Complications of Allogeneic Blood Transfusion: Current Approach to Diagnosis and Management

Introduction: Blood transfusion remains a vital component of modern medicine, as yet artificial blood or blood substitute is still widely promising. In well-organized health care systems, with standard transfusion services/facilities and safe practices, the risk associated with infusion of allogeneic blood components is minimal or negligible. However, in most developing nations, significant morbidity is still associated with allogeneic blood transfusion.

Objective: This article is a review on diagnosis of transfusion reactions and modalities for treatment, aimed at promoting interest and awareness as well as, providing current knowledge regarding blood transfusion complications among clinical staff involved in transfusion care.

Methodology: Relevant literatures were searched using search engines such as PubMed and Google Scholar, as well as standard textbooks in transfusion medicine. Results were summarized in appropriate sections.

Results: There are several complications associated with allogeneic blood transfusion. Many of these complications can be prevented and controlled through effective donor and recipient haemovigilance, as well as training and re-training of both clinical and blood bank staff.

Conclusion: Improved knowledge regarding these complications, as well as current treatment guidelines is a crucial strategy to their prevention and control in developing nations. This will invariably increase the capacity and ability of the attending clinical staff (physicians/nurses) to correctly identify, manage and report these adverse transfusion reactions.