Mr. T.K.

  • It is likely that Mr. Y.K. has suffered a TACO.
  • Transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO) is a volume overload resulting from impaired cardiac function and/or too rapid a rate of transfusion. Its overall incidence is 1 in 700, but the risk rises considerably in the perioperative setting or in patients with heart, lung or kidney failure.
  • Symptoms include dyspnea, hypoxemia, hypertension and tachycardia. In addition, jugular venous pressure is elevated and chest radiographs show bilateral cardiogenic pulmonary edema.
  • If TACO is suspected, the transfusion should be stopped and the IV line should be maintained with normal saline. In addition, supplemental oxygen and diuretics should be considered.
  • After stabilization of the patient, the transfusion may be restarted with increased vigilance at a reduced rate.
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