Transfusion reactions Flashcards
(12 cards)
What are the broad classifications of blood product transfusion complications?
Blood product transfusion complications may be classified into immunological, infective, transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI), transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO), and other complications.
What are the immunological complications of blood transfusion?
Immunological complications include acute haemolytic reactions, non-haemolytic febrile reactions, and allergic/anaphylaxis reactions.
What are the features and management of a non-haemolytic febrile reaction?
Features include fever and chills. Management involves slowing or stopping the transfusion, administering paracetamol, and monitoring the patient.
What causes minor allergic reactions during blood transfusion?
Minor allergic reactions are thought to be caused by foreign plasma proteins.
What are the symptoms and management of anaphylaxis during blood transfusion?
Symptoms include hypotension, dyspnoea, wheezing, and angioedema. Management involves stopping the transfusion, administering IM adrenaline, and providing ABC support, oxygen, and fluids.
What is an acute haemolytic reaction and its management?
Acute haemolytic reactions result from ABO-incompatible blood. Symptoms include fever, abdominal pain, and hypotension. Management includes stopping the transfusion, confirming diagnosis, and supportive care.
What are the symptoms and management of transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO)?
Symptoms include pulmonary oedema and hypertension. Management involves slowing or stopping the transfusion and considering intravenous loop diuretics and oxygen.
What is transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI)?
TRALI is characterized by hypoxia, pulmonary infiltrates on chest x-ray, fever, and hypotension. Management includes stopping the transfusion and providing oxygen and supportive care.
What are the risks of infectious complications in blood transfusions?
Infectious complications vary with different blood products due to storage conditions and duration. RBCs are at risk for viral agents, while platelets are at risk for bacterial contamination.
What pathogens are associated with Red Blood Cells (RBCs) and their clinical impact?
RBCs are primarily at risk for transmitting viral agents like HIV, HBV, and HCV. Clinical impact includes chronic disease states such as chronic hepatitis or AIDS.
What pathogens are associated with platelets and their clinical impact?
Platelets are at risk for bacterial contamination, particularly Staphylococcus epidermidis and Bacillus cereus. Clinical impact includes rapid onset of sepsis and septic shock.
What measures have been taken to minimize the risk of vCJD transmission via blood transfusion?
Measures include leucodepletion of donations, sourcing plasma derivatives from imported plasma, and excluding recipients of blood components from donating blood.
