The practice of diagnosing and reporting transfusion-associated circulatory overload: a national survey among physicians and haemovigilance officers.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims at identifying factors that disciplines consider when diagnosing and reporting transfusion-associated circulatory overload ('TACO'). BACKGROUND: TACO is a clinical diagnosis based mainly on subjective factors. Therefore, TACO could be an underreported complication of blood transfusion. METHODS: A survey was conducted among critical care physicians, anaesthesiologists, haematologists, transfusion medicine physicians and haemovigilance officers using case vignettes and a questionnaire. Factors that may affect diagnosing TACO were investigated using conjoint analysis. A positive B-coefficient indicates a positive preference for diagnosing TACO. Participants rated factors influencing reporting TACO on a 0- to 100-point scale. RESULTS: One hundred and seven surveys were returned (62%). Vignettes showed preferences in favour of diagnosing TACO with the onset of symptoms within 2 h [ß 0·4(-0·1-1·0)], positive fluid balance [ß 0·9(0·4-1·5)] and history of renal failure [ß 0·6(0·1-1·2)]. Compared with transfusion of a single unit of red blood cells (RBC), respondents showed a preference for diagnosing TACO following a single unit of solvent/detergent (S/D) plasma or pooled platelet concentrate (PPC) [ß 0·3(-0·2-0·7) resp. 0·5(-0·1-1·2)]. Multiple transfusion (6 RBC + 4 S/D plasma) was a strong preference for diagnosing TACO compared to 1 RBC and 1 S/D plasma [ß 0·3(-0·8-1·3)]. Respondents did not fully take into account new hypertension and tachycardia when reporting TACO [median 70 (IQR 50-80) resp. 60 (IQR 50-80)]. No differences were observed between disciplines involved. CONCLUSION: When diagnosing and reporting TACO, physicians and haemovigilance officers do consider known risk factors for TACO. Reporting could be improved by increasing the awareness of haemodynamic variables in future education programmes.

Transfusion-associated circulatory overload: A survey among Dutch intensive care fellows.

OBJECTIVES: Transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO) is a severe pulmonary transfusion reaction and leading cause of transfusion-related morbidity and mortality in Europe. TACO is of particular importance in critically ill patients, since they often receive blood transfusions and have multiple risk factors for TACO. This study investigates transfusion practices in patients at risk of developing TACO, and furthermore knowledge concerning risk factors, diagnoses and treatment strategies among Dutch intensive care unit (ICU) fellows. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An unannounced paper-based survey was conducted among Dutch ICU fellows during an educational conference. The survey consisted of 16 multiple and open choice questions. RESULTS: Of all 65 Dutch ICU fellows 56.8% completed the survey; of respondents 88.9% identified the correct constellation of symptoms for TACO. In total, 29.7% of the respondents are aware they are obligated to report TACO cases to the blood bank. Major risk factors for TACO that respondents identified were reduced left ventricular function, infusion volume and infusion rate. In a non-emergency setting, 45.9% of fellows start red blood cell transfusion with 2 units or more. Transfusion rates exceeded national guidelines in 15.4% of fictitious cases. TACO is treated with furosemide by 94.5% of the fellows, however goals of the therapy varied greatly. CONCLUSION: Dutch ICU fellows are knowledgeable of TACO symptoms, risk factors and treatment, however knowledge on reporting and transfusion practice in the setting of at risk patients for TACO should be improved.