Blood transfusion: friend or foe.
The effectiveness of transfusions is often compromised by adverse reactions. Common transfusion reactions (hemolytic transfusion reactions, transfusion-related acute lung injury, transfusion-associated circulatory overload, transfusion-related immunomodulation) are reviewed, including pathogenesis, clinical and laboratory manifestations, and treatment. In addition, artificial blood substitutes are discussed as a way to mitigate the risk of transfusion-related morbidity and mortality.
Surgical Critical Care Services, Washington Hospital Center, 110 Irving St, NW, 4B-42, Washington, DC 20010, USA. ekatz02@yahoo.com
Elizabeth A
EA
Katz
D004496:Education, Continuing; D006801:Humans; D065227:Transfusion Reaction