Blood transfusions carry risks of several common complications, including acute transfusion reactions such as febrile non-hemolytic reactions, allergic reactions, hemolytic transfusion reactions, transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI), and infections. Strategies to prevent these complications focus on careful patient monitoring, appropriate blood product selection, and adherence to transfusion protocols.
Common complications: Acute transfusion reactions are the most frequent and can range from mild allergic responses to severe hemolytic reactions caused by ABO incompatibility. TRALI is a serious complication characterized by acute lung injury following transfusion. Infectious risks, although reduced by modern screening, remain a concern, especially with repeated transfusions such as in sickle cell disease management Chou & Fasano 2016. Other complications include iron overload in patients receiving chronic transfusions and alloimmunization.
Preventive strategies: The UK NICE guidelines emphasize continuous monitoring of the patient's vital signs before, during, and after transfusion to promptly detect and manage acute reactions NICE NG24. Use of electronic patient identification systems is recommended to reduce errors in blood matching NICE NG24. Single-unit transfusions with reassessment after each unit help minimize exposure and risk NICE NG24. Providing patients with clear verbal and written information about transfusion risks and benefits supports informed consent and vigilance NICE NG24. For patients with specific conditions like sickle cell disease, tailored transfusion protocols and close monitoring for alloimmunization and iron overload are advised Chou & Fasano 2016. Additionally, prophylactic measures such as leukodepletion of blood products reduce febrile reactions, and careful blood group matching prevents hemolytic reactions NICE NG24.
In summary, the most common complications of blood transfusion include acute transfusion reactions, TRALI, infections, and alloimmunization. Prevention relies on vigilant monitoring, strict adherence to transfusion protocols, patient identification systems, and patient education, alongside condition-specific management strategies (Chou and Fasano, 2016; NICE NG24).