Any person who receives blood or blood products may develop complications from that transfusion.  There are several adverse reactions related to blood transfusion with varying mechanisms. In this section, we will talk about allergic reactions from blood products.

Allergic Reactions

Among transfusion complications, IgE-mediated allergic reactions are the most common occurring in about 2% of blood transfusions. A plasma protein within the foreign blood component is thought to be the major allergen for a sensitivity reaction. The body counters by sending antibodies to deal with the foreign agent and cause mast cells to release inflammatory chemicals. Symptoms of an allergic reaction are urticaria, itching, and flushing that are usually mild, with or without fever, and respond to antihistamines. Rarely, the allergy is severe, with bronchospasm, laryngeal edema, and shock. Severe allergic reactions are commonly associated with individuals who have IgA deficiency, and have anti-IgA antibodies.

What your Doctor for you

Mild symptoms like urticaria are managed by stopping the transfusion followed by the administration of antihistamines. If the symptoms resolve after administration of medicine, the patient will be assessed whether transfusion can be resumed. Severe allergic (anaphylactic reactions) are managed by stopping the transfusion immediately. The reaction will be treated with epinephrine, corticosteroids, and other supportive measures.

Future reactions may be prevented by the administration of antihistamines prior to transfusion. For severe reactions, future blood components are washed to remove any plasma proteins. Saline-washed blood products are guaranteed to be almost free from plasma. Usually, they are given as packed RBCs. Certain leukocyte filters are not useful, as the allergens are very minute particles that can pass through the filter.

What you can do

When undergoing a transfusion, be mindful of the symptoms of any transfusion reactions. Ask the nurse or the physician for the adverse reactions that should be anticipated. The first 15 minutes of transfusion is very crucial as most complications arise during this period. Watch out for flushing, warmth, pruritus (itching), urticaria, back pain, headache, dyspnea (difficulty of breathing), cough, crackles, vomiting, fever, and chills because one or more of these may indicate a severe transfusion reaction. Remember, blood transfusion entails a number of complications. Allergic reactions, for one, are the milder form. But symptoms should not be neglected as there is a high chance of rapid progression of the condition especially when dealing with the circulatory system.