Retrospective evaluation of the effect of red blood cell product age on occurrence of acute transfusion-related complications in dogs: 210 cases (2010-2012).
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether red blood cell (RBC) product age influences the occurrence of acute transfusion-related complications and mortality in dogs. The hypothesis was that acute transfusion-related complications and mortality would increase with age of product.


METHODS
Retrospective study (2010-2012).


METHODS
University teaching hospital.


METHODS
Two hundred and ten clinical canine patients.


METHODS
None.


RESULTS
Medical records were reviewed for dogs receiving RBC-containing products. Patient signalment; reason for transfusion; product type, dose, age, and source; pretransfusion compatibility; rate, route, and method of administration; administration of multiple transfusions; underlying disease; occurrence of transfusion-related complications (eg, fever, hemolysis, gastrointestinal distress, cardiovascular, neurologic, and respiratory complications); various hematologic parameters; and survival were recorded. Data were analyzed for association between potential risk factors and occurrence of transfusion-related complications as well as between transfusion-related complications and survival. Of 333 transfusion events in 210 patients, 84 transfusion-related complications occurred. Fever was most common (41/333), followed by hemolysis (21/333). For every additional day of product age, the odds of hemolysis increased significantly (odds ratio, 1.11; 95% confidence interval, 1.06-1.16; P < 0.0001). Transfusion-related complications when considered as a whole were associated with higher dose of product, longer duration of administration per transfusion event, and immune-mediated disease, but not with source of product or general category of anemia. Administration rate was significantly slower in patients with febrile transfusion-related complications (P < 0.0001). Product age was not associated with increased mortality.


CONCLUSIONS
Age of stored RBC products is associated with increased risk of transfusion-related hemolysis, but not with fever. Prospective clinical studies evaluating the influence of storage duration on development of in vitro versus in vivo hemolysis are warranted.
Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602.
Christina H
CH
Maglaras
Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602.
Amie
A
Koenig
Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602.
Deanna L
DL
Bedard
Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602.
Benjamin M
BM
Brainard
D000818:Animals; D001793:Blood Preservation / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D004285:Dogs; D017707:Erythrocyte Transfusion / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D005845:Georgia / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D065227:Transfusion Reaction / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary*
anemia; canine; febrile nonhemolytic transfusion reaction