TRALI following IVIG

October 7, 2008

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Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) is a clinical syndrome that presents as acute hypoxemia and noncardiogenic pulmonary edema during or within 6 hours after blood transfusion.

Health Canada received a report of a 38-year-old man who had received Gamunex for the treatment of streptococcal thoracic cellulitis, which had also required débridement. Two hours and 50 minutes into the infusion, after receiving 57.5 g of Gamunex, the patient experienced hypotension and dyspnea. The infusion was stopped. The results of a chest radiograph were compatible with a diagnosis of TRALI. The patient was transferred to the intensive care unit, where he required intubation. The result of an anti-human leukocyte antigen test was pending at the time of reporting.

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