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Transfusion risks in dogs and cats: what TRACS identifies

Evidence note · · Archil Jaliashvili

The 2021 TRACS consensus produced 29 prevention and monitoring guidelines for dogs and cats.

20 issues ↓Original paper ↗

Clinical concerns and evidence gaps, not incidence estimates. Source sections appear under each item.

Donor and stored product

  1. Donor-transmitted infections.§3.1
  2. Collection and storage contamination.§3.2
  3. Inflammatory mediators; uncertain leukoreduction benefit.§3.3
  4. Storage-related hemolysis; context-dependent outcomes.§3.4.1
  5. Ammonia accumulation; uncertain clinical impact.§3.4.2
  6. Hemolysis-related free hemoglobin and tissue injury.§3.5

Compatibility and repeat exposure

  1. Canine acute/delayed hemolysis and alloimmunization.§3.6
  2. Feline incompatibility beyond AB typing.§3.7
  3. Plasma antibody incompatibility.§3.6.4–5; 3.7.4–5
  4. Mild crossmatch incompatibility: uncertain significance.§3.8
  5. Crossmatch methods are not interchangeable.§3.9
  6. Xenotransfusion: short red-cell survival and hemolysis.§3.10

Administration and follow-up

  1. Allergic, anaphylactic and febrile reactions.§3.11; 3.14
  2. Unproven premedication; acetaminophen toxicity in cats.§3.11
  3. Circulatory overload; uncertain optimal infusion rate.§3.12.1–2
  4. Pump-related red-cell injury.§3.12.3–4
  5. Graft-versus-host concern: experimental canine evidence.§3.13
  6. Identification errors and missed reactions.§3.14.1
  7. Post-transfusion response assessment.§3.14.2
  8. Citrate-associated hypocalcemia during massive transfusion/apheresis.§3.14.3

Research question for BHOC

We believe veterinary oxygen-support studies should assess time to treatment, tissue oxygenation, clinical response and safety, alongside Hb/Hct.

BHOC, Biological Hemoglobin Oxygen Carrier, is being developed within Precision Oxygen Therapeutics for oxygen-delivery support when donor blood is delayed or unavailable. This development aim requires product- and species-specific evidence.

TRACS did not evaluate BHOC. Hemolysis-related free hemoglobin requires separate assessment from an engineered formulation.

Veterinary science ↗Research questions →Discuss research ↗
Source: Davidow et al. TRACS Part 2. J Vet Emerg Crit Care. 2021;31:167–188. DOI 10.1111/vec.13045 · PubMed