what causes hemolysis of RBC's with CLL

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Home Health.

I have a patient who has CLL and has received MANY blood transfusions. The other night I infused 2 units and his H&H was MUCH lower AFTER the transfusion than before. I talked to the chemo doc and he said its like pouring the blood down the sink because his body keeps hemolysing it. What causes that and is there any treatment for it? I feel so sorry for him.

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Splenomegaly?? Just a guess but thats where I would start looking. Maybe the spleen is yanking out the RBCs as fast as you can put them back in. Anywho good luck on your research.

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If the doc thinks it's like pouring it down the drain, why are they bothering? Blood is in short supply and if it's not doing any good why give it?

Is there some other benefit?

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i'll bet my last dollar this pt has hemolytic anemia.

it's rather common for folks with cll...

and, i believe immunosuppression tx would be indicated (steroids).

could be wrong...

suppose i should check my sources before posting.:chuckle

leslie

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Home Health.

I was wondering why they keep giving him blood also. The CN said that he is asymptomatic and as long as he is somewhat "healthy" they will continue to give it. But they cant get it in him fast enough. They literally have a stack of cards (blood requests) about 2 inches thick on this patient. I was just wondering. Thanks for your replies.

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