Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 10, 2026

11:55
Induction of Alloantigen-specific Anergy in Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells by Alloantigen Stimulation with Co-stimulatory Signal Blockade
Published on: March 14, 2011
Blood transfusion complications: leukoagglutinin reactions
Obstetrics and Gynecology
|March 1, 1985
Summary
Blood transfusions can still cause fatal pulmonary disorders due to leukoagglutinins. This risk is higher in women who have given birth and individuals receiving multiple transfusions.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Pulmonology
- Immunology
Background:
- Early 20th-century blood transfusions carried significant risks.
- Advances in blood type compatibility have mitigated many transfusion hazards.
- Residual risks associated with blood transfusions persist.
Observation:
- A potentially fatal pulmonary disorder linked to blood transfusions is reported.
- The disorder involves a phenomenon known as leukoagglutinins.
- Increased risk is observed in parous women and patients with multiple transfusions.
Findings:
- Leukoagglutinins in blood transfusions can precipitate a severe pulmonary reaction.
- Specific patient populations, including parous women and those with a history of multiple transfusions, are at higher risk.
- This highlights a specific, yet serious, transfusion complication.
Implications:
- Clinicians should be aware of the risk of transfusion-related pulmonary disorders.
- Further research into leukoagglutinin-mediated reactions is warranted.
- Strategies to mitigate this risk in susceptible patients may be necessary.
Related Concept Videos
Blood Transfusion and Agglutination
Blood transfusion is a therapeutic measure to restore the blood volume after extensive blood loss due to an accident or a medical procedure. Blood transfusion involves drawing a certain amount of blood from a suitable donor and infusing it into the recipient.
History
The history of blood transfusion dates back to the 17th century, when early attempts were made in animals. In 1818 James Blundell, a British doctor, performed the first successful human blood transfusion. Later in 1900, Karl...
History
The history of blood transfusion dates back to the 17th century, when early attempts were made in animals. In 1818 James Blundell, a British doctor, performed the first successful human blood transfusion. Later in 1900, Karl...
The ABO Blood Group
The ABO blood group system is a critical element of transfusion medicine, essential for determining blood compatibility in transfusions and organ transplants. It is based on specific antigens, or agglutinogens, present on the surface of red blood cells (RBCs) and corresponding antibodies, or agglutinins, in the blood plasma.
Antigens in the ABO Blood Group System
Antigens are substances that can trigger an immune response, leading to the production of antibodies. In the ABO blood group system,...
Antigens in the ABO Blood Group System
Antigens are substances that can trigger an immune response, leading to the production of antibodies. In the ABO blood group system,...
Rh Blood Group
The Rhesus (Rh) antigen is crucial in determining blood groups and ensuring compatibility during blood transfusions.
Blood Typing
Understanding an individual's blood group is a critical component of transfusion medicine. It ensures compatibility in blood transfusions, organ transplants, and even during pregnancy. Determining these blood groups involves the ABO and Rh blood typing systems, utilizing specific antigens and corresponding anti-sera to identify an individual's blood type.
Antigens are protein molecules that reside on the surface of red blood cells (RBCs). The ABO and Rh blood typing systems target antigens A,...
Antigens are protein molecules that reside on the surface of red blood cells (RBCs). The ABO and Rh blood typing systems target antigens A,...
Blood Transfusion
Blood transfusion is a critical medical procedure that saves lives and treats various medical conditions. It involves transferring blood from a donor to a recipient. This process requires a thorough understanding of the ABO blood group system and its associated antigens and antibodies.
Blood Transfusion Overview
A blood transfusion is a medical procedure used to replace blood lost due to injury, surgery, or to treat conditions such as anemia or cancer. During a transfusion, donor blood is...
Blood Transfusion Overview
A blood transfusion is a medical procedure used to replace blood lost due to injury, surgery, or to treat conditions such as anemia or cancer. During a transfusion, donor blood is...
Hypersensitivity Reactions: Cytolytic Reactions
Type II hypersensitivity involves IgG and IgM antibodies targeting cell surface antigens, leading to cell destruction. This can occur through complement activation, antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), or acting as opsonins for phagocytosis. When excessive, these reactions cause significant tissue damage.Drug-induced hemolytic anemia is a common example, where drugs like penicillin or cephalosporins bind to red blood cells, forming drug-protein complexes. These complexes...

