T80.40

Clinical Causes: Receiving blood or blood products with an incompatible Rh factor, especially when the donor's Rh-positive blood is transfused into an Rh-negative recipient. Previous exposure to incompatible blood, such as during pregnancy or prior transfusions, leading to the development of Rh antibodies. Inadequate blood type matching during transfusion procedures. Emergency transfusions where blood type determination may be rushed or omitted.

Key Symptoms: Fever and chills Chest pain or shortness of breath Back pain Dark urine or decreased urine output Hives or skin rash Fatigue and weakness Swelling or fluid retention Nausea or vomiting In severe cases, symptoms of hemolytic shock, including rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, and pallor

Diagnosis Path: Reviewing the patient's transfusion history and prior antibody screening results. Blood typing to confirm the recipient's Rh status. Crossmatching tests between donor blood and recipient plasma to detect incompatibility. Laboratory analysis showing hemolysis, which is destruction of red blood cells, often evidenced by abnormal blood smear, elevated bilirubin, and hemolytic markers. Monitoring for signs of hemolytic reaction following transfusion.

Treatment Protocols: Immediate discontinuation of the transfusion. Supportive care such as IV fluids to maintain blood pressure and hydration. Medications like antihistamines, corticosteroids, or adrenaline (epinephrine) in cases of severe allergic or anaphylactic reactions. Blood transfusions with compatible, Rh-negative blood if hemolysis is ongoing and the patient requires more blood. Monitoring for and managing complications like kidney failure or disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Long-term management includes avoiding future incompatible transfusions and thorough blood typing.