Continuous renal replacement therapy and blood transfusions in treating patients with crush syndrome: 8 Case studies from the Wenchuan earthquake

Abstract

Objective: We analyzed the efficacy of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) combined with blood transfusion for patients with crush syndrome from an earthquake.

Methods: Eight patients with crush syndrome were included. CRRT were performed in six of eight patients with crush syndrome, and transfusion was performed in all eight patients. Routine blood tests, urea nitrogen, creatinine, blood coagulation function, electrolyte levels, and serum myoglobin were determined and analyzed.

Results: Two patients regained their health completely, four patients required amputation but recovered well, and two patients died. The total amount of red blood cells transfused in the eight cases was 521U (mean volume=68.25U). CRRT was performed 164 times in six patients (mean 27.33 times per person). The routine blood test results and coagulation and renal function parameters improved obviously (P<0.05) in the six surviving patients.

Conclusions: Sufficient blood transfusion and early dialysis treatment effectively improved the conditions of patients with crush syndrome.