Effect of cross-match on packed cell volume after transfusion of packed red blood cells in transfusion-naïve anemic cats.

BACKGROUND: Novel feline RBC antigens might contribute to decreased efficacy of RBC transfusion and increased incidence of acute transfusion reactions (ATR).

OBJECTIVES: To examine the effect of major cross-match in transfusion-naïve anemic cats on the incidence of acute immunologic transfusion reaction and transfusion efficacy for up to 24 hours after transfusion.

ANIMALS: Forty-eight client owned transfusion-naïve anemic cats.

METHODS: Prospective, randomized, controlled study. All transfusion-naïve cats receiving packed red blood cells (pRBC) transfusions from January 2016 to August 2017 were eligible for inclusion. Cats in the study group received cross-match and blood type compatible pRBCs and cats in the control group received noncross-matched blood type compatible pRBCs. Incidence of ATR and change in PCV after transfusion was recorded.

RESULTS: No significant difference in incidence of transfusion reactions between cross-matched and noncross-matched groups (CM+ 4/24; 17%, CM- 7/24; 29%, P = .16). No significant difference between groups in mean change in PCV after transfusion scaled to dose of pRBCs administered at any time point after transfusion (immediate: CM+ 0.62 ± 0.59, CM- 0.75 ± 0.48, P = .41; 1 hour: CM+ 0.60 ± 0.66, CM- 0.74 ± 0.53, P = .43; 12 hours: CM+ 0.70 ± 0.55, CM- 0.66 ± 0.60, P = .81; 24 hours: CM+ 0.64 ± 0.71, CM- 0.55 ± 0.48, P = .70).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Our results do not support use of the major cross-match test to increase efficacy of, and to decrease adverse events associated with, RBC transfusion in AB blood typed transfusion-naïve cats.