Transfusion-related acute lung injury in paediatric surgical patients: A retrospective study

BackgroundLittle is known about the occurrence of transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) in Chinese paediatric patients. As such, a retrospective review of medical records from January 2008 to December 2011 was undertaken.ObjectiveTo determine the incidence of TRALI and its risk factors in children (age <14 years).Study design and methodsAll medical records of ShengJing Hospital from January 2008 to December 2011 were reviewed retrospectively using the hospital's record system. Paediatric surgical patients who had been diagnosed clinically with acute lung injury were included. Transfusion data were collected, together with risk factors such as sepsis and aspiration.ResultsIn total, 1495 patients were involved in the study. Thirty-five cases were analysed further as they had acute lung injury, pulmonary oedema and respiratory distress. TRALI was confirmed in two of these cases. The average duration of transfusion was found to be significantly longer in patients with TRALI compared with controls, and the percentage of female donors was significantly higher for patients with TRALI.ConclusionThe incidence of TRALI was found to be lower than reported previously, but TRALI is under-recognised, under-reported and undertreated.