Effects of storage-aged red blood cell transfusions on endothelial function in hospitalized patients.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Clinical and animal studies indicate that transfusions of older stored red blood cells (RBCs) impair clinical outcomes as compared to fresh RBC transfusions. It has been suggested that this effect is due to inhibition of nitric oxide (NO)-mediated vasodilation after transfusion of older RBC units. However, to date this effect has not been identified in human transfusion recipients.

Study design and methods

Forty-three hospitalized patients with transfusion orders were randomly assigned to receive either fresh (<14 days) or older stored (>21 days) RBC units. Before transfusion, and at selected time points after the start of transfusion, endothelial function was assessed using noninvasive flow-mediated dilation assays.

Results

After transfusion of older RBC u

SUBMITTER: Neuman R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4430456 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature