Transfusion-related immunomodulation

Transfusion-related immunomodulation refers to the transient depression of the immune system following transfusion of blood products. This effect has been recognized in groups of individuals who have undergone kidney transplantation or have had multiple miscarriages.^[1] Some research studies have shown that, because of this immune depression, blood transfusions increase the risk of infections and cancer recurrence. However, other studies have not shown these differences and the degree of impact transfusion has on infection and tumor recurrence is not well understood.^[2] The Blood Products Advisory Committee of the Food and Drug Administration recommends that all transfused blood products undergo leukocyte reduction in order to offset the contribution of donor white blood cells to immune suppression.^[3]

References

1. ^ Gatenby PA, Cameron K, Simes RJ, Adelstein S, Bennett MJ, Jansen RP, Shearman RP, Stewart GJ, Whittle M, Doran TJ. Treatment of recurrent spontaneous abortion by immunization with paternal lymphocytes: results of a controlled trial. Am J Reprod Immunol. 1993 Mar;29(2):88-94. PMID 8329110
2. ^ Goodnough LT, Brecher ME, Kanter MH, AuBuchon JP. Transfusion medicine. First of two parts--blood transfusion. N Engl J Med. 1999 Feb 11;340(6):438-47. Review. PMID 9971869
3. ^ American Association of Blood Banks. BPAC recommends universal leukoreduction. AABB News Briefs 1998;20(11):16.