Epidemiology

Physics

Internal medicine

Pathogenesis

Incidence (geometry)

Optics

Intensive care medicine

Immunology

Lung

Pulmonary edema

Transfusion-related acute lung injury

Acute kidney injury

Blood management

Blood transfusion

Medicine

Hematology

Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) and transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO) are the leading causes of transfusion-related morbidity and mortality. These adverse events are characterized by acute pulmonary edema within 6 hours of a blood transfusion and have historically been difficult to study due to underrecognition and nonspecific diagnostic criteria. However, in the past decade, in vivo models and clinical studies utilizing active surveillance have advanced our understanding of their epidemiology and pathogenesis. With the adoption of mitigation strategies and patient blood management, the incidence of TRALI and TACO has decreased. Continued research to prevent and treat these severe cardiopulmonary events is focused on both the blood component and the transfusion recipient.

TACO and TRALI: biology, risk factors, and prevention strategies