Table 2.

Nonexhaustive list of noninfectious risks related to blood transfusion

Condition	Notes
Immunologic mechanisms
Acute occurrence
•Allergic reactions	Different degrees of severity (mild febrile and chills, urticarial reactions, anaphylaxis); recipient antibodies to donor plasma proteins
•Hemloytic reactions	Red cell incompatibility (ABO/D blood groups), recipient irregular antibodies to donor erythrocytes antigens
•White blood cell incompatibility	Recipient antibodies against HLA antigenic system on donor white cells
•Transfusion-related lung injury (TRALI)	Severe and potentially lethal complication, transfusion of all blood components reported to be involved in TRALI (high level of specific antibodies in donor/donation involved)
Delayed occurrence
•Alloimunization	Antibodies anti-RBC and HLA antigens developed in patient, with impact on future administration of blood components
•Graft-versus-host disease	Severe but rare complication, donor antibodies (T lymphocytes) target recipient tissues, occurring in patients with immune deficiency
•Posttransfusion purpura	Recipient developing antiplatelet antibodies, with resulting thrombocytopenia
Nonimmunologic mechanisms
Acute occurrence
•Circulatory overload	Follows rapid or massive transfusion (large quantities of fluids)
•Hemolytic reactions	Related to storage length and quality of the transfused product
•Metabolic disturbances	Acute hypotensive reactions, hypothermia, metabolic alkalosis in massive transfusions, hyperkalemia, hypocalcemia
Delayed occurrence
•Iron overload	In patients subject to chronic transfusions (i.e., major thalassemia patients)
•Metabolic disturbances	Delayed hypoglycemia following exchange transfusion