Transfusion trigger trial for functional outcomes in cardiovascular patients undergoing surgical hip fracture repair (FOCUS)

Laboratory and clinical data suggest that patients with cardiovascular disease are vulnerable to anemia. Several observational studies suggest that cardiovascular disease patients might benefit from higher transfusion thresholds. One randomized clinical trial (TRICC) demonstrated that a 7 g per dL threshold was at least as safe as, and may be preferable to, a 10 g per dL threshold in critical care patients. Comparing two widely used approaches to transfusion practice, FOCUS has the potential to provide definitive evidence on whether higher transfusion triggers are needed in hip fracture patients with cardiovascular disease or cardiovascular disease risk factors. © 2006 American Association of Blood Banks.