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  • Title: Is the "salvaged-cell syndrome" myth or reality?
    Author: Tawes RL, Duvall TB.
    Journal: Am J Surg; 1996 Aug; 172(2):172-4. PubMed ID: 8795524.
    Abstract:
    BACKGROUND: Intraoperative autotransfusion (IAT) has been implicated in anecdotal cases and experimental models to precipitate, aggravate, or exacerbate a coagulopathy. This study assesses this hypothesis. METHODS: A retrospective database review of over 36,000 multispecialty cases of IAT during an 18-year experience was conducted with special reference to the occurrence of coagulopathy (disseminated intravascular coagulation [DIC]) in association with adult respiratory syndrome (ARDS). RESULTS: The incidence of coagulopathy was low (0.05%). A total of 18 cases of DIC/ARDS were identified: 10 associated with ruptured aneurysms, 6 following massive trauma, and 2 after complex redo cardiac surgery. All 18 patients suffered shock and profound hypothermia. The mean transfusion requirement was 28 units. The mortality was 100%. CONCLUSION: Although some degree of bleeding and clotting disorders are not uncommon in major cases, in our experience coagulopathy occurs infrequently and is a result of a complex interaction of shock, hypothermia, and multiple transfusions. It is our contention that these factors trigger the DIC, not the autotransfusor, and that the ARDS results from reperfusion injury following a profound ischemic event, associated in many cases with multiorgan failure.
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