Fatal peritonitis after massive blood transfusion: case report

Area of Science:

• Trauma Surgery
• Infectious Disease
• Immunology

Background:

• Gunshot wounds to the thorax pose significant surgical challenges.
• Superior vena cava (SVC) injuries require immediate and precise surgical intervention.
• Post-traumatic complications, including infection, are a concern in severe trauma cases.

Observation:

• A patient with a gunshot wound to the SVC underwent successful surgical repair.
• Following the repair, the patient developed endometritis, which progressed.
• Massive transfusion of banked blood was administered during the treatment course.

Findings:

• The patient developed generalized peritonitis despite initial successful surgical repair.
• Clinicopathologic correlation suggests a link between massive blood transfusion and the progression of infection.
• Compromised immune defenses due to banked blood transfusion are hypothesized as a contributing factor.

Implications:

• This case highlights the potential risks associated with massive blood transfusions in trauma patients.
• It underscores the importance of monitoring for infectious complications post-trauma surgery.
• Further research into immune modulation during massive transfusion protocols may be warranted.