For Patients/FamiliesGlossary of Terms |
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Exchange transfusion Exchange transfusion is usually done through an umbilical arterial and umbilical venous catheter. An exchange transfusion is done when the baby’s bilirubin level is dangerously high or when the baby has abnormally low levels of blood clotting factors. This procedure can be life saving, but it also carries with it chances of metabolic problems such as high potassium and low calcium in the blood. Other problems sometimes seen are bleeding and infection. The complication rate for a specific infant varies according to the child’s condition and the skill of the health care team. The quoted risk of death for this is usually about one percent. In my experience, the actual risk for most infants is less than one percent. |
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