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transfusion-associated bacterial infection
transmission of bacteria & bacterial endotoxins
Etiology:
1) unrecognized bacteremia in donor
2) contamination during processing
3) bacterial contamination of donor platelets is the most common cause
4) E. coli & Pseudomonas are associated with refrigerated components
5) Yersinia, Serratia & Salmonella are associated with platelets
Epidemiology:
- incidence: < 1 in 500,000 as cause of death
Clinical manifestations:
1) shock & disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
2) high mortality
Management:
- stop transfusion immediately
- send blood back to lab for culture
- administer IV fluids
- broad-spectrum antibiotics (vancomycin + cefepime)
- prevention:
a) proper skin preparation with blood donation
b) good blood banking practices
c) deferring donors with febrile illnesses
d) use of leukocyte-depleted blood components
Related
blood donation
blood transfusion
General
transfusion-associated infection
bacterial infection
References
- Medical Knowledge Self Assessment Program (MKSAP) 16,
American College of Physicians, Philadelphia 2012
- Eder AF, Kennedy JM, Dy BA et al
Bacterial screening of apheresis platelets and the residual
risk of septic transfusion reactions: the American Red Cross
experience (2004-2006).
Transfusion. 2007 Jul;47(7):1134-42.
PMID: 17581147