Transfusion Reactions Associated with Anti‐IgA Antibodies: Report of Four Cases and Review of the Literature

Four cases of anaphylactic and anaphylactoid transfusion reactions associated with anti‐IgA antibodies are reported. Two were class‐specific and two were of limited specificity. All four patients had serious reactions characterized by hypotension, dyspnea, flushing of face and neck, or erythematous rash after administration of otherwise compatible blood. In one patient this reaction was fatal. In another, diagnosis of the condition based on previous transfusion history prevented a subsequent reaction. Review of the literature reveals an apparently low incidence of reactions but a relatively large susceptible population with anti‐IgA. Reported reactions have occurred equally in both sexes and largely in patients over 40 years of age who previously have been transfused or pregnant. Although severe and dramatic, these reactions have responded well to treatment and generally have not had serious sequelae.