American journal of clinical pathology
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Am. J. Clin. Pathol. · Feb 2008
ReviewTransfusion-related acute lung injury: past, present, and future.
Noncardiogenic pulmonary edema caused by transfusion has been observed for almost 60 years. Today, we know this entity as transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI). TRALI is an uncommon but potentially fatal adverse reaction to transfusion of plasma-containing blood components. ⋯ Without a "gold standard," the diagnosis of TRALI relies on a high index of suspicion and on excluding other types of transfusion reactions. Although current definitions of TRALI depend on symptoms, laboratory parameters can aid in the diagnosis and frequently identify the causative donor unit. As our understanding of TRALI deepens, risk reduction or prevention may become possible.