
Effects of Albumin and Crystalloid Priming Strategies on Red Blood Cell Transfusions in On-pump Cardiac Surgery: A Network Meta-analysis
This network meta-analysis evaluates the impact of albumin and crystalloid priming strategies on red blood cell transfusion requirements in on-pump cardiac surgery. The study reviewed 830 studies and included 10 in the final analysis. The findings suggest that crystalloid priming may significantly decrease total perioperative red blood cell transfusions compared to albumin. However, the difference in postoperative transfusions was not statistically significant. Both direct comparisons and network meta-analysis indicate that albumin priming results in higher transfusion rates, suggesting a reconsideration of its use in cardiac surgery for optimal blood management.