Retrograde autologous priming to reduce allogeneic blood transfusion requirements: a systematic review.

Although most studies reported significantly fewer packed red blood cell transfusions in the retrograde autologous priming group, it is important to note that relatively few articles are available which are flawed by several types of bias. Prospective, randomized multi-center trials are warranted to conclude decisively on the benefits of retrograde autologous priming.