Transfusion-associated respiratory distress occurred more often in the
past in Taiwan but recently only very rarely. From the results of our
studies it would appear that the former cases did not represent immun
e reactions involving red blood cells, serum proteins (especially IgA)
, HLA or granulocyte-specific antigens. Other causes, such as improper
handling of the blood units may have been involved, but further study
is also needed to investigate the possibility of the role of cytokine
release from leukocytes or other factors. In addition, it appears tha
t both plasma and serum obtained by recalcification of plasma may caus
e false-positive reactions in the granulocyte microagglutination test.