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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Anaphylactic Shock In Blood Transfusion?

If a person gives blood to another person of the same blood type (O) and gives again 2 weeks later and goes into anaphylactic shock, what is happening. I know that donating blood can compromise the immune system, but why anaphylactic shock? hope that you can help me understand. Thank you.
Tue, 27 Sep 2016
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,
There are many other antigens on blood cells besides the major ABO blood type antigens. When hospitals prepare for a blood transfusion they do a crossmatch checking the blood for as many of the antigens as possible. However, in the situation you describe, there must have been an unmatched antigen. The first time the body saw it it mounted a minor response but made memory antibody to the antigen. The next time the body saw the antigen the body was ready to respond in a big way and anaphylaxis was the result. This can happen with other antigens as well. For example in someone allergic to bees, the first time they get stung the reaction may be fairly minor but the next time it may be anaphylaxis.
Regards
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What Causes Anaphylactic Shock In Blood Transfusion?

Hello, There are many other antigens on blood cells besides the major ABO blood type antigens. When hospitals prepare for a blood transfusion they do a crossmatch checking the blood for as many of the antigens as possible. However, in the situation you describe, there must have been an unmatched antigen. The first time the body saw it it mounted a minor response but made memory antibody to the antigen. The next time the body saw the antigen the body was ready to respond in a big way and anaphylaxis was the result. This can happen with other antigens as well. For example in someone allergic to bees, the first time they get stung the reaction may be fairly minor but the next time it may be anaphylaxis. Regards