Cat transfusion from Type A to B & vice versa causes what reaction(s)?

Cat transfusion from Type A to B & vice versa causes what reaction(s)?

• A. Acute transfusion reaction and death
• B. Decreased RBC lifespan and PCV drops within days
• C. Both acute reaction and decreased RBC lifespan/ PCV drop
• D. No reaction

Answer: (C)

Transfusion compatibility in cats hinges on naturally occurring antibodies against RBC antigens. Cats have blood groups A and B (and AB is rare). Type B cats carry strong anti-A antibodies, while Type A cats have anti-B antibodies, usually in smaller amounts. When blood of a different type is given, the recipient’s antibodies rapidly bind the donor red cells and activate the immune system, causing acute intravascular hemolysis. This immediate reaction can be severe and even fatal if not promptly addressed. Even if the initial crisis is survived, the donor red cells that survive can be targeted and cleared over the following days, leading to a shortened lifespan of those transfused cells and a drop in packed cell volume as they are destroyed. So mismatched transfusions can produce both an acute transfusion reaction and a later decrease in red cell mass, which is why the best answer reflects both phenomena.

Transfusion compatibility in cats hinges on naturally occurring antibodies against RBC antigens. Cats have blood groups A and B (and AB is rare). Type B cats carry strong anti-A antibodies, while Type A cats have anti-B antibodies, usually in smaller amounts. When blood of a different type is given, the recipient’s antibodies rapidly bind the donor red cells and activate the immune system, causing acute intravascular hemolysis. This immediate reaction can be severe and even fatal if not promptly addressed.

Even if the initial crisis is survived, the donor red cells that survive can be targeted and cleared over the following days, leading to a shortened lifespan of those transfused cells and a drop in packed cell volume as they are destroyed. So mismatched transfusions can produce both an acute transfusion reaction and a later decrease in red cell mass, which is why the best answer reflects both phenomena.