Adverse events (AEs) associated with blood transfusions, including component-specific red cell, platelet, and plasma products, have been extensively surveyed. In contrast, surveillance of AEs associated with hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) products in HSC transplantation (HSCT) has been less rigorous, even though HSC products include a diversity of immature and mature hematopoietic cells, substantial plasma, and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in the case of cryopreserved HSC products. HSC infusion-related AEs have been attributed to DMSO toxicity, but AEs associated with the infusion of noncryopreserved HSC products are not uncommon. To quantify the frequencies, types, and risk factors of HSC infusion-related AEs, we implemented national surveillance for AEs observed within 24 hours after infusion. Herein we report on 1125 HSCTs, including 570 peripheral blood stem cell transplantations (PBSCTs) (290 autologous [auto-] and 280 allogeneic [allo-]), 332 allo-bone marrow transplantations (allo-BMTs) and 223 allo-cord blood transplantations (allo-CBTs). Unexpectedly, incidences of grade ≥ 2 AEs were most frequent in allo-BMTs (37.7%) with no DMSO in any product compared with auto-/allo-PBSCTs (20.9%, P < .001) and allo-CBTs (19.3%, P < .001) typically cryopreserved with DMSO. Hypertension was most often noted in BMTs, whereas nausea/vomiting, fever, and allergic reactions were most frequent in allo-PBSCTs. In a multivariate analysis, a history of transfusion reactions was a risk factor for overall AEs in all HSCTs (odds ratio [OR] = 1.459, P = .045). For grade ≥ 2 AEs in allo-HSCTs, a history of transfusion reactions (OR = 1.551, P = .044) for overall AEs, and high infusion volume (OR = 7.544, P = .005) and allo-PBSCTs (versus BMTs, OR = 9.948, P = .002) for allergic reactions were identified as risk factors. These findings suggest that some factors unrelated to DMSO, such as allo-antigens, contribute to HSC infusion-related AEs. As severe AEs, a total of 117 grade ≥ 3 AEs were reported in 1125 HSCTs, including life-threatening complications in 3 (0.3%) HSCTs: 1 allo-CBT (anaphylaxis) and 2 allo-PBSCTs (hypoxia, kidney injury) with cryopreserved product. Our data show that HSC infusion risks vary by product, can be severe, and should be monitored with the same rigor as modern transfusion hemovigilance programs.

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The incidence of ARs per transfused patient may reflect better the potential risk of transfusion with blood components, taking into account the characteristics of the transfused patient.