Febrile non-haemolytic transfusion reaction occurrence and potential risk factors among the US elderly transfused in the inpatient setting, as recorded in Medicare databases during 2011-2012

Background and ObjectivesFebrile non-haemolytic transfusion reaction (FNHTR) is an acute transfusion complication resulting in fever, chills and/or rigours. Study's objective was to assess FNHTR occurrence and potential risk factors among inpatient U.S. elderly Medicare beneficiaries, ages 65 and older, during 2011-2012. Materials and MethodsOur retrospective claims-based study utilized large Medicare administrative databases. FNHTR was ascertained via ICD-9-CM diagnosis code, and transfusions were identified by recorded procedure and revenue centre codes. The study ascertained FNHTR rates among the inpatient elderly overall and by age, gender, race, blood components and units transfused. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess potential risk factors. ResultsAmong 4336338 inpatient transfusion stays for elderly during 2011-2012, 2517 had FNHTR diagnosis recorded, an overall rate of 580 per 100000 stays. FNHTR rates (per 100000 stays) varied by age, gender, number of units and blood components transfused. FNHTR rates were substantially higher for RBCs- and platelets-containing transfusions as compared to plasma only. Significantly higher odds of FNHTR were identified with greater number of units transfused (P<001), for females vs. males (OR=115, 95% CI 104-127), and with 1-year histories of transfusion (OR=125, 95% CI 110-142), lymphoma (OR=122, 95% CI 102-146), leukaemia (OR=190, 95% CI 156-231) and other diseases. ConclusionsOur study shows increased FNHTR occurrence among elderly with greater number of units and with RBCs- and platelets-containing transfusions, suggesting need to evaluate effectiveness of prestorage leucoreduction in elderly. The study also suggests importance of prior recipient alloimmunization and underlying health conditions in the development of FNHTR.