Key result
A relatively modest rapid blood transfusion resulted in acute hyperkalaemia and a 'near-miss' cardiac arrest in a single patient.
Case Report (n=1)
Highlights the risk of acute hyperkalaemia and cardiac arrest even with modest volumes of rapid blood transfusion, emphasizing the need for high clinical suspicion.
May prompt potassium vigilance during rapid transfusion; single case leaves open incidence and risk factors.
A case is presented in which a relatively modest blood transfusion resulted in acute hyperkalaemia with a 'near-miss' cardiac arrest. While transfusion-related hyperkalaemia usually occurs in association with massive transfusions, several factors may have increased the risk of such an acute reaction. A high index of suspicion is required, especially in patients with risk factors. Anaesthetists should not be lulled into a false sense of security simply because modest volumes of blood are being transfused.
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Carvalho et al. (1999) conducted a case report in Hyperkalaemic cardiac arrest (n=1). Rapid blood transfusion was evaluated on Acute hyperkalaemia with a 'near-miss' cardiac arrest. A relatively modest rapid blood transfusion resulted in acute hyperkalaemia and a 'near-miss' cardiac arrest in a single patient.