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

The most common adverse reaction to transfusing fresh frozen plasma is urticaria. This is primarily due to allergic reactions that can occur in response to proteins present in the plasma. Urticaria, characterized by the appearance of raised, itchy welts on the skin, is relatively common when blood products are transfused, as they contain various proteins that can trigger an immune response, especially in individuals who may have sensitivities or prior exposure to certain blood components.

While febrile non-hemolytic reactions, acute hemolytic reactions, and transfusion-related acute lung injury are serious adverse events associated with blood transfusions, they are less common in the context of fresh frozen plasma. Febrile non-hemolytic reactions, for instance, involve fever and chills and are often due to reactions to white blood cell antibodies rather than the plasma itself. Acute hemolytic reactions are typically linked to ABO incompatibility, which is more prevalent with red blood cell transfusions than with plasma. Transfusion-related acute lung injury, while serious, occurs relatively infrequently and is associated with damage to lung tissue rather than allergic responses.

Understanding that urticaria is the most frequently reported reaction helps clarify the risk profiles associated with fresh frozen plasma transfusions