Anaphylaxis related with positively charged white-cell reduction filters.

Allergic reactions related to blood transfusion frequently occur and most of them are mild reactions such as urticaria, erythema, pruritus and flushing. More severe and life threatening allergic reactions such as anaphylactic shock rarely occur. Application of white cell reduction filters during transfusions may prevent alloimmunization, febrile nonhemolytic reactions and transmission of intracellular infectious agents. Despite their beneficial effects, white-cell reduction filters may cause allergic reactions. In this article we present three patients who had anaphylactic reactions during blood transfusion with positively charged leucocyte filters.