IMMUNOHEMOLYTIC TRANSFUSION REACTIONS .2. PHYSIOPATHOLOGICAL BASIS AND DIAGNOSIS

Immunological transfusion reactions more than often lead to an activat ion of the complement proteins and mononuclear cells, inducing a haemo lysis from which stem the observed clinical symptoms. In the case of i ncompatibility, the alloantibodies can lead to an immediate reaction, taking place in the first few minutes or, in the case of a delayed rea ction, arising after 24 hours. A standardized clinical and biological evaluation is necessary in order to confirm the diagnosis and to asses s the consequences of the antigen-antibody conflict.