Febrile Nonhemolytic Transfusion Reactions

Abstract Context.—Febrile nonhemolytic transfusion reactions (FNHTRs) cause unwelcome interruptions during the course of blood product transfusions and necessitate measures to verify the nature of the reaction and to exclude certain dangerous reactions, such as hemolytic and septic phenomena. Objective.—To examine transfusion medicine data to determine the clinical implications of the routine administration of antipyretic medication to adult patients before transfusion for the prevention of FNHTRs. Design.—A retrospective review was conducted of FNHTR data during 5 years (1998–2002), and a determination was made of the cost of a transfusion complicated by an FNHTR. In addition, a comparative cost analysis was performed using our data and published data on the incidence of FNHTRs. The clinical implications of medication with respect to possible drug-induced adverse effects were assessed, as well as the potential interference with diagnosing other forms of transfusion reactions and the mitigation of the cli...