Febrile Non-Haemolytic Transfusion Reaction (NHTR)
Usual
In a mild reaction fever with or without chills and rarely, hypotension. Occasionally, pronounced pallor for a brief period.
In severe cases fever, chills, hypotension, cyanosis, tachypnoea, dyspnoea, cough, limited fibrinolysis and transient leucopenia.
(In febrile reaction due to platelet antibodies frontal headaches for about 30 minutes, rigors coming on at about 45 minutes after transfusion begins and lasting for about 15-30 minutes followed by fever)
1. Stop transfusion at least till IHTR is ruled out.
2. Supportive treatment.
Use leucocyte - poor blood components or washed RBC.
Asprin or other anti-pyretic drug given pre-transfusion helps.
