Transfusion of blood products can lead to a number of complications. In this chapter, the presentation, diagnosis, mechanism of action, incidence, treatment, and prevention of transfusion reactions are outlined. The reactions summarized in comparison with one another are febrile non-hemolytic, allergic, and hemolytic transfusion reactions. Other complications of transfusions, such as infections, immunosuppression, citrate intoxication, and acid–base and electrolyte abnormalities, are also explained, along with those associated with massive transfusions, such as coagulopathies and hypothermia. Pulmonary complications of transfusions, namely Transfusion-Related Acute Lung Injury (TRALI) and Transfusion-Associated Circulatory Overload (TACO), have been reviewed with the most up-to-date literature. The presentation, diagnosis, mechanism of action, incidence, treatment, and prevention of these two reactions are outlined, as well.
