ABO incompatibility with acute hemolytic transfusion reaction Save

Understanding ABO Incompatibility and Acute Hemolytic Transfusion Reaction

ABO incompatibility is a common cause of acute hemolytic transfusion reaction (AHTR) in patients receiving blood transfusions. This reaction occurs when the recipient's immune system recognizes the transfused red blood cells as foreign and mounts an attack against them.

Red blood cells have specific markers on their surface called antigens. The ABO blood group system consists of four main types of antigens: A, B, AB, and O. People with type A blood have A antigens on their red blood cells, people with type B blood have B antigens, people with type AB blood have both A and B antigens, and people with type O blood have neither A nor B antigens.

When a person receives a blood transfusion, it is important that the blood they receive is compatible with their own blood type. If a person with type A blood receives type B blood, their immune system will recognize the B antigens on the transfused red blood cells as foreign and attack them. This can lead to AHTR, which can be life-threatening.

Signs and symptoms of AHTR include fever, chills, back pain, nausea, vomiting, and dark urine. In severe cases, it can cause kidney failure, shock, and even death. It is important to recognize and treat AHTR as quickly as possible to prevent these complications.

1. Prevention: The best way to prevent ABO incompatibility and AHTR is to carefully match the recipient's blood type with the donor blood type before transfusion.
2. Treatment: If AHTR is suspected, the transfusion should be stopped immediately. The patient should be closely monitored and treated with medications to manage their symptoms. In severe cases, they may require hospitalization and supportive care.
3. Long-term effects: Patients who experience AHTR may be at higher risk for future transfusion reactions and may require special precautions during future transfusions.

In conclusion, ABO incompatibility is a common cause of AHTR in patients receiving blood transfusions. It is important to carefully match the recipient's blood type with the donor blood type to prevent this reaction. If AHTR is suspected, it should be treated quickly to prevent complications. Patients who experience AHTR may be at higher risk for future transfusion reactions and may require special precautions during future transfusions.