An elderly woman died just two days after receiving a routine blood transfusion, a court heard today.

Doris Brydon, of Longspring, Watford , suffered severe complications after the procedure, at Watford General Hospital, on Friday, January 22 this year.

Hatfield Coroner’s Court heard this morning how the 87-year-old, who was suffering from leukaemia and heart disease, had an “incredibly rare” reaction to a procedure that was intended to improve her condition.

Expert medical witnesses explained how her underlying medical conditions, including a pacemaker fitted to control her heartbeat, led to a “transfusion related circulatory overload” – a very rare condition affecting fewer than ten patients a year.

The results, the court heard, proved fatal.

Dr Branislav Czako, a haematologist based at Watford General Hospital, said the treatment was viewed as the patient’s best hope of overcoming a range of complications – some of which were linked to her ongoing cancer treatment.

Dr Edwin Massey, of the National Blood Service, which investigates similar incidents across the country, said that out of more than two million packets of blood transfused each year only ten resulted in complications.

Asked by Coroner Edward Thomas whether Mrs Brydon was a suitable candidate for a blood transfusion, despite an adverse reaction to an identical treatment months earlier, Dr Massey replied that it was the most appropriate form of treatment for the complications she was suffering at the time.

Mr Thomas, recording a narrative verdict, said he was satisfied with that explanation before extending his sympathies to her family.

He added: “Unfortunately she suffered a very rare complication. Only about ten people a year have these problems and not all of them die.”