hyperacute rejection
Chapter: 4
In organ transplantation, hyperacute rejection of a transplanted organ occurs within seconds or minutes of exposing the organ to the recipient's circulation. The organ quickly becomes pale, and will undergo necrosis if left in the recipient's body. This hyperacute reaction is thought to occur because of preformed antibodies against the donor organ. This is most common in multiparous women, since they may have been exposed in utero to numerous non-self antigens. Recipients who have received multiple blood transfusions may also be at risk.