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Cytokine generation in stored platelet concentrates
1Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.
Transfusion
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Stored platelet concentrates (PCs) can contain elevated levels of interleukin-8 (IL-8), a cytokine linked to transfusion reactions. White cell reduction filters effectively reduce IL-8 and IL-1 beta generation during PC storage.
Area of Science:
- Transfusion Medicine
- Immunology
- Hematology
Background:
- Cytokines are implicated in nonhemolytic transfusion reactions.
- Stored blood components may be a source of these cytokines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and levels of specific cytokines (IL-1 beta, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-alpha) in stored platelet concentrates (PCs).
- To determine the impact of storage duration and white cell count on cytokine levels.
- To evaluate the efficacy of white cell reduction filters in mitigating cytokine generation.
Main Methods:
- Plasma from 120 stored PCs (2- to 5-day-old) was analyzed for IL-1 beta, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-alpha.
- Sequential sampling of 17 PCs over 7 days assessed IL-8 changes.
- Comparison of PCs with and without white cell reduction.
Main Results:
- Interleukin-8 (IL-8) was detected in 59% of PCs, increasing with storage time and white cell count.
- IL-8 levels in 5-day-old PCs were significantly higher than in 2-day-old PCs.
- White cell reduction filters prevented IL-8 and IL-1 beta generation by Day 5.
Conclusions:
- Elevated IL-8 levels in some PCs may have physiological implications.
- The role of infused cytokines from PCs in transfusion recipients requires further investigation.