transfusion in practice

Question 1

what are indications for each type of transfusion ?

Answer 1

red cells - anaemia
platelets - thrombocytopenia
FFP - low coagulation factor
cryoprecipitate - low fibrinogen

Question 2

what is cryoprecipitate ?

Answer 2

precipitate that forms by controlled thawing of FFP ad 4 degrees
shelf life 2 years
contains factor 8, 13, fibrinogen, vWF

Question 3

what are indications for use of cryoprecipitate ?

Answer 3

hypofibrinogenaemia 2ndry to massive transfusion
DIC with bleeding and fibrinogen <1g/l
bleeding associated with thrombolytic therapy
renal or liver failure and abnormal bleeding
inherited fibrin deficiency

Question 4

what is the most common cause of transfusion related death ?

Answer 4

pulmonary complications 53.7%

delays 22.8%

Question 5

what are common transfusion related reactions and their treatments ?

Answer 5

pyrexia - anti-pyretic
urticaria - antihistamine
dyspnoea - O2, diuretic, adrenaline
shock - adrenaline, IV fluid, FFP, Abx