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Why should direct relatives not donate blood to each other?

Sep 24, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Feng
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, blood transfusions between direct relatives are generally not recommended due to risks such as hemolytic reactions, high genetic similarity in blood, increased risk of graft-versus-host disease, blood type incompatibility, allergic reactions, and potential infection. It is important to understand family blood types, be aware of the risks associated with blood transfusions among close relatives, maintain a healthy lifestyle, strengthen the immune system, and prevent the occurrence of diseases.

In general, blood transfusion between direct relatives may carry risks related to hemolytic reactions, high blood similarity, blood type incompatibility, allergic reactions and infection risks, as well as the potential to trigger graft-versus-host disease. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and receive appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance. Specific explanations are as follows:

1. Risk of Hemolytic Reaction

If direct relatives have incompatible blood types, transfusion may stimulate abnormal immune responses in the recipient's body, leading to hemolytic reactions. These reactions can cause symptoms such as high fever, restlessness, nausea, and in severe cases, may be life-threatening.

2. High Blood Similarity

Due to genetic similarities, blood between direct relatives tends to be highly similar. This close similarity may paradoxically trigger strong immune rejection reactions in the recipient after transfusion.

3. Blood Type Incompatibility

Blood transfusions require matching blood types—donor and recipient must have compatible blood groups. If direct relatives have different blood types, serious adverse transfusion reactions may occur.

4. Allergic Reactions and Infection Risks

The antigens in the blood of direct relatives are highly similar. Transfusing between them may lead to immune conflicts, causing allergic reactions such as skin itching and swelling. Moreover, due to the high antigen similarity, the recipient’s immune system may fail to effectively recognize foreign antigens in the donor blood, thereby increasing the risk of pathogen infections.

5. Induction of Graft-versus-Host Disease (GVHD)

Because of the high immunological similarity between direct relatives, lymphocytes from the donor blood may not be effectively recognized or rejected by the recipient’s immune system. These donor lymphocytes may then proliferate within the recipient and attack their tissues and organs, resulting in graft-versus-host disease.

It is advisable to learn about blood types within the family, understand the risks of blood transfusion among direct relatives, maintain a healthy lifestyle, strengthen immunity, and prevent diseases.

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