Blood transfusions are done when the body lacks blood, for example due to certain injuries or diseases. Although important to do, there is also a risk of blood transfusions that can occur. Therefore, it is important to understand what are the benefits and risks of blood transfusion.
When the body loses enough blood, the function of tissues and organs can be disrupted due to reduced intake of oxygen and nutrients that are normally carried by red blood cells. Therefore, to treat this condition, blood transfusions are often required.
Blood transfusions are generally obtained from blood donated by a healthy donor. Before blood from a donor is drawn, it will be checked to make sure it is free of disease.
After that, the blood that has been donated will be separated into components of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets or platelets, and blood plasma. However, sometimes there is also blood given in its entirety.
The blood transfusion process generally takes about 1-4 hours, depending on the composition of the blood received and the amount of blood needed. The process of blood transfusion also needs to adjust the blood type and rhesus status between donors and recipients of blood.
Various Benefits of Blood Transfusion
Blood transfusions are often needed to treat certain diseases or medical conditions, such as:
1. Bleeding
People who are bleeding heavily usually need blood transfusions to replace the blood lost from their bodies. If not immediately get additional fluids and blood, people who experience heavy bleeding can experience complications such as shock or even death.
There are many conditions that can cause heavy bleeding and require blood transfusions, including postpartum hemorrhage, heavy postoperative bleeding, serious injury or injury, and ruptured esophageal varices.
2. Anemia
Red blood cell transfusions are generally required to treat severe anemia, either due to iron deficiency anemia or aplastic anemia. Anemia is a disease of lack of blood because the body lacks hemoglobin, which is a protein that functions to transport oxygen throughout the body.
Usually, people with anemia will need a blood transfusion when the hemoglobin level is too low or less than 8 g/dL.
3. Blood disorders
People with blood disorders, such as hemophilia, or patients undergoing stem cell transplants are usually more at risk of developing blood deficiency. Therefore, blood transfusions are often done to treat this condition.
4. Thalassemia
Thalassemia is a disorder that makes the hemoglobin in red blood cells abnormal so that it cannot transport oxygen properly. Conditions caused by genetic disorders will often make the sufferer anemic.
To increase the lack of blood intake, thalassemia sufferers usually require regular blood transfusions.
5. Infections and burns
Blood plasma transfusions are also needed as a treatment for someone who has severe or extensive burns. In certain cases, blood transfusions are also necessary for patients with severe infections or sepsis.
6. Cancer
Some types of cancer, such as blood cancer and lymphoma, can damage and reduce the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. In addition, the side effects of cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, can also interfere with the production of blood cells.
Therefore, blood transfusions will generally be done to meet the blood needs of cancer patients.
7. Liver or kidney failure
Patients with severe hepatic dysfunction or liver failure are at high risk for bleeding disorders and anemia. To treat this condition, the doctor will give a blood transfusion. Usually, blood disorders in patients with liver failure can be treated with a liver transplant.
Blood transfusions are also generally required by patients with severe kidney failure whose bodies can no longer produce enough red blood cells. This condition is usually caused by kidney failure, which causes the body to lack a blood-producing hormone called erythropoietin.
8. COVID-19
Various studies so far have also stated that giving blood plasma from COVID-19 survivors can treat patients infected with the Corona virus, especially those who experience severe symptoms. This type of transfusion is called convalescent plasma therapy.
Various Risks of Blood Transfusion
Although useful for treating certain conditions or diseases, blood transfusions can sometimes also pose risks or side effects. This risk can be mild, but can be quite dangerous and potentially life threatening.
The following are some of the risks of blood transfusions that are important for you to know:
1. Fever
A febrile reaction can occur within hours of a person getting a blood transfusion. This is quite common and not always dangerous.
However, a febrile reaction after a blood transfusion can be dangerous if accompanied by other symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, or coma. This reaction requires immediate medical attention by a doctor.
2. Allergies
People who receive blood transfusions may experience an allergic reaction to certain proteins or substances found in the donor's blood. Generally, the symptoms of allergies that appear are redness, swelling, and itching of the skin.
3. Infection
Blood given for transfusion should ideally be of good quality and not contain certain viruses, germs, or parasites, such as malaria, HIV and hepatitis B.
To be sure, the donor's blood will be checked for germs or viruses that cause the disease. If declared safe and free from disease, the blood can be used for transfusion.
However, sometimes these tests are not able to accurately detect the disease, so the recipient of the blood may be at risk of contracting HIV or hepatitis B. However, this risk is relatively small.
4. Excess fluid
Blood transfusions can cause the body to have excess fluids, resulting in a buildup of fluid in the organs or tissues of the body. This condition can be dangerous if it causes swelling or pulmonary edema.
A person experiencing this condition may experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, weakness, and chest pain.
5. Excess iron
Blood transfusions can cause the body to have excess iron in the blood, especially if very large amounts of blood are given. This can adversely affect certain organs, such as the liver and heart.
6. Psick graft-versus-host
Disease graft-versus-host It can occur as a result of white blood cells received from donor blood attacking body tissues, such as bone marrow, receiving blood. This complication can occur because the recipient of the blood has a weak immune system.
Blood transfusions can be useful as a treatment for a disease or to treat a life-threatening condition, but they also carry some risks. Even so, before deciding to recommend this action, doctors have considered the comparison of the benefits and risks of blood transfusions.
If you experience complaints after receiving a blood transfusion, such as fever or an allergic reaction occurs, consult a doctor so that an examination and treatment can be carried out.