Usual cause
Alloimmunisation to donor HLA or other antigens. Cytokine accumulation during storage.
Incidence
1% of transfusions(2). Most frequently in patients previously alloimmunised by transfusion or pregnancy.
Main clinical features
Temperature rise of ≥ 1º C during or shortly after transfusion and in the absence of any other pyrexic stimulus. Chills, rigors and headache.
Investigation
Clinical assessment.
Intervention
Consider and exclude other causes. Give antipyretic. Consider leucocyte depletion for primary/secondary prevention.