Name of the Condition

• Transfusion Associated Circulatory Overload (TACO)

Summary

Transfusion associated circulatory overload is a condition that occurs when too much blood or other intravenous fluid is given too quickly during a transfusion, leading to excess fluid in the circulatory system. This can result in serious complications, particularly affecting the heart and lungs.

Causes

TACO is mainly caused by the administration of blood products at a rate or volume that exceeds the recipient's circulatory capacity, especially in patients who are already at risk for fluid overload.

Risk Factors

• Pre-existing heart or kidney conditions
• Elderly age
• Pediatric patients
• High transfusion volumes or rapid infusion rates

Symptoms

• Difficulty breathing (dyspnea)
• Cough or wheezing
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
• Pulmonary congestion or edema
• Jugular venous distension

Diagnosis

• Clinical assessment based on symptoms and history of recent transfusion
• Chest X-ray to detect pulmonary edema
• Echocardiogram or BNP measurements to assess heart function

Treatment Options

• Slowing down or stopping the transfusion
• Administering diuretics to remove excess fluid
• Oxygen therapy to aid breathing
• Close monitoring of vital signs and fluid status

Prognosis and Follow-Up

With prompt recognition and appropriate management, most patients recover without long-term complications. Regular follow-up may be needed to prevent recurrence in future transfusions.

Complications

• Acute pulmonary edema
• Heart failure exacerbation
• Increased risk of further cardiac events in susceptible individuals

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Careful calculation of transfusion volume tailored to the individual's size and current fluid status
• Monitoring during transfusion for early signs of overload
• Educating patients and caregivers about symptoms to watch for after a transfusion

When to Seek Professional Help

Seek immediate medical attention if experiencing severe breathing difficulty, rapid heart rate, or fainting post-transfusion.

Additional Resources

• American Association of Blood Banks (AABB)
• National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure accurate identification of TACO as a distinct transfusion complication using ICD code E87.71.
• Double-check patient records for recent transfusion events and related symptoms to avoid misclassification.