Incidence of Transfusion Reactions and Their Association with Blood Components

Open Access

Abstract

Background: Blood transfusion is a lifesaving intervention but may be associated with adverse reactions ranging from mild febrile or allergic events to rare, severe complications such as acute hemolytic transfusion reactions, transfusion-related acute lung injury, and transfusion-associated circulatory overload. This study aimed to determine the incidence of transfusion reactions and evaluate their association with different blood components at Tajuddin Medical College Hospital. Methods & Materials: This descriptive observational study was conducted over 1 year (May 2023–April 2024). All patients who developed transfusion reactions following any blood component transfusion were included. Data were collected from hospital records and analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. Results: A total of 40 transfusion reactions were recorded. The mean age of patients was 41.6 ± 18.3 years; 55% were male. Packed red blood cells (PRBCs) and whole blood were most frequently associated with reactions. Febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reactions (FNHTRs) were the most common (37.5%), followed by allergic reactions (25%), while severe reactions such as AHTRs, anaphylaxis, TRALI, TACO, and delayed hemolytic reactions were less frequent. No significant association was found between blood component type and transfusion reaction type (p = 0.858). Management primarily involved stopping the transfusion and providing symptomatic treatment; pharmacologic interventions, oxygen therapy, and ICU admission were needed in a minority of cases. Most patients (95%) recovered completely, while 5% resulted in mortality. Conclusion: FNHTRs and allergic reactions are the most frequent transfusion reactions, predominantly associated with PRBCs and whole blood. Early recognition and timely management are essential to minimize adverse outcomes.