Investigation of factors associated with allergic transfusion reaction due to platelet transfusion and the efficacy of platelets resuspended in BRS‐A in adult patients

BACKGROUND: Although allergic transfusion reactions (ATRs) resulting from platelet concentrate (PC) are a common adverse reaction, the mechanism underlying ATRs has not been fully elucidated. Plasma-replaced PC suspended in bicarbonate Ringer's solution and anticoagulant citrate dextrose solution A (RPC-B) is effective for preventing ATRs in children in Japan; however, there is not enough evidence in adult populations. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis focused on factors associated with ATRs developing from PC transfusions in adult patients in a single institution between 2015 and 2018. The clinical efficacy of RPC-B for adult patients was also analyzed. RESULTS: In total, 4,677 untreated regular PC products in plasma were transfused into 914 patients. ATRs developed in 65 patients (7.1%) treated with 92 PC products (2.0%). Multivariate analysis revealed that patients who were elderly, diagnosed with a non-hematological disease, and who received a transfusion of fresh-frozen plasma and red blood cell concentrate products together with PC products had lower frequencies of ATRs. Although 40 patients received 490 RPC-B transfusions, six ATRs (1.2%) were confirmed in five patients (12.5%). The ATR frequency was not significantly lower in the analysis of all patients; however, ATRs in patients with hematological diseases were lower in terms of both the patient and product numbers. Corrected count increments (24 hr) were also within an acceptable range in patients with hematological diseases. CONCLUSION: Several patient-specific factors may be associated with the development of ATRs from PC transfusion. Because RPC-B appears to efficiently prevent ATRs, even in adult patients, safe and efficient transfusions may be performed by using RPC-B preferentially depending on the patient's risk factors.