What is the most common adverse reaction to transfusing fresh frozen plasma?

The most common adverse reaction to transfusing fresh frozen plasma is indeed urticaria. Urticaria, or hives, is frequently observed as a mild allergic reaction that can occur during or after a transfusion. It is generally characterized by the development of itchy, raised welts on the skin and can be managed effectively with antihistamines.

While other reactions to blood transfusions, such as febrile non-hemolytic reactions, acute hemolytic reactions, and transfusion-related acute lung injury, do occur, they are less common compared to urticaria specifically. Febrile non-hemolytic reactions arise from immune responses to the white blood cells or cytokines in the transfused blood, and while they are also relatively common, they do not occur with the same frequency as urticaria. Acute hemolytic reactions are serious but are usually associated with ABO incompatibility and are therefore less common in the context of fresh frozen plasma transfusions. Transfusion-related acute lung injury, although potentially life-threatening, is a rare complication that occurs due to immune-mediated damage to the lungs.

Understanding these nuances helps clarify why urticaria is the most frequently observed reaction among patients receiving fresh frozen plasma transfusions, highlighting the importance