Transfusion �Related Acute Lung Injury (TRALI): Incidence, Risk Factors and Outcome in the   Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit

Gladdy George; Madhu Andrew Philip

Volume : VI, Issue : VII, July - 2016

Transfusion �Related Acute Lung Injury (TRALI): Incidence, Risk Factors and Outcome in the Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit

Gladdy George, Madhu Andrew Philip

Abstract :

BACKGROUND: Transfusion –related acute lung injury (TRALI) is a life threatening complication of blood transfusion. Cardiac surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass is a risk factor for acute lung injury(ALI) . The term? possible TRALI ” is used when there are alternative risk factors for ALI in addition to blood transfusion. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY: To determine the incidence, outcome and risk factors of ? possible TRALI ” in the cardiothoracic intensive care unit. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was an observational prospective cohort study in patients who underwent cardiac surgery and received perioperative blood transfusion. Perioperative patient related, surgery related and transfusion related data were recorded. RESULTS: The incidence of ?possible TRALI” was 5.4%. The APACHE 2 score (p= 0.032) and platelet transfusion (p=0.035) was significantly higher for the ?possible TRALI” group compared to the no lung injury group. There was no mortality. The duration of ventilation and ICU stay was comparable between both the groups. CONCLUSION: The incidence of possible TRALI is high (5.4%) in cardiac surgery. The occurrence of TRALI is highest for platelet transfusion.