Transfusion Related Acute Lung Injury (TRALI): A Rare Case after Single Packed Red Blood Cell (PRBC) Unit Transfusion

Abstract

Transfusion Related Acute Lung Injury (TRALI) is a rare but serious adverse event of allogeneic blood component transfusion, manifested typically by shortness of breath, a non-productive cough, fever, and hypotension, mostly seen after plasma component transfusion collected from female donors. We here present a rare case of TRALI requiring Intensive Care Unit (ICU) support after transfusion of single Packed Red Blood Cell (PRBC) unit collected from a male donor. The present case emphasizes that TRALI to be ruled out first in any patient showing acute /respiratory distress within 6hrs of transfusion, with prompt management and notification to transfusion services.