Prevalence of Adverse Transfusion Reactions in Hospitalized Patients in Tertiary Heart Center of Sari, Iran in 2014-2020

Introduction: Our study aimed to determine the prevalence of adverse transfusion reactions (ATRs), unexpected or undesirable effects resulting from the therapeutic use of blood products. Material and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we assessed the medical records of ATR patients who were referred to Mazandaran Heart Center from March 2014 until July 2020. Patients needed blood transfusions during the operation for various reasons; complications related to blood administration were considered ATR. Age, sex, associated clinical signs, symptoms, and adverse response were composed of a patient's file checklist with ethical points. SPSS 16.0 was used for statistical analysis. Results: In this study, 23,206 blood products were used in hospitals as treatment, and there were 96 reactions (4%) because of transfusion, and 10 patients had a history of recent reactions. There was not any specific connection between the age of patients and the existence of complications. Most reactions were allergic (44%) and non-hemolytic febrile reactions (42%). It is essential to state that 91% of adverse reactions were slight ones, and only 5% led to the injury. Out of 96 patients with complications, 79 patients received blood products as pack cells; 6 patients received Fresh Frozen Plasma; 3 patients received autologous blood products, while this number was one for Blood Low Leukocytes and platelets (PLT). Conclusion: Based on this investigation, the risk of adverse transfusion reactions (ATRs) is 4%, and universally 85 million units of blood products are transfused every year. Consequently, investigation to reduce this number is required.