Transfusion-Related Acute Lung Injury

Transfusion-related acute lung injury is a clinical syndrome that occurs within 6 hours of transfusion. It is the leading cause of transfusion-related mortality. It presents with shortness of breath, acute pulmonary edema, fever, hypotension, or hypertension followed by hypotension. Treatment consists of respiratory support and fluid administration to support blood pressure. A majority of cases are associated with antibodies to white blood cells in the blood donor. Blood centers in the United States are currently taking measures to reduce the risk of transfusion-related acute lung injury from blood components.