Abstract
The objectives of this study were to describe the clinical use and outcome of autologous transfusions in cats with intracavitary haemorrhage. A retrospective descriptive study was performed. Computerised medical records of a single referral centre were searched for cats receiving an autotransfusion. Medical records were evaluated for underlying disease process, autotransfusion technique, autotransfusion volume, time period over which the autotransfusion was given, packed cell volume (PCV) pre- and post-autotransfusion, percentage rise in PCV, use of other blood products and any complications of the procedure. Survival to discharge and survival at 2 months was documented. Between July 2012 and March 2018 a total of 12 autotransfusions were performed in eight cats. All patients were diagnosed with haemoperitoneum. Four of the eight cats were diagnosed with abdominal neoplasia, three had postoperative haemorrhage and one had a traumatic haemoperitoneum. Three cats received more than one autotransfusion. Blood was collected using a 23 G butterfly catheter and 20 ml syringe in 7/12 collections, a 23 G needle and 20 ml syringe in 2/12 collections and directly into syringes from the open abdomen at the time of surgery in 3/12 collections. A median volume of 50 ml (range 25-80 ml) was collected and administered, meaning a median volume of 16.5 ml/kg (range 9-26 ml/kg) was administered. The autologous transfusions were given over a median of 3 h (0.25-6 h). Five cats were given another blood product alongside the autotransfusion. Median percentage PCV increase was 5% (range 1-7%). Anticoagulant was used in 5/12 autotransfusions. No clinically relevant adverse effects were reported. Six of the eight cats survived to discharge. Two month survival was 60% (3/5). Autologous transfusion appears to be a safe and effective technique for stabilising cats with haemoperitoneum. This technique allows rapid and cheap provision of blood and avoids the need for an allogenic blood donor.
Highlights
The transfusion of blood products to anaemic patients is an important part of critical care
1 Both haemoglobin based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) and xenotranfusion with canine blood products have been used as alternative strategies for the anaemic cat. 2,3,4 HBOCs have well documented adverse effects and transfused canine red blood cells have a short life span a result of intravascular haemolysis. 2,5 An alternative method to allogenic transfusion, that is well described in the human literature, is autotransfusion
This study aimed to investigate the frequency and efficacy of feline autotransfusion in a referral hospital setting, as well as describing the reasons for performance of autotranfusion and the methods used
Summary
The transfusion of blood products to anaemic patients is an important part of critical care. 1 Both haemoglobin based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) and xenotranfusion with canine blood products have been used as alternative strategies for the anaemic cat. 2,3,4 HBOCs have well documented adverse effects and transfused canine red blood cells have a short life span a result of intravascular haemolysis. 2,5 An alternative method to allogenic transfusion, that is well described in the human literature, is autotransfusion. This study aimed to investigate the frequency and efficacy of feline autotransfusion in a referral hospital setting, as well as describing the reasons for performance of autotranfusion and the methods used. In these canine studies minor, non-clinically significant adverse effects
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