The Drug-Induced Respiratory Disease Website and App

Hemotherapy (transfusion/infusion of whole blood, red cells, platelets, or blood products)

Essential reading at PMID 25959215. Transfusion of blood or components (platelets, plasma derivatives, FFP, IVIG, factor IX, cryoprecipitate) may produce among other complications the TRALI syndrome, a leading cause of morbidity and mortality from hemotherapy. A screen for anti-HLA and anti-HNA antibodies (usually from a multiparous donor) must be done in any TRALI case. TRALI needs be separated from transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO. See under II h) (Bloodborne infections are not covered here). Review at PMID 23642914. Indentified risk factors to review before deciding transfusion (PMID: 24673344)

Frequency - Incidence

Incidence of respiratory adverse event(s) due to the specific drug as assessed by number of reported/published cases in the literature. Red digits in stars indicate: 0 = Very rare, questionable signal · 1 = < 10 cases · 2 = 10-50 cases · 3 = 50–100 cases · 4 = 100-200 cases · 5 = >200 cases

Evidence level/grade

Evidence level for respiratory adverse event(s) due to the specific drug as estimated using Hill’s (1965), Naranjo’s (1981), and Bégaud’s (1985) criteria applied to published cases. Blue digits in stars indicate: 0 = Questionable · 1 = Low · 2 = Moderate · 3 = Robust · 4 = Definite · 5 = Unquestionable, pathognomonic