Acute transfusion reactions have been found to occur during or within 24 hours of transfusion. The aim of this work is to describe the main characteristics of acute reactions reported in a Brazilian transfusion service. A preprinted report form was used to evaluate the age and sex of the transfusion recipients, blood component requested, medical specialty involved and transfusion-related signs and symptoms, transfusionists performed a direct observation during the transfusion and in a period of

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... four hours following transfusion. Data were prospectively collected for 90 days from 30 hospitals and health facilities supplied by the the Service of Hematology and Hemotherapy of São José dos Campos. Acute reactions were recognized as febrile nonhemolytic, allergic, fluid overload, transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI), anaphylatic and metabolic reactions. In a total of 8,378 transfusions, 46 acute reactions were recorded (5.5 per 1000 units transfused, 28 febrile nonhemolytic, 12 allergic, 5 anaphylatic and 1 fluid overload). TRALI and metabolic reactions were not detected. The majority (27) was associated with RBCs followed by PLTs 11, FFP 6 and partial units 2. The median age of the recipients was 43 years (3 months to 83 years, 23 males and 23 females). Overall, 12 (26.1%) events were recorded in oncology, 12 (26.1%) in medicine and 7 in intensive care unit departments. This study provides baseline acute transfusion reaction information for a specific period of time in a Brazilian transfusion service. Rev. bras. hematol. hemoter 2004; 26(2):78-83.