Febrile non-hemoltyic transfusion reaction

Febrile non-hemoltyic transfusion reaction

Updated: 07/28/2025

© Jun Wang, MD, PhD

 

General features

  • Unexplained fever of 1°C or 2°F or higher
  • Commonly seen in oncology or transplant patients
  • Incidence reduced due to leukocyte reduction of RBCs and platelets
  • May be prevented by leukocyte reduction of donor RBC or platelets, especially before storage

Clinical presentations

  • Transient fever and chills
  • Presents during or less than 2 hours after transfusion

Key pathogenesis

  • Pyrogens in donor’s units
  • Most likely produced by leukocytes in donor units
  • May be produced before or after transfusion

Laboratory findings

  • No evidence of hemolysis

Management

  • Antipyretics

  

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