Risk factors for transfusion-associated complications and nonsurvival in dogs receiving packed red blood cell transfusions: 211 cases (2008-2011).
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether the number, volume, or age of transfused packed RBC units; volume of other blood products; or pretransfusion PCV was a risk factor for transfusion-associated complications or nonsurvival in dogs.


METHODS
Retrospective case series.


METHODS
211 client-owned dogs receiving stored packed RBC transfusions.


METHODS
Information collected or calculated from the medical record of each dog included the total number, volume, and dose of packed RBC units; mean age of packed RBC units; number of packed RBC units > 14 days old; age of oldest packed RBC unit; volume and dose of other blood products used; pretransfusion PCV; acute patient physiologic and laboratory evaluation score; transfusion-associated complications; and outcome.


RESULTS
The dose (mL/kg) of other blood products transfused was a risk factor for transfusion-associated complications (OR, 1.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01 to 1.05). The pretransfusion PCV (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.06 to 1.21) and dose of packed RBCs administered (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.07) were risk factors for nonsurvival. Age of transfused packed RBC units was not identified as a risk factor for transfusion-associated complications or nonsurvival, but the study was statistically underpowered to detect this finding.


CONCLUSIONS
Administration of larger doses of other non-packed RBC blood products was a risk factor for transfusion-associated complications, and a higher pretransfusion PCV and larger dose of packed RBCs administered were risk factors for nonsurvival. Prospective randomized studies are needed to determine whether conservative transfusion strategies will reduce transfusion-associated complications and improve outcome in dogs.
Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada.
Marie K
MK
Holowaychuk
Jessica L
JL
Leader
Gabrielle
G
Monteith
D000818:Animals; D001787:Blood Group Incompatibility / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000628:therapy; D004285:Dogs; D017707:Erythrocyte Transfusion / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D016017:Odds Ratio; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors