Blood component-associated acute transfusion reactions in pediatric patients: experience of a tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Background/aimTransfusion of blood products is a life-saving clinical practice in patients with bleeding, hemoglobinopathy and cancer. In this study, we aimed to analyze the frequency and types of blood component-related acute transfusion reactions (ATR) in pediatric patients.Materials and methodsThis retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary care academic pediatric hospital.ResultsDuring the study period, 30,811 transfusions were administered to 25,448 patients. 103 ATRs were detected in 81 patients (0.33%; 3.34 reactions per 1000 transfusions, mean age 8.3±5.98 years, F/M: 36/45). All reactions were observed within an average of 4 hours after the start of the transfusion. The most common ATRs were allergic reactions (79; 76.6%) and febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reactions (12; 11.6%). All allergic transfusion reactions occurred within the first hour after the start of the transfusion. Granulocyte concentrates were the blood component that were associated with the highest ATR rate (2.1%).ConclusionWithin our hospital, pediatric hematology-oncology wards and the stem cell transplantation unit had the most frequent ATR reports, therefore transfusions should be carried out with paying high attention in these units. Education of health staff about the adverse effects of transfusion therapy should increase awareness and reporting of ATRs in children.