Abstract
Nonhemolytic transfusion reactions (NHTR), such as urticaria or fever, are frequently experienced after transfusion. These reactions are seldom reported to the transfusion division or regional blood center because these are not particularly severe. Therefore, accurate data on the incidence of NHTR are scarce. We surveyed 216 hospitals with a comprehensive reporting system for these reactions about the incidence of NHTR. The study periods were the first 6 months of 2004 and of 2005.
We received replies from 160 hospitals (reply rate, 74%). Total RBCs, platelets and fresh frozen plasma transfused during the study periods were 365,513 bags, 129,741 bags and 182,460 bags, respectively. The most frequently experienced NHTR was urticaria by platelets, with an incidence per bag of 2.76% in 2004 and 2.79% in 2005. The second was itching by platelets, with an incidence of 0.62% and 0.54%, respectively, followed by fever by RBCs, at 0.41% and 0.40%, respectively, and fever by platelets, at 0.35% and 0.34%, respectively.
The incidence of NHTR per bag of platelets did not change before and after prestorage leukocyte reduction.
