Raza
@transfusion.health
🩸Physician + Researcher @UToronto. Medical decision-making, data science (stats, AI), films, and rock climbing #TMSky #Hemesky
Pinned
I have become a big fan of iteration in research writing. The chase of asymptotic perfection actively so many behavioural traps (procrastination, planning fallacy, ostriching, etc) and stagnates people/projects
November 8, 2025 at 4:39 PM
I have become a big fan of iteration in research writing. The chase of asymptotic perfection actively so many behavioural traps (procrastination, planning fallacy, ostriching, etc) and stagnates people/projects
In the era of evidence-based medicine, why do the similar patient face different treatment strategies at hospitals in the same healthcare system?
We analyzed 800k+ admissions at 24 hospitals to examine transfusion practice at teaching and non-teaching hospitals
link.springer.com/article/10.1...
We analyzed 800k+ admissions at 24 hospitals to examine transfusion practice at teaching and non-teaching hospitals
link.springer.com/article/10.1...
Red Cell Transfusion in General Medicine Patients at Teaching and Non-teaching Hospitals: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis - Journal of General Internal Medicine
Background Red blood cell transfusion is a well-studied intervention with numerous randomized trials to guide management, yet practice remains highly variable. Objective In this study, we explored hos...
link.springer.com
October 29, 2025 at 4:30 PM
In the era of evidence-based medicine, why do the similar patient face different treatment strategies at hospitals in the same healthcare system?
We analyzed 800k+ admissions at 24 hospitals to examine transfusion practice at teaching and non-teaching hospitals
link.springer.com/article/10.1...
We analyzed 800k+ admissions at 24 hospitals to examine transfusion practice at teaching and non-teaching hospitals
link.springer.com/article/10.1...
For those wrestling with applying MINT trial and new AABB RBC MI guidelines results with nuance, I think this figure strikes a good balance for navigating the evidence base at the bedside doi.org/10.1016/j.cj... #transfusion #medsky #cardiology
October 26, 2025 at 10:46 PM
For those wrestling with applying MINT trial and new AABB RBC MI guidelines results with nuance, I think this figure strikes a good balance for navigating the evidence base at the bedside doi.org/10.1016/j.cj... #transfusion #medsky #cardiology
A lot of people in healthcare are asking, "I want to use AI for [my field]"
Higher yield: Let’s make a list of problems worth solving, then discuss if any are best addressed with AI (most won't be)
(e.g. studies aren't typically motivated by, "I want to use retrospective cohort design")
Higher yield: Let’s make a list of problems worth solving, then discuss if any are best addressed with AI (most won't be)
(e.g. studies aren't typically motivated by, "I want to use retrospective cohort design")
October 20, 2025 at 5:07 PM
A lot of people in healthcare are asking, "I want to use AI for [my field]"
Higher yield: Let’s make a list of problems worth solving, then discuss if any are best addressed with AI (most won't be)
(e.g. studies aren't typically motivated by, "I want to use retrospective cohort design")
Higher yield: Let’s make a list of problems worth solving, then discuss if any are best addressed with AI (most won't be)
(e.g. studies aren't typically motivated by, "I want to use retrospective cohort design")
I think most people in the ML/AI space understand that, for most real-world uses, LLMs are merely the gateway drug to entice authority figures to invest in resources that will enable more reliable analytical ML systems. Kind of like how the WWF uses pandas to fund saving other endangered species
October 18, 2025 at 9:37 PM
I think most people in the ML/AI space understand that, for most real-world uses, LLMs are merely the gateway drug to entice authority figures to invest in resources that will enable more reliable analytical ML systems. Kind of like how the WWF uses pandas to fund saving other endangered species
Reposted by Raza
October 6, 2025 at 4:27 PM
Profiting from selling unproven therapies to desperate patients is as old as time. Why does it persist?
Co-authors discuss antecedents, consequences, and contemporary examples of medical grifting from #transfusion, #hematology, and biotherapies
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Co-authors discuss antecedents, consequences, and contemporary examples of medical grifting from #transfusion, #hematology, and biotherapies
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Confronting medical grifting: Fraudulent and unproven products and interventions in apheresis, transfusion and biotherapies
A basic overview of medical grifting for haematologists with practical guidance in identification and tips for management.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
October 11, 2025 at 1:06 PM
Profiting from selling unproven therapies to desperate patients is as old as time. Why does it persist?
Co-authors discuss antecedents, consequences, and contemporary examples of medical grifting from #transfusion, #hematology, and biotherapies
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Co-authors discuss antecedents, consequences, and contemporary examples of medical grifting from #transfusion, #hematology, and biotherapies
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Classic teaching is that no post-1 hr increment points to immune refractoriness.
One important exception is device-related failures, e.g. plts going into a clotted line, a faulty dialysis/apheresis circuit, an ECMO machine, etc!
#hemesky #transfusion
One important exception is device-related failures, e.g. plts going into a clotted line, a faulty dialysis/apheresis circuit, an ECMO machine, etc!
#hemesky #transfusion
September 22, 2025 at 1:07 PM
Classic teaching is that no post-1 hr increment points to immune refractoriness.
One important exception is device-related failures, e.g. plts going into a clotted line, a faulty dialysis/apheresis circuit, an ECMO machine, etc!
#hemesky #transfusion
One important exception is device-related failures, e.g. plts going into a clotted line, a faulty dialysis/apheresis circuit, an ECMO machine, etc!
#hemesky #transfusion
What is the current state of AI/ML research in transfusion medicine?
Co-authors Na Li, @ruchika_goel1, et al, have compiled a critical summary of research applying AI/ML in transfusion, including some glossary tables lay readers will helpful
Read here:
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Co-authors Na Li, @ruchika_goel1, et al, have compiled a critical summary of research applying AI/ML in transfusion, including some glossary tables lay readers will helpful
Read here:
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Transfusion Practice: An Analytical Assessment
Transfusion medicine is vital to healthcare and affects clinical outcomes, patient safety, and system resilience while addressing challenges such as b…
www.sciencedirect.com
September 18, 2025 at 2:10 PM
What is the current state of AI/ML research in transfusion medicine?
Co-authors Na Li, @ruchika_goel1, et al, have compiled a critical summary of research applying AI/ML in transfusion, including some glossary tables lay readers will helpful
Read here:
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Co-authors Na Li, @ruchika_goel1, et al, have compiled a critical summary of research applying AI/ML in transfusion, including some glossary tables lay readers will helpful
Read here:
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
My progression as a reader of scientific literature can be summarized by the first sections I read when I pick up an article
High school: Abstract → Conclusion
Undergrad: Abstract → Introduction
Medical school: Abstract → Discussion
Postgraduate: Abstract → Results
Now: Abstract → Methods
#medsky
High school: Abstract → Conclusion
Undergrad: Abstract → Introduction
Medical school: Abstract → Discussion
Postgraduate: Abstract → Results
Now: Abstract → Methods
#medsky
September 8, 2025 at 7:08 PM
My progression as a reader of scientific literature can be summarized by the first sections I read when I pick up an article
High school: Abstract → Conclusion
Undergrad: Abstract → Introduction
Medical school: Abstract → Discussion
Postgraduate: Abstract → Results
Now: Abstract → Methods
#medsky
High school: Abstract → Conclusion
Undergrad: Abstract → Introduction
Medical school: Abstract → Discussion
Postgraduate: Abstract → Results
Now: Abstract → Methods
#medsky
Can we improve the way we transfuse plasma?
Yes. Big gaps.
E.g the ineffectual practice of 1-2 plasma unit dosing is widespread, accounting for 4/5ths of all orders
Study from our group now out in @aabbupdates.bsky.social journal
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Yes. Big gaps.
E.g the ineffectual practice of 1-2 plasma unit dosing is widespread, accounting for 4/5ths of all orders
Study from our group now out in @aabbupdates.bsky.social journal
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Plasma transfusion practice: A five‐year audit of plasma transfusion at 23 hospitals
Background There is limited high-quality evidence to guide plasma transfusion, and plasma transfusion practices remain variable. Study design and methods This is a retrospective cohort study that ...
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
September 7, 2025 at 4:14 PM
Can we improve the way we transfuse plasma?
Yes. Big gaps.
E.g the ineffectual practice of 1-2 plasma unit dosing is widespread, accounting for 4/5ths of all orders
Study from our group now out in @aabbupdates.bsky.social journal
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Yes. Big gaps.
E.g the ineffectual practice of 1-2 plasma unit dosing is widespread, accounting for 4/5ths of all orders
Study from our group now out in @aabbupdates.bsky.social journal
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Fancy health AI tool/models have to produce *some* real-world healthcare benefit on one of 5 core health outcomes:
1. Death
2. Disease = occurrence/severity/complications
3. Discomfort = phys/emotional
4. Disability = functional impact
5. Destitution (cost to individual/system)
#ai #mlsky #medsky
1. Death
2. Disease = occurrence/severity/complications
3. Discomfort = phys/emotional
4. Disability = functional impact
5. Destitution (cost to individual/system)
#ai #mlsky #medsky
September 4, 2025 at 1:15 AM
I believe when working with big data for causal inference, you HAVE to pre-specify your analyses (esp within a project). Do it for yourself, not for reviewers.
As Feynman said, “[in science] the first principle is that you must not fool yourself and you are the easiest person to fool”
#stats
As Feynman said, “[in science] the first principle is that you must not fool yourself and you are the easiest person to fool”
#stats
August 29, 2025 at 2:35 PM
I believe when working with big data for causal inference, you HAVE to pre-specify your analyses (esp within a project). Do it for yourself, not for reviewers.
As Feynman said, “[in science] the first principle is that you must not fool yourself and you are the easiest person to fool”
#stats
As Feynman said, “[in science] the first principle is that you must not fool yourself and you are the easiest person to fool”
#stats
Reposted by Raza
🧪 ICARUS-ED: Early albumin in sepsis?
📉 Minor gains in numbers, no real outcome benefit
💰 30x the cost vs crystalloids
⚠️ Outcomes > optics
🔍 Full breakdown: https://wp.me/pdrP8b-5oc
❤️ Like 🔁 Repost 🔔 Follow for more
#FOAMed #MedX #MedTwitter #MedEd
📉 Minor gains in numbers, no real outcome benefit
💰 30x the cost vs crystalloids
⚠️ Outcomes > optics
🔍 Full breakdown: https://wp.me/pdrP8b-5oc
❤️ Like 🔁 Repost 🔔 Follow for more
#FOAMed #MedX #MedTwitter #MedEd
August 26, 2025 at 1:06 PM
🧪 ICARUS-ED: Early albumin in sepsis?
📉 Minor gains in numbers, no real outcome benefit
💰 30x the cost vs crystalloids
⚠️ Outcomes > optics
🔍 Full breakdown: https://wp.me/pdrP8b-5oc
❤️ Like 🔁 Repost 🔔 Follow for more
#FOAMed #MedX #MedTwitter #MedEd
📉 Minor gains in numbers, no real outcome benefit
💰 30x the cost vs crystalloids
⚠️ Outcomes > optics
🔍 Full breakdown: https://wp.me/pdrP8b-5oc
❤️ Like 🔁 Repost 🔔 Follow for more
#FOAMed #MedX #MedTwitter #MedEd
“This trial adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting no clinically meaningful benefit to albumin administration in the resuscitation of septic patients”
🧪 ICARUS-ED: Early albumin in sepsis?
📉 Minor gains in numbers, no real outcome benefit
💰 30x the cost vs crystalloids
⚠️ Outcomes > optics
🔍 Full breakdown: https://wp.me/pdrP8b-5oc
❤️ Like 🔁 Repost 🔔 Follow for more
#FOAMed #MedX #MedTwitter #MedEd
📉 Minor gains in numbers, no real outcome benefit
💰 30x the cost vs crystalloids
⚠️ Outcomes > optics
🔍 Full breakdown: https://wp.me/pdrP8b-5oc
❤️ Like 🔁 Repost 🔔 Follow for more
#FOAMed #MedX #MedTwitter #MedEd
August 26, 2025 at 2:56 PM
“This trial adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting no clinically meaningful benefit to albumin administration in the resuscitation of septic patients”
Canadian Blood Services data show rising demand for blood, reflected in increasing per-admission blood use in Canadian hospital databases.
This is concerning as baby boomers are aging out of the donor pool, and zoomers are not replacing their numbers.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
This is concerning as baby boomers are aging out of the donor pool, and zoomers are not replacing their numbers.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Rising transfusion rates amidst stable blood supply: A Canadian perspective on emerging challenges for blood operators
Click on the article title to read more.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
June 28, 2025 at 5:56 PM
Canadian Blood Services data show rising demand for blood, reflected in increasing per-admission blood use in Canadian hospital databases.
This is concerning as baby boomers are aging out of the donor pool, and zoomers are not replacing their numbers.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
This is concerning as baby boomers are aging out of the donor pool, and zoomers are not replacing their numbers.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Reposted by Raza
June 19th is World Sickle Cell Awareness Day. Below is a link to a good review article on the subject, and in this thread are my two wishes as a physician who treats the condition:
www.healthaffairs.org/content/fore...
www.healthaffairs.org/content/fore...
Beyond Gene Therapies: People With Sickle Cell Disease Need Comprehensive Care | Health Affairs Forefront
We can do better. We can build a system that provides coordinated high-quality care to every patient who needs it.
www.healthaffairs.org
June 19, 2025 at 12:02 PM
June 19th is World Sickle Cell Awareness Day. Below is a link to a good review article on the subject, and in this thread are my two wishes as a physician who treats the condition:
www.healthaffairs.org/content/fore...
www.healthaffairs.org/content/fore...
Blood is shared across legal borders to save lives.
Equitable and efficient movement of blood is guided by science and justice and must be insulated from ideologically motivated practices, argue co-authors @jwjacobs12.bsky.social @aabbupdates.bsky.social
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Equitable and efficient movement of blood is guided by science and justice and must be insulated from ideologically motivated practices, argue co-authors @jwjacobs12.bsky.social @aabbupdates.bsky.social
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Blood Borders: State laws, vaccine misinformation, and the threat to the United States blood supply
Click on the article title to read more.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
June 18, 2025 at 12:53 AM
Blood is shared across legal borders to save lives.
Equitable and efficient movement of blood is guided by science and justice and must be insulated from ideologically motivated practices, argue co-authors @jwjacobs12.bsky.social @aabbupdates.bsky.social
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Equitable and efficient movement of blood is guided by science and justice and must be insulated from ideologically motivated practices, argue co-authors @jwjacobs12.bsky.social @aabbupdates.bsky.social
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
I was today years old when I finally saw this masterpiece, which is an embarrassing confession as a movie buff. Absolutely blown away by the writing and pacing #filmsky
June 14, 2025 at 2:13 AM
I was today years old when I finally saw this masterpiece, which is an embarrassing confession as a movie buff. Absolutely blown away by the writing and pacing #filmsky