Which acute transfusion reaction requires immediate medical attention?

Allergy and anaphylaxis, as a type of acute transfusion reaction, necessitate immediate medical attention due to the potentially life-threatening nature of anaphylactic reactions. Anaphylaxis can escalate quickly, leading to severe respiratory distress, cardiovascular collapse, and other systemic effects. Symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat, rapid drop in blood pressure, and hives can present in a matter of minutes after exposure to the transfused blood component.

Recognizing the signs and symptoms early is crucial for timely intervention, which may include the administration of epinephrine and other supportive care. This prompt response can be critical in preventing severe morbidity or mortality associated with anaphylaxis.

Other options, while serious and deserving of attention, do not typically require the same level of immediate intervention as anaphylaxis. For example, severe febrile non-haemolytic transfusion reactions and transfusion-related acute lung injury can cause significant symptoms and complications, but they often develop more gradually compared to anaphylaxis. Transfusion-transmitted infections, on the other hand, may not present until days or weeks later, making immediate action less critical in the context of an acute reaction.