Allergic Reactions
Simple allergic reactions are common, occurring with an estimated incidence of 1 to 3 per 100 transfusions. Allergic reactions occur most commonly after the transfusion of components containing large volumes of plasma such as fresh frozen plasma, plasma frozen within 24 hours, single donor platelets or pooled random donor platelet concentrates. Transfusion of red blood cells is less commonly associated with allergic reactions because they contain so little plasma.
Allergic reactions are attributed to transfusion of allergens (e.g. donor ingested food and medications) and polymorphic serum proteins (e.g. haptoglobin, C3/4, transferrrin, albumin and others) which react with IgE antibody bound to basophils or mast cells in the recipient’s blood. This interaction results in the release of C3a, C5a, histamine, prostaglandin D2, leukotrienes C and D4 and a variety of other cytokines. These substances produce an immediate type hypersensitivity reaction by increasing vascular permeability, promoting bronchial smooth muscle contractions, and stimulating mucus secretion by nasal and bronchial glands. Histamine release causes hives, itching, and rarely, laryngeal edema.
The National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) hemovigilance protocol defines allergic reactions as 2 or more of the following symptoms occurring during or within 4 hours of cessation of transfusion:
- Conjunctival edema
- Edema of lips, tongue and uvula
- Erythema and edema of the periorbital area
- Generalized flushing
- Hypotension
- Localized angioedema
- Maculopapular rash
- Pruritus
- Respiratory distress such as bronchospasm
- Urticaria
Hives (urticaria) or other rash (erythema), itching (pruritis), and wheezing are most common. Allergic reactions can occur during or up to 3 hours post-transfusion. The shorter the time interval is between the start of the transfusion and the onset of the allergic reaction, the more severe the reaction. In more severe reactions, anxiety, dyspnea, palpitations, fever and chills may accompany urticaria.
Allergic reactions are not usually dangerous, but they do cause discomfort and anxiety. Urticaria is not a manifestation of a hemolytic reaction, so it is not usually necessary to discontinue the transfusion. No laboratory testing is necessary.
Treatment consists of:
- Slowing the rate of transfusion for 15 to 30 minutes.
- Giving an antihistamine to ease discomfort.
- Monitoring carefully because urticaria could be the first sign of a more serious allergic reaction.
- If the only symptom is skin rash or hives and the symptoms resolve within 30 minutes of treatment, the transfusion can be resumed.
Patients who have had 2 or more allergic reactions benefit from oral or parenteral prophylactic treatment with diphenhydramine one hour prior to transfusion and at the start of transfusion. If reactions continue, cellular products can be washed to remove residual plasma containing the soluble allergens. Corticosteroids may be necessary in severe, repetitive cases.
