Common reactions to transfusions

Article Abstract:

For a blood transfusion to be successful, the blood type of donor has to be matched to the blood type of the recipient. The most common errors in matching blood types occur in the operating room or intensive care unit, not in the clinical laboratory. Many of these errors result from mislabeling of the blood or confusing two patients with similar names, but different blood types. In many cases, critical care nurses perform the transfusion. The transfusion should be started slowly, in case the patient has an adverse reaction to the blood. Several different types of adverse transfusion reactions can occur. A hemolytic transfusion reaction is when the wrong type of blood is given. It causes red blood cells to be destroyed and may result in death. Graft-versus-host disease is rare following blood transfusion, but it can occur in a patient who has a suppressed immune system. Allergic reactions that cause hives occur in 1 to 2 percent of all transfusions. Antihistamine drugs can be used to treat this type of reaction. Thrombophlebitis is a painful condition that causes inflammation inside of the vein that is receiving the transfusion. It rarely occurs in transfusions lasting less than 12 hours. Citrate is added to stored blood, and when large amounts of blood are infused, a toxic reaction to the citrate may occur. Citrate toxicity can cause symptoms of tingling in the fingers and mouth, convulsions, low blood pressure and cardiac arrest, and can be minimized by adding 10 percent calcium gluconate to the blood. When whole blood is stored, potassium in red blood cells can leak out into the plasma. This can cause hyperkalemia (high blood potassium), characterized by symptoms of nausea, muscle weakness, diarrhea, and tingling in the hands, feet and tongue. If a patient begins to have symptoms of a transfusion reaction, the transfusion should be stopped immediately. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Causes of, Allergy, Blood transfusion, Allergic reaction

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Glucagon: common untoward reactions - review and recommendations

Article Abstract:

Glucagon is a hormone secreted by the pancreas. It is often given to patients undergoing imaging of the abdomen. These imaging techniques include X-ray, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance (MR). It has recently been reported that some patients experience severe side effects to glucagon, including severe nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and weakness. Doctors using glucagon should be aware of its adverse effects and be informed of ways to minimize these effects. The dosage given should be the lowest possible. It will be determined by the organ to be imaged, the type of procedure and the desired effect of the glucagon. Some patients may become hypoglycemic (have low blood sugar) after the examination. As a preventative measure, the patient might be given something sweet. Nausea is the most common side effect of glucagon; it is dose-related and occurs quickly when glucagon is given rapidly. An intravenous injection of glucagon gives better results than intramuscular injection and requires a smaller dose to obtain the same duration of action. A dose of about 1 milligram of intravenous glucagon is considered to be both safe and effective. The exact nature of these reactions is not known, but glucagon in small doses is not dangerous. However, patients should be informed of the possible side effects. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Diagnostic imaging, Glucagon, editorial

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Task force issues recommendations on lead poisoning

Article Abstract:

Congress created a task force that examined the issue of protecting children from lead paint, but the group wound up recommending that landlords be protected from lawsuits if they followed basic safety standards. Four members of the group disagreed with the task force's recommendations, stating that there were too many members representing the interests of insurance firms and landlords. The four also believed that the standards recommended were too weak to be considered effective.

Laws, regulations and rules, Political aspects, Landlords, Child welfare, Lead based paint, Lead based paints

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