Acute transfusion reactions in a district hospital: A 2-year retrospective review

Background: Blood transfusion is a life-saving intervention but carries numerous risks. It is therefore paramount  to identify various adverse events associated with the procedure and to take stringent measures to reduce its occurrence. The aim of this study was to  determine the incidence and analyse the type of acute transfusion reactions occurring in patients who required blood transfusion.
Materials and Methods: This study was a retrospective review and analysis of all acute transfusion reactions reported to the blood bank of Methodist Hospital, Wenchi-Ghana  from January 2021 to December 2022.
Results: During the study period,  a total of 5,857 units of blood were issued, out of which there was an incidence of 0.51% (n=30). Most acute transfusion reactions were observed in females and in patients between 26 – 45 years. The most common symptom was pruritus/itching (33.3%), followed by skin rash (23.3%) and urticaria (13.3%). Majority of the reactions were allergic (70%) followed by Febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reaction (20%). The frequency of transfusion reactions was significantly higher with packed red blood cell transfusion (50%).
Conclusion: Sensitization of all health personnel involved in the transfusion chain and strict hemovigilance program enforcement will help in improving the safety of blood transfusion.