Autologous blood transfusion following an allogenic transfusion reaction in a case of acute anaemia due to intra-abdominal bleeding

Abstract

Summary This report describes the use of an autologous transfusion to temporarily improve the oxygen carrying capacity in a case of haemoabdomen. The horse required multiple blood transfusions but use of allogenic transfusions was hindered by a severe adverse reaction. The blood previously lost into the abdomen was drained and returned to the circulation without observed adverse effects. Autologous blood transfusion is a technique which can be used alone, or in addition to, allogenic blood transfusions in selected cases of acute blood loss in horses.

Noncitrated blood transfusions used as adjunctive treatment in a 7‐year‐oldShetlandPony with haemoperitoneum due to a rupturedcorpus haemorrhagicum

“…To our knowledge, previous reports describing the use of blood drained from the abdomen for autologous transfusion purposes in horses either specify that anticoagulants were added prior to re‐infusion, or lack the relevant information regarding infusate‐preparation (Finding et al . ; Holmes et al . ).…”

“…; Finding et al . ), have been associated with adverse reactions with a frequency of up to 16%. These can vary from urticarial reactions to anaphylactic shock.…”

Treatment of haemoperitoneum secondary to ruptured granulosa cell tumours in two mares

“…The blood for transfusion was collected from hospital teaching mares as these were the only donors available; it is recommended that blood is taken from geldings to minimise reactions occurring (Sellon and Wise 2010). Autotransfusion of abdominal blood collected from cases with HP has been described (Waguespack et al 2001;Finding et al 2011;Fouch e et al 2014). However, it is contraindicated if the HP is associated with neoplasia (Finding et al 2011) or on-going haemorrhage (Hart 2011), and intraperitoneal blood is time consuming to collect, therefore it may not be suitable for unstable cases requiring prompt surgical treatment (Case 1).…”

“…Autotransfusion of abdominal blood collected from cases with HP has been described (Waguespack et al 2001;Finding et al 2011;Fouch e et al 2014). However, it is contraindicated if the HP is associated with neoplasia (Finding et al 2011) or on-going haemorrhage (Hart 2011), and intraperitoneal blood is time consuming to collect, therefore it may not be suitable for unstable cases requiring prompt surgical treatment (Case 1). HP has been reported to have a high association with neoplastic causes (Dechant et al 2006;Conwell et al 2010) and therefore, the sources of HP should be investigated before autotransfusion is elected.…”

“…Drainage of the HP was only partially effective in Case 2 and unsuccessful in Case 1, probably due to blood clots blocking the drainage cannula. If possible, controlled drainage is recommended before general anaesthesia and exploratory laparotomy to improve case stability and surgical visibility (Waguespack et al 2001;Conwell et al 2010;Finding et al 2011).…”