Mortality-associated risk factors for transfusion-associated circulatory overload

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Critical Care Medicine
• Transfusion Medicine

Background:

• Transfusion reactions, particularly transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO), are significant causes of morbidity and mortality.
• TACO is the leading cause of transfusion reaction-related deaths, with risk factors including transfusion speed, volume, and cardiorenal comorbidities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess variables associated with TACO and patient outcomes.
• To identify independent predictors of mortality in TACO cases.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of a haemovigilance database from an academic health network.
• Inclusion of 371 TACO cases and their associated visit outcomes.
• Application of univariate and multivariate regression analysis.

Main Results:

• TACO affected males and females, with a median age of 65 years.
• In-hospital and 28-day mortality rates were 17.5% and 12.9%, respectively.
• Multivariate analysis revealed male sex as the sole independent predictor of mortality in transfusion recipients.

Conclusions:

• Male recipient sex and platelet administration were associated with TACO admissions resulting in mortality.
• Findings underscore the importance of considering recipient sex and specific blood products in TACO risk assessment.