Role of transfusion in stem cell transplantation: a freedom-from-transfusion (FFT), cost and survival analysis

Transfusion of blood products is often necessary for patients undergoing stem cell transplantation (SCT). The need for red cell and platelet transfusion may vary significantly depending on the type of transplantation and underlying disease.

In an attempt to evaluate the need and volume of transfusions in patients undergoing SCT at University of Kansas Medical Center, the authors retrospectively evaluated the transfusion data of all patients who received SCT between 2000 and 2005.

A total of 138 (90%) out of 154 patients undergoing autologous SCT and 24 (43%) out of 56 patients with allogeneic SCT exhibited total hematopoietic engraftment and freedom from transfusion (FFT). Time to achieve FFT (median; range) for RBC units for autologous SCT (12; 0-183) was significantly shorter compared with allogeneic SCT (16.5; 0-373). Number of RBC units (median; range) transfused were significantly less in patients undergoing autologous SCT (4; 0-26) compared to patients undergoing allogeneic SCT (6.5; 0-54). The median cost of transfusion was significantly higher in patients undergoing allogeneic SCT (red cell: $2,015; platelet: $4,480) compared to patients undergoing autologous SCT (red cell: $1,240; platelet: $2,520). The authors recognize that this was a retrospective single-center study and practice guidelines may vary from center to center.

Authors conclude that transfusion of blood products is an expensive but integral part of SCT, more so for allogeneic SCT than for patients undergoing autologous SCT. Total FFT is a desirable long-term goal of successful marrow transplantation.