Factors related to allergic transfusion reactions and febrile non‐haemolytic transfusion reactions in children

Background and Objectives Allergic transfusion reactions ( ATR s) and febrile non‐haemolytic transfusion reactions ( FNHTR s) are the two major types of transfusion‐related adverse reactions ( TRAR s). Although prestorage leucocyte reduction and diversion of the first aliquot of blood ( LR / D ) could reduce FNHTR s and bacterial contamination in adult transfusion, ATR s are still problematic. In addition, there is little information about TRAR s in paediatric population. Materials and Methods We conducted a single‐centre retrospective analysis of all transfusions, except washing products, and TRAR s for 153 months to evaluate related factors such as delivery of treatment and the characteristics of recipients. Results Most TRAR s were FNHTR s and/or ATR s in children. In delivering blood products with LR /D, the frequencies of not only FNHTR s but also ATR s were significantly reduced with both platelet concentrates ( PC s) and red cell concentrates ( RCC s). TRAR s of fresh‐frozen plasma were infrequent in children. In addition, even after the introduction of LR /D, ATR s were significantly more frequent in patients with primary haematological and malignant diseases who received PC s and RCC s, older patients who received PC s and patients who received frequent RCC s. Conclusion These results suggest that leucocytes or mediators from leucocytes are underlying cause of ATR s in addition to FNHTR s in children. Furthermore, particular characteristics of patients would be other risk factors for ATR s.