Transfusions Flashcards
1
Q
What causes a Febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reaction? what helps stop this?
A
This patient is having a febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reaction (FNHTR), which is one of the more frequent reactions associated with transfer of cellular blood products. The reaction occurs due to recipient antibodies directed against donor leukocytes. The leukocytes are lysed and cytokines are released resulting in fever and chills. The build-up of cytokines during storage of blood products is another possible cause. The incidence and severity of the reaction cannot be reduced by premedicating with acetaminophen. The incidence of FNHTR is declining due to the practice of leukoreduction prior to the storage of blood products.
