What is a hemolytic reaction to blood transfusion?

A hemolytic reaction to blood transfusion is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when transfused blood destroys the recipient's red blood cells. This can happen when the donor and recipient have incompatible blood types, particularly when the donor's red blood cells have antigens that the recipient's immune system recognizes as foreign and attacks.

The immune system produces antibodies against these foreign antigens, which bind to and destroy the transfused red blood cells, leading to hemolysis (the breakdown of red blood cells). This process can cause a range of symptoms, including:

- Fever

- Chills

- Nausea

- Vomiting

- Low blood pressure

- Rapid heart rate

- Shortness of breath

- Confusion

- Dark or red urine

- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)

- Hemoglobinuria (hemoglobin in the urine)

In severe cases, a hemolytic reaction can lead to kidney failure, disseminated intravascular coagulation (a widespread clotting disorder), and even death.

To prevent hemolytic reactions, blood transfusions are carefully matched based on the ABO blood group and Rh factor compatibility between the donor and recipient. Blood banks perform rigorous testing to ensure that transfused blood is compatible with the recipient's blood type and that there are no unexpected antibodies that could lead to a reaction.

If a patient experiences symptoms during or shortly after a blood transfusion that suggest a hemolytic reaction, the transfusion should be stopped immediately, and the patient should be closely monitored and managed by healthcare professionals.