Key messages
• Anemia is common in surgical ICU patients and is
associated with higher morbidity and mortality
• Blood transfusions may be potentially beneficial in
patients with higher severity scores, in patients aged
from 66 to 80 years, in patients admitted to the ICU
after non-cardiovascular surgery, and in patients with
severe sepsis
• Our data should be regarded as being hypothesisgenerating
and randomized controlled studies are
warranted to reassess transfusion practice in the ICU