Advances in transfusion therapy.
OBJECTIVE
To review several recent advances in blood transfusion therapy.


METHODS
Professional journals and current American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) recommendations.


METHODS
Not applicable.


METHODS
Not applicable.


RESULTS
Improvements in leukocyte reduction of blood components have been effective in preventing alloimmunization to white cell antigens and the transmission of cytomegalovirus.  Leukocyte reduction has not proved effective, however, in preventing febrile reactions after platelet transfusions in alloimmunized patients.  To reduce the risk of transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease, new recommendations for the irradiation of blood components have been made.  They include the irradiation of donor units from all blood relatives of the recipient and an increase in the recommended dose of irradiation to 2,500 cGy. Current investigations of both hemoglobin-based and fluorocarbon-based blood substitutes may improve the safety and efficacy of transfusion therapy in the future.


CONCLUSIONS
Advances in transfusion therapy include the prevention of alloimmunization to leukocyte antigens, the prevention of CMV transmission by using leukocyte-reduced blood products, the reduction of the risk of transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease, and the investigation of potential blood substitutes.
Division of Clinical Laboratory Science, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 27599.
S J
SJ
Beck
D016913:Blood Component Transfusion / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends; D001802:Blood Substitutes / Q000737:chemistry; D003586:Cytomegalovirus Infections / Q000635:transmission; D005374:Filtration / Q000295:instrumentation; D005466:Fluorocarbons / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006086:Graft vs Host Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D007962:Leukocytes