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Old Sun Jun 30, 2013, 10:24 AM
evansmom evansmom is offline
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 203
May I ask..........how do you know if the transfused blood is being haemolysed? When this happens is this what people mean when they say "transfusions stopped working"? Is haemolysis more likely to happen if the lab doesn't cross match properly? (In my case not detecting antibodies). Is it better to have fewer units of blood more often or more units less often or doesn't it matter?

Chirley,

Evan experienced massive hemolysis post BMT as a result of a side effect to his tacrolimus. No matter the cause, you will know you're hemolyzing because your urine will go from a normal pale yellow, to a darker, iced-tea colour. You can ask to have an LDH and haptoglobin level done. If you're hemolyzing, your LDH will be high and haptoglobin low or nil. Also, on a smear, the lab will report the presence of schistocytes, aka bitten cells, helmet cells (damaged red cells).
Hope this helps.

Take care.
__________________
Nicole, mom to Evan (20); diagnosed SAA November 2007, hATG mid-November 2007, no response after 6 months, unrelated 9/10 BMT June 2008, no GVH, health completely restored thanks to our beloved donor Bryan from Tennessee.

www.caringbridge.org/visit/evanmacneil
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