When reporting transfusion reactions: #TACO and #TRALI would always look to me as “find the 7 differences quiz” I used to play during my childhood. #blooducation

Generally, both of them appear as respiratory distress that is related to blood/ blood product transfusion. However, there are substantial differences in the pathophysiology and in the management approach.

Let's start with Transfustion-related acute lung injury,TRALI. The key cause of it is an underlying immunological component that drives a cascade of events.The antibodies could be anti-HLA or anti-neutrophil antibodies present in the donor plasma and unluckily transfused to the

TRALI is something uncommon with an incidence of 1: 12000-1:190000. This is because it occurs mostly In susceptible patients with a pre-existing endothelial injury, as in surgical, trauma & burn patients.

When these AB reach the recipient, it will initiate an inflammatory response that will result in: fever, initial neutropenia & respiratory distress.Think of it as the AB will attack the circulating neutrophils forming immunological complexes that will be trapped in the injured

On the other end, Transfusion-associated circulatory overload is something common, we see in 1% of the transfusions. Patients will typically have signs of respiratory distress along with volume overload. Not only > 70, but patients with cardiac problems or infants are at risk.

Others as heme-onc patients who receive multiple blood product support, chemotherapy, and non-blood fluids are at risk. Medical staff administering the blood should be aware of the signs and symptoms associated with these reactions

Getting blood from male donors & never pregnant ladies is one of the major steps in TRALI risk reduction. Individual assessment for #TACO is essential to minimize such a common reaction. @PBM_NHS has developed a great app that helps you assess your patients.

Also, stay tuned to the next @bloodbankguy episode to dive more into this exciting topic. #blooducation
You can also share your thoughts and experiences below in this thread @ChrisTormey3 @TZThompsonMD @HermelinMD @MaracajaDLV @KreuterMD @DianvanderwalDr @AABB @AShmooklerMD