Spectrum of hemolytic transfusion reactions from tertiary cancer center over a 1-year period

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Acute hemolytic transfusion reactions (HTRs) one of the serious adverse events manifesting within 24 h of blood transfusion. To review the adverse transfusion reactions in our cancer center over a 1-year period, especially HTR and its causation to find the ways of mitigating the same. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of HTR in tertiary care cancer center from South India. Patients who developed HTR in 2022 were included for discussion. Results: A total of six HTRs observed in five patients during 1 year. Case 1 was an acute presentation of HTR due to Anti Jka antibody. Case 2 was a nonimmune HTR associated with leukodepleted irradiated packed red blood cells transfusion. Case 3 was an incidental finding of passive hemolysis due to ABO incompatible platelet transfusion in patient clinically manifesting febrile and transfusion-associated dyspnea. Case 4 presented as an HTR with inconclusive evidence suggestive of HTR, with an impression of hemolysis as a part of the underlying disease. Conclusion: While the incidence of HTR due to ABO-incompatible transfusion reactions has been minimized, the other potential causes for acute HTR are still a concern. An effective hemovigiliance and strict adherence to standards in blood component practice may help to mitigate any form of transfusion reaction.

Keywords

• alloantibody
• blood components
• hemolysis
• hemolytic transfusion reaction