DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2024.v12i05.030

Pages: 694-700

Introduction: Allergic reactions are a significant concern in transfusion medicine, with varying severity from mild cutaneous symptoms to severe anaphylactic shock. This study investigates the relationship between serum IgE levels, blood groups, and allergic reactions in patients receiving fresh frozen plasma (FFP) transfusions. The aim of the study was to assess the associations between serum IgE levels, blood group antigens, and the incidence of allergic reactions in patients undergoing FFP transfusions. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted at the Department of Transfusion Medicine, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh, from March 2019 to August 2021. Fifty-five patients aged 5 to 60 years receiving FFP transfusions were included using convenient sampling. Data were collected using a pre-designed sheet and analyzed with SPSS version 26. Chi-square and Pearson’s correlation tests were employed to assess associations. Result: The majority of participants were male (94.55%) and urban residents (80%). Blood group O positive was the most common (41.82%), followed by B positive (25.45%) and A positive (18.18%). Clinical symptoms included itching (56.36%) and urticarial rash (29.09%). Elevated IgE levels were found in 52.73% of participants, with 90.6% of those experiencing allergic reactions having raised IgE levels. Significant correlations were found between allergic reactions and blood groups O positive and B positive (p=0.009). Conclusion: Elevated serum IgE levels and specific blood groups (O positive, B positive) are significantly associated with allergic reactions in patients receiving FFP transfusions. Screening for IgE levels in high-risk patients and understanding blood group-specific susceptibilities can inform tailored transfusion practices to mitigate allergic reactions. Further multicenter studies are needed to validate these findings and enhance transfusion safety.