Hemostasis Today
NewsFeed
Headlines Hematology Health Medicine VTE ASH Plasma Donation
October, 2026
October 2026
M T W T F S S
 1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
262728293031  
Augustina Isioma Ikusemoro: Understanding One of the Most Common and Preventable Transfusion Reactions
Augustina Isioma Ikusemoro/LinkedIn
May 23, 2026, 02:20

Augustina Isioma Ikusemoro: Understanding One of the Most Common and Preventable Transfusion Reactions

Augustina Isioma Ikusemoro, Hematology and Transfusion Medicine Specialist at Sharjah Blood Transfusion and Research Center, shared a post on LinkedIn:

“Too much blood can be just as dangerous as too little.

Not every transfusion complication is immune-mediated. Sometimes, the problem is simply… too much volume, too fast.

TACO (Transfusion-Associated Circulatory Overload) is one of the most common and preventable serious transfusion reactions — yet it is still under-recognized in clinical

practice.

What causes TACO?

When transfused volume exceeds the patient’s cardiovascular capacity to tolerate it.

Common triggers include:

  • Rapid transfusion rates
  • Large-volume transfusions
  • Multiple blood products in a short time
  • Poor assessment of cardiac or renal reserve

What happens pathophysiologically?

  • Excess intravascular volume
  • Increased hydrostatic pressure
  • Fluid shifts into the lungs
  • Pulmonary edema
  • Respiratory distress and hypoxemia

How does the patient present?

  • Sudden dyspnea
  • Tachypnea
  • Hypertension
  • Tachycardia
  • Raised JVP
  • Pulmonary crackles
  • Pink frothy sputum in severe cases

Who is at higher risk?

  • Elderly patients
  • Cardiac disease
  • Renal impairment
  • Neonates and pediatrics
  • Patients receiving large-volume or rapid transfusions

The most important message?

TACO is often preventable.

Slow the rate.

Assess the risk.

Calculate the volume.

Monitor closely.

Because in transfusion medicine:

We give blood — not volume.

Small volume. Slow rate. Close monitoring. Better outcomes.

-Signature of Blood Doki

Educate. Empower. Elevate.

Better Blood.

Better Care.

Better Outcomes.”

Augustina Isioma Ikusemoro: Understanding One of the Most Common and Preventable Transfusion Reactions

Find more posts featuring Augustina Isioma Ikusemoro on Hemostasis Today.

Augustina Isioma Ikusemoro Health Hematology Hemostasis Hemostasis News Hemostasis Today
NewsFeed