The Prevention and Treatment of Renal Failure Following Transfusion Reactions

Renal shutdown is a most serious complication of transfusion reactions. Urine flow is a reliable indicator of renal function in patients during stress and should be considered a vital sign. When oliguria is observed resuscitative procedures, including mannitol infusion, should be applied promptly. Even when oliguria has been present for several hours and the signs of renal shutdown are present, mannitol is capable, in many instances, of restoring sufficient renal function to prevent the complications and mortality associated with oliguric renal failure. When oliguria persists, early transport to a Renal Center is indicated.