Blood transfusion as a cause of leucocytosis in critically ill patients.

Fenwick, J C; Cameron, M; Naiman, S C; Haley, L P; Ronco, J J; Wiggs, B R; Tweeddale, M G · Lancet · 1994

prospective_cohort · Level II

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Abstract

The diagnosis of infection in the intensive care unit is confounded by the presence of non-infectious causes of leucocytosis. Unless such causes are recognised, time and effort will be spent on unnecessary investigations and treatments. In a prospective study we have shown that the transfusion of blood frequently (45/50 patients) causes an acute leucocytosis in such patients. This effect was not seen in 8 patients who received plasma. Blood transfusion should be added to the list of non-infectious causes of leucocytosis in the critically ill.

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