Blood Sequestration

Blood Sequestration: When Immunological Incompatibility Leads to Dissection

In human blood, a whole arsenal of different cells and molecules plays a key role, necessary to maintain the health of the body. However, sometimes situations arise when transfused blood containing immunologically incompatible components can cause serious complications. One such complication is blood sequestration, a process in which a significant portion of the transfused blood is isolated and deposited in organs and tissues, resulting in its exclusion from the bloodstream.

Blood sequestration usually occurs when blood is transfused that has incompatible blood types or antigens that cause immunological reactions. When incompatible blood enters the body, the immune system may begin to produce antibodies against these incompatible components. This can lead to the formation of agglutinins and activation of the complement system, two main mechanisms of the immune response.

As a result of activation of the immune system, blood sequestration occurs. Agglutinins and the complement system interact with incompatible blood components, forming complexes that can settle in various organs and tissues. This leads to inflammation and tissue damage, which can have serious consequences for the body.

Blood sequestration is most often observed in the spleen, liver and lungs. The spleen, as a blood filter, plays an important role in removing damaged or old red blood cells from the bloodstream. With blood sequestration, the spleen can become a site of accumulation of agglutinins and damaged red blood cells, which leads to its enlargement and functional impairment.

The liver can also become a site of blood sequestration. This organ performs a number of important functions, including processing and purifying blood. If this process is disrupted, caused by immunological incompatibility, blood can be retained in the liver, leading to its damage and disruption of normal functioning.

Sequestration of blood in the lungs is a rarer complication but can have serious consequences. Deposition of agglutinins and complexes in the lung tissue can lead to inflammation and disruption of gas exchange, causing short-term or even long-term breath holding.

To prevent blood sequestration during transfusion, it is necessary to carefully match the blood groups and antigens of the donor and recipient. Modern methods of blood group compatibility and cross-testing have significantly reduced the risk of developing blood sequestration, but this possibility cannot yet be completely eliminated.

If blood sequestration develops, treatment will depend on the severity of the complications and the organs affected by the process. In some cases, transfusion of a compatible blood type or other medical procedures may be necessary to remove deposits and restore normal blood flow.

Blood sequestration is a serious complication that can occur when transfusion of immunologically incompatible blood. Proper matching of blood groups and antigens is an important step to prevent this complication. Thanks to modern research and transfusion techniques, the risk of blood sequestration is significantly reduced, but still requires careful monitoring and medical control.

Complications associated with blood sequestration highlight the importance of safety and accuracy of blood transfusion. A careful approach to the compatibility of blood groups and antigens, as well as the use of modern research and transfusiology methods, will help minimize risks and ensure the safety of patients receiving blood transfusions.

**Blood sequestration** is one of the methods of artificial life support. Although it began to be used back in the 50s of the 20th century, the use of this method still causes debate among both doctors and lawyers. Many people consider the use of blood sequestration to be cruel, unfair and a violation of individual rights. A unified approach to blood sequestration has not yet been developed; it is carried out only in some countries - the USA, Germany, Russia. In the United States, this practice occurs relatively frequently, almost every day. And in Russia it is possible to use this technique only once a week. If the patient is not a recipient, but needs massive therapy, the doctor may decide to use blood sequestration (6-7 times a day).

The essence of this technique is to exclude a certain part of the blood volume. Through a special device, blood or part of it that was previously injected into the patient is removed from the body. This operation is safe and simple; no additional injections are required.