Transfusion-Associated Hyperkalemic Cardiac Arrest (TAHCA)

 

The cardiac arrest is often associated with ventricular fibrillation.

 

Neonates and young children form the popularion for whom hyperkalemia is a concern.

 

Risk factors for TAHCA:

(1) rapid infusion of a large volume of red blood cells (typically in the setting of massive transfusion for massive hemorhage)

(2) low cardiac output

(3) acidosis

(4) hyperglycemia

(5) hypocalcemia

(6) hypothermia

(7) use of red blood cells products that have been stored for some time

(8) failure to check and correct electrolyte abnormalities

(9) blood infusion through a central line

(10) use of irradiated blood

(11) serum potassium above or near the upper limit of normal prior to transfusion