Clinical Case Database / Category: Patient Management

Cautions and hazards of blood transfusion: a case of hyperviscosity syndrome

Publication details

Dr Ioannis Koutsavlis
Foundation Years Journal, volume 9, issue 3, p.59 (123Doc Education, London, March 2015)

Abstract

Transfusion of blood products can be life saving in certain scenarios but careful assessment should be carried out to balance the risks and benefits. We explore situations where transfusion of red cells could potentially increase the risk of complications and give as example, a patient with severe anaemia and hyperviscosity syndrome. This article also addresses the management of acute transfusion reactions, a common scenario that junior doctors will have to tackle in their daily practice.

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Authors

Dr Ioannis Koutsavlis (Corresponding author)

ST4 Haematology, NHS Lothian,St John's Hospital,
Howden Road West, Livingston, West Lothian, EH54 6PP
ioannis.koutsavlis@nhs.net

References

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About the Clinical Cases Database

T​he Foundation Years Clinical Cases Database is​ a selection of 600 peer-reviewed clinical cases in the field of patient safety and clinical practice, specifically focused on the clinical information needs of junior doctors, based around the Foundation Year Curriculum programme (MMC). The cases have been chosen to align with the Foundation Year Curriculum.

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