Sanders et al graded circulatory overload associated with transfusion therapy using a system modeled after the Common Toxicity Criteria (CTC) for adverse effects of cancer therapy. The authors are from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, University of Tennessee and McMaster University.
There should be evidence of positive fluid balance (fluid intake > fluid output).
Parameters:
(1) pulmonary findings
(2) peripheral findings (peripheral edema and/or increased blood pressure)
(3) therapy (other than discontinuing fluid administration)
Pulmonary Findings |
Peripheral Findings |
Therapy Required |
Grade |
none |
none |
none |
0 |
changes on chest X-ray only; asymptomatic |
none |
none |
1 |
mild symptoms |
mild |
none |
2 |
moderate symptoms |
moderate |
oxygen required |
3 |
life-threatening |
significant |
ventilatory support |
4 |
death |
NA |
NA |
5 |
Differential diagnosis:
(1) circulatory overload from other cause
(2) sudden decrease in cardiac function
Specialty: Clinical Laboratory
ICD-10: ,