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Home » Consumer Information » Medical Malpractice

Blood Transfusion Reaction

A blood transfusion reaction is a disorder by which the body's immune system refuses to accept the foreign blood cells or other components of the blood. The immunity response instinctively provides protection from objects that could harm the body. Substances known as antigens initiate the production of antibodies. Antibodies cling to certain antigens and help disable them. Then, sensitized lymphocytes target and destroy antigens.

The human immune system can differentiate its own blood cells from other cells. The surface of red blood cells is populated by a number of proteins that are recognized by the body as antigens. In 1900, German pathologist Karl Landsteiner established two of these antigens as A and B. From that day forth, blood has been categorized based on the presence of antigens as:

  • Type A -- antigen A
  • Type B -- antigen B
  • Type AB -- antigens A and B
  • Type O -- neither antigen

Antibodies that combat the opposing antigen can be found in blood plasma, making it impossible for two different blood types to coexist. For instance, someone with Type A blood cannot receive a transfusion from someone with Type B because the Type A antibodies fight the Type B antigen.

Signs and symptoms of blood transfusion reaction

Symptoms resulting from a blood transfusion normally show up in minimal time following the procedure. However in rare cases, they may not be noticeable for days in what is called a delayed reaction. Common symptoms include:

  • Fever
  • Cold spells
  • Rash
  • Back discomfort
  • Blood-contaminated urine
  • Vertigo

These effects may eventually worsen and become kidney failure, delayed anemia, or shock.

Blood transfusion reaction may also affect the accuracy of these tests:

  • RBC count
  • Hemoglobin (including serum)
  • Hematocrit
  • Haptoglobin
  • Fibrin degradation products
  • Coombs' tests (direct and indirect)
  • CBC
  • Bilirubin

Care and treatment

The purpose of treatment is to prevent the severe effects of a reaction from happening or to curb these effects if they are already full blown. If any adverse effects are displayed during the transfusion, it is stopped immediately. Blood samples are subsequently taken from the recipient of the blood as well as from the blood supply to verify whether the effects were indeed caused by transfusion reaction.

Mild symptoms may be treated individually. For example, this brief list contains symptoms paired up with possible remedies:

  • Itching and rash -- antihistamine (e.g., diphenhydramine)
  • Fever and pain -- acetaminophen
  • Immune system response -- corticosteroid (e.g., prednisone, dexamethasone) used to limit immune system's fight mechanism
  • Kidney failure and shock -- IV containing fluids and other medication

Each patient's outlook differs based on the level of the reaction; it may subside with no additional problems, or it could increase to the point that it becomes life-threatening. Possible deadly complications include:

  • Anemia
  • Acute kidney failure
  • Shock
  • Lung dysfunction

If you believe you are a victim of blood transfusion reaction caused by the negligence of a medical professional, it is your right to contact a lawyer for advice on filing a medical malpractice claim.