Recognition, Investigation and Management of Acute Transfusion Reactions: Consensus guidelines for Oman

Area of Science:

• Transfusion Medicine
• Patient Safety
• Clinical Guidelines

Background:

• Transfusion reactions (TRs) pose risks to patient safety, necessitating prompt recognition and management.
• Acute transfusion reactions (ATRs) and delayed transfusion reactions are distinct categories, but ATRs often present with overlapping symptoms, complicating initial diagnosis.
• TRs are frequently under-recognized and under-reported, highlighting a critical gap in healthcare surveillance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the absence of local guidelines for transfusion reaction management in Oman.
• To provide consensus-based guidelines for the recognition, management, and reporting of acute transfusion reactions (ATRs).
• To promote uniform practices and enhance patient safety in blood transfusion services.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive review of existing literature on transfusion reactions.
• Development of consensus guidelines based on summarized evidence.
• Focus on practical strategies for the recognition, management, and reporting of ATRs.

Main Results:

• Identified challenges in categorizing ATRs due to shared symptoms.
• Highlighted the under-recognition and under-reporting of TRs.
• Proposed a framework for implementing national haemovigilance and guidelines.

Conclusions:

• Oman currently lacks specific local guidelines for managing transfusion reactions.
• Consensus guidelines are essential for standardizing the recognition, management, and reporting of ATRs.
• Implementation of these guidelines will improve patient safety and haemovigilance in Oman.