Transfusion-associated noncardiogenic pulmonary edema. Report of a case and a warning regarding treatment

Although noncardiogenic pulmonary edema (NCPE) is a recognized complication of blood transfusion, the precise etiology is not well understood. NCPE may be secondary to complement-mediated pulmonary capillary injury initiated by either donor or recipient anti-leukocyte antibodies. It is not caused by simple volume overload. Recent blood banking texts and published case reports continue to suggest diuretics as part of the initial therapy for this complication. We report a case of transfusion-associated NCPE in which empirical diuretic therapy clearly was detrimental and suggest that the use of diuretics for treatment of this condition is not warranted. Reversal of progressive hypoxemia is the mainstay of therapy. Hemodynamic monitoring is important in differentiating NCPE from pulmonary edema secondary to cardiac failure or volume overload and should be used as a guide for further therapy.