Figure 2.
Onset of cardiorespiratory complications after transfusion requires direct action of the bedside physician. Clinical management is illustrated in this figure. ∗In addition to TRALI and TACO, other transfusion complications may exhibit cardiorespiratory symptoms. These include acute hemolysis (possible ABO incompatible transfusion), anaphylaxis, or bacterially contaminated components. Nontransfusion–related conditions include concurrent pulmonary embolism or myocardial infarction. ∗∗Signs or symptoms to look for are accompanying skin rash, stridor, hypotension or bronchospasm, absence of pulmonary crackles and other findings of pulmonary edema which may suggest a diagnosis other than TRALI or TACO.