Prevalence of acute blood transfusion reactions in Mazandaran Heart Center, Sari, Iran, 2010-2012.

Introduction: Although blood transfusion is life saving for patients, it is responsible for a series of complications and exposes the patients to a variety of risks. Therefore knowing different adverse effects of blood transfusion represents a great issue in managing recipient patients.

Aim: The aim of the present work was to study the prevalence of blood transfusion complications among patients in the Mazandaran Heart Center, Sari, Iran, during a period of 2 years.

Material And Methods: A retrospective review of all reported and evaluated acute transfusion reactions during a 2 years period in Mazandaran Heart Center was performed. Associated clinical signs and symptoms were evaluated.

Results: In 9193 transfused blood products, there was 34 (0.4%) acute transfusion reactions. The commonest were discomfort and restlessness (0.16%), dyspnea (0.16%), rigors (0.13%), fever (0.08%), chest pain (0.06%), rash or urticaria (0.04%), nausea and vomiting (0.03%), palpitation (0.03%), hypertension (0.03%) flashing (0.02%), hypotension (0.02%).

Conclusion: Acute transfusion reaction is seen in %0.4 of transfused patients therefore, we recommend a well-structured program for monitoring adverse reactions associated with blood transfusion and blood product administration (Hemovigilance program).