What are the most common and the most serious blood transfusion reactions?
Mar 28, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Feng
Introduction
Generally speaking, there is no such thing as the most common or most severe transfusion reaction. Common transfusion reactions include fever, allergic reactions, acute lung injury, hemolytic reactions, infections, and others. In summary, if any adverse reaction occurs during blood transfusion, appropriate measures should be taken promptly to manage it and prevent the situation from worsening.
Generally speaking, there is no such thing as the most common or most severe transfusion reaction. However, common transfusion reactions include fever, allergic reactions, acute lung injury, hemolytic reactions, infections, and others. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Fever
Fever following blood transfusion is usually non-hemolytic in nature and typically occurs within 15 minutes to one hour after starting the transfusion. Under medical guidance, patients may take medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules or acetaminophen tablets. Symptoms usually subside once the transfusion is stopped.
2. Allergic Reaction
Allergic reactions may occur after transfusion, with common symptoms including hives and generalized itching. In severe cases, difficulty breathing may develop. Patients should follow medical advice and take antihistamines such as cetirizine hydrochloride tablets or loratadine tablets for treatment.
3. Acute Lung Injury
If the transfusion is administered too rapidly or the patient already has impaired heart or lung function, symptoms such as shortness of breath and increased heart rate may occur. The transfusion should be immediately discontinued under a physician's guidance, which can effectively alleviate symptoms.
4. Hemolytic Reaction
This is a serious transfusion reaction, usually caused by incompatible blood types or immune responses. It leads to destruction of the patient’s red blood cells, releasing large amounts of hemoglobin into the bloodstream, potentially resulting in jaundice, kidney damage, and hemolytic anemia. Treatment may include vitamin B6 tablets or mecobalamin tablets as directed by a physician.
5. Infection
Although donated blood products undergo multiple tests and processing before use, there remains a small risk of infection. Post-transfusion infections may cause fever, chills, weakness, and other signs of infection. Patients may be prescribed anti-infective medications such as cefamandole nafate for injection or cefoxitin sodium for injection according to medical instructions.
In summary, if any adverse reactions occur during blood transfusion, prompt and appropriate measures should be taken to prevent worsening of the condition.
