Categories: Hematology/Oncology

Why can a Massive Blood Transfusion cause Hypocalcemia?

The preservative contains citrate (as an anticoagulant) which binds the ionized serum calcium, causing Hypocalcemia. [1]

References

1. Schmitt HJ, Götz E. Metabolic disorders caused by blood transfusions. Infusionstherapie. 1988 Dec;15(6):254-60.

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Dr. C Humphreys

Internal Medicine

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