Six-month outcomes after restrictive or liberal transfusion for cardiac surgery (TRICS III trial)

Clinical question: Is transfusing red cell components using a restrictive transfusion threshold (Hb < 75 g L ⁻¹ ) as safe as a liberal transfusion threshold (Hb < 95 g L ⁻¹ in intensive care and < 85 g L ⁻¹ outside intensive care) during and after cardiac surgery for adults at moderate to high risk of death?. Evidence from trial: In adults undergoing cardiac surgery who were at moderate to high risk for death, using a restrictive red-cell transfusion threshold was as safe as a liberal red cell transfusion threshold (composite outcome of death from any cause, myocardial infarction, stroke or new-onset renal failure with dialysis at 6 months after surgery).