What are the side effects of platelets transfusions?
• Transfusion–related acute lung injury: Blood platelet transfusion may increase the permeability of the lung tissue, which can cause fluid and protein to leak into the lungs. This condition is called transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) and can cause difficulty breathing or damage to the lung tissue. • Graft–vs–host disease: Though rare, some patients can develop graft–vs–host disease (GVHD). It is more common in patients who have a depressed immune system. GVHD occurs when the donated platelets attack the cells within the body of the transfusion recipient. Symptoms include skin rash, jaundice, and diarrhea, fever, breathing difficulties or sore joints and tendons. Patients with GVHD are also more susceptible to developing infection or anemia. Treatment includes either taking steroids or other immune suppressants.
