Blood transfusion reactions occur when certain molecules that are on the blood cells are incompatible with the person receiving the transfusion. The body rapidly recognizes these foreign cells and attempts to destroy them. The reaction may be mild or severe. It can lead to damage of the blood, blood vessels, kidneys, heart, skin, central nervous system, and lungs.
Causes of Blood-transfusion Reaction
Transfusion reactions develop when the blood cells being transfused are different that that of the person receiving them. The person receiving them has antibodies circulating in their blood against components of the blood cells that they are receiving. This leads to an immediate reaction of the antibodies with the abnormal blood cells.
Signs and Symptoms of Blood-transfusion Reaction
The type of symptoms that occur with transfusion reactions may be mild or severe. Less serious symptoms include chills, fever, backache or other aches and pains, hives and itching. More serious symptoms lead to hemolysis, or destruction of the abnormal blood cells. There is usually shortness of breath, severe headache, chest or back pain and blood in the urine.
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Medical Content Last Updated on 07/12/2008
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