Mechanisms of transfusion reactions

Question 1

What are the four main mechanisms of transfusion reactions?

Answer 1

1. Immune-mediated
2. Infections
3. Storage-related
4. Technical/Procedural

Question 2

What causes immune-mediated transfusion reactions?

Answer 2

Immunological differences between donor and recipient.

Question 3

What are examples of immune-mediated transfusion reactions?

Answer 3

• ABO incompatibility
• TA-GVHD (Transfusion-Associated Graft vs Host Disease)
• TRALI (Transfusion-Related Acute Lung Injury)

Question 4

What are common viral infections associated with transfusion?

Answer 4

• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C
• HIV
• CMV

Question 5

What are potential bacterial complications from transfusion?

Answer 5

• Contamination leading to:
  -Endotoxemia
  -Sepsis
  -Malaria, syphilis, brucellosis

Question 6

What is a major concern related to storage in transfusion?

Answer 6

Biological degeneration of stored blood products.