Transfusion-related acute lung injury management in a pediatric intensive care unit

Hippokratia 2011; 15(2):184-186

J. Dotis, S. Stabouli, A. Violaki, L. Vogiatzi, M. Mitroudi, M. Oikonomou, M. Athanassiou-Metaxa, M. Kotsiou

Abstract

Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) constitutes a life threatening complication of blood transfusion. In severe TRALI cases supportive care with mechanical ventilation in intensive care unit is needed. We present two severe TRALI cases caused by leukocyte depleted, ABO compatible, packed red blood cell transfusions, coming from multiparous women donors. In the first case diagnosis was based on clinical findings and established by the identification of leukocyte antibodies in donor’s unit and recipient’s serum and she deal with invasive mechanical ventilation. In the second case, diagnosis was based on clinical criteria and chest radiograph findings and non-invasive mechanical ventilation was used. Both cases were treated in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and they had a favorable outcome.