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Transfusion Reaction, Hemolytic

Cheryl L Smith, MD and Corey J Costanzo, DO, MPH, MS Reviewed 04/2024
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Every year, >5 million people in the United States receive a transfusion.

  • Although it provides benefits, transfusion of blood products can result in a variety of serious complicati...

DIAGNOSIS

ALERT
  • Symptoms are masked in the anesthetized patient; among this population, the first sign of hemolytic reaction may be red-tinged urine in the catheter.

  • Shortness of breath, high fever, los...

TREATMENT

Management is generally supportive. 

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Follow hospital protocol for evaluation of transfusion reactions. Repeat thorough evaluation of transfusion paperwork to rule out any cler...

ONGOING CARE

PATIENT EDUCATION

Before starting a transfusion, give the patient instructions to report any unusual symptoms (e.g., rash, itching, or fever) to the nursing staff immediately. 

PROGNOSIS

  • Usu...

REFERENCES

1
Bryan S. Hemolytic transfusion reaction: safeguards for practice. J Perianesth Nurs. 2002;17(6):399–403. 

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Goodell  PP, Uhl  L, Mohammed  M, et al. Risk of hemolytic transfusion reactions following emergency-release RBC transfusion. Am J Clin Pathol.  2010...

CODES

ICD10

  • T80.919A Hemolytic transfusion reaction, unspecified incompatibility, unspecified as acute or delayed, initial encounter

  • T80.910A Acute hemolytic transfusion reaction, unspecified incompatib...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Transfusion of packed RBCs depresses the immune response in patients undergoing renal transplantation.

  • In an anesthetized patient, increased bleeding, oozing from catheter sites, and re...

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