Descriptions of acute transfusion reactions in a Brazilian Transfusion Service

Abstract

Acute transfusion reactions have been found to occur during or within 24 hours of transfusion. The aim of this work is to describe the main characteristics of acute reactions reported in a Brazilian transfusion service. A preprinted report form was used to evaluate the age and sex of the transfusion recipients, blood component requested, medical specialty involved and transfusion-related signs and symptoms, transfusionists performed a direct observation during the transfusion and in a period of four hours following transfusion. Data were prospectively collected for 90 days from 30 hospitals and health facilities supplied by the the Service of Hematology and Hemotherapy of São José dos Campos. Acute reactions were recognized as febrile nonhemolytic, allergic, fluid overload, transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI), anaphylatic and metabolic reactions. In a total of 8,378 transfusions, 46 acute reactions were recorded (5.5 per 1000 units transfused, 28 febrile nonhemolytic, 12 allergic, 5 anaphylatic and 1 fluid overload). TRALI and metabolic reactions were not detected. The majority (27) was associated with RBCs followed by PLTs 11, FFP 6 and partial units 2. The median age of the recipients was 43 years (3 months to 83 years, 23 males and 23 females). Overall, 12 (26.1%) events were recorded in oncology, 12 (26.1%) in medicine and 7 in intensive care unit departments. This study provides baseline acute transfusion reaction information for a specific period of time in a Brazilian transfusion service. Rev. bras. hematol. hemoter 2004; 26(2):78-83.

Acute Transfusion Reactions (ATRs) in Intensive Care Unit (ICU): A Retrospective Study

“…This was in concordance with Callera et al, [7] who observed 64.2% with packed cells and 25% with platelet transfusion. Febrile reactions result from the interaction of the recipient antibodies with the antigens on donor leucocytes and can be reduced by transfusion of leuco-reduced blood products [18][19][20].…”

“…ICUs account for a high rate of transfusion, with our study showing a rate of 22.3%. Callera et al, [7], Vincent et al, [8] and Payandeh et al, [9] demonstrated the rate of transfusion in ICUs to be 39.7%, 37% and 18% respectively.…”

“…The reaction form along with patients post transfusion blood sample, urine sample and the left over blood product bag was 1.09%. Callera et al, [7] and Payandeh et al, [9] recorded low incidences of 0.26% and 0.71% respectively. The ATR incidence in pediatric ICU in our study was 0.36% which was similar to that recorded by Callera et al, [7] (0.15%).…”

“…Callera et al, [7] and Payandeh et al, [9] recorded low incidences of 0.26% and 0.71% respectively. The ATR incidence in pediatric ICU in our study was 0.36% which was similar to that recorded by Callera et al, [7] (0.15%). However the incidence reported by Ozata et al, [13], Pedrosaa et al, [14] and Gauvin et al, [15] were 9.3%, 4.6% and 1.6% respectively.…”

Distribution of Blood and Blood Components, Indications and Early Complications of Transfusion

“…Fernando et al reported that whole blood usage rate was 31.7%, 14.6%, 11.6% and 19.9% in intensive care units, surgery section, emergency service and internal section, respectively (11). We have seen that, rate of blood and blood component rate was 30.8%, 11.9%, 15.3% and %16.8 in internal diseases, general surgery, child health and disease, obstetrics and gynecology clinics, respectively.…”