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).