Methodological Approaches to Study Transfusion-Related Acute Lung Injury (TRALI): From Complement Activation to In Vivo Mouse Model.

Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) is a life-threatening condition, with an increased risk in critically ill patients, characterized by acute non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema occurring within 6 h of blood/blood product transfusion. This chapter provides an overview of comprehensive methodological approaches for studying TRALI, focusing on both in vivo antibody-mediated TRALI and in vitro techniques. Key methodologies covered include assays for measuring the degree of pulmonary edema, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid analysis, neutrophil activation tests, complement system assays, and lung histology and immunohistochemistry. Addressing the challenges of standardizing protocols and replicating human immune responses is crucial for advancing TRALI research and improving diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in transfusion medicine.