Abstract
Transfusion of blood has revolutionized many areas of medicine including that of surgical and perioperative care. It has permitted exploration of many areas of surgery, almost prevented without replacement of blood loss, and has led to many frontier pioneering developments. Ironically, blood transfusion is being used less today in many areas than it was in past eras, principally due to three factors: (i) transmission of blood-borne viral infections, notably hepatitis and HIV; (ii) refinement of techniques and the realization that blood replacement can be delayed and used less in many situations, with no greater and sometimes less adverse effects; and (iii) the cost and availability of blood products. This chapter aims to provide useful information on blood transfusion complications, risks, and consequences. For other associated procedures, refer to the relevant chapter and volume.
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Further Reading, References, and Resources
Benhamou D, Lienhart A, Auroy Y, Péquignot F, Jougla E. Accidents by ABO incompatibility and other main complications related to blood transfusion in surgical patients: data from the French national survey on anaesthesia-related deaths. Transfus Clin Biol. 2005;12(5):389–90.
de Saint MG, Pequignot F, Auroy Y, Aouba A, Benhamou D, Jougla E, Lienhart A. Patient blood management and transfusion. Anesthesiology. 2009;111(2):444–5. author reply 445–6.
Eder AF, Chambers LA. Noninfectious complications of blood transfusion. Arch Pathol Lab Med. 2007;131:708–18 [Note: This is an excellent reference for more detail].
NHMRC Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Use of Blood Components (red blood cells, platelets, fresh frozen plasma, cryoprecipitate) © Commonwealth of Australia, 2002 ISBN Print: 1864961449 Online: 1864961384
NHMRC web address: http://www.nhmrc.health.gov.au
[Note: These guidelines are excellent reference point and are a joint initiative of the National Health and Medical Research Council and the Australasian Society of Blood Transfusion, in cooperation with the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing, the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists, and other relevant groups.]
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Coventry, B.J. (2014). Blood Transfusion. In: Coventry, B. (eds) Cardio-Thoracic, Vascular, Renal and Transplant Surgery. Surgery: Complications, Risks and Consequences. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-5418-1_2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-5418-1_2
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