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Aug 8, 2023 · Transfusion reactions are defined as adverse events associated with the transfusion of whole blood or one of its components. These may range in severity from minor to life-threatening. Reactions can occur during the transfusion (acute transfusion reactions) or days to weeks later (delayed transfusion reactions) and may be immunologic or non-immunologic. A reaction may be difficult to diagnose ...
- Jolee T. Suddock, Kendall P. Crookston
- 2023/08/08
- University of New Mexico
May 6, 2024 · Learn how to evaluate and treat patients with suspected acute transfusion reactions, which may range from mild to life-threatening. Find out the types of reactions, their causes, and the role of the transfusion service.
When to suspect this adverse reaction. Patients present with an unexpected temperature rise (≥38°C or ≥1°C above baseline, if baseline ≥37°C) during or shortly after transfusion. This is usually an isolated finding. The symptoms of an FNHTR may also include chills, rigors, increased respiratory rate, change in blood pressure, anxiety ...
- Overview
- Common symptoms
- Acute transfusion reactions
- Delayed transfusion reactions
- Summary tables
- Outlook
- Complications and when to see a doctor
- Summary
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Most people experience no complications during a blood transfusion, but some have adverse reactions during or after treatment. Examples include a fever, chills, itching, or breathing difficulty.
According to the American Red Cross, people do not typically experience complications after having a blood transfusion, but they can happen occasionally and can range from mild to severe.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that the most common adverse reactions are allergic and febrile (fever) transfusion reactions.
In this article, we discuss the potential reactions a person may experience due to a blood transfusion.
According to a 2020 article, the most common signs that indicate a person is experiencing an adverse reaction include:
•a fever
•chills
•hives
•itching
However, these symptoms can resolve with little or no treatment.
Simple allergic reaction
Even when a person receives the correct blood type, allergic reactions can occur. According to a 2013 article in the British Journal of Haematology, reactions occur due to: •the donor blood containing specific plasma proteins that the recipient’s blood sees as allergens •the donor blood containing food allergens, such as peanut or gluten •antibodies in donor blood react with antibodies in the recipient’s blood
Anaphylactic transfusion reaction
Anaphylactic reactions occur in those with immunoglobulin A (IgA) deficiencies and have IgA antibodies in their plasma. The recipient’s anti-IgA antibodies can react with the IgA antibodies in the donor blood.
Febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reaction
According to the CDC, a febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reaction (FNHTR) is the most common reaction. It involves an unexplained rise in temperature during or 4 hours after the transfusion. The fever is part of the person’s white blood cells response to the new blood.
Delayed hemolytic or delayed serologic transfusion reaction
A delayed hemolytic or delayed serologic transfusion reaction occurs when an antibody that the recipient already has reforms and reacts to red cell antigens. Reactions can occur between 1 day and 4 weeks after the transfusion. A person can acquire these antibodies through previous pregnancies or transfusions. These particular antibodies decrease over time to undetectable levels. Those with the antibodies have a higher chance of developing these transfusion reactions.
Transfusion-associated graft versus host disease (TAGVHD)
According to the CDC, TAGVHD occurs when T-lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, from the donor blood rapidly increase in number in the recipient. They then attack the recipient’s cells. However, it is a very rare occurrence, and it has become less prevalent since the introduction of the irradiation of blood products. Blood irradiation involves exposing the blood components to ultraviolet light.
Posttransfusion purpura (PTP)
The CDC state that PTP is rare. It occurs when the recipient develops antibodies against the platelets. This results in the destruction of platelets and a decline in platelet numbers.
According to the authors of Transfusion Medicine for Pathologists: A Comprehensive Review for Board Preparation, Certification, and Clinical Practice, it is important to note that transfusion reactions are rarely fatal. The incidence of fatal reactions can vary from 1 in 0.6 million to 2.3 million.
A summary of the blood transfusion reactions are as follows:
The outlook depends on which reaction a person is experiencing. However, serious blood transfusion reactions are uncommon.
Healthcare providers, blood banks, and hospitals take many precautions to help reduce the chance of a transfusion reaction from occurring.
Depending on the type of transfusion reaction, complications can include:
•renal failure
•lung injury
•blood clots
A person should notify a healthcare professional if they experience any of the symptoms mentioned in this article.
A person can learn more about the potential risks and complications here.
According to the CDC, doctors transfuse 17.2 million blood product units each year in the United States, and most people do not experience any blood transfusion reactions.
If someone has a blood transfusion and experiences symptoms, such as shortness of breath, low blood pressure, red or brown urine, flank pain, or other serious side effects, they should see a doctor immediately.
Learn about the common and rare symptoms and complications of blood transfusion reactions, such as fever, chills, allergic reactions, and hemolytic reactions. Find out how to prevent and treat these reactions and when to seek medical attention.
Specialty. Hematology. Febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reaction (FNHTR) is the most common type of transfusion reaction. It is a benign occurrence with symptoms that include fever but not directly related with hemolysis. [1] It is caused by cytokine release from leukocytes within the donor product as a consequence of white blood cell ...
Aug 25, 2023 · Learn about the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of immune-mediated transfusion reactions, including febrile non-haemolytic reactions. Find out the risk factors, investigations, and prevention strategies for acute and delayed transfusion reactions.
People also ask
What are transfusion reactions?
What is a hemolytic transfusion reaction?
What is a febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reaction (FNHTR)?
After transfusion with RBCs bearing this antigen, a primary or anamnestic response may result (usually in 1 to 4 weeks) and cause a delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction. A delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction usually does not manifest as dramatically as acute hemolytic transfusion reaction. Patients may be asymptomatic or have a slight fever.
