What would happen if a person was given transfusion with pure water?

If a person were given a transfusion with pure water, it would have several detrimental effects on their health. Here's what would happen:

1. Hemodilution: Pure water lacks the essential components found in blood, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and proteins. When water is introduced into the bloodstream, it dilutes the concentration of these vital components, leading to a condition called hemodilution.

2. Electrolyte Imbalance: Electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, and chloride, play a crucial role in maintaining the proper balance of fluids and electrical signals in the body. Pure water lacks these electrolytes, disrupting the body's electrolyte balance. This can lead to several symptoms, including muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, confusion, and seizures.

3. Red Blood Cell Lysis: Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. When exposed to pure water, red blood cells undergo a process called hemolysis, where they burst and release their contents into the bloodstream. This can cause severe anemia, leading to fatigue, shortness of breath, pale skin, and impaired organ function.

4. Hypothermia: Pure water is typically at a lower temperature than the human body. When infused into the bloodstream, it can cause a rapid drop in body temperature, leading to hypothermia. Symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, confusion, drowsiness, slowed breathing, and decreased heart rate. If severe, hypothermia can be fatal.

5. Circulatory Overload: The sudden influx of fluid from the water transfusion can overload the circulatory system, putting strain on the heart and blood vessels. This can lead to increased blood pressure, fluid buildup in the lungs (pulmonary edema), and impaired heart function.

6. Brain Edema: The water may accumulate in the brain, causing brain edema. Brain edema can lead to increased intracranial pressure, which can cause a range of symptoms, including headaches, nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances, and altered mental status. In severe cases, brain edema can be life-threatening.

7. Organ Failure: The combined effects of hemodilution, electrolyte imbalance, red blood cell lysis, hypothermia, circulatory overload, and brain edema can lead to multiple organ failure. This can involve damage to the heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, and other vital organs.

Given the severe and potentially life-threatening consequences, transfusing a person with pure water is a medical emergency and should never be attempted. Transfusions should only be performed with compatible blood or other medically approved fluids and should be done under the supervision of qualified healthcare professionals.