Development of the Chinese Haemovigilance Network and reporting of adverse transfusion reactions from 2018 to 2020

Background and objectives: To advance blood transfusion safety, the Chinese Haemovigilance Network (CHN) was put into operation in 2018. This report describes the development of the CHN and evaluates its role by analysing reported adverse transfusion reactions (ATRs) from 2018 to 2020.

Materials and methods: All data in this study were obtained from the CHN online reporting platform. A timeline of CHN development is presented, and the activities of CHN-enrolled facilities are analysed by year. The reported ATRs were analysed in detail for ATR types, blood components involved and adherence to case definition, severity and imputability criteria. Incidence rates were calculated and compared with international examples.

Results: During 2018-2020, a total of 3061 ATRs were reported through the CHN online reporting system. The rate of reported ATRs in all facilities and the 10 highest reporting facilities was 0.7‰ and 1.8‰, respectively. When analysed by year, the incidence rate showed an increasing trend from 2018 to 2020. Allergic (68.2%) and febrile non-haemolytic transfusion reaction (27.1%) were the most common. The vast majority of ATRs (92.0%) were not serious, but serious cases of transfusion-associated circulatory overload, transfusion-associated dyspnoea and hypotensive reaction were common. Most (86.0%) of reported cases were definitely or probably associated with transfusion.

Conclusion: Under-reporting of ATRs occurs in many Chinese hospitals, but the establishment of CHN has increased ATR recognition and management. More effort will be needed in the future to detect transfusion problems and improve transfusion practice in China.