A patient developed a severe anaphylactic reaction after receiving fresh frozen plasma. What immunologic test would help to determine the cause?

A patient developed a severe anaphylactic reaction after receiving fresh frozen plasma. What immunologic test would help to determine the cause?

• A. Complement levels, particularly C3 and C4
• B. Flow cytometry for T-cell counts
• C. Measurement of immunoglobulins
• D. NBT test for phagocytic function

Answer: (C)

In the context of a severe anaphylactic reaction following the transfusion of fresh frozen plasma (FFP), measuring immunoglobulin levels is crucial for understanding the immunologic response that may have triggered the reaction. Anaphylaxis can occur due to the introduction of allergens present in the FFP, which may include antibodies that the recipient does not have, leading to a hypersensitive reaction. Evaluating immunoglobulin levels allows clinicians to assess the presence and type of antibodies, which could be responsible for the anaphylactic reaction. For example, increased levels of IgE or specific IgG antibodies directed against components in the plasma can indicate an immune response to these foreign elements, assisting in identifying the underlying cause of the anaphylaxis. Complement levels, specifically C3 and C4, are more pertinent to conditions involving complement activation, such as autoimmune diseases or complement deficiencies, and would not directly indicate an anaphylactic response. Flow cytometry for T-cell counts focuses on assessing cellular immunity rather than an antibody-mediated reaction. The nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) test is used to evaluate the phagocytic function of neutrophils, which is disconnected from the immediate hypersensitivity reactions experienced during anaphylaxis. Thus, measuring immunoglob

In the context of a severe anaphylactic reaction following the transfusion of fresh frozen plasma (FFP), measuring immunoglobulin levels is crucial for understanding the immunologic response that may have triggered the reaction. Anaphylaxis can occur due to the introduction of allergens present in the FFP, which may include antibodies that the recipient does not have, leading to a hypersensitive reaction.

Evaluating immunoglobulin levels allows clinicians to assess the presence and type of antibodies, which could be responsible for the anaphylactic reaction. For example, increased levels of IgE or specific IgG antibodies directed against components in the plasma can indicate an immune response to these foreign elements, assisting in identifying the underlying cause of the anaphylaxis.

Complement levels, specifically C3 and C4, are more pertinent to conditions involving complement activation, such as autoimmune diseases or complement deficiencies, and would not directly indicate an anaphylactic response. Flow cytometry for T-cell counts focuses on assessing cellular immunity rather than an antibody-mediated reaction. The nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) test is used to evaluate the phagocytic function of neutrophils, which is disconnected from the immediate hypersensitivity reactions experienced during anaphylaxis. Thus, measuring immunoglob