Hemolysis with rapid transfusion systems in the trauma setting.
OBJECTIVE
Rapid infusion system allows rapid infusion of resuscitation fluids at body temperature in trauma patients. Packed red blood cells are subjected to high external pneumatic pressure (up to 300 mm Hg) and rapid infusion rates through a 170-microm filter. This study was conducted to outline hemolysis that may occur in the setting of massive transfusion (> 10 units).


METHODS
Measurements of various parameters were made before and after infusion of 17 units of outdated (38-82 d) packed red blood cells through a Level 1 Rapid Infuser, including lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), potassium, plasma hemoglobin, hematocrit and total hemoglobin. Hemolysis, expressed as a percentage, was calculated from these parameters.


RESULTS
Hemolysis observed in this experiment ranged from near 0 to 0.05%. All the units had plasma potassium concentrations of 15 mmol/L or more.


CONCLUSIONS
Transfusion of 17 units with the Level 1 Rapid Infuser did not cause a clinically significant amount of hemolysis.
Kim
Peter
P
Faculty of Medicine, University of Western Ontario, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ont.
Chin-Yee
Ian
I
Eckert
Kathleen
K
Malthaner
Richard A
RA
Gray
Daryl K
DK
D001803:Blood Transfusion / Q000379:methods*; D006461:Hemolysis; D006801:Humans; D013997:Time Factors; D065227:Transfusion Reaction; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000628:therapy*