Haemolytic transfusion reactions caused by non-ABO red cell antibodies reported to the Norwegian Haemovigilance System 2004-2020.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to analyse the reports received in the Norwegian Haemovigilance System from 2004 to 2020 on acute and delayed haemolytic transfusion reactions caused by non-ABO red cell antibodies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Antibody specificity, clinical symptoms and outcomes were included when available. RESULTS: After transfusion of 3.7 million red cell concentrates, reports on 78 cases of haemolytic transfusion reactions caused by non-ABO red cell antibodies were received, corresponding to an incidence of 1 in 47,000 transfused red cell concentrates. There were 30 acute and 48 delayed haemolytic transfusion reactions. A total of 113 red cell antibodies were found: 82 alloantibodies, 6 autoantibodies and 25 cases where the antibody specificity could not be determined. Two fatalities occurred: one caused by anti-Wra and one caused by an unidentified red cell antibody. The most frequently reported antibody specificities were those in the Rh and Kidd blood group systems, representing 24% and 14%, respectively, of all the antibodies identified. In six cases, errors occurred, leading to the issuing of blood units without the required phenotype match. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the possible underreporting, the low number of serious haemolytic transfusion reactions reflects an adequate pre-transfusion practice by the Norwegian blood banks.

An international comparison of HIV prevalence and incidence in blood donors and general population: a BEST Collaborative study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Efficiency in mitigating HIV transmission risk by transfusion may vary internationally. We compared HIV prevalence and incidence in blood donors across different jurisdictions in relation to those rates in the general population and differences in deferral practices. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from 2007 to 2016 were collected in Australia, Brazil (São Paulo), Canada, England, France, Italy, Ireland, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Spain (Basque Country), USA (Vitalant) and Wales. For each country/region, the number of HIV antibody-positive donations and nucleic acid testing (NAT)-only-positive donations was broken down according to first-time or repeat donor status, along with the relevant denominators. RESULTS: There is a modest correlation between HIV prevalence among first-time donors and HIV prevalence in the general population. However, rates of HIV-positive donations in repeat donors, a proxy for incidence, do not correlate with incidence rates in the general population. Rates in donors from Italy and Basque Country, where deferral criteria for men having sex with men are less stringent, are higher compared with most other jurisdictions. Rates of NAT-only-positive donations are extremely low and do not differ significantly after adjustment for multiple comparisons. CONCLUSION: Donor HIV rates are only weakly associated with those observed in the general population. Countries with less stringent deferral criteria have higher HIV rates in their donor population, but the rates remain very low.

Eight years with haemovigilance in Norway. What have we learnt?

The purpose of a haemovigilance system is to identify complications related to transfusion or blood donation, analyze them and learn in order to avoid complications in the future. The Norwegian Haemovigilance System (Troll) started as a voluntary, professionally led reporting system in 2004. In 2007 haemovigilance became an authority task, according to the EU blood directive, and reporting of serious adverse reactions and serious adverse events became mandatory. The Norwegian Directorate of Health became responsible for the system and asked The Norwegian Knowledge Centre for the Health Services to run it. Results from the first eight years of reporting are presented. A total of 2607 transfusion complications or incorrect blood component transfused (IBCT) have been reported (127 per 100,000 transfusions). Most transfusion reactions are mild. The most frequently reported are febrile non-hemolytic and mild allergic reactions. Serious adverse reactions such as anaphylaxis, TRALI and hemolytic transfusion reactions occur, but are rare. One incident of bacterial transmission and four incidents of viral transmission have been reported, among them one case of HCV transmission. No incidents of transmission of HIV or hepatitis B have been reported. IBCT was reported 168 times. Our data are comparable with data from other countries. Recommendations from the haemovigilance system are included in local and national guidelines. Increased knowledge of haemovigilance among physicians and nurses can lead to improved transfusion safety. It is safe to receive blood in Norway, but serious adverse reactions do occur. Our reporting system seems to be well accepted. We have not yet been able to document any change of practice that has lead to a reduction in the number of complications.