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Transfusion related acute lung injury: a pediatric perspective

Rosa Sanchez1, Pearl Toy

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of California-San Francisco, 505 Parnassus Street, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA. rsanchez@itsa.ucsf.edu

Pediatric Blood & Cancer
|April 27, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) is a critical risk in pediatric patients, particularly those with hematologic malignancy. Early recognition and reporting are vital for diagnosis and donor identification in transfusion-associated respiratory distress.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Hematology
  • Critical Care Medicine
  • Transfusion Medicine

Background:

  • Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) is the primary cause of mortality associated with blood transfusions.
  • While TRALI affects both children and adults, a comprehensive pediatric-focused review is lacking.
  • TRALI is increasingly recognized in pediatric populations, especially in those with hematologic malignancies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the existing literature on TRALI specifically from a pediatric perspective.
  • To highlight the incidence and characteristics of TRALI in children.
  • To emphasize the importance of considering TRALI in pediatric patients with acute respiratory complications post-transfusion.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive literature review was conducted focusing on pediatric TRALI cases.
  • Studies documenting TRALI in children across various diagnoses were analyzed.
  • The review synthesized findings on TRALI presentation, risk factors, and outcomes in pediatric patients.

Main Results:

  • TRALI has been documented in pediatric patients, with a notable prevalence in those with hematologic malignancy.
  • Cases of TRALI have been reported in children with diverse medical conditions.
  • The incidence of TRALI in the pediatric population may be significantly underestimated.

Conclusions:

  • TRALI should be a key consideration in the differential diagnosis for any pediatric patient developing acute lung injury (ALI) or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) shortly after a blood transfusion.
  • Prompt reporting of suspected TRALI cases to the blood bank is crucial for investigation and identification of the implicated donor.
  • Increased awareness and vigilance are necessary to accurately diagnose and manage TRALI in pediatric patients.

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