Febrile non-haemolytic transfusion reactions
- Due to cytokines or other biologically active molecules that accumlate during storage of blood components
- 10-30% after platelet transfusion, 1-2% after RBC transfusion
- Rise in temperature (\pm) rigors (\pm) tachycardia self-resolves
Transfusion Associated circulatory overload
- Raised BP (and associated symptoms) and JVP
- RF: patients with compromised left ventricular function or fluid balance problems
Acute haemolytic reaction
Antibodies against antigens of transfused RBCs type II hypersensitivity - most often ABO incompatibility. Fatal 20-30%
- Free haemoglobin can damage kidneys AKI, trigger coagulation cascade (\rightarrow) DIC
Delayed haemolytic reaction - Coomb’s Test
New IgG formed against RBC antigens other than ABO.
- 3-14 days following transfusion
- Fatigue Jaundice, (\downarrow) Hb, (\uparrow) LDH, (\uparrow) indirect bilirubin