With a first-of-its-kind procedure in SEHA care facilities. The network supplied washed platelets to resolve a patient’s very low platelet count who reacted with an anaphylactic shock to platelets transfusion

Abu Dhabi,16 May 2021:  Abu Dhabi Health Services Company, (SEHA), the UAE’s largest healthcare network, provided washed platelets to a patient with very low platelets count who experienced an anaphylactic shock when transfused with platelets. An anaphylactic shock is a sudden and severe allergic reaction characterized by a marked drop in blood pressure, shortness of breath, and a significant decrease in oxygen saturation. 

The washing of platelets provided by donors, a procedure performed by Abu Dhabi Blood Bank Services (ADBBS), removes the plasma and proteins from blood products significantly reducing the risk of allergic transfusion reactions.

Dr. Saad Muhallab, Medical Director, ADBBS – Al Ain, said: “Five minutes following the start of platelets transfusion, which is required to treat his pre-existing condition, the patient presented with symptoms consistent with an anaphylactic reaction. This extremely rare reaction is caused by the presence of antibodies to a protein that is deficient in the patient’s blood due to hereditary causes. Patients who react like this to platelets transfusion must only be given washed platelets free from plasma containing proteins to caveat a reoccurrence.”

Experts at ADBBS – Al Ain quickly jumped into action, adopting a new protocol for washing of blood platelets provided by donors and administering them to the patient in record time, to which the patient responded well. Following the procedure, the patient’s platelet count returned to the optimal range without causing any further reactions or symptoms. 

“To ensure we meet this patient’s and others acute and ongoing demand for platelet transfusions, ADBBS has now adopted a platelet washing protocol, which requires two and a half hours for preparation. With the appropriate expertise and a validated protocol in place, we catered for the patient’s daily needs of washed platelets for two weeks and will be able to quickly react to any future cases of similar reactions,” added Dr. Muhallab.

ADBBS was established in 2020 and is overseen by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DOH) and managed by SEHA. Operating within a network of blood donation centers located in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra regions, ADBBS provides blood products and transfusion-related medical services across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi..

By collaborating with the relevant authorities, stakeholders, hospitals, clinicians, and volunteer blood donors, ADBBS is an active and integral contributor to Abu Dhabi’s healthcare system, ensuring quality that adheres to international and local standards of excellence, established by the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB), the UAE Federal Regulation of Blood Transfusion, and the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi.