For which type of transfusion reaction is renal failure a common complication?

Renal failure is a common complication associated with acute hemolytic reactions during blood transfusions. This type of reaction occurs when the recipient's immune system recognizes the transfused red blood cells as foreign and mounts an immune response, leading to the destruction (hemolysis) of these cells.

As red blood cells are destroyed, free hemoglobin is released into the bloodstream. The kidneys filter this hemoglobin, and in excessive amounts, it can overwhelm their filtering capacity, leading to tubular obstruction and damage. This can result in acute kidney injury or renal failure.

Understanding that renal failure can occur as a result of the body's detrimental response to a mismatch in blood types provides crucial insight into the importance of proper blood typing and cross-matching before transfusions. This is essential for preventing acute hemolytic reactions and protecting the renal function of the patient.