Blood transfusion is a targeted intervention requiring strict ABO/Rh compatibility and cross-matching to prevent adverse immunological responses.
| Blood Product | Primary Indication |
|---|---|
| Packed Red Blood Cells (PRBCs) | Increase oxygen-carrying capacity (symptomatic anemia, acute hemorrhage). |
| Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) | Correction of coagulopathy (replaces multiple clotting factors). |
| Platelets | Thrombocytopenia or functional platelet disorders with active bleeding. |
| Cryoprecipitate | Source of Fibrinogen, Factor VIII, and von Willebrand factor. |
High-Yield Clinical Notes & Complications:
- AHTR (Acute Hemolytic Transfusion Reaction): fever, chills, flank pain, hemoglobinuria, hypotension. Action: STOP transfusion immediately.
- TRALI (Transfusion-Related Acute Lung Injury): acute respiratory distress and non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema within 6 hours. It is the leading cause of transfusion-related mortality.
- FNHTR (Febrile Non-hemolytic Reaction): the most common reaction; usually managed with antipyretics and careful monitoring.
- MTP (Massive Transfusion Protocol): Use a balanced 1:1:1 ratio (PRBCs:FFP:Platelets) in trauma to avoid the Lethal Triad: acidosis, coagulopathy, and hypothermia.
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