Blood Transfusions & APS

[AnnieAxVale]

Anyone had one? What is the protocol with keeping you coagulated etc.. anyone know?

[laserlight]

Hi Annie

First stop is to check the Hughes Syndrome website for any info:

hughes-syndrome.org

As you'll undoubtedly be having your blood transfusion in hospital where your anticoagulation regime is known, there should be no problem. I expect you're thinking about your level of anticoag being 'diluted' by the new blood or plasma. If so, read this, disregarding the type of operation (eg you're not the world's first woman with a prostate, probably):

"Twelve resections of prostate and 1 extensive bladder tumour were performed in patients on long-term anticoagulation without withdrawal of warfarin therapy. The mean preoperative prothrombin index was 2.3. Four patients required blood transfusion. There were no major complications.

The effects of surgery and infusion of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) on the level of anticoagulation were monitored. FFP reduced the prothrombin index by 0.25/unit."

Source:

onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi...

Safe dreams, John.

[AnnieAxVale]

Thanks John.. but am not going in for an operation..

[Herb]

Yes, had them as emergency procedures. Plasma once and red blood twice.

Protocol for anticoagulation while having a transfusion probably depends on why you are having one, but I seem to remember I was told I couldn't be on it while I was having the transfusion. Dangerous or something?

[AnnieAxVale]

I have been really anaemic.. and it was looking likely that I was going to be taken in and given a transfusion.. luckily the urgent FBC etc came back more raised than previous one and it was not needed .. phew!

[Herb]

Good news. Do you have period problems, you can get a referral to gynecologist if it is making you anemic. Make sure you get hb checked every month. ferritin when hb low.

[AnnieAxVale]

yeah its all in hand.. scan (again - had one last year) and then take it from there.. possibly going on to long term heparin instead of warfarin, will discuss in London whether this would help with anaemia and heavy periods.. its my age.. nothing I can do to stop it..