Two Cases of Emergency Massive Blood Transfusion in Blood Type-AB Patients: Compatible Red Cell Transfusion with a Different ABO Group after the 2005 Revision of Japanese Practical Guidelines for the Blood Component Therapy

Abstract

  In the latest Japanese practical guidelines for the blood component therapy, edited by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan in 2005, the idea that the compatible red cell transfusion with a different ABO blood group is important for patients with critical massive blood loss was especially underscored. Soon after the revision, we experienced two cases of emergency massive blood transfusion in patients with type-AB blood in whom type-A red cell units were considered to be transfused. Periodical case conference for the urgent blood component therapy is recommended to be held for the education of medical staff. It is also suggested that a brochure of the practical manual that can be easily and quickly utilized for every practitioner should be prepared for better emergency care.