OBJECTIVE: Cardiac surgeries are sometimes followed by significant blood loss, and blood transfusions may be necessary. However, indiscriminant use of blood components can result in detrimental effects for the patient. We evaluated the short-term effects of implementation of a protocol for the rational use of blood products in the perioperative period of cardiac surgery. METHODS: Between April and June 2011, an institutional protocol was implemented in a private hospital specializing in cardiology to encourage rational use of blood products, with […]