Which symptom is most frequently associated with transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI)?

Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) is a serious and potentially life-threatening complication that can occur following blood transfusions. It is characterized by the abrupt onset of respiratory distress and is primarily associated with acute pulmonary edema. The most distinctive symptom of TRALI is indeed severe respiratory distress, which typically manifests suddenly, often within six hours of the transfusion.

In TRALI, the patient's lungs become inflamed, leading to impaired gas exchange and significant difficulty in breathing. This respiratory distress is often accompanied by hypoxemia, where the levels of oxygen in the blood drop significantly, making it a critical symptom that medical professionals watch for.

While cough, fever, and chest pain may occur in some cases, they are less specific symptoms when it comes to diagnosing TRALI. Severe respiratory distress is the hallmark that distinguishes this condition from other transfusion reactions and necessitates immediate medical evaluation and intervention.