Immunological Transfusion Reactions

Immunological Transfusion Reactions

• Anaphylactic transfusion reaction occurs within seconds to minutes and is common in recipients who are IgA deficient.

• Symptoms include shock, respiratory distress, and angioedema; immediate cessation of transfusion and administration of epinephrine are critical.

• Prevention strategies involve using IgA deficient plasma and washed cellular blood components to minimize risk.

• Allergic or urticarial transfusion reactions manifest within 2 to 3 hours, triggered by recipient IgE antibodies against donor components.

• Presentation includes urticaria, flushing, and pruritus; management requires stopping the transfusion and administering IV fluids.

• Febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reactions can occur within 6 hours due to antibodies targeting donor white blood cells and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antigens.

• Common in patients who have received multiple transfusions and multiparous women, presenting with fever, chills, and potentially mild dyspnea.

• Treatment includes antihistamines and antipyretics; transfusion can be halted if symptoms escalate.

• Preventative measure includes utilizing leukoreduced products to minimize leukocyte exposure.

• Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) occurs 1 to 6 hours post transfusion, linked to anti-HLA type 2 antibodies in donor plasma that bind to recipient white blood cells, increasing capillary permeability.

• Characterized by hypoxia and non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema, with chest X-ray revealing bilateral interstitial infiltrates.

• Requires immediate transfusion cessation and supportive care for management.

This quiz covers the various immunological transfusion reactions, including their onset, mechanisms, presentations, and management strategies. Test your knowledge on specific reactions such as anaphylactic and allergic reactions, and understand how to prevent them effectively.