title: Blood transfusion therapy for 41 earthquake casualties.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  We aimed to analyze the efficacy of blood transfusions given to Wen Chuan earthquake casualties.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty-one blood transfusions were administered. Laboratory indexes including routine blood tests, electrolyte tests, and blood coagulation functions were recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Between 400-6400mL of whole blood and/or erythrocyte suspensions were given to the casualties. The mean volume was 1233mL. The plasma volume infused in 22 cases (1550mL) differed from 200mL to 9600mL. There was no occurrence of transfusion reaction. Erythrocyte and Hct levels increased significantly after transfusion, while electrolyte levels remained the same.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Blood transfusion was an effective therapy for the earthquake casualties.
authors.affiliation: Blood Transfusion Branch, Xinqiao Affiliated Hospital of the Third Military Medical University of Chinese PLA, Chongqing 400037, China. lizhungjun@yahoo.com.cn
authors.forename: Zhongjun
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Weidong
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Te
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Chen
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001803:Blood Transfusion / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002681:China; D019411:Clinical Laboratory Techniques; D055866:Earthquakes; D004573:Electrolytes / Q000097:blood; D004912:Erythrocytes; D005260:Female; D006400:Hematocrit; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D054527:Mass Casualty Incidents / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D004573:Electrolytes