Transfusion reaction

May occur in acute haemolytic transfusion reactions and brisk delayed haemolytic reactions as a result of haemoglobinuria. Additional complications due to sepsis and tissue hypoperfusion may occur.[50]Perrota PL, Snyder EL. Non-infectious complications of transfusion therapy. Blood Rev. 2001 Jun;15(6):69-83. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11409907?tool=bestpractice.com

Acute kidney injury

May occur as a result of volume overload from transfusion, severe allergic reaction (including anaphylaxis), or transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI).[50]Perrota PL, Snyder EL. Non-infectious complications of transfusion therapy. Blood Rev. 2001 Jun;15(6):69-83. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11409907?tool=bestpractice.com

Acute respiratory failure

Associated with large-volume transfusions. Can be avoided by warming blood components.[4]Laureano M, Khandelwal A, Yan M​. Canadian Blood Services. Clinical guide to transfusion: transfusion reactions (chapter 10). Oct 2022 [internet publication]. https://professionaleducation.blood.ca/en/transfusion/clinical-guide/transfusion-reactions [50]Perrota PL, Snyder EL. Non-infectious complications of transfusion therapy. Blood Rev. 2001 Jun;15(6):69-83. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11409907?tool=bestpractice.com

Hypothermia

May occur in the setting of post-transfusion purpura or DIC.

Assessment of thrombocytopenia

May result in patients who require repeated red-cell transfusions over a long period of time.[50]Perrota PL, Snyder EL. Non-infectious complications of transfusion therapy. Blood Rev. 2001 Jun;15(6):69-83. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11409907?tool=bestpractice.com

Haemochromatosis

May occur in any circumstances where perfusion is compromised.

May result from severe, progressive haemolytic transfusion reaction or sepsis.[3]Panch SR, Montemayor-Garcia C, Klein HG. Hemolytic transfusion reactions. N Engl J Med. 2019 Jul 11;381(2):150-62. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31291517?tool=bestpractice.com [50]Perrota PL, Snyder EL. Non-infectious complications of transfusion therapy. Blood Rev. 2001 Jun;15(6):69-83. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11409907?tool=bestpractice.com DIC is managed supportively with coagulation factor replacement when bleeding occurs, anticoagulation when thrombosis is predominant, antibiotics when indicated, and fluids and pressors as indicated.

Disseminated intravascular coagulation

May occur as a result of any complication associated with transfusion reaction, or of a transfusion reaction itself.