Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Premedication and factors affecting acute transfusion reactions
By Bruce, Joshua A et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary emergency and critical care (San Antonio, Tex. : 2001)·2015·Georgia Veterinary Specialists, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Effect of premedication and other factors on the occurrence of acute transfusion reactions in dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A study looked at blood transfusions in dogs and found that some experienced acute reactions, like fever or vomiting, within 24 hours. Out of nearly 1,000 transfusions, about 15% of dogs had a reaction, with the most common being fever. Dogs with immune diseases were more likely to have a reaction, while those receiving transfusions during surgery had fewer issues. Interestingly, using antihistamines before the transfusion seemed to help reduce allergic reactions. While most reactions were mild, there were some serious cases, including a few fatalities.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of premedication on transfusion reactions (TRs) within 24 hours after blood product transfusions in dogs. DESIGN: Retrospective study between 2008 and 2011. SETTING: Private veterinary referral hospital. ANIMALS: Nine hundred and thirty-five transfusion events in 558 dogs. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Medical records of dogs receiving blood product transfusions were reviewed. Information collected included signalment, weight, transfusion product type, reason for transfusion, first or subsequent transfusion, whether an acute reaction occurred, type of reaction, whether the reaction was treated, premedication prior to the transfusion and the premedication used, other medications the animal was given, whether the animal had an immune-mediated process, and whether the transfusion was administered in the perioperative period. A total of 144 (15%) acute TRs were documented in 136 dogs. The most common TRs were fever alone (77/144 [53%]) and vomiting alone (26/144 [18%]). Six dogs died due to the TR (4%). TR was not associated with age (P = 0.257), sex (P = 0.754), weight (P = 0.829), or premedication (P = 0.312). The type of blood product transfused (P < 0.001) was significantly associated with TRs, with packed RBCs most likely associated with a TR, and plasma least likely. Immune disease (P = 0.015) was significantly associated with occurrence of a TR. Significantly fewer reactions were documented following transfusions given in the perioperative period (P = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS: While most TRs were mild, there were some serious reactions observed including hemolysis, dyspnea, and 6 deaths. Immune-mediated disease was associated with development of a TR, while transfusion during the perioperative period was associated with lower likelihood of reaction. Packed RBC transfusions were associated with development of acute TRs. Overall occurrence of TR was not significantly altered with premedication; however, when evaluated alone, antihistamines decreased the incidence of acute allergic reactions.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26109490/