Specific Reactions
When looking at possible transfusion reactions, I find it easiest to categorize them by timing (acute vs. chronic) and by the presence or absence of fever.
| ACUTE FEBRILE REACTIONS | ACUTE AFEBRILE REACTIONS |
| Acute Hemolytic Reactions | Urticarial Reactions |
| Febrile Nonhemolytic Reactions | Anaphylactic Reactions |
| Bacterial Contamination | Anaphylactoid Reactions |
| TRALI | Circulatory Overload |
| CHRONIC FEBRILE REACTIONS | CHRONIC AFEBRILE REACTIONS |
| Delayed Hemolytic Reactions | Post-Transfusion Purpura |
| TA-GVHD | Iron Overload |
The top two categories above are reactions that typically occur either during the transfusion or within the first 24 hours afterward. I call them "acute" reactions even though the actual word "acute" is only a part of the name of one of the reactions. Then, the acute reactions are further subdivided based on whether or not they typically occur in association with a temperature increase. Obviously, the two bottom categories are similarly subdivided as to presence or absence of fever; also, they represent reactions that typically occur more than 24 hours after the transfusion.
After you go through each of these reactions, you can come back to this page by clicking a link at the bottom of each page. This is a work in progress, so forgive me that all of the sections are not yet ready.
Also, you can check out a handy-dandy chart that I have put together outlining the basic details of each type of reaction.
Back to Transfusion Reaction Index.