Autotransfusion of kaemothoraces and haemoperitoneums: a report on trauma and ruptured ectopic pregnancy patients

Abstract

During the period June 1985-December 1989, 77 patients were accumulated for the autotransfusion trial, 21 of which were control patients. These patients were managed at three institutions namely Hillbrow (64), Coronation (1) and Shongwe (12) Hospitals. Of these 77 patients, 65 were involved in penetrating or blunt injuries, and 12 were ruptured ectopic pregnancies. The ages of all patients ranged from 16 yrs to 65 yrs. The patients were divided into four groups: 1 banked blood only (controls), 21 2 autotransfused blood only, 27 3 combined banked and autotransfusion, 17 4 ruptured ectopic pregnancies, 12. Investigated were the effects of autotransfused or banked blood volumes on the following parameters: 1 White cell counts: admission and post-transfusion day 1 2 Platelet counts: post-transfusion days :1. and 2 3 Haemoglobin: admission and post-transfusiondays 1 and 2 4 prothrombin indeex: post-trancfusidoanys 1, 2, and 3 5 Partial thromboplast times: post-transfusion days 1 and 2 6 Fibrinogen Degradation products: post-transfusion day 1 7 Haptoglobin levels: post-transfusion day 1 8 Haemopexin levels: post-transfusion day 1 9 Fibrinogen levels: post-transfusion days 1 and 2 Four salvage techniques were utilised. Complications were analysed for each transfusion group. Autotransfusion of salvaged blood from haemotihoxaces and haemoperitoneums is safe, efficaoious, and cost effective, provided that certain guidelines are followed.