Blood Bank Guy Essentials Podcast

024: Allergic Reactions with Will Savage

Dec 19, 2016
Dr. Will Savage, an assistant professor at Harvard University and medical director at Brigham and Women's Hospital, dives into the nuances of Allergic Transfusion Reactions (ATRs). He challenges the perception of ATRs as mere nuisances, revealing their complexities and potential severity. The discussion covers the differences between mild and severe reactions, the surprising links between hay fever and transfusion allergies, and critiques common management practices. Savage emphasizes the critical importance of education and individualized patient care in transfusion medicine.
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ANECDOTE

Patient Quotes Reveal Hidden Suffering

  • Will Savage collected patient quotes showing mild ATRs can be extremely painful and frightening.
  • One patient preferred chemo over the urticarial burning he experienced during transfusion.
INSIGHT

Timing Defines Most Reactions

  • Allergic transfusion reactions are a spectrum of hypersensitivity signs linked to transfusion timing.
  • Almost 90% occur during transfusion or within 15 minutes after finishing.
INSIGHT

Skin Signs Dominate Presentations

  • ATRs most often present with mucocutaneous signs: itching, hives, and angioedema.
  • Angioedema can involve lips, eyes, tongue, or upper airway producing a throat-lump sensation.
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