Understanding Anesthesiology - The Global Regional Anesthesia ...

Complications of transfusion are numerous and are generally
categorized by acuity: early and late. Early complications
that can occur when significant volumes of
blood are transfused include hypothermia, hyperkalemia
and hypocalcemia. With massive transfusion,
lung injury may occur.
Transfusion reactions can occur with just a single unit
of transfused blood (due to ABO incompatibility). The
most common cause of transfusion reaction is clerical
error, underscoring the need for careful adherence to
safety procedures by all members of the healthcare
team.
A more complete discussion of the indications and complications
of the various blood products is beyond the
scope of this manual. Many excellent reviews on the
subject can be found in the current anesthesia literature.
Table 5 Indications for blood product administration
BLOOD PRODUCT
DEFICIT
red cell concentrates
oxygen-carrying
capacity
platelets
platelet function (quality
or quantity)
fresh frozen plasma clotting factor deficits
cryoprecipitate
fibrinogen
albumin
low protein or colloid
volume replacement
factor concentrates
single clotting factor
deficit (often hereditary)
30