'Near-miss' hyperkalaemic cardiac arrest associated with rapid blood transfusion.
A case is presented in which a relatively modest blood transfusion resulted in acute hyperkalaemia with a 'near-miss' cardiac arrest. While transfusion-related hyperkalaemia usually occurs in association with massive transfusions, several factors may have increased the risk of such an acute reaction. A high index of suspicion is required, especially in patients with risk factors. Anaesthetists should not be lulled into a false sense of security simply because modest volumes of blood are being transfused.
Carvalho
B
B
Department of Anaesthesia, Royal Surrey Country Hospital, UK.
Quiney
N F
NF
D000368:Aged; D000075202:Contraindications; D005260:Female; D006323:Heart Arrest; D006801:Humans; D006947:Hyperkalemia / Q000209:etiology*; D011188:Potassium / Q000378:metabolism; D012307:Risk Factors; D065227:Transfusion Reaction
D011188:Potassium