The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Acute Haemolytic Transfusion Reaction

Severe haemolysis caused by blood-group incompatibility.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Acil Servis department. Book Appointment →

What is Acute Haemolytic Transfusion Reaction?

Acute haemolytic transfusion reaction is most often due to ABO incompatibility, where antibodies in recipient plasma cause intravascular destruction of donor erythrocytes.

Clinical features develop within minutes to hours and include fever, chills, back and chest pain, hypotension, dyspnoea, haemoglobinuria, jaundice and acute kidney injury; disseminated intravascular coagulation may develop.

Diagnosis includes free haemoglobin in plasma and urine, low haptoglobin, elevated indirect bilirubin and LDH, positive direct Coombs test and a recheck of the patient and unit identifications.

Symptoms

Fever and chills
Back and chest pain
Hypotension
Dyspnoea
Haemoglobinuria
Jaundice
Reduced urine output

Risk Factors

Patient identification error
Blood-product labelling error
Multiple transfusion history
Pregnancy history
Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia
Inadequate cross-match
Massive transfusion

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Sudden fever and pain during transfusion
  • Sudden drop in blood pressure
  • Severe dyspnoea
  • New back pain
  • Cola-coloured urine

Treatment Methods

01
Stop the transfusion immediately
02
Aggressive intravenous saline hydration
03
Maintain urine output above 100 mL/hour
04
Vasopressor support
05
Treatment of disseminated intravascular coagulation
06
Renal replacement therapy when necessary

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Acil Servis department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Acil Servis Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Heart Attack First Aid

Acil Servis

Quick recognition and an emergency call in a heart attack dramatically improve the chance of survival.

Stroke Symptoms and FAST Test

Acil Servis

The FAST (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) test is the most practical method for early detection of stroke.

Anaphylaxis (Anaphylactic Shock)

Acil Servis

Anaphylaxis is a severe systemic allergic reaction; epinephrine injection and 112 are the most critical initial interventions.

Respiratory Failure

Acil Servis

Respiratory failure is a life-threatening state characterized by low blood oxygen or rising carbon dioxide.

Poisoning First Aid

Acil Servis

In poisoning, identifying the correct substance and knowing when not to induce vomiting is critical.

Burn Treatment and First Aid

Acil Servis

Emergency treatment for burns varies by degree and extent, starting with cooling and extending to specialist care.

Head Trauma First Aid

Acil Servis

Regardless of the impact severity in head trauma, emergency neurological evaluation is mandatory if there is any change in consciousness.

Emergency Assessment of Chest Pain

Acil Servis

In a patient with chest pain, ECG and cardiac biomarkers rapidly help to distinguish heart attack and pulmonary embolism from other causes.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.