What is it about?
This study examined all acute transfusion reactions (ATRs) reported over 20 months in a teaching hospital in Sikkim as part of a hemovigilance initiative. A total of 3455 units of whole blood and components were transfused, and 32 reactions (0.92%) were recorded. The analysis looked at: 1. How often different blood components (PRBCs, whole blood, FFP, platelets) were associated with reactions, 2. The types of reactions encountered, and 3. Their clinical features, severity, and possible underlying contributors. Allergic reactions were the most common (65.6%), followed by febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reactions (FNHTRs) (28.1%). Most reactions occurred with packed red blood cells and whole blood, while no reactions were seen with platelet transfusions. No hemolytic reactions were detected during the study period.
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Why is it important?
Hemovigilance is essential for improving blood transfusion safety. By analyzing patterns of ATRs, hospitals—especially in resource-limited regions—can identify preventable causes and implement system-level improvements. This study found a slightly higher incidence of ATRs compared to larger, better-equipped centers in India. The absence of leukoreduction facilities was identified as a likely contributor, especially to the higher frequency of FNHTRs. The findings highlight practical steps—such as adopting leukoreduced components—to enhance patient safety and reduce avoidable adverse reactions. The work also strengthens the broader national hemovigilance program by providing data from a remote northeastern setting where evidence had been limited.
Perspectives
For clinicians: Early recognition and reporting of ATRs is critical. The predominance of allergic and febrile reactions reinforces the importance of pre-transfusion checks, patient monitoring, and prompt management protocols. For hospital administrators: Introducing leukoreduction and strengthening staff training can significantly reduce FNHTRs and improve overall transfusion safety. For policymakers and hemovigilance authorities: Data from remote centers such as Sikkim support more equitable resource allocation and guideline implementation across India. For patients and the community: The study shows that adverse reactions are uncommon and usually minor, and ongoing monitoring efforts aim to make transfusion practices safer and more reliable.
Dr Supratim Datta
Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Study of acute transfusion reactions in a teaching hospital of Sikkim: A hemovigilance initiative, Indian Journal of Pharmacology, January 2015, Medknow,
DOI: 10.4103/0253-7613.161257.
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