Pattern and Prevalence of Acute and Delayed Transfusion Reactions Following Blood Component Therapy

Abstract

Introduction: The blood transfusion procedure is crucial from a therapeutic standpoint but may cause adverse effects to the patients through acute and delayed adverse transfusion reactions (ATRs). It is therefore crucial to maintain constant hemovigilance in order to reduce such occurrences. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency, type, and presentation of these ATRs.

Methods: The study is based on observations made by the researchers in the Department of Transfusion Medicine, L.N. Medical College and Research Center, Indore during the period from July 2025 to March 2026. Information from 160 transfused patients and 520 blood component units is used in the study. Transfusion reactions are classified clinically and biochemically and described.

Results: Of 160 patients who had adverse transfusion reactions, adult patients represented 78.7% and female patients 56.2%. Of 520 units of blood components transfused, packed red blood cells were the highest in percentage (36.5%), and they were responsible for 68.0% of all the reactions. Febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reaction accounted for 40.0% of all the reactions, and allergic reactions 36.0%. Fever accounted for 28.0%, and itching 24.0% of all the reaction.

Conclusion: The study concluded low incidence of mild adverse transfusion reactions, along with FNHTRs and allergic reactions as the most common associated with the PRBC transfusions.