Transfusion Reactions

Question 1

what are transfusion reactions

Answer 1

Transfusion reactions are medical complications that arise after a blood transfusion

Question 2

for what conditions may tranfusions be needed

Answer 2

sickle cell

blood loss

haemophilia

anaemia

cancer

Question 3

what are the types of transfusions

Answer 3

plasma transfusion

red blood cell transfusion

platelet cell transfusion

Question 4

what is plasma transfusion for

Answer 4

severe burns, liver failure and serious infections

Question 5

what is red blood cell transfusion for

Answer 5

to increase iron, hemoglobin, and oxygen concentration in the blood

Question 6

what is platelet cell transfusion for

Answer 6

Platelets are crucial in stopping the bleeding process to prevent excessive blood loss. Medications used in the treatment of cancers like leukaemia are known to cause low platelet count. People with such conditions regularly need blood transfusions to increase their platelet count

Question 7

types of transfusion reactions

Answer 7

Acute hemolytic reactions. This can happen if there’s red blood cell damage before the transfusion due to heat or an imbalance in the cells.

Simple allergic reactions. This may happen if your blood is hypersensitive to protein in your donor’s blood.

Anaphylactic reactions. This is similar to a simple allergic reaction but is more severe.

Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI). Damage to the lungs occurs when your body reacts to your donor’s antibodies. Your immune system responds to the reaction by releasing chemical mediators that cause edema (swelling) in the lungs.

Delayed hemolytic reactions. This may happen when an antigen (toxin or foreign substance) gets reintroduced into your blood.

Transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO). This may happen when you get too much blood in the body.

Febrile non-hemolytic reactions. This may happen when your donor’s white blood cells produce cytokines (substances that work with the immune system).

Septic (bacteria contamination) reactions. This may happen if the blood is contaminated with bacteria or bacteria waste products.

Question 8

symptoms of transfusion reactions

Answer 8

Fever (hotness of the body) and chills
Dizziness 
Shortness of breath
Itching 
Hypothermia (low body temperature)
Back pain
Low blood pressure (hypotension)

Question 9

what conditions can be passed on through a transfusion

Answer 9

HIV, Hep B and C

Question 10

what to do in the scenario of a transfusion reaction

Answer 10

stopping the transfusion

taking an antihistamine to help treat an allergic reaction