How to approach respiratory complications of blood transfusion

Publication Date: 7 July 2025

Continuing Education Credits: Hours: 1.0

Course Description

In this lecture, Dr. Bloch describes transfusion reactions which present with respiratory signs and symptoms. He describes how to discern between Definitive, Probable and Possible association between symptoms and transfusion, and describes several layers of severity. In addition, Dr. Bloch describes different levels of imputability: definite, probable, possible and doubtful. He also describes the most common symptoms, with a focus on TRALI, TACO sepsis, etc., and discusses treatment options.

Course Objectives

Recognize the major transfusion reactions that present with respiratory signs and symptoms.
- Understand ways to distinguish between the major respiratory transfusion reactions.
Develop a practical approach to manage patients who develop respiratory symptoms during or shortly after blood transfusion

Run Time: 0.42.37

Course Instructor Bio(s)

Evan Bloch, MD, MS

Associate Professor of Pathology
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
733 N. Broadway, Suite 117, MD 21205

Dr. Evan Bloch is an Associate Professor of Pathology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where he serves as the Associate Director of Transfusion Medicine and Medical Director of the Apheresis Service; he also holds a joint appointment in International Health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Originally from South Africa, Dr. Bloch’s medical training and subsequent clinical practice spurred an interest in blood transfusion safety in resource-constrained settings. To this end, he has been actively involved in research, education and operational outreach related to the advancement of global blood transfusion safety.

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