CardioExchange Archive

The FOCUS trial randomized 2,016 patients (mean age 82 years) with high cardiovascular risk undergoing hip fracture surgery to either an aggressive or restrictive post-operative transfusion strategy.  Transfusions were administered to maintain a hemoglobin above 10 g/dL in the aggressive arm and 8 g/dL in the restrictive arm.  In the restrictive arm, transfusions were also permitted to treat active signs or symptoms of anemia.  Investigators reported at the AHA Scientific Sessions that there was no significant difference between either strategy in cardiovascular outcomes during the index hospitalization.