# Outcomes of Blood Transfusions in Patients Undergoing Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study of 47,835 Patients

## TL;DR

Blood transfusions in stroke patients undergoing a specific treatment are linked to worse outcomes like longer hospital stays and higher death rates.

## Contribution

This study identifies blood transfusions as a risk factor for poor outcomes in stroke patients receiving mechanical thrombectomy.

## Key findings

- Blood transfusions were associated with increased inpatient mortality in stroke patients.
- Transfused patients had longer hospital stays and lower rates of routine discharge.
- The association remained significant after adjusting for patient characteristics and stroke severity.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: Despite advances, large vessel occlusion strokes (LVO) remain associated with significant morbidity. Recent studies have suggested that blood transfusions may help manage critically ill LVO patients. We sought to evaluate the patient characteristics, complications, and clinical outcomes associated with blood transfusions in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients undergoing endovascular thrombectomy. Methods: A query of the 2016–2019 National Inpatient Sample was conducted to identify AIS patients who underwent endovascular thrombectomy, using International Classification of Disease 10th Revision diagnostic codes. Demographic, clinical characteristics, severity of presentation, complications, and outcomes were analyzed. Multivariate binary logistic regression was used to assess complications, length of stay (LOS), discharge disposition, and inpatient mortality. Results: A total of 47,835 AIS patients undergoing endovascular thrombectomy were identified. Of these patients, 1215 (2.5%) received blood transfusions. After controlling for age, gender, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores, Elixhauser Comorbidity Index, and location of stroke, blood transfusions were significant positive predictors for higher rates of inpatient death (OR: 1.96; 95% CI: 1.681, 2.286; p < 0.001), lower rates of routine discharge (OR: 0.425; 95% CI: 0.342, 0.527; p < 0.001), and prolonged LOS (OR: 2.928; 95% CI: 2.572, 3.333; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Blood transfusions in AIS patients receiving endovascular thrombectomy are associated with elevated complication rates, extended hospital stays, and increased mortality, even after for controlling for predictors of poor outcome. Understanding the broader effects of blood transfusions in AIS patients is essential to ensure that the balance between potential benefits and risks upholds best care practice for all patients.