Transfusion reaction

Transfusion reaction is a medical term referring to adverse effects that occur due to the transfusion of whole blood or blood components. These reactions can range from minor to severe and can even be life-threatening in some cases.

Types of Transfusion Reactions

There are several types of transfusion reactions, including:

• Hemolytic transfusion reactions: This is a severe reaction that occurs when the recipient's immune system destroys the donor blood cells. This can happen if the recipient receives the wrong type of blood.

• Allergic transfusion reactions: These reactions occur when the recipient's immune system reacts to allergens in the donor's blood. Symptoms can range from mild, such as hives, to severe, such as anaphylaxis.

• Febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reactions: This is a common reaction characterized by fever and chills. It's usually caused by antibodies in the recipient's blood reacting to donor white blood cells.

• Transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO): This reaction occurs when the volume of transfused blood is too much for the recipient's circulatory system to handle.

• Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI): This is a rare but serious reaction that can cause acute respiratory distress.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a transfusion reaction can vary depending on the type of reaction. They may include:

• Fever and chills
• Pain at the site of transfusion
• Dark urine
• Chest pain
• Trouble breathing
• Rapid heart rate

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of a transfusion reaction typically involves a physical examination, medical history, and various tests. These may include:

• Blood tests: To check for signs of hemolysis or other abnormalities.
• Urine tests: To check for hemoglobin, a sign of hemolysis.
• Chest X-ray: To check for signs of TACO or TRALI.

Treatment

Treatment for a transfusion reaction depends on the type and severity of the reaction. It may include:

• Stopping the transfusion
• Administering medications to treat symptoms
• Treating any underlying conditions that may have contributed to the reaction

Prevention

Prevention of transfusion reactions primarily involves careful matching of blood types and screening of donor blood. Other measures may include:

• Using leukocyte-reduced blood products
• Using irradiated blood products
• Pre-medicating the recipient with antipyretics or antihistamines

Transfusion reaction Resources
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