A number of factors may determine if a patient requires blood transfusion following shoulder arthroplasty. In general, the rate of transfusion associated with elective shoulder arthroplasty is low.
Thresholds for transfusion used by Padegimas et al:
(1) hemoglobin < 7.5 g/dL if asymptomatic and no history of cardiac disease
(2) hemoglobin < 9.0 g/dL if symptomatic (dizzy, lightheaded) or history of cardiac disease
The most important predictor was preoperative hemoglobin.
(1) Padegimas et al used a hematocrit <= 39.6%, which is comparable to a hemoglobin <= 13.9
(2) Millett et al used a preoperative hemoglobin <= 11.0 g/dL as high risk, hemoglobin 11 to 13 as moderate risk and hemoglobin > 13 as low risk.
Padegimas et al also identified surgery for post-traumatic arthritis as a risk factor for blood transfusion.
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