1. Home
2. Blogs

Blood Transfusion Reactions: Risks and Complications

• 
• 
• 
• 0
• 0

Blood transfusion is a critical medical procedure used for replacing lost blood after an injury or surgery. The procedure is mostly used for treating certain medical conditions, such as anaemia, bleeding disorders, cancer, and autoimmune conditions. While blood transfusions can be life-saving, they carry some risks. Patients may experience allergic reactions, fever, and even severe complications like blood-borne infections. Read on to learn what are blood transfusion reactions and the potential risks and reactions associated with them.

What are blood transfusion reactions?

Blood transfusion reactions are adverse responses that occur when a person receives a blood transfusion. The following are some key points to keep in mind:

• While some blood transfusion reactions are mild, others can be severe and may require immediate medical attention.

• The reactions occur when the body responds to the transfused blood and its components, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma.

• Blood transfusion reactions can happen during or after the transfusion due to factors like immune responses and contamination.

What are the risks involved in blood transfusion reactions?

Blood transfusions are generally safe and life-saving. However, like any medical procedure, they carry certain risks. The following are some common risks involved in blood transfusion reactions —

1. Allergic reactions

Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to the blood received during transfusion, even when the correct blood type is given to them. These reactions mostly happen if the receiver’s blood is hypersensitive to the protein in the donor’s blood. Some common symptoms of mild allergic reactions are rash, itching, and hives.

In rare cases, individuals may experience severe reactions (anaphylaxis), which can cause difficulty breathing, swelling of the face and throat, and a rapid drop in blood pressure. Such patients require immediate medical attention.

2. Fever and chills

Fever after blood transfusion is not a serious concern. Some individuals develop fever due to their body’s reaction to the white blood cells present in the transfused blood. However, if the patient also experiences other symptoms like nausea, chills, shortness of breath, and chest pain, it may indicate a more severe reaction. In such cases, it is important to consult the doctor without delay.

3. Acute immune haemolytic reaction

This is a rare but severe response in which the patient’s immune system attacks the transfused red blood cells. This attack leads to the release of substances that damage the kidneys. Acute immune haemolytic reaction usually occurs when the donor’s blood is not a proper match for the patient’s blood type. Some common symptoms of this type of allergic reaction are fever, chills, nausea, pain in the chest and lower back, and dark urine.

4. Blood-borne infections

Although donated blood is thoroughly screened and tested for various microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria, and parasites, there can be instances when these microorganisms could infect a patient after a transfusion. However, these infections are quite rare.

For instance, the likelihood of contracting hepatitis B from donated blood is about 1 in 3,00,000, while the risk of HIV from a blood transfusion is 1 in 2 million.

5. Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI)

This is the risk of lung injury due to the antibodies present in the donor’s blood. These antibodies can cause an immune reaction in the recipient’s lungs, leading to inflammation and capillary leakage. In severe cases, TRALI can lead to acute respiratory failure, requiring mechanical ventilation to support breathing. Although the condition is often reversible with prompt medical attention, it can be life-threatening, especially in older patients or those with compromised health.

6. Transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO)

This risk happens when a patient receives too much blood too quickly. TACO can overwhelm the circulatory system and lead to pulmonary oedema (fluid in the lungs), shortness of breath, and heart failure. The risk is more common among the elderly, people with pre-existing heart and kidney diseases, and those receiving large or rapid transfusions. TACO can cause chest pain and difficulty breathing.

7. Septic reactions

These reactions from blood transfusions occur when blood becomes contaminated with bacteria or bacterial waste products during collection, processing, and storage. When transfused, the bacteria or their toxins enter the recipient’s bloodstream, triggering a systemic or body-wide infection. This can cause symptoms such as fever, chills, shock, and low blood pressure.

What are the complications involved in blood transfusion reactions?

Blood transfusions have certain long-term or severe outcomes that can occur as a consequence of a reaction. These can be severe and may require timely medical intervention. The following are some complications of blood transfusion reactions —

1. Organ damage

Blood transfusion reactions can harm major organs in the body.

• Kidney damage

Haemolytic reactions can cause severe kidney damage. This happens due to the release of haemoglobin into the bloodstream from the destroyed red blood cells.

• Lung damage

Another complication of blood transfusion reaction is transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI). This is a rare yet severe condition that can cause significant lung damage and respiratory distress. It happens due to the antibodies in the donor’s blood, particularly from the donor’s white blood cells.

2. Iron overload

Repeated blood transfusions, especially in individuals with chronic conditions like anaemia, can lead to iron accumulation in the body. This can damage organs, such as the heart, liver, and pancreas.

3. Sepsis or bacterial infection

Although sepsis and infections due to blood transfusion are rare due to rigorous screening and testing, they are a significant concern. Blood transfusions carry a small but potential risk of transmitting infections, which can lead to sepsis, a life-threatening condition. The condition can cause widespread damage to the tissues and organs in your body. It can also cause fever and chills, low blood pressure, increased heart rate, and respiratory distress.

4. Shock

Severe reactions like anaphylaxis or haemolytic reactions can lead to shock. This occurs due to a drastic drop in blood pressure, which prevents the body’s organs and tissues from receiving adequate oxygen and nutrients. The lack of oxygenated blood can lead to organ dysfunction and organ failure if left untreated.

5. Death

In extreme cases, complications from blood transfusion reactions, such as severe TRALI or haemolysis, can lead to fatal outcomes. TRALI causes respiratory failure due to lung damage, and this can result in organ failure or death if not treated quickly. Haemolysis from an ABO mismatch or other incompatibility can damage organs, particularly the kidneys, and may lead to shock and multi-organ failure.

Conclusion

To sum up, most blood transfusion reactions arise from immune responses, allergic reactions, and blood contamination. These reactions can vary in severity, ranging from mild fever and rash to life-threatening conditions like anaphylaxis, TRALI, or shock. While healthcare practitioners take all necessary precautions to minimise the risk of blood transfusion reactions, the possibility of a reaction cannot be entirely ruled out. Therefore, it is important to stay covered under a health insurance policy and critical illness insurance. If there is a medical emergency, these insurance policies can help cover medical expenses and ease your worries.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

RELATED ARTICLES

Top Benefits of Donating Blood: How You Can Make a Difference

5 Myths about Blood Donation – Debunked

The Silent Threat: 7 Ways How High Blood Pressure Kills You Slowly

Choose the Right Insurance Plan Onlines

What is a Comprehensive Health Insurance?

---

• 
• 
• 
•