Analysis of adverse transfusion reaction in a tertiary care hospital in South India: A retrospective study

Objectives: Adverse transfusion reactions (ATRs) are an integral part of any blood component transfusion. Their severity may vary from trivial to life-threatening. The aim of the present study is to analyze the incidence and pattern of these reactions in a tertiary care hospital of southern India. Material and Methods: The present study is a retrospective observational study. Details of all the ATRs were collected from the records of the blood center. The reactions were classified as acute and delayed. Further, each variety is finalized depending on the immunohematology workup. Results: The prevalence of transfusion reaction was found to be 0.13% only. Packed red blood cell concentrate transfusions contributed the maximum (76%), followed by platelet concentrate. Febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reaction (HTR) was the most common transfusion reaction (38%), followed by allergic reactions (33%). Transfusion-associated cardiac overload, transfusion-related acute lung injury, and HTR were less. Conclusion: Our study has shown a lower incidence of transfusion reactions. Proper identification of transfusion reactions, reporting to the blood center for further workup up is a key for better patient care.