The impact of storage on red cell function in blood transfusion.
Despite the common use of red-blood-cell transfusions in clinical practice, actual beneficial effects of red blood cells have never been demonstrated. On the contrary, several studies suggest that red-blood-cell transfusions are associated with higher risks of morbidity and mortality. The effects of the duration of storage on the efficacy of red blood cells have therefore been questioned in a number of studies. Recent insights into the physiology of red blood cells such as the role of the hypoxia-induced vasodilator-releasing function of red blood cells--is discussed in relation to the controversy surrounding the use of blood transfusions in clinical practice.
Almac
Emre
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Clinical Physiology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Ince
Can
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D019794:2,3-Diphosphoglycerate / Q000378:metabolism; D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate / Q000502:physiology; D000818:Animals; D001793:Blood Preservation / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D001803:Blood Transfusion / Q000401:mortality; D004910:Erythrocyte Membrane / Q000502:physiology; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006801:Humans; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000502:physiology; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology; D051381:Rats; D013997:Time Factors; D065227:Transfusion Reaction
D019794:2,3-Diphosphoglycerate; D009569:Nitric Oxide; D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate