Related Experiment Videos
Transfusion practices in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients
M A Popovsky1, K Benson, A B Glassman
1American Red Cross Blood Services, New England Region, Dedham, Massachusetts, USA.
Transfusion
|July 1, 1995
Summary
Transfusion practices for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients vary significantly. Many institutions modify blood components to mitigate risks like virus activation and tumor growth, despite a lack of standardized protocols.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Transfusion's immunomodulatory effects raise concerns for HIV-infected patients, potentially increasing virus activation and tumor growth.
- Lack of standardized transfusion practices necessitates an understanding of current approaches in specialized centers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey and delineate current transfusion policies and practices for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients.
- To identify variations in blood component modification and treatment strategies.
Main Methods:
- A survey developed by the American Association of Blood Banks Transfusion Practices Committee was distributed.
- The survey targeted 47 AIDS clinical trial units and 14 regional hemophilia centers in North America.
Main Results:
- 81% of centers used identical red cell transfusion criteria for HIV-infected and non-infected patients.
- 52% used recombinant human erythropoietin for zidovudine-induced anemia; 35% used white cell-reduced components for CMV-seronegative patients.
- Common reasons for white cell reduction included mitigating febrile reactions, cytomegalovirus (CMV) risk, and immunomodulatory consequences.
Conclusions:
- Significant heterogeneity exists in transfusion practices for HIV-infected patients.
- Modification of cellular blood components is a routine practice in many centers to address specific patient needs and risks.