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Key Types of Blood Transfusion Reactions
May 4, 2025
Blood Transfusion Reactions
Mnemonic Overview
Mnemonic for remembering transfusion reactions:
"A fat nurse hemolyzed my labs."
Each part of the mnemonic stands for different types of transfusion reactions.
Types of Blood Transfusion Reactions
1. Allergic/Anaphylactic Transfusion Reaction
Mnemonic Component:
A (in A Fat Nurse)
Type:
Type 1 hypersensitivity reaction
Cause:
Reaction due to plasma proteins in blood
Symptoms:
Itching (pruritus)
Urticaria
Severe cases: respiratory depression, septic shock
Risk Factor:
Patients with IgA deficiency
Timing:
Occurs within 2-3 hours
2. Febrile Non-Hemolytic Transfusion Reaction
Mnemonic Component:
Fat Nurse (F for Febrile, N for Non-hemolytic)
Type:
Type 2 hypersensitivity reaction
Cause:
Host antibodies react against donor's white blood cells leading to cytokine accumulation
Symptoms:
Fever
Headache
Flushing
Key Factor:
Absence of hemolysis differentiates it from other reactions
3. Hemolytic Transfusion Reaction
Mnemonic Component:
H in Hemolyzed
Type:
Type 2 hypersensitivity reaction with intravascular and/or extravascular hemolysis
Cause:
Host antibodies react against donor's red blood cells
Symptoms:
Flank pain
Hemoglobinuria
Jaundice
Timing:
Occurs within 1 hour
4. Lung Injury Transfusion Reaction (Acute Lung Injury)
Mnemonic Component:
L in Labs
Cause:
Donor anti-leukocyte antibodies attack the recipient's lung endothelial cells
Symptoms:
Respiratory collapse
Pulmonary edema
Potential for right-sided heart failure in severe cases
Timing:
Occurs within 1-6 hours
Key Points to Remember
Each reaction is identified by specific symptoms and timing.
Mnemonic "A fat nurse hemolyzed my labs" helps to recall each reaction type.
Understanding the underlying immunological basis aids in identification and management of reactions.
Timing Importance
Knowing the timing helps in diagnosing the type of reaction but is less critical than recognizing symptoms and reaction types.
Final Tip
Keep the mnemonic in mind for quick recall during exams or practical situations involving blood transfusions.
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