Posted on 04/04/2007 8:25:13 PM PDT by 60Gunner
Thanks for the ER end of this story. I worked in CV surgery for a lot of years and rarely hear how these cases present except for ER notes.
DIC is Disseminated Intravascular Coagulopathy. It’s a lethal condition that is characterized by hemmorhaging to from every orifice. It can be caused by infection or shock. It’s a very ugly way to die.
Null, if I may beg to differ: Whole blood is exactly what the name implies: whole blood, plasma and all. I think what you are referring to is “packed red blood cells,” at least in my neck of the woods. Those have the plasma spun off.
I am hooked too! Add me to your ping list!
Oh sure, next it will be commercial breaks and regular cliffhangers on every episode. Don't forget the movie rights when you get the book done.
I knew a 9 yr old who the doctors caught in time. He had to be flown to Philly, a specific university hospital, I forget the name. He survived. I knew an 18 yr old who didn't. He died in seconds. I don't even know if he felt pain.
5.56mm
Yeah. Instant ebola.
OK, I thought that they separated the WBC’s to avoid triggering an immune response.
It's funny how some patient's are forever with us - even in their final (and worst) moments - they make an impact on our lives forever too.
You are correct. But there are more considerations involving the decision to give whole blood or PRBCs (Packed Red blood cells with the plasma and WBCs spun off)
One site that explains the considerations quite nicely is the New York Blood Center: "[Packed] Red blood cells are the component of choice for patients with a symptomatic deficit of oxygen-carrying capacity. RBCs may also be used to help restore cells lost following significant hemorrhage. Removal of plasma reduces the risk of adverse reactions" [emphasis mine- Gunner]. PRBCs are also given to patients who have chronic anemia, for example.
The site continues: "Whole blood may be useful in bleeding patients who have lost in excess of 20% of total blood volume."
One of hte big risks with using whole blood is Graft vs. Host disease, which can lead to many bad things happening.
Thanks.
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