From the Guidelines
Hemolytic transfusion reactions (HTRs) are primarily caused by the immune system's response to incompatible blood components, leading to the destruction of red blood cells. This reaction can occur due to the presence of alloantibodies in the recipient's blood, which are formed in response to previous transfusions or pregnancies 1. The immune system recognizes the transfused red blood cells as foreign and mounts an immune response, resulting in their destruction. Key factors that contribute to the risk of HTRs include:
- The presence of alloantibodies in the recipient's blood
- The availability of antigen-negative blood for transfusion
- A history of multiple or life-threatening delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions (DHTRs)
- The mechanisms responsible for red cell clearance after incompatible transfusion against different red cell antigens 1. It is essential to note that HTRs can be acute or delayed, and their management requires careful monitoring and supportive care to prevent fatal outcomes 1. Prevention of HTRs involves careful cross-matching of blood components, proper patient identification, and slow initial transfusion rates with close monitoring during the first 15 minutes when most severe reactions occur 1.
From the Research
Causes of Hemolytic Transfusion Reaction (HTR)
- A hemolytic transfusion reaction (HTR) is an adverse reaction to the transfused unit, which can be immediate or delayed, and immune or nonimmune in nature 2.
- The majority of reactions that occur during blood transfusion are stimulated when the recipient receives antigen from donor blood to which he has developed antibody 3.
- Transfusion reactions can be caused by the mismatching of blood, transmission of diseases, or other factors such as the presence of leukocytes in blood products 4, 5.
- Immune reactions, including hemolytic transfusion reactions, can occur when the recipient's immune system responds to the transfused blood components 2, 3.