Septic shock from the administration of a bacterially contaminated platelet transfusion

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

1-1-1999

Journal

Southern Medical Journal

Volume

92

Issue

12

DOI

10.1097/00007611-199912000-00012

Abstract

We report the case of a 6-year-old boy who began to have fever and hypotension during the administration of a platelet transfusion. Subsequent investigation revealed the etiology to be bacterial contamination of the platelet product. Serratia marcescens was cultured from both the patient's blood and the platelet product. When fever and/or cardiorespiratory problems develop during the administration of blood products, possible bacterial contamination of the product must be considered so that appropriate therapy can be instituted. We discuss the etiology, possible preventive strategies, and the treatment of this problem.

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