Massive Blood Transfusion

Cerebral arteriovenous malformations in children

“…Fresh frozen plasma should be restricted to controlling defined defects in the coagulation cascade, e.g., prolongation of the prothrombin time and activated clotting time by 1.5 times normal. 33 Functionally, a platelet count >50 )< 10 9" L -1 is required for haemostasis. Transfnsions of one unit of platelet concentrate per I0 kg will usually suffice to raise by 50 • 109.…”

Hemoglobin-driven pathophysiology is an in vivo consequence of the red blood cell storage lesion that can be attenuated in guinea pigs by haptoglobin therapy

“…Retrospective and prospective analyses of patients undergoing multiple blood transfusions have correlated poor clinical outcome to the number of older storage blood units received (1)(2)(3). This may be particularly relevant for massive transfusion that is arbitrarily defined by replacement of the total blood volume (approximately 10 units) in 24 hours or acute administration of greater than half the blood volume per hour (4). However, the causes for observed adverse outcomes are not clear.…”

Effects of Liver Function on Ionized Hypocalcaemia following Rapid Blood Transfusion

“…23,24 Massive transfusion may cause lifethreatening complications such as hypothermia, acid-base disturbance, electrolyte abnormalities (hypocalcaemia, hyperkalaemia, hypomagnesaemia), citrate toxicity and acute lung injury. 4,25 The present study utilized a rapid transfusion rate based on the definition of massive transfusion and identified an association between rapid blood transfusion and timesequential changes in serum ionized calcium and circulation status (lactate and base deficit).…”