title: Clinical outcomes of ABO-incompatible RBC transfusions.
abstract: Factors that predict outcome after ABO-incompatible RBC transfusions are not well defined. We studied whether the volume of incompatible blood transfused would determine the signs and symptoms and survival outcome for ABO-incompatible RBC transfusions. We reviewed ABO-incompatible RBC transfusions from our institutions and our consultations for 35 years and from a survey of America's Blood Centers' members regarding causes, volume, signs, symptoms, and outcomes of ABO-incompatible RBC transfusions in their service areas from 1995 through 2005. All ABO-incompatible transfusions were due to error; 26 (62%) of 42 occurred at the patient's bedside. Of 36 patients who received more than 50 mL of incompatible blood, 23 (64%) manifested signs or symptoms related to the incompatible transfusion, and 6 (17)% died. Only 3 (25%) of 12 patients who received 50 mL or less of incompatible blood had associated signs or symptoms, and none died. Hypotension, hemoglobinuria, and/or hemoglobinemia were the most frequent findings in survivors and patients who died.ABO-incompatible RBC transfusion does not inevitably mean death or even occurrence of symptoms. Prompt recognition and discontinuation of the transfusion are critical because transfusing less ABO-incompatible blood may minimize signs and symptoms and may prevent death.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento 95817, USA.
authors.forename: Kim A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Janatpour
authors.forename: Norman D
authors.initials: ND
authors.lastname: Kalmin
authors.forename: Hanne M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Jensen
authors.forename: Paul V
authors.initials: PV
authors.lastname: Holland
mesh_terms: D000017:ABO Blood-Group System; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001787:Blood Group Incompatibility / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000401:mortality*; D017707:Erythrocyte Transfusion / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014481:United States; D014486:United States Food and Drug Administration
chemical_list: D000017:ABO Blood-Group System