Blood transfusions are a common procedure; approximately 5 million people receive a blood transfusion in the United States each year, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) in 2009. Side effects can occur from transfusion and can be caused by a reaction of the recipient's immune system to the donor blood cells. Allergic reactions can also occur. Side effects to blood transfusion can range from mild to life-threatening.
Fever
Fever is the most common side effect of a blood transfusion, occurring in one in eight patients, the University of Michigan reported in 2004. Fever is considered a rise of 1.8 degrees F over baseline temperature. Fever is usually caused by an antibody reaction to white blood cells. Fever is less likely to occur if white blood cells are removed from blood and only red blood cells are transfused. Fever is often accompanied by chills. Fever usually occurs during the transfusion but can occur anytime up until the day after the procedure. Fever can also be a sign of a transfusion hemolytic reaction, where transfused blood isn't compatible with that of the recipient. To ensure that no error has been made, the patient's identity, blood type and the blood being transfused should all be double-checked by medical personnel if a patient starts running a fever. Acetaminophen or other antipyretics can be given to treat a fever.
Allergic Reaction Signs
An allergic reaction to proteins in the transfused blood can cause severe side effects. Symptoms of an allergic attack are hives, nausea, throat swelling, headache, chest pain and difficulty breathing. Fever and chills can be part of an allergic reaction. Wheezing and incontinence may also occur. A more severe attack will cause shock, collapse, low blood pressure, heart arrhythmias, fast pulse and cardiac arrest, according to the University of Michigan. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) may be given by mouth before a transfusion to reduce the risk of allergic reaction. Cortisone may be required to treat an allergic reaction once it occurs, Merck states.
Hemolytic Reaction Signs
Hemolytic transfusion reactions are rare and usually occur when a blood mismatch is made. In acute hemolytic reaction, recipient antibodies attack red blood cells in the transfused blood, and red blood cells are destroyed. Usually hemolytic reaction is due to human error, Merck claims. A person with a hemolytic reaction will be feverish with back pain, anxiety and shortness of breath that occur suddenly within the first hour of the transfusion. The patient may have a feeling of impending doom. Next, shock causes a fast, weak pulse, low blood pressure and pale, cold, clammy skin. Jaundice may occur due to red blood cell destruction. Twenty people a year die from acute hemolytic reaction, Merck states. The transfusion is stopped immediately, and diuretics and intravenous fluids are given to protect the kidneys from damage.
