Use of RBC transfusions by age and patient classification for 2015, 2010, and 2005. (A) Use of RBCs by age and patient type shows an increase in the absolute transfusion demand in the age group older than 75 years because of the increase of the population number in this age group (hospital inpatients and outpatients; patients transfused in private praxis are not included because of insufficient information on patient age). Inset: The dotted line shows the number of transfusion demands per age group projected in 2005 based on the transfusion rates in 2005 and the anticipated demographic changes. Although the demographic change followed the prediction, the number of transfused RBCs per age group (solid line) was much lower because of changes in medical practice. The actual transfusion demand in 2015 was 21% lower than projected in 2005. Calculation is based on the age distribution in 2005, transfusion rates in 2005, and the projected age distribution in 2015. (B) The transfusion rates per 1000 subjects of the population decreased in all age groups between 2005 and 2015. Transfusion rates in 2015: 0 to 19 years, 4.2/1000 (2005: 5.7/1000; P < .001); 20 to 39 years, 7.2/1000 (2005: 11.6/1000; P < .001); 40 to 59 years, 37.2/1000 (2005: 37.6/1000; P = .285); 60 to 79 years, 103.4/1000 (2005:144.2/1000; P < .001); ≥80 years, 190.1/1000 (2005: 239.7/1000; P < .001). Inset: The transfusion demand decreased in all patient groups (surgical, medical, and intensive care unit patients), whereas it remained stable at a very low level in pediatric patients.