Age of blood: does it make a difference?

Area of Science:

• Medicine
• Hematology
• Transfusion Medicine

Background:

• The perceived value of blood transfusions has shifted due to recognized risks.
• Risks include disease transmission, immunosuppression, and proinflammatory effects.
• Stored red blood cells undergo significant changes over time, termed the 'storage lesion'.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the evolving understanding of red blood cell transfusion risks.
• To explore the impact of the storage lesion on transfusion outcomes.
• To highlight the association between red blood cell age and clinical adverse effects.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on red blood cell transfusion.
• Analysis of research on the storage lesion and its effects.
• Examination of clinical data linking blood age to patient outcomes.

Main Results:

• Red blood cell transfusion is linked to disease transmission, immunosuppression, and inflammation.
• The storage lesion involves time-dependent metabolic, biochemical, and molecular alterations in stored red blood cells.
• Clinical studies associate older blood units with increased risks of multiple organ failure, pneumonia, and wound infections.

Conclusions:

• The storage lesion is a potential mechanism for adverse effects following red blood cell transfusion.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate the relationship between red blood cell age and clinical outcomes.
• Understanding these risks is crucial for optimizing transfusion practices.