A Case Report and Literature Analysis of Allergic Blood Transfusion Reaction Suspected to Induce Kounis Syndrome and Cause Sudden Heart Rate Drop

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1671-2587.2025.01.012

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL TRANSFUSION AND LABORATORY MEDICINE ›› 2025, Vol. 27 ›› Issue (1): 83-88.DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1671-2587.2025.01.012

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A Case Report and Literature Analysis of Allergic Blood Transfusion Reaction Suspected to Induce Kounis Syndrome and Cause Sudden Heart Rate Drop

SHAO Ming¹, KONG Yongkui¹, LI Huijuan¹, TIAN Aihua¹, TIAN Wenliang², ZHOU Shuai³, ZHANG Qingqing⁴, YANG Qiankun¹

¹Department of Blood Transfusion, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052;
²Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University , Zhengzhou 450052;
³Department of cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University , Zhengzhou 450052;
⁴Department of Electrocardiography, Xihua County People's Hospital, Zhoukou 466600

Received:2024-11-16 Published:2025-02-25

Abstract

Abstract: Objective To explore the possibility of Kounis syndrome and its diagnosis and treatment strategies following allergic transfusion reaction. Methods A retrospective analysis was done of a patient who developed a severe allergic reaction after receiving blood transfusion. Results The patient experienced multiple allergic reactions and other transfusion-related events after receiving blood products containing plasma, manifested as systemic itching, altered mental status, blurred consciousness, and occasional chest tightness. After treatment with antihistamines and glucocorticoids, the condition improved. The most severe manifestation was sudden drop in heart rate, which was managed with vasoactive drugs and glucocorticoids, resulting in recovery after more than ten minutes. This was diagnosed as Kounis syndrome. Conclusion In cases of severe allergic transfusion reactions accompanied by cardiovascular symptoms, it is crucial to consider Kounis syndrome and a comprehensive cardiac evaluation is warranted to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.

Key words: Allergic, Transfusion reaction, Kounis syndrome, Sudden decrease in heart rate

CLC Number:

R457

SHAO Ming, KONG Yongkui, LI Huijuan, TIAN Aihua, TIAN Wenliang, ZHOU Shuai, ZHANG Qingqing, YANG Qiankun. A Case Report and Literature Analysis of Allergic Blood Transfusion Reaction Suspected to Induce Kounis Syndrome and Cause Sudden Heart Rate Drop[J]. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL TRANSFUSION AND LABORATORY MEDICINE, 2025, 27(1): 83-88.

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A Case Report and Literature Analysis of Allergic Blood Transfusion Reaction Suspected to Induce Kounis Syndrome and Cause Sudden Heart Rate Drop

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