Acid-base and electrolyte changes in dogs after packed red blood cell transfusion

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Critical Care
• Hematology

Background:

• Packed red blood cell (pRBC) transfusions are vital for improving oxygen delivery in anemic dogs.
• Understanding the physiological impact of pRBC transfusions on acid-base and biochemical parameters is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate changes in acid-base and biochemical parameters following pRBC transfusion in dogs.
• To investigate the association between these parameter changes and patient outcomes, including mortality and hospitalization duration.

Main Methods:

• A prospective observational study involving anemic dogs requiring pRBC transfusions.
• Measurement of venous blood gas and electrolytes pre- and post-transfusion.
• Statistical analysis using Wilcoxon test, generalized linear models, and logistic regression to assess associations.

Main Results:

• Twenty-six anemic dogs were included, with a median hospitalization of 3 days.
• Transfusion led to improvements in perfusion and acid-base status, with increased hematocrit, hemoglobin, HCO3-, PCO2, tCO2, and chloride.
• Pre-transfusion hypophosphatemia and higher pRBC volume correlated with longer hospital stays, while elevated pre-transfusion lactate was linked to increased mortality.

Conclusions:

• Packed red blood cell transfusions effectively improve perfusion and acid-base parameters in anemic dogs.
• Pre-transfusion lactate levels serve as a potential predictive biomarker for mortality in this patient population.