Blood Transfusions

Question 1

What is thrombocytopenia?

Answer 1

Low platelets (thrombocytes)

Question 2

When would you give a RBC transfusion?

Answer 2

1) Acute blood loss with haemodynamic instability
2) Hb ≤ 70g/L stable patient
3) Hb ≤ 80g/L if cardiovascular disease

4) Chronic transfusion dependent anaemia (Hb
threshold ≤ 80g/L initially, but adjusted to patient)

Question 3

When would you give a platelet transfusion?

Answer 3

1) Prophylactic platelet transfusion
2) Prior to invasive procedure or therapy
3) Therapeutic use to treat significant bleeding
4) Specific clinical conditions
5) Platelet dysfunction

Question 4

When would give a fresh frozen plasma transfusion?

Answer 4

1) Major haemorrhage
2) PT Ratio/INR >1.5 with bleeding
3) PT Ratio/INR >1.5 and pre-procedure
4) Liver disease with PT Ratio/INR >2 and pre-procedure

Question 5

When would you give cryoprecipitate?

Answer 5

1) Clinically significant bleeding and fibrinogen <1.5g/l (<2g/l in pregnancy)
2) Fibrinogen <1g/l and pre-procedure

Question 6

What is tranexamic acid?

Answer 6

Functions as an antifibrinolytic.

Used to treat or prevent excessive blood loss from major trauma, postpartum bleeding, surgery, tooth removal, nosebleeds, and heavy menstruation.