in surgical techniques and enhanced perioperative management, transfusion needs have been substantially lowered, in many cases to just up to two units.
This reduction not only conserves blood resources but also aligns with the TRICS study's goals of promoting safer and more efficient medical practices. The participation of Ahmedabad hospitals in this international research underscores the city's growing role in global healthcare innovation and its commitment to advancing cardiac care standards.
