Leucodepletion and Blood Products

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Transfusion Medicine
• Immunology

Background:

• Leucoreduction aims to reduce residual white blood cells (WBCs) to < 5 × 10(6) per unit, achieving over 99.9% reduction.
• Clinical evidence indicates leucodepletion prevents non-haemolytic febrile transfusion reactions (NHFTRs).
• This procedure also mitigates alloimmunisation to Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA) in transfusion-dependent patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of leucodepletion on NHFTR incidence and HLA alloimmunisation in transfusion-dependent patients.
• To assess the effectiveness of leucodepletion filters in achieving significant WBC reduction.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of leucodepletion for blood products in Thalassemic patients starting in 2003.
• Comparison of NHFTR incidence rates before and after the introduction of leucodepletion.
• Utilisation of modern leucoreduction filters and apheresis machines capable of > 4 log WBC reduction.

Main Results:

• Following leucodepletion introduction for Thalassemics, NHFTR incidence decreased from 4% in 2002 to 1% in 2003.
• Leucodepletion effectively reduces WBC counts in blood products, maintaining normal shelf life.

Conclusions:

• Leucodepletion is a crucial intervention for patients requiring long-term transfusion therapy, such as Thalassemia patients.
• The procedure successfully prevents HLA alloimmunisation and NHFTRs, enhancing transfusion safety and efficacy.