Complications of blood transfusion

Question 1

How are the complications of a transfusion divided?

Answer 1

Immunological vs non immunological

Question 2

What are some immunological complications of a blood transfusion?

Answer 2

ABO mismatch/mismatch
Delayed haemolytic transfusion reactions
Transfusion related acute lung injury (TRALI)
Anaphylaxis
Non-haemolytic febrile transfusion reactions

Question 3

What are some non-immunological complications?

Answer 3

Transfusion associated circulatory overload (TACO)
Transmission of infection

Question 4

What is the difference between TACO and TRALI?

Answer 4

TRALI doesn’t have peripheral oedema unlike TACO

Question 5

When is a transfusion reaction considered mild and can be restarted without senior review?

Answer 5

Isolated temperature >38 degrees and rise of 1-2 degrees and/or
Pruritis/rash only

Question 6

What are the signs and symptoms of ABO incompatibility?

Answer 6

Due to destruction of RBCs by IgM antibodies:
- Fever
- Abdominal pain
- Hypotension

Question 7

What are the clinical features of a haemolytic reaction?

Answer 7