Usually this is the result of an antibody reaction to the transfused blood. Make sure that the Standards of Care Guidelines are being followed for blood matching.
4.3.2 Type of blood product
The product of choice is packed red blood cells depleted of
leucocytes and matched with the patient’s red antigen phenotype
for at least D, C, c, E, e, and Kell.
Whole blood or blood without leukodepletion is unsuitable for
regular transfusions, since non-hemolytic transfusion reactions are
common. When possible, large units less than two weeks of age are
recommended.
Patients should be assessed for hemolytic reactions if any adverse
event is noted during a transfusion. Febrile and allergic reactions
may respond to acetaminophen and diphenhydramine before
future transfusions.
Patients who develop allergic reactions should be given washed
packed red blood cell units.
Your child needs to be seen at a Center of Excellence at least once per year, so that a full assessment can be done and a proper treatment program can be designed for your child's needs. Contact Eileen at CAF, register with CAF if you are not already, and ask for a referral to a Center. There is one in Atlanta.
Cooley's Anemia Foundation
330 Seventh Avenue, #900
New York, NY 10001
(800)522-7222
Fax: 212-279-5999
Patient Services Manager
Eileen Scott
eileen.s@cooleysanemia.org