Allergic Transfusion Reactions

Abstract Context.—Allergic reaction to transfusion is common. However, the review of a large series of allergic transfusion reactions has not been performed. Objective.—To review a large series of allergic transfusion reactions. Design.—A retrospective review of all reported and evaluated transfusion reactions during a 9-year period at 1 institution was performed. Associated clinical signs and symptoms were evaluated. Setting.—Large, tertiary-care teaching hospital. Results.—A total of 1613 adverse reactions to transfusion were evaluated. Allergic transfusion reactions accounted for 17% (273 of 1613) of the transfusion reactions. Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis, anaphylactoid signs and symptoms, and/or hypotension) were observed in 21 patients (7.7% of allergic reactions, or 1.3% of all transfusion reactions). Serum tryptase, a marker for anaphylaxis, was measured in 1 patient and determined to be borderline elevated. Five patients experienced allergic transfusion reactions to autologous red cell t...