Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) after fresh frozen plasma in a patient with coagulopathy

Transfusion-related acute long injury (TRALI) is due to specific antigen-antibody reaction involving the donor's leucocyte or granulocyte antibodies towards the recipient's antigens. Aggregation in small pulmonary vessels occurs, leading to derangement of permeability.

TRALI after transfusion of four units of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) for factor V deficiency prior to elective cholecystectomy is presented. Within a few minutes after the third unit of FFP a florid pulmonary oedema developed. Hypotension and hypoxia with SpO2 83-87% at FiO2 1.0 followed. Prompt monitoring of central haemodynamics revealed a normal cardiac index without pulmonary hypertension. The operation was then conducted as planned. The bilateral pulmonary oedema resolved after 72 hours with ventilatory support. The patient recovered without complications. When tested postoperatively, the second unit of FFP contained granulocyte antibodies and the third unit contained HLA antibodies. The crossmatch of the patient's granulocytes and lymphocytes towards the two donors of the two units of FFP was positive.

When TRALI is suspected the donor blood has to be tested against the recipient. Ventilatory support of the patient is continued until adequate oxygenation is reached.