Prevalence and risk factors associated with blood transfusion reactions among hospitalized patients

Research article | https://doi.org/10.47262/BL/12.1.20260228

Muhammad Sohail Hanif¹*, Muhammad Faizan Munawer², Saira Afzal³, Sharjeel Iqbal¹, Naeem Wajid¹, Jazib Khalil¹, Dilawaiz Kabir¹, Munazzah Marryum²

¹Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Rehabilitation & Allied Health Sciences, Riphah International University, Faisalabad Campus, Pakistan

²State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China

³Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Microbiology, Government College University Faisalabad, New Campus, Faisalabad, Pakistan

Abstract

Adverse transfusion reactions that may have a range of consequences, from minor to fatal outcomes, remain an important clinical concern. This prospective observational study aimed to identify risk factors and the prevalence of transfusion reactions among patients receiving blood products. The study was carried out in the transfusion units of Allied Hospital in Faisalabad, Pakistan, between April and June of 2025. A total of 100 hospitalized patients were included in the study. Vital signs and clinical observations were recorded before, during, and after the transfusion. To determine correlations between potential risk factors and transfusion outcomes, SPSS was used to analyze the data. Females comprised 59% of the study population, and the most frequent reasons why the patients needed a transfusion were obstetric and gynecological conditions, including postpartum bleeding and pregnancy anemia. The average age of the receivers was 40.0 years. The overall prevalence of adverse transfusion reactions was 27%. The most common reaction was febrile non-hemolytic, followed by allergic reactions. Stored blood showed a significantly higher reaction rate (30%) compared with fresh blood (15%). Isolated blood had resulted in adverse reactions more often. Proper inventory management and storage practices are essential because stored blood is associated with a higher risk of transfusion reactions. The need for the most efficient blood management practices is based on the greater risk of transfusion responses due to preserved blood.