Post-transfusion reactions: a study of 121 cases

Abstract

Despite all safety measures, transfusion of labile blood products cannot be entirely devoid of risk. We conducted a study on transfusion reactions in 121 patients to establish the etiological diagnosis. During the study period of 6 years (1995-2000), 25,803 transfusion procedures were performed for 5,161 patients. This resulted in a transfusion reaction rate of 0.47% per transfusion and 2.34% per patient. Symptomatically, the reactions mainly consisted of clinical and/or biological signs of hemolysis (73.55%) and reactions such as chills and hyperthermia (16.53%). Other signs accounted for the remaining 9.92%. Biologically, each of the 121 patients underwent a direct Coombs test (tube technique) with ether elution and a search for irregular agglutinins using a panel (screening and identification) containing the 20 regulatory antigens. Additionally, a blood group control was performed for patients and transfused blood bags, along with an indirect Coombs test compatibility test between patients' serum and transfused red blood cells. The Coombs tests and elution tests were negative. Blood group controls and compatibility tests showed no discrepancies, and the irregular antibody screening identified 4 anti-erythrocyte antibodies: anti-P1, anti-S, anti-K, and one antibody detected but not identified.