Transfusion Reactions Flashcards
Acute Immune Reactions
Hemolytic Febrile, Non-Hemolytic Urticarial Anaphylactic Transfusion-Related Acute Lung Injury (TRALI)
Acute Non-Immune Reaction
Transfusion-Associated Bacterial Sepsis Hypotension associated with ACE inhibition Circulatory Overload Non-Immune Hemolysis Air Embolus Hypocalcemia Hypothermia
Delayed Immune Reaction
Alloimmunization, RBC antigens Hemolytic Alloimmunization, HLA antigens Graft-Vs-Host-Disease Post-Transfusion Purpura Immunomodulation
Delayed Non-Immune Reaction
Iron Overload (> 100 RBC units)
Acute Hemolytic Transfusion Reaction Causes
Causes: pre-formed Abs in recipient interact w/ transfused RBCs plasma containing high-titer ABO Abs Usually ABO incompatibility Occasionally Rh and Kidd Abs
Acute Hemolytic Transfusion Reaction Complement Activation
Complement activation:
RBCs coated with C3b are phagocytized by WBCs
MAC: intravascular hemolysis by production of C5
Acute Hemolytic Transfusion Reaction Symptoms
Fever, chills, hemoglobinuria, wheezing, chest pain, abdominal pain, oozing at surgical site during surgery, hypotension, bronchospasm
Acute Hemolytic Transfusion Reaction Coagulation Effects
Activation of intrinsic pathway by factor XII
Tissue factor activates extrinsic pathway causing DIC and hemorrhagic susceptibility
Activated Factor XII -> Bradykinin -> hypotension and shock
Acute Hemolytic Transfusion Reaction Cytokine Effects
Fever
Hypotension
Pro-coagulant activity of endothelial cells
Activation of neutrophils and platelets
Acute Hemolytic Transfusion Reaction Treatment
Hypotension: IV normal saline, avoid overhydration (use pressors)
Maintain open air way and heart rate
Maintain adequate renal blood flow through diuretics (furosemide)
Consumptive coagulopathy: platelets, FFP, cryo
Acute Hemolytic Transfusion Reaction Prevention
Proper patient ID (clerical error is most common AHTR cause)
Prevent human clerical error
Train staff to recognize AHTR and stop transfusion before critical volume of blood administered
No method is fool-proof
Febrile, Non-Hemolytic Reaction Characteristics
Most frequent adverse reaction
Temperature ≥ 1 C above 37 C
Usually benign but must distinguish between fever due to transfusion or other illness
Associated with chills, rigors, mild dyspnea
Febrile, Non-Hemolytic Reaction Causes
Abs in recipient against donor HLA Ags (lymphocytes, granulocytes, platelets) Previous alloimmunization (pregnancy, multiple transfusions) increase frequency/risk Cytokine release in recipient following Ab-Ag interaction
Febrile, Non-Hemolytic Reaction Treatment
Discontinue transfusion (reinstate if appropriate)
Antipyretics (acetaminophen) for fever
Meperidine for chills
Febrile, Non-Hemolytic Reaction Prevention
Transfuse leuko-reduced blood product
Transfuse platelets ≤ 3 days old when non-LR platelets available
Plasma removal
Pre-medicate recipient with antipyretics (acetaminophen)
Allergic Reactions Characteristics
Mild to severe
Mild: urticarial reactions
Severe: anaphylaxis (within minutes of transfusion) is seen more in platelet and plasma transfusions
Allergic Reactions Symptoms
NO FEVER
Skin: urticaria (flushing or rash), localized swelling (angioedema)
Respiratory: cough, hoarseness, stridor, wheezing, chest tightness/pain, dyspnea
Gastrointestinal tract: cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
Circulatory system: tachycardia, other arrhythmias, cardiac arrest
Allergic Reactions Causes
Interaction of donor plasma substance binding to IgE of mast cells -> activated mast cells release histamine
Anti-IgA Abs in recipients that are IgA deficient
Allergies to sterilizers, preservatives, coagulating components in drug products
Allergic Reactions Treatment
For mild symptoms:
Temporarily interrupt transfusion
Administer antihistamines (benadryl)
If symptoms resolve, transfusion may be resumed
For anaphylaxis:
Stop transfusion
Trendelenburg position (feet up in the air)
EPINEPHRINE
OXYGEN THERAPY
Intubation if significant upper respiratory obstruction
Vasopressors (dopamine)
Allergic Reactions Prevention
Mild symptoms:
Diphenhydramine 1 hour before transfusion
If premedication unsuccessful, then washed RBCs and platelets
For patients with anaphylaxis history or IgA deficiency with anti-IgA Abs:
Transfuse washed product or IgA-deficient products
Autologous units for patients with prior anaphylaxis