Hemolytic transfusion reactions (HTRs) occur when a person receives a blood transfusion with incompatible blood types. The reaction may be mild to severe and can be fatal. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of a hemolytic transfusion reaction, as well as how to prevent it.
What Causes a Hemolytic Transfusion Reaction?
Hemolytic transfusion reactions occur when a person receives a transfusion of red blood cells that are not compatible with their blood type. The incompatibility triggers an immune response in which the recipient’s body attacks and destroys the transfused red blood cells. The most common cause of this incompatibility is an incorrect blood type being given. Other causes can include clerical errors in labeling or mixing up the blood samples.
Signs and Symptoms of a Hemolytic Transfusion Reaction
The signs and symptoms of a hemolytic transfusion reaction can vary from mild to severe. Common signs and symptoms may include:
• Fever
• Chills
• Back pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Low blood pressure
• Rapid heart rate
• Dark urine
• Jaundice
• Shortness of breath
• Rash
In severe cases, a hemolytic transfusion reaction can cause kidney failure, seizures, shock, and death.
How to Prevent a Hemolytic Transfusion Reaction
The best way to prevent a hemolytic transfusion reaction is to ensure that the blood type of the donor and recipient are compatible. This is done by checking the blood type of the recipient and cross-matching it with the donor’s blood type. If the blood types are not compatible, the transfusion should not be given.
It is also important to take steps to ensure that clerical errors do not occur. This can be done by double-checking all labels and samples to ensure that they are correct.
Conclusion
Hemolytic transfusion reactions can be mild to severe and can be fatal. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of a hemolytic transfusion reaction and to take steps to prevent it. This can be done by ensuring that the blood type of the donor and recipient are compatible and by double-checking all labels and samples to avoid clerical errors.
