In my 27 years as a medical transcriptionist, I have only heard of this happening once or twice. Every patient that comes in as a trauma is immediately typed and crossed. What a mess! It's hard to say who or where or what, but it sounds as if somebody somewhere along the line was asleep at the wheel.
That being said, there are some people who have a similar paradoxical reaction to even compatible blood type when they receive transfusion. It's like organ rejection.
If your friend is otherwise healthy and is only 42, she will probably do well as it sounds like she is already making improvements. I'm not a doctor or nurse, but you learn a thing or two when you transcribe histories, physical exams, labs, operative reports, etc., for 27 years, so my comments are ONLY my opinion. Just tell her to do whatever her doctors NOW tell her to do and to stay on top of whatever blood work they have her continue to do long-term. Kidney function isn't something to mess around with, as I'm sure we all know.
Yeah, 6.9 hemoglobin is dangerously low. They'll probably transfuse her at least 2 units and probably boost her with iron supplements, though the iron may have to wait until her renal function improves. They'll be keeping a close watch on her BUN and creatinine to monitor her kidneys.
Best wishes & big warm hugs to you and your friend. Hope she recovers and goes home soon!
