Question

A patient with Type AB- blood was transfused with A- donor blood. Although this transfusion should have been fine, the patient experienced an acute hemolytic reaction and suffered kidney failure. Discuss at least three possible errors that lead to this problem.

Answer 1

The hemolytic transfusion reactions occur within 24 hours after administration of blood (faulty blood group). This is usually associated with transfusion of incompatible RBCs.

• Delayed type hypersensetivity is produced due to donor RBCs.
• Additionally, hemolysis can also occur.
• The complement activation and phagocytosis by macrophages (of RBCs) can also occur.
• The damage to RBCs can also occur by IgG mediated K cell activation.
• The release of cytokines activate proinflammatory cascade.
• The kinin system activation along with fibrinolysis is associated with hemolytic transfusion reaction.