Post-tranfusion reaction

Post-transfusion side effects may occur during the administration of a blood transfusion. For this reason, before the actual blood transfusion takes place, a series of tests must be carried out, which would reverse any confusion, mistake or accident.

Mild post-transfusion reaction
It disappears after stopping the transfusion or simple treatment.

Moderate post-transfusion reaction
It will not disappear only after simple treatment, but at the same time it is not desirable to monitor vital functions.

Serious post-transfusion reaction
This reaction leads to malfunctions or, worse, to the failure of organ functions. It is necessary to monitor vital signs.

Acute haemolytic reaction
Intravascular breakdown of erythrocytes occurs. It arises within 24 hours after the start of the transfusion.

Causes

 * Immunological incompatibility between the blood of the donor and the recipient - most often when there is a mismatch of the AB0 system.

Symptoms

 * Fever,
 * shivering,
 * pain in the area of ​​the venous access, lumbar area, abdomen or chest,
 * hypotension,
 * tachycardia,
 * nausea or vomiting,
 * shortness of breath and then going into shock.

Febrile nonhaemolytic reaction
It manifests itself within 30 minutes to 2 hours after the start of the transfusion.

Causes

 * Transfused residual leukocytes - i.e. in people who have anti-leukocyte antibodies,
 * Transfused cytokines.

Symptoms
However, haemolysis, erythema or tachycardia do not occur.
 * Fever,
 * shivering,
 * chills.

Allergic reaction
It can happen immediately or later.

Causes

 * Plasma proteins against which the patient has antibodies,
 * an allergic reaction can also occur in patients who have anti-IgA antibodies.

Symptoms

 * Urticaria,
 * laryngospasm,
 * state of shock.

Post-transfusion reactions from circulatory overload
This complication occurs most often in patients with primary cardinal failure, as an example we can cite CHD - he manifestation is then acute cardial failure.

Smptoms

 * A feeling of heaviness in the chest,
 * cyanosis,
 * dry couch.
 * stuffiness,
 * increased filling of the jugular veins and symptoms of pulmonary edema will be found during the examination.

First Aid
Whether a post-transfusion reaction is suspected or discovered, the first aid is IMMEDIATE STOPPING THE TRANSFUSION. We immediately inform the doctor and he proceeds according to his office, most often from the beginning in the monitoring of vital functions, then according to the severity of the post-transfusion reaction.

Related Articles

 * Blood transfusion
 * Puerperium
 * Blood groups