Cross-Sectional Study of Prevalence and Patterns of Blood Transfusion-Related Complications in A Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Background: Blood transfusion is a lifesaving procedure but can lead to various complications, which differ widely in type and frequency. Understanding these complications within the context of a tertiary care setting is crucial for improving patient safety and transfusion practices. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study analyzed medical records from 2000 patients who received blood transfusions at a tertiary care hospital over one year. The study focused on identifying the prevalence and patterns of transfusion-related complications, categorized by type and associated with different blood products. Results: The most common complications were allergic reactions and febrile non-hemolytic reactions, reported in 13 and 11 cases respectively, indicating a prevalence with statistically significant p-values of 0.045 and 0.035. Severe complications such as hemolytic reactions, TRALI, and TACO were less frequent, with incidences and p-values of 1 (0.250), 1 (0.650), and 1 (0.800), respectively. The analysis of specific blood products revealed that whole blood transfusions were associated with the highest complication rate (83 cases, p-value 0.020), suggesting a significant risk compared to other blood components. Conclusion: The study highlights that while transfusion-related complications at a tertiary care hospital are mostly mild, severe reactions occur less frequently but remain a concern. The significant association of complications with whole blood underscores the need for careful consideration in its use and calls for continuous monitoring and improvement in transfusion protocols to enhance patient safety.