Perioperative Factors Associated With Allogeneic Blood Transfusion in Elective THA

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Authors: Nikolai Ramadanov, Dakota Fuchs, Maximilian Heinz, Robert Prill, Roland Becker
Cited by: 4
References: 11

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Identifying predictors of perioperative blood transfusion is essential for optimizing patient safety and perioperative blood management in total hip arthroplasty (THA). This Study aimed to identify perioperative factors independently associated with transfusion. METHODS: This retrospective study included all elective primary THA procedures performed between 2016 and 2023 at a certified Endoprosthetic Center. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and operative variables were extracted. Total and hidden blood loss were calculated using the Nadler and Gross/Sehat formulas. A multivariable logistic regression model was fitted to identify independent factors associated with transfusion. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyzes were performed for cup inclination and the 48-h hematocrit. Cutoff thresholds were derived using Youden's index, and combined decision rules (AND/OR) were evaluated. RESULTS: ; p = 0.023), reflecting quasi-separation due to a near-deterministic threshold effect rather than a literal effect size, and reoperation (OR = 13.19; p = 0.049). The model demonstrated excellent discrimination (AUC = 0.931). Inclination alone showed negligible predictive value (AUC = 0.393). The 48-h hematocrit was a strong single predictor (AUC = 0.817) with a clinically meaningful threshold (< 0.28 L/L). Combined rules showed moderate performance; the OR rule was ineffective. CONCLUSION: Early postoperative hematocrit is a robust and clinically actionable marker associated with transfusion risk in primary THA. Cup inclination reflects the surgical technique rather than direct transfusion risk, and reoperation likely indicates underlying perioperative complexity. Transfusion strategies should prioritize hematocrit-based evaluation rather than inclination-based thresholds. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III-retrospective single-center observational cohort study.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Blood transfusion and management Orthopaedic implants and arthroplasty Total Knee Arthroplasty Outcomes

Publication details

Journal / source
Orthopaedic Surgery
Publisher
Wiley
Volume
18
Issue
3
Pages
576–586
Publication date
10 February 2026
Language
EN