Blood transfusions do not shorten life expectancy – it is considered a lifesaving intervention. However, it is essential to note that blood transfusions are done only when the benefits are higher than the risks transfusions may cause.
Blood transfusions can cause a few complications, such as adverse immune reactions, allergies, and infections that can affect life quality or expectancy; however, these are done under the supervision of trained medical professionals, which lessens the chances of complications.
What is a blood transfusion?
Transfusion can be termed as transferring blood from one person (donor) to another (recipient). The primary purpose of a blood transfusion is to cover or compensate for lost blood. In some cases, this method provides additional blood components to the immune-suppressed person, which becomes necessary for their body’s normal functioning.
In a blood transfusion, blood is taken from a donor’s arm and administered to the recipient’s body through an intravenous (IV).
Blood transfusions can be lifesaving in critical case scenarios, like when a person has lost significant blood due to injury, surgery, or a medical condition such as anemia or cancer.
Does blood transfusion shorten life span?
Blood transfusions are considered safe but may develop complications in a person. These complications can be severe to mild. These complications related to blood transfusions can have a given toll on a person’s life. Some difficulties may be treated, and some may become life-threatening. However, there is no need to be afraid of blood transfusions, as they are life saviors, and complications rarely develop.
In short, we cannot say that blood transfusions shorten life span. As mentioned above, it carries some complications and risks and must be handled and managed carefully.
How can blood transfusions shorten life expectancy?
Blood transfusions can have these below-mentioned possible complications in patients, which may hinder their quality of life or shorten their life expectancy if complications arise.
Allergic reactions
An allergic reaction after a blood transfusion can occur in patients diagnosed with hives. Those hives can range from mild to life-threatening anaphylaxis (a severe, whole-body reaction), which may shorten life expectancy.
Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI)
TRALI is a rare but severe complication of blood transfusion that can be referred to as acute respiratory distress. In other words, it is an immune response to transfused blood components which can affect life expectancy.
Infection
Blood transfusions carry a high risk of infection. It can be a heightened concern for elderly patients with weakened immune systems. The risk of developing a disease can be minimized by carefully examining the donor’s blood.
Iron overload
Repeated blood transfusions can cause iron overload; the more red blood cells are present, the more iron they will bind. It can be a concern for elderly patients who have diagnosed or underlying liver and heart disease.
Fluid overload/hypervolemia
This condition may affect many people, but older people are more susceptible to fluid overload. It is referred to as hypervolemia. Fluid overload is a condition in which edema occurs. This condition can lead to congestive heart failure or pulmonary edema (edema in the lungs).
Blood type incompatibility
Blood type incompatibility is when the blood group of the donor and receiver do not match. To prevent this condition, transfusing blood must be carefully checked with the receiver’s blood type. In any person, especially older people, the risk of blood type incompatibility may be higher due to prevailing medical conditions.
Hemolytic reactions
Hemolytic reactions are transfusion reactions when the receiver’s immune system attacks and destroys the transfused blood’s red blood cells. Hemolytic reactions are rare but life-threatening, especially febrile nonhemolytic reactions.
Febrile nonhemolytic transfusion reactions (FNHTR)
These are the worst transfusion reactions that can occur during or shortly after a blood transfusion. FNHTR is an immune-mediated reaction. It is caused by the receiver’s antibodies reacting to blood cells or platelets in the transfused blood.
What prevention and management steps are required to avoid risk factors leading to shorter life expectancy?
Professional medical staff can perform blood transfusions to avoid complications. However, many ways exist to prevent and manage complications during a blood transfusion. Some are mentioned below.
Careful patient selection
Before transfusing blood, healthcare providers or hospital setups should carefully assess the patient’s medical history and overall health status to minimize any risk factors contributing to developing complications.
Use of compatible blood
To decrease the risk of transfusion reactions, healthcare providers should reassure that the transfused blood is compatible with the patient’s blood type and other medical conditions.
Monitoring
During the transfusion, healthcare providers should monitor the patient for signs of complications, such as fever, chills, and shortness of breath. Vitals should also be monitored before, after, and during transfusions.
Hydration and electrolyte management
Blood transfusions can sometimes lead to fluid overload or electrolyte imbalances, specifically in older adults with underlying chronic diseases. Adequate hydration and electrolyte management can help prevent this condition.
Pre-medication
If the patient is assessed thoroughly, healthcare providers may prescribe some medications to minimize the risk of transfusion reactions and other complications.
Smaller transfusion volumes
Older people are more susceptible to volume overload, so smaller transfusion volumes may prevent this risk.
Post-transfusion monitoring
After the transfusion, healthcare providers must monitor the patient for any sign of complication, such as fever or infection.
Treating complications
If complications occur, adequate treatment can help minimize the risk of turning it into a chronic condition. Treatment may include giving medications to manage symptoms, additional blood transfusions, or other immediate medical help.
Conclusion
In conclusion, blood transfusions can be effective for patients. However, there are potential risks and side effects associated with blood transfusions, especially for immune-depressed people and older adults with underlying health conditions. In addition, transfusion reactions can occur in any person, and common transfusion reactions in older adults include hemolytic reactions, febrile nonhemolytic reactions, and transfusion-related acute lung injury.
To manage and minimize the risks associated with transfusions, healthcare providers must carefully assess the patient’s medical history before transfusing blood. Taking steps such as using compatible blood products, monitoring the patient closely for signs of complications, and managing electrolyte imbalances effectively prevent complications. In addition, individualized treatment plans can also be developed for each patient to prevent and manage potential complications during and after the blood transfusion.
Dr. Irfan Siddique is a GMC-registered Medical Doctor with more than four years of post-graduation experience in child and adolescent healthcare. He has done his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from the University of Health and Sciences, Lahore. Afterward, he was positioned at Children’s Hospital, Faisalabad, where he ran Outpatient Department for four years. Currently, he is performing his duties as Medical Doctor at St. Barts Health NHS Trust, London.
