Upper-extremity deep venous thrombosis complicating whole-blood donation.

BACKGROUND

Up to 36 percent of blood donors may experience a donation-related complication. Fatigue, bruises, hematomas, and vasovagal reactions comprise the great majority of donor reactions and injuries. Serious complications are rare.

CASE REPORT: A 20-year-old female taking the third-generation oral contraceptive desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol and ethinyl estradiol (Mircette) developed bruising and increased pain and swelling of her right arm over a 5-day period after whole-blood donation. She was a first-time donor and the venipuncture was reported as being mildly traumatic. There was no personal or family history of thrombosis.

RESULTS

Ultrasound examination of her upper extremity revealed the presence of a deep venous thrombosis that required treatment with enoxaparin sodium for 5 days and warfarin for 6 months. Evaluation for thrombophilia was negative. The only risk factor for thrombosis was use of oral contraceptives.

CONCLUSION

Although serious complications from whole-blood donation are rare, they may occur. Deep venous thrombosis should be considered in a donor presenting with increasing pain and swelling after blood donation.