title: Scratching the surface of allergic transfusion reactions.
abstract: Allergic transfusion reactions (ATRs) are a spectrum of hypersensitivity reactions that are the most common adverse reaction to platelets and plasma, occurring in up to 2% of transfusions. Despite the ubiquity of these reactions, little is known about their mechanism. In a small subset of severe reactions, specific antibody has been implicated as causal, although this mechanism does not explain all ATRs. Evidence suggests that donor, product, and recipient factors are involved, and it is possible that many ATRs are multifactorial. Further understanding of the mechanisms of ATRs is necessary so that rationally designed and cost-effective prevention measures can be developed.
authors.affiliation: Division of Transfusion Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. wjsavage@partners.org
authors.forename: William J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Savage
authors.forename: Aaron A R
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Tobian
authors.forename: Jessica H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Savage
authors.forename: Robert A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Wood
authors.forename: John T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Schroeder
authors.forename: Paul M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Ness
mesh_terms: D001787:Blood Group Incompatibility / Q000276:immunology*; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000276:immunology*; D001798:Blood Proteins / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000276:immunology*; D017713:Platelet Transfusion / Q000009:adverse effects; D065227:Transfusion Reaction
chemical_list: D001798:Blood Proteins