Leukocyte reduction in blood component therapy

Thomas A. Lane, Kenneth C. Anderson, Lawrence T. Goodnough, Sanford Kurtz, Gary Moroff, Patricia T. Pisciotto, Merlin Sayers, Leslie E. Silberstein

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

112 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose: To review methods of preventing or minimizing the adverse effects associated with the transfusion of passenger leukocytes present in cellular blood components and to define groups of patients who are at risk for adverse effects. ■ Data Sources: English-language articles on transfusion medicine. ■ Study Selection: Original reports describing the pathogenesis of leukocyte-induced adverse effects in transfusion recipients and the influence of leukocyte-reduced blood components on these effects. ■ Data Extraction: Evaluation of the diagnosis, transfusion history, and treatment of the study patients; the methods and results of leukocyte reduction; and specific outcomes, including development of alloimmunization to leukocytes, febrile reactions to transfusion, and platelet refractoriness. ■ Data Synthesis: Passenger leukocytes are the chief cause of alloimmunization to human leukocyte antigen (HLA) and leukocyte-specific antigens in transfusion recipients. Alloimmunization may result in febrile transfusion reactions, platelet refractoriness, and acute lung injury. Leukocytes are also the vector for transfusionassociated cytomegalovirus infection. Technologic advances in the leukocyte reduction of cellular blood components have made it possible to reduce the number of leukocytes to fewer than 107 per transfusion. Findings suggest that the use of leukocyte-reduced cellular blood components may minimize or prevent recurrent febrile reactions and alloimmunization to leukocyte antigens. Cytomegalovirus may not be transmitted by blood components containing fewer than 107 leukocytes. ■ Conclusions: Leukocyte reduction in red blood cell and platelet transfusions using third-generation filters is indicated for selected patients who are likely to receive long-term transfusion support, to prevent recurrent febrile reactions and to prevent or delay alloimmunization to leukocyte antigens. Leukocyte-depleted transfusions may also be indicated to delay or prevent refractoriness to platelet transfusion.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)151-162
Number of pages12
JournalAnnals of internal medicine
Volume117
Issue number2
StatePublished - Jul 15 1992

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Internal Medicine

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Leukocyte reduction in blood component therapy'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this