Transfusion reactions Flashcards
What are the broad classifications of blood product transfusion complications?
Immunological, infective, transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI), transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO), and other complications.
What are the features and management of a non-haemolytic febrile reaction?
Features: Fever, chills. Management: Slow or stop the transfusion, administer paracetamol, and monitor.
What are the features and management of a minor allergic reaction?
Features: Pruritus, urticaria. Management: Temporarily stop the transfusion, administer antihistamine, and monitor.
What are the features and management of anaphylaxis during a transfusion?
Features: Hypotension, dyspnoea, wheezing, angioedema. Management: Stop the transfusion, administer IM adrenaline, provide ABC support, oxygen, and fluids.
What are the features and management of an acute haemolytic reaction?
Features: Fever, abdominal pain, hypotension. Management: Stop transfusion, confirm diagnosis, check patient identity, send blood for direct Coombs test, and provide supportive care.
What are the features and management of transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO)?
Features: Pulmonary oedema, hypertension. Management: Slow or stop transfusion, consider intravenous loop diuretic (e.g. furosemide) and oxygen.
What are the features and management of transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI)?
Features: Hypoxia, pulmonary infiltrates on chest x-ray, fever, hypotension. Management: Stop the transfusion, provide oxygen and supportive care.
What causes an acute haemolytic transfusion reaction?
It results from a mismatch of blood group (ABO) causing massive intravascular haemolysis, usually due to IgM-type antibodies.
What are the symptoms of an acute haemolytic transfusion reaction?
Symptoms include fever, abdominal and chest pain, agitation, and hypotension.
What is the management for a febrile non-haemolytic reaction?
Paracetamol may be given.
What are the symptoms of allergic reactions to blood transfusions?
Symptoms can range from urticaria to anaphylaxis with hypotension, dyspnoea, wheezing, and angioedema.
What is the clinical impact of bacterial contamination in platelets?
Bacterial contamination can lead to rapid onset of sepsis and septic shock.
What pathogens are primarily associated with Red Blood Cells (RBCs)?
RBCs are primarily at risk for transmitting viral agents such as HIV, HBV, and HCV.
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.
Blood product transfusion complications - features and mx
