Acute Hemolytic Reactions

This reaction, which usually occurs during the first 5 to 15 minutes of the transfusion, results from ABO incompatibility.  Naturally occurring antibodies in the patient's plasma bind to red cell antigens and initiate intravascular destruction. The symptoms the patient will experience include fever, chills, pain in lower back and IV site, chest tightness, dyspnea, and a feeling of impending doom. They may develop shock, hematuria, hemoglobinemia, and disseminated intravascular coagulation with resultant renal failure.

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