Acute lung injury as a complication of blood transfusion

Acute lung injury as a complication of blood transfusion (transfusion related acute lung injury) may occur a few hours following transfusion and is characterized by sudden respiratory distress, severe hypoxemia, fever and hypotension. The clinical picture develops rapidly and is severe, and the radiological findings mimic the adult type of respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Treatment is mainly supportive and includes corticosteroids. Despite the relatively good prognosis, fatalities have been described. The pathogenesis involves antileukocytic antibodies, usually of the donor but occasionally of the recipient. We describe a patient who developed such complication. Since blood transfusion is a routine procedure it is of utmost importance to draw the attention of physicians to this not uncommon and potentially fatal complication. Awareness will help to prevent it, and promote early diagnosis and treatment.