SYNOPSISNew data suggest that we need to think more about transfusion requirements in critically ill patients. In a small randomized trial, mortality and organ dysfunction were not affected by specific liberal (hemoglobin levels, 10–12 g/dL) or restrictive (7–9 g/dL) end points of transfusion. This suggests that transfusing patients liberally in the absence of a specific ischemic organ dysfunction may not be warranted.SOURCEHebert PC et al. Transfusion requirements in critical care. JAMA 1995; 27:1439–44.