Which type of transfusion reaction is indicated by dyspnea, cough, and pulmonary edema within 6 hours of transfusion?

The correct answer is TRALI, or Transfusion-Related Acute Lung Injury, which is characterized by the onset of respiratory distress, including symptoms like dyspnea and cough, along with signs of pulmonary edema that can occur within six hours of a blood transfusion. TRALI is a serious complication often caused by the interaction between donor antibodies and recipient leukocytes, leading to increased permeability of the pulmonary capillaries and resulting in pulmonary edema.

The rapid onset of symptoms is a key indicator for TRALI, distinguishing it from other types of transfusion reactions. Anaphylactic reactions typically present more immediately and involve symptoms such as urticaria, angioedema, or shock, rather than respiratory distress with pulmonary edema. Hemolytic reactions can have respiratory components but often present with signs of hemolysis, such as fever, chills, or back pain, and usually have a different time frame and profile of symptoms. Febrile reactions, characterized by fever and chills, occur due to the recipient's immune response to donor leukocytes or cytokines, rather than directly causing pulmonary edema.

Understanding the specific symptoms and timing associated with TRALI is crucial for timely diagnosis and management. Recognizing TRALI can facilitate rapid intervention, which is critical in managing