Blood transfusion complications: leukoagglutinin reactions.

Blood transfusions performed earlier in the 20th century were often accompanied by significant complications. Today, with an increased knowledge of blood type compatibility, the majority of risks have been eliminated. However, hazards still remain. The authors report on a potentially fatal pulmonary disorder caused by transfusions involving leukoagglutinins. This phenomenon apparently occurs with an increased risk in parous women and patients who have had multiple transfusions.