Benefits
Blood transfusion has saved countless lives even with the risks and complications it carries. Not only does it treat hemorrhage, it is important as it improves oxygen perfusion to tissues in the body without which cells may die as blood is the transporter of oxygen and nutrients to the cells in our body. White blood cells, on the other hand, helps our body to fight infections while platelets help our blood clot properly.
Types of transfusion
There are typically 2 types of transfusion origin namely Autologous transfusion or Allogeneic transfusion. Autologous transfusions are blood donated by a patient exclusively for themselves usually in orthopedic surgery (mostly in scoliosis surgeries) while allogeneic transfusions are those donated by another person.
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Whole Blood transfusions are rare these days and are only used in certain conditions such as massive loss of blood and autologous transfusion
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Packed Red Cells (PRC) are wholly RBCs and typically used for patients who are anemic (Hb <7g/dL in most adults and children, transfusion indication level may differ in different health conditions) or are experiencing rapid loss of blood
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White Blood Cell (WBC) transfusion is done when a patient’s low level of WBC is insufficient to help fight infections
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Platelets are transfused in patients who are lacking this component in their blood which is vital to help blood clots when one is bleeding. These include patients with thrombocytopenia, leukemia or those suffering from a lower count due to side effects from chemotherapy.
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Plasma transfusions are the liquid part of the blood (without the RBC and WBC but has important proteins) that are transfused in patients with liver failure, severe infections, and serious burns.
Indications
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Anemia (low Red blood cells (RBCs) count) due to congenital or acquired disease
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Hemorrhage from trauma (acute loss: >30% of blood volume) or surgery.
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Anticoagulant deficiencies ie. von Willebrand disease
Blood transfusion risks and complications
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Allergic reactions such as hives or itching can still occur even if the right blood type is given, doctors will usually treat it with antihistamines.
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Fever is not an unusual occurrence as transfusion is, after all, putting foreign blood into ours, therefore, it is our body’s way of dealing with foreign substances. It becomes serious if patients experience additional symptoms such as chest pain or nausea.
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Acute immune hemolytic reactions, on the other hand, are rare but serious because it is a reaction where the body attacks the red blood cells which can harm other organs such as the kidneys. The cause is usually due to poor matching of blood types. Symptoms can include nausea, chills, lower back pain, dark urine, and chest pain.
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Bloodborne infections. All transfusions carry a risk albeit it being lower these days with technology that helps detect these infections in a blood product. Infections include Hepatitis B and C, HIV and West Nile virus.
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Reference:
Picture credits:
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https://medicalxpress.com/news/2019-06-red-blood-cell-donor-pregnancy.html
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https://www.vectorstock.com/royalty-free-vector/anemia-with-blood-cells-scheme-vector-21744208
