Blood transfusion = Trasfusione del sangue
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Transfusion-associated circulatory overload is characterised by acute respiratory distress, tachycardia, increased blood pressure, acute pulmonary oedema and/or evidence of positive fluid balance occurring within 6 hours after transfusion. Transfusion-associated circulatory overload is a serious, underreported reaction, which makes this iatrogenic condition difficult to prevent. We present an audit of patients admitted to a medical emergency unit, aiming to investigate: (i) the incidence of transfusion-associated circulatory overload; and (ii) whether cases were reported to the haemovigilance system. The clinical implications are discussed within the frame of the Early Warning Score. ⋯ The incidence of transfusion-associated circulatory overload in acute emergency patients was similar to that in other clinical studies. Lack of recognition and reporting was marked, even though changes in vital signs were monitored in the context of the Early Warning Score. This study points to a missing link in the transfusion chain, namely recognising the vital signs of circulatory overload during or shortly after transfusion as being a serious adverse transfusion reaction.