Fewer transfusions are still more—red blood cell transfusions affect long-term mortality in cardiac surgery

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Objectives: Previous studies indicated higher long-term mortality after the transfusion of allogeneic red blood cells (RBC); newer recommendations emphasize lower transfusion rates. The consequences of the transfusion of RBCs in cardiac surgery are unclear because later studies focused on transfusion triggers and short-term outcomes. Reports on long-term complications after cardiac surgery are few.