Frequency and types of transfusion reactions in pediatric population: A report from a tertiary care center in Pakistan

Background: A transfusion reaction is an untoward reaction following blood transfusion. It can be immediate or delayed and further sub-classified into immune and nonimmune. The role of physicians and paramedical staff is important in recognition of reaction and notifying transfusion services by sending relevant material for workup. Objective: The aim of the current study is to see frequency and types of transfusion reactions in pediatric population in a tertiary care center. We also assessed the compliance of clinical staff to send the proper transfusion reaction workup in required time. Materials And Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the section of hematology and transfusion medicine of a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, from January 2020 to December 2021 after the approval from Ethical Review Committee. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Results: Of the 21,230 units dispensed and transfused, 36 (0.17%) transfusion reactions were noted. Allergic was the most frequent type 21 (58.3%). Red cells accounted for 28 (77.8%) of the reactions. In all cases, reaction forms were completely filled. Blood bags, posttransfusion ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid samples and urine samples in only 8 (22.2%) cases were received at blood bank within 2 h of reaction. Conclusion: Incidence of transfusion reactions was 1 in 590 units transfused. Allergic reactions were most common. No acute hemolytic or septic reaction noted. Practices regarding submission of transfusion reaction form along with required workup to the blood bank need improvement.