Septic shock from the administration of a bacterially contaminated platelet transfusion

Citation
Pe. Neff et al., Septic shock from the administration of a bacterially contaminated platelet transfusion, SOUTH MED J, 92(12), 1999, pp. 1194-1198
Citations number
24
Categorie Soggetti
General & Internal Medicine
Journal title
SOUTHERN MEDICAL JOURNAL
ISSN journal
00384348 → ACNP
Volume
92
Issue
12
Year of publication
1999
Pages
1194 - 1198
Database
ISI
SICI code
0038-4348(199912)92:12<1194:SSFTAO>2.0.ZU;2-7
Abstract
We report the case of a 6-year-old boy who began to have fever and hypotens ion during the administration of a platelet transfusion. Subsequent investi gation revealed the etiology to be bacterial contamination of the platelet product. Serratia marcescens was cultured from both the patient's blood and the platelet product. When fever and/or cardiorespiratory problems develop during the administration of blood products, possible bacterial contaminat ion of the product must be considered so that appropriate therapy can be in stituted. We discuss the etiology, possible preventive strategies, and the treatment of this problem.