Transfusion-related acute lung injury: clinical features and diagnostic dilemmas.
Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) is recognized as the number-one cause of transfusion-associated death in the United States. Although TRALI was not designated as the number-one cause until 2004, respiratory-related symptoms associated with blood transfusion have been reported for decades. More recently, our understanding of the pathophysiology and clinical significance of TRALI has advanced significantly, and great efforts are being implemented for patient safety. This article reviews the background, history, definitions, clinical features, and pathophysiology of TRALI. It also discusses some of the difficulties in diagnosing TRALI, compares some of the important components in the differential diagnosis, and describes some of the efforts being implemented for patient safety.
Clark
Christopher T
CT
Department of Pathology, The University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine, 1924 Alcoa Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37920, USA.
D001803:Blood Transfusion / Q000401:mortality / Q000451:nursing*; D006801:Humans; D055370:Lung Injury / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control*; D054555:National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (U.S.); D009732:Nursing Care / Q000592:standards*; D065227:Transfusion Reaction; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology