Blood Transfusion, Know the Benefits and Risks

Healthy - Blood transfusions are done when the body lacks blood, for example due to injury or certain diseases. Although important to do, blood transfusions also have risks. Therefore, it is important to know what are the benefits and risks of blood transfusions.

When the body loses quite a lot of 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, a blood transfusion is needed to overcome it.

Blood transfusions are generally obtained from blood donated by healthy donors. Before blood from the donor is taken, the blood will be examined to make sure it is free from disease.

After that, the donated blood will be divided into red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets or blood platelets, and blood plasma. However, sometimes blood is also given in its entirety.

The blood transfusion process generally lasts 1-4 hours, depending on the composition of the blood received and the amount of blood needed. The blood transfusion process also needs to adjust the blood type and rhesus between the blood donor and recipient. 

Various Benefits of Blood Transfusion

Blood transfusions have a variety of benefits. This procedure is often needed to treat certain diseases or medical conditions, including:

1. Bleeding

People who experience heavy bleeding usually need a blood transfusion to replace the blood lost from the body. If he doesn't get additional fluids and blood immediately, he can experience complications in the form of shock, even death.

There are many conditions that can cause heavy bleeding and require blood transfusions, such as postpartum bleeding, heavy postoperative bleeding, serious injury or injury, and ruptured esophageal varices.

2. Anemia

Red blood cell transfusions are generally needed to treat severe anemia, either due to iron deficiency anemia or aplastic anemia. Anemia is a blood deficiency disease because the body lacks hemoglobin, which is a protein that functions to transport oxygen throughout the body.

Anemia sufferers will usually need a blood transfusion when their hemoglobin count is too low or less than 8 g/dL of bleeding.

3. Blood disorders

People with blood disorders, such as hemophilia, or patients who have had stem cell transplants are usually more prone to experiencing blood deficiency. Therefore, blood transfusions are often done to treat this condition.

4. Thalassemia

Thalassemia is a disorder that causes the hemoglobin in red blood cells to be destroyed more quickly, so they can't carry oxygen properly. Conditions caused by this genetic disorder will often make sufferers experience anemia.

To increase the inadequate blood intake, people with thalassemia usually require regular blood transfusions.

5. Infections and burns

Blood plasma transfusions are also needed as a treatment for people who have severe or extensive burns. In certain cases, blood transfusions also need to be done for patients with severe infections or sepsis because sufferers often experience anemia.

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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.

Therefore, blood transfusions will generally be carried out to meet the needs of blood in people with blood cancer (leukaemia).

7. Liver or kidney failure

Patients with severe liver dysfunction or liver failure are at high risk for bleeding disorders and anemia. To treat this condition, the doctor will give a blood transfusion. Blood disorders in patients with liver failure can usually be treated with a liver transplant.

Blood transfusions are also generally needed by people with severe kidney failure whose bodies can no longer produce enough red blood cells. This condition is usually due to kidney failure which causes the body to lack a blood-producing hormone called erythropoietin.

8. COVID-19

Various studies have so far also stated that administration of blood plasma from COVID-19 survivors can treat patients infected with the Corona virus, especially those experiencing 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 carry 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:

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 fever reaction after a blood transfusion can be dangerous if accompanied by other symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, or coma. this condition need to get medical treatment as soon as possible by a doctor.

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2. Allergies

People who receive blood transfusions may experience allergic reactions to certain proteins or substances in the donor's blood. Allergy symptoms that appear generally are skin that looks red, swollen, and itchy.

3. Infection

The 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 the presence of 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 unable to accurately detect the disease, so that the recipient of the blood could be infected with 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.

People who experience this condition can 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. Graft-versus-host disease

Graft-versus-host disease can occur when white blood cells received from a donor's blood attack the tissues of the body that receive the blood, such as the bone marrow. This complication can occur due to the blood recipient having a weak immune system.

Blood transfusions can be useful as a treatment for an illness or to treat a life-threatening condition, but the procedure can also carry some risks. Even so, before deciding to recommend this action, the doctor has considered the benefits and risks of blood transfusions for you.

If you experience complaints after receiving a blood transfusion, for example a fever or an allergic reaction, immediately consult a doctor so that appropriate examination and treatment can be carried out.