ABSTRACT
Introduction: Over the past 20 years, extensive research has been conducted on blood transfusion and the hazards arising from them, as well as on safest maximum storage duration for blood derivatives. Blood transfusion rates in patients with and-stage renal disease may have declined markedly after the discovery and use of erythropoietin in the mid-1980s, but is still remains a standard of care. Since several biochemical changes take place in stored blood, physicians should be alert when transfusing blood in end-stage renal disease patients, who are, theoretically at least, at higher risk of complications. Methods and Results: This study were designed to investigate changes in storer blood over time (every 10 days from 0 to 40 days). Changes in sodium, potassium, chloride, total calcium, lactate, pH, partial pressure of carbon dioxide, bicarbonate and hematocrit, as well as the degree of hemolysis, were recorded. The findings show a significant increase in potassium, lactate, partial pressure of carbon dioxide and hematocrit and a reduction in chloride, pH and bicarbonate. The serum levels of sodium initially increased (up to day 20) and then declined. Conclusions: In conclusion, stored blood undergoes significant changes, which can be life-threatening, especially + when the transfusions are massive or in patients with end-stage renal disease, who are more sensitive to significant K or acid overload.