Transfusion-related acute lung injury

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Transfusion-related acute lung injury is an uncommon complication of blood transfusion typically manifested by shortness of breath, fever, and hypotension. Transfusion-related acute lung injury is an important cause of transfusion-related morbidity and mortality. RECENT FINDINGS: Much about the pathogenesis, treatment, and prevention of transfusion-related acute lung injury is poorly understood or is controversial. There is increasing recognition that transfusion-related acute lung injury is an important clinical syndrome, causing most transfusion-related deaths. SUMMARY: In this report, what is known about transfusion-related acute lung injury is summarized with particular emphasis on recent studies. Some of the areas in which knowledge and/or consensus are currently lacking are identified.