What is a transfusion reaction, and why does it happen?
What are its possible consequences?

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Define a transfusion reaction as an adverse response by the immune system to transfused blood or blood components that are incompatible with the recipient's blood type or contain foreign antigens.
2. Step 2: Explain that transfusion reactions happen because the recipient's immune system recognizes donor red blood cells or plasma proteins as foreign, triggering an immune response that can involve antibodies attacking the transfused cells.
3. Step 3: Describe the types of transfusion reactions, such as hemolytic reactions caused by ABO incompatibility, febrile non-hemolytic reactions due to immune response to donor leukocytes, and allergic reactions to plasma proteins.
4. Step 4: Outline the possible consequences of transfusion reactions, which can range from mild symptoms like fever, chills, and rash to severe complications such as hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells), kidney failure, shock, or even death.
5. Step 5: Emphasize the importance of proper blood typing, crossmatching, and monitoring during transfusion to prevent or quickly identify transfusion reactions.

Key Concepts

Transfusion Reaction

A transfusion reaction is an adverse response that occurs when a patient receives incompatible blood or blood products. It happens because the recipient's immune system recognizes donor blood cells or proteins as foreign and mounts an immune response, leading to symptoms ranging from mild fever to severe complications.

Causes of Transfusion Reactions

Transfusion reactions primarily occur due to blood type incompatibility, such as mismatched ABO or Rh antigens, or immune sensitization to donor leukocytes or plasma proteins. Other causes include bacterial contamination or allergic responses to transfused components.

Consequences of Transfusion Reactions

Possible consequences range from mild allergic reactions and fever to serious outcomes like hemolysis, kidney failure, shock, or even death. Prompt recognition and management are critical to prevent severe complications and ensure patient safety.