A Clinical Survey of Severe Urticaria after Blood Transfusion during Anesthesia

Hahm, Sun Ae; Lee, Choon Hi

Abstract

With increasing use of whole blood transfusions, a variety of untoward reactions have been recognized during the past quarter century. The most common complication of blood trasfusions is urticaria among the allergic reactions, but angioneurotic edema, bronchospasm, and even anaphylactic shock have been observed. The urticaria after blood transfusion during anesthesia has been studied from March 1980 to February 1979 in the department of anesthesiology in Ewha Womans University Hospital. Among 642 cases in total of whole blood transfusion, there were 92 cases(14.4%) of urticaria. The following results were obtained: 1) 92 cases(14.4%) developed urticaria. 2) Among them, 52 cases(59.8%) had mild form urticaria, 16 cases(17.3%) moderate and 21 cases(22.8%) serere. 3) 20 cases of severe urticaria were given average 6. 25 pints of whole blood transfusion. 4) The incidence of urticarial reaction increased with the amount of blood given. 5) Almost all cases of severe urticaria were over 20 years of age and the difference of sex ratio was not significant. 6) Average eosinophil count was 1. 5% of whole white blood cell count and it was within normal limits. 7) 19 cases received general anesthesia and only one case spinal anesthesia. 8) Average onset of urticarial reactions was 1 hour and 45 minutes after transfusion started and everage duration of urticarial reactions was 4 hours and 15 minutes. 9) Pheniramine maleate, hydrocortisone sodium succinate and epinephrine were used as the treatment of urticaria. 10) The results of treatment were good in 25%, moderate 55% and poor 20%.

A Clinical Survey of Severe Urticaria after Blood Transfusion during Anesthesia

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