Severe blood transfusion reaction from leukoagglutinin antibody with successful treatment by membrane oxygenation

In the intensive care unit immediately after a triple aortocoronary bypass procedure, a 62-year-old man presented with copious amounts of frothy secretions in the endotracheal tube, became severely hypotensive, and remained hypoxic in the presence of maximum respiratory support. Chest roentgenograms showed pronounced pulmonary edema. Prior to leaving the operating room, the patient had received 1 unit of whole blood. A leukoagglutinin reaction to this blood transfusion was determined to be the cause of the pulmonary edema. When the patient continued to deteriorate after administration of diuretics, vasopressors, corticosteroids, albumin, and maximum respiratory support, the Sci-Med membrane oxygenator was inserted by the right femoral vein-artery. Bypass was continued for approximately 8 hours, until the PaO2 increased and the patient's condition stabilized. We think this is the first reported case of membrane oxygenation for treatment of noncardiogenic pulmonary edema due to leukoagglutinin reaction. It indicates the need for early diagnosis and utilization of the membrane oxygenator when other methods of treatment fail.