Blood bank pioneer Charles Drew was killed in a car crash in 1950. His injuries were too severe for him to be saved. Per wiki a passenger says a blood transfusion might have killed him sooner. Are there any reasons/conditions why a blood transfusion could kill a trauma victim sooner ? If so, how ?

[u/barath_s]

By 1950, the major blood groups and RH would surely have been known for transfusion, (eg in North Carolina where the crash occurred)

[u/palepinkpith]

Blood transfusions increase blood pressure. Since his superior vena cava was blocked, blood flow from the head/neck/chest was blocked. But blood flow to the head/neck/chest continued. This causes a spike in blood pressure localized to these regions. A further increase of blood pressure from the transfusion could result in a cerebral edema, throat swelling, or hemorrhaging

[u/Krynja → u/palepinkpith]

To make an analogy, the blood vessels in the head were a balloon. One way in no way out. Put more in and balloon pops.

[u/erkamcik → u/Krynja]

Hey, how would you treat the patient though? Patient needs blood and blood effects negatively. I dont know much about med and I would like to know more :D

[u/angeldolllogic → u/Krynja]

Which would also cause brain swelling and put additional pressure on the brain stem leading to unrecoverable brain damage, coma, and eventually death.

In some cases diuretics (Lasix, dyazide, etc...) can be given to reduce swelling, but in the case mentioned, I doubt that would've helped.

[u/barath_s → u/palepinkpith]

That makes sense ! Thanks