红细胞贮存代谢对临床输血有效性与安全性的作用研究

目的研究贮存红细胞的代谢变化与临床输注有效性与安全性的关系,为临床安全有效输血提供新的实验依据。方法 119袋红细胞悬液中保存期3 d的20袋,8 d的25袋,15 d的30袋,28 d的28袋,32 d的16袋;分别输注给119位外科手术患者,并分析它们输注的有效率;采用NO荧光探针技术检测不同保存期贮存红细胞中一氧化氮浓度,分别于输血前后,用硫代巴比妥法检测血清中MDA含量,氧化酶法检测SOD的活性。结果随着红细胞制剂贮存期延长NO水平有持续下降的趋势(P<0.05);红细胞制剂输注有效率也随之下降,差异有统计学意义;贮存期28、32 d的红细胞悬液,输血后3 h,患者血浆MDA水平上升,SOD水平下降,与输血前相比2者均有显著性差异(P<0.05),输血后24 h,MDA水平与输血前相比虽有增加,但2者差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);贮存期为3、8、15 d的红细胞悬液,输血3 h、24 h后,血浆内SOD与MDA与输血前水平相当,均无显著性差异(P>0.05)。结论随着保存期的延长,贮存红细胞悬液中一氧化氮浓度明显下降,并与临床输注的有效性相关,同时红细胞贮存代谢物可能对患者输血会造成暂时性氧化应激损伤。     

储存前去白细胞悬浮红细胞在保存期内质量变化的研究

目的 探讨储存前去白细胞悬浮红细胞在保存期内质量变化的研究.方法 选择20名符合《献血者健康检查要求》的献血者所献的400 mL全血,在24h内将其分成2份200 mL全血,将其中1份制备成红细胞悬液为对照组(n=20);另1份使用白细胞滤器去除白细胞后再制备成去白红细胞悬液为实验组(n=20),2组一起4±2℃保存.取采血后1d、7d、14 d、21 d、28 d、35 d对血标本作血常规(PBC、HGB、Hct、MCV)、生化(K+、Na+、Cl-)、血液流变学(全血粘度、全血还原粘度、红细胞聚集指数、红细胞刚性指数、红细胞变形指数、红细胞电泳指数)、红细胞渗透脆性、游离血红蛋白和储存期末溶血率检测.同时分别对2组数据进行统计学分析.结果 去白红细胞悬液组和红细胞悬液组的K+、游离血红蛋白和储存期末溶血率随着保存时间的延长而有所升高,2组数据在相同储存时间差别不显著(P＞0.05),均符合悬浮红细胞质量国家标准.红细胞聚集指数、红细胞刚性指数和红细胞电泳指数、全血粘度随着保存时间的延长而有所升高,在保存14 d后相同时间差别显著(P＜0.05),红细胞悬液组高于去白红细胞悬液组.全血还原粘度随着保存时间的延长而有所升高,在保存28 d后相同时间差别显著(P＜0.05),红细胞悬液组高于去白红细胞悬液组.其它指标变化不明显.结论 储存前去白细胞悬浮红细胞不仅白细胞滤除,红细胞的血流变学指标比未滤除的红悬液好,所以建议储存前滤白红悬液更能保证血液质量与安全.     

远距离外出采血对红细胞保存质量的影响

目的比较远距离外出采血对红细胞保存质量的影响。方法 20份街头献血屋采集的血液采集后置2～6℃冰箱存放,2 h后分离出红细胞悬液放入2～6℃冰箱贮存,为对照组;20份外出采血血液采集后置室温30～33℃1～2 h,18～22℃路程4 h后分离出红细胞悬液放入2～6℃冰箱贮存为实验组(远距离采血组)。在保存期内每隔3 d检测两组血液红细胞ATP,血浆游离血红蛋白(FHb),棘形红细胞率,细胞外液K+浓度。结果 4个检测值在各时间点的变化都存在非常显著性差异(P0.01)。随着储存时间的延长实验组的红细胞ATP含量下降的幅度逐渐大于对照组,d 34实验组红细胞ATP值为1.78±0.22 umol/g.Hb,但两组间的变化未见统计学差异(P0.05)。实验组FHb浓度及棘形红细胞率的升高随时间的变化明显大于对照组,两组间对比有统计学差异(P0.05)。细胞外液K+浓度在d1的均值两组间差异有统计学意义(P0.05),且随着储存时间的延长而明显升高,但2组间的差异不显著(P0.05)。结论因血液受采血后温度、振动及时间等的综合作用,远距离外出采血会影响保存期后期的红细胞质量,应尽早使用。     

血液保存期对患尿毒症受血者血钾浓度的影响

目的　探讨MAP红细胞悬液在血液保存期血钾浓度变化及对患尿毒症受血者的影响。方法　收集慢性肾功能衰竭进行血液透析并输血的 2 76个病例。对保存期为 0、1、2、3、4、5周的红细胞悬液标本做红细胞酵解率及存活率、红细胞内ATP水平、上清液K+ Na+ 浓度测定。结果　随着保存期的延长 ,MAP红细胞悬液血钾浓度成倍增长 ,尿毒症患者输入保存期 >10d的红细胞悬液可能会出现高血钾症。结论　尿毒症患者最好输入保存期 <5d的血液 ,或者选用滤白或洗涤的红细胞制剂。     

30 Gy γ射线辐照对库存红细胞的影响

目的 了解30 Gyγ射线辐照后血液内红细胞溶血率、细胞外K+和Na+、红细胞ATP在保存期内不同时间段的变化,为辐照血的保存和临床输注提供依据.方法 应用化学方法:离子选择电极测量法、Trinder法、酶法分别检测辐照前后保存期的d1、d7、d14、d21、d28、d35血液中的FHb、K+、Na+及ATP含量.结果 库存血液经30 Gyγ射线辐照后,在血液保存期内随着保存时间的增长,红细胞溶血率和K+浓度不断增高,尤其K+浓度增高迅速,在d7上升至(13.45 ±2.14) mmol/L,在d14达到(19.37±2.20) mmol/L而Na+及ATP浓度也有所降低(P＜0.05).结论 库存血经30 Gyγ射线辐照后随着保存时间的延长红细胞溶血率、细胞外K+和Na+、红细胞ATP变化明显.     

白细胞滤除对保存期内红细胞流变性和形态的影响

目的 探讨白细胞滤除对保存期红细胞流变性及形态的影响.方法 选择30名健康献血者的血液制备成红细胞悬液,随机分为实验组(n=30):使用去白细胞输血过滤器去除红细胞悬液中的白细胞(简称滤白组);对照组(n=30):未滤白的红细胞悬液;2组一起常规保存.取采血后d0、d7、d14、d21、d28、d35的血标本作白细胞(WBC)和红细胞计数(RBC)、红细胞压积、血液高剪切力、低剪切力及细胞形态学检测.结果 过滤前后红细胞悬液内的WBC为(6.80±0.85)(× 109/L) vs (3.12±0.26)(×106/L) (P ＜0.01);保存d21时低、高切粘度分别为:对照组(11.28±1.88)1/s、(2.85±0.29)200/s,滤白组(12.36±1.57)1/s、(2.93±0.22) 200/s,较保存1～2周明显上升(P＜0.05),但组间比较未见明显著变化(P＞0.05);瑞氏染色结果显示2组细胞形态也有不同变化,滤白组红细胞形态保存较好.结论 白细胞滤除能有效减少白细胞崩解产物或分泌因子对红细胞形态的影响.     

滤除白细胞对悬浮红细胞不同贮存期溶血率的影响

目的 探讨滤除白细胞对库存悬浮红细胞不同贮存时间溶血的影响.方法 选择60名健康无偿献血者捐献血液400 mL/人(份),血浆分离后制备成悬浮红细胞60份(300 mL/份),随机分为2组(30份/组):白细胞滤除组(滤白组)应用去白细胞输血过滤器去除白细胞;对照组未滤除白细胞.将2组均置于4℃常规保存,分别于保存0、7、14、21、28、35 d6个时间点取样,检测其游离血红蛋白(FHb)及保存液中Na+、K+.结果 随着贮存时间的延长,实验组和对照组中的FHb分别由(9.48±1.67) mg/L和(6.7±1.08) mg/L上升到(198.89±28.38)m∥L和(177.12±21.03) mg/L,贮存＞21 d后2组分别为(198.89±28.38) mg/L和(177.12 ±21.03) mg/L(P＜0.05).Na+、K+未见明显变化(P＞0.05).贮存至35 d时2组均在可国家标准规定的范围内.结论 不论滤白与否,悬浮红细胞随着贮存时间的延长红细胞溶血率增加,滤白悬浮红细胞自贮存至21 d起溶血率明显高于未滤白悬浮红细胞,但到贮存末期滤白悬浮红细胞FHb仍在国家标准范围内.     

红细胞悬液在不同贮存期的生化指标

目的 :观察红细胞悬液在 ( 4± 2 )℃贮存期生化指标的动态变化 ,了解红细胞的质量以提高临床成份输血的疗效。方法 :取当天采集的全血 (CPDA保养液 ) ,制备红细胞悬液 (MAP添加剂 ) 2 0人份 ,每份分装 8小袋 ,保存于 ( 4± 2 )℃冰箱中 ,在 0d、5d、10d、15d、2 0d、2 5d、3 0d、3 5d时 ,检测K 、Na 、Cl 、Mg2 、Ca2 、P、Glu、LDH、CK、血气分析、游离血红蛋白等指标。结果 :K 、Ca2 、P、Mg2 、LDH、PO2 、游离血红蛋白随贮存时间的延长而明显增高 ,Na 、Glu、pH、PCO2 随贮存时间的延长而明显降低 ,Cl-、CK在贮存期内无明显改变。结论 :红细胞悬液随着贮存时间的延长 ,细胞膜结构发生一系列改变 ,部分细胞衰老破裂 ,红细胞质量有所下降。     

不同贮存时间红细胞悬液蛋白质组学分析

目的比较不同贮存时间红细胞悬液蛋白质之间的变化,阐明库存红细胞损伤的机制。方法采用双向凝胶电泳(2-DE)和基质辅助激光解吸电离飞行时间质谱(MALDI-TOF-MS)技术检测d 1、d 12、d 23和d 35血库贮存红细胞悬液中蛋白质水平的变化,寻找随着贮存时间延长发生变化的蛋白质点。结果通过比较分析3名健康献血者在d 1 d、d 12、d 23和d 35贮存在4℃冰箱的红细胞悬液的蛋白质表达谱。发现在贮存的d 12与d 1相比增加了14个蛋白质点并达到高峰,其中有7种蛋白质,在以后的d 23和d 35则逐渐降低到一个稳定的水平。结论通过血清蛋白质组学技术,成功鉴定了7种蛋白质与红细胞悬液贮存时间延长有关的差异蛋白质点,为减少红细胞损伤延长红细胞寿命提供重要的理论依据和途径。     

滤除白细胞对红细胞悬液保存期间炎性细胞因子水平的影响及与临床非溶血性发热的关系

目的 :研究红细胞悬液保存期间白细胞介素IL 1,IL 6,IL 8和肿瘤坏死因子 (TNF α)水平变化和过滤对细胞因子水平及对非溶血性发热 (FNHTR)发生的影响。方法 :取 2U红细胞悬液 ,1U红细胞悬液予滤除白细胞和 1U红细胞悬液不滤除白细胞处理 ,保存 5周。分别在 0周、1周、3周、5周测定各细胞因子水平 ,临床观察过滤组和非过滤组FNHTR发生率。结果 :未经白细胞滤除的红细胞悬液随保存期延长各细胞因子水平逐渐升高 ,0周、1周、3周有统计学差异 (P <0 0 5 ) ,但 3周与 5周未见明显差异 (P >0 0 5 ) ,而经白细胞滤除的红细胞悬液保存期内各细胞因子的增加无统计学差异 (P >0 0 5 )。未滤除白细胞红细胞悬液输注后FNHTR发生率高于滤除组(P <0 0 5 )。结论 :未滤除白细胞的红细胞悬液在保存期内各细胞因子会积聚增多 ,可能与FNHTR发生有关 ,滤除后可有效防止细胞因子的增加 ,有助于降低临床FNHTR发生率     

不同自体输血方式的临床效果研究

目的 探讨不同自体输血方式的有效性,促进医疗机构开展自体输血工作,保障临床输血安全.方法 采用简单随机抽样法随机选择2014年1月至2016年7月,于北京军区总医院或大连中心医院行骨科手术的88例自体输血患者作为研究对象.采用简单随机分组法,将其随机分为,术中自体红细胞回输组(n=43),储存式自体全血回输组(n=25)及储存式自体单采红细胞回输组(n=20).采用简单随机抽样法,选择同期42例于受试者收集医院行骨科手术,并且术中仅接受异体输血的患者,纳入对照组(n=42).记录并分析采血前/术前、输血后当天、输血后第4天,各组患者红细胞计数、血红蛋白(Hb)水平、血细胞比容(HCT)、血小板计数,以及患者住院天数、术中出血量、异体输血量等指标.采用统计学方法比较4组患者上述各项指标的差异.结果 ①本研究4组患者采血前/术前的红细胞计数、Hb水平、HCT、血小板计数分别比较,差异均无统计学意义(P＞0.05).②输血后当天:4组患者的红细胞计数、Hb水平、HCT分别比较,差异均无统计学意义(P＞0.05);4组患者的血小板计数比较,差异有统计学意义(F=4.157,P=0.008).其中,储存式自体全血回输组患者的血小板计数最高[(196.0±43.8)×109/L],高于术中自体红细胞回输组、对照组,并且差异均有统计学意义(P=0.004、0.009);但是,与储存式自体单采红细胞回输组比较,差异无统计学意义(P=0.653).③输血后第4天:4组患者的红细胞计数比较,差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05);4组患者的Hb水平比较,差异有统计学意义(F=3.764,P=0.013).其中,术中自体红细胞回输组的Hb水平最高[(115.6±23.8)g/L],高于储存式自体全血回输组及对照组,并且差异均有统计学意义(P=0.022、0.006);但是,与储存式自体单采红细胞回输组比较,差异无统计学意义(P=0.878).4组患者的HCT比较,差异有统计学意义(F=3.915,P=0.011).其中,储存式自体单采红细胞回输组HCT最高[(34.4=4.8)％],高于对照组,并且差异有统计学意义(P=0.012);但是,与储存式自体全血回输组及术中自体红细胞回输组分别比较,差异均无统计学意义(P=0.059、0.819).④4组患者术中出血量和异体输血量分别比较,差异均无统计学意义(P＞0.05).4组患者住院天数比较,差异有统计学意义(x2=11.990,P=0.007).其中,对照组患者的住院天数最长[14.5 d(9.5～16.0 d)],长于储存式自体全血回输组,并且差异有统计学意义(P=0.007);但是,与储存式自体单采红细胞回输注及术中自体红细胞回输组分别比较,差异均无统计学意义(P=0.09、0.944).结论 临床择期外科手术患者的自体输血方式,首选储存式自体单采红细胞回输,其次为储存式自体全血回输和术中自体红细胞回输.在不能达到自体输血要求时,可选择异体输血.临床医师需要转变观念,逐步降低异体输血率,广泛、有效地开展自体输血工作,进一步保障临床输血安全.     

一氧化氮在贮存红细胞中的重要意义

贮存红细胞中一氧化氮（nitricooxide，NO）的大量流失，是导致红细胞扩张血管活性、红细胞变形能力以及血红蛋白（hemoglobin，Hb）携氧能力等生理活性降低甚至丧失的主要原因。为保障红细胞输注的安全性和有效性。解决红细胞贮存进程中NO的流失问题，了解NO在体内循环系统中的作用及其作用机理，亚硝基血红蛋白（S—nitrosohemoglobin．SNO—Hb）存在的形式以及调节机制具有重要意义。本文就NO对红细胞生理活性的作用及其作用机制、体内储存和运输的形式、SNO—Hb的调节、SNO—Hb含量变化对贮存红细胞功能影响等方面的研究进行了综述。     

Insufficient nitric oxide bioavailability: a hypothesis to explain adverse effects of red blood cell transfusion

While transfusion of red blood cells (RBCs) is effective at preventing morbidity and mortality in anemic patients, studies have indicated that some RBC components have functional defects ("RBC storage lesions") that may actually cause adverse events when transfused. For example, in some studies patients transfused with RBCs stored more than 14 days have had statistically worse outcomes than those receiving "fresher" RBC units. Recipient-specific factors may also contribute to the occurrence of these adverse events. Unfortunately, these events have been difficult to investigate because up to now they have existed primarily as "statistical occurrences" of increased morbidity and mortality in large data sets. There are currently no clinical or laboratory methods to detect or study them in individual transfusion recipients. We propose a unifying hypothesis, centered on insufficient nitric oxide bioavailability (INOBA), to explain the increased morbidity and mortality observed in some patients after RBC transfusion. In this model, variables associated with RBC units (storage time; 2,3-diphosphoglycerate acid concentration) and transfusion recipients (endothelial dysfunction) collectively lead to changes in nitric oxide (NO) levels in vascular beds. Under certain circumstances, these variables are "aligned" such that NO concentrations are markedly reduced, leading to vasoconstriction, decreased local blood flow, and insufficient O(2) delivery to end organs. Under these circumstances, the likelihood of morbidity and mortality escalates. If the key tenets of the INOBA hypothesis are confirmed, it may lead to improved transfusion methods including altered RBC storage and/or processing conditions, novel transfusion recipient screening methods, and improved RBC-recipient matching.     

野战运输对红细胞保存的影响

为了研究野战运输条件对几种血液成份的影响，为战时伤病员救治的血液保障提供依据，将红细胞悬液、少白细胞的红细胞悬液和洗涤红细胞经过模拟野战公路（三级公路）运输（震荡）4小时，然后在4℃条件下继续保存15天；取震荡前、后及保存15天的3个时间点的血样，分别进行上清游离血红蛋白、血常规和血生化分析。结果表明：红细胞悬液和少白细胞的红细胞悬液组游离血红蛋白、乳酸脱氢酶和钾离子浓度在震荡前、后及保存15天后的改变没有明显差异，而洗涤红细胞在震荡后上述三项指标显著增加，继续保存15天后，进一步增高。3个组中其它一些血液学指标没有明显的改变。结论：野战运输条件下（三级公路），采取合理的保温和减震措施后，运输4小时内红细胞悬液和少白细胞的红细胞悬液仍然可以继续保存15天并应用于临床，而洗涤红细胞则不能。     

Blood transfusions increase circulating plasma free hemoglobin levels and plasma nitric oxide consumption: a prospective observational pilot study

ABSTRACT: INTRODUCTION: The increasing number of reports on the relation between transfusion of stored red blood cells (RBCs) and adverse patient outcome has sparked an intense debate on the benefits and risks of blood transfusions. Meanwhile, the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying this postulated relation remain unclear. The development of hemolysis during storage might contribute to this mechanism by release of free hemoglobin (fHb), a potent nitric oxide (NO) scavenger, which may impair vasodilation and microcirculatory perfusion after transfusion. The objective of this prospective observational pilot study was to establish whether RBC transfusion results in increased circulating fHb levels and plasma NO consumption. In addition, the relation between increased fHb values and circulating haptoglobin, its natural scavenger, was studied. METHODS: Thirty patients electively received 1 stored packed RBC unit (n = 8) or 2 stored packed RBC units (n = 22). Blood samples were drawn to analyze plasma levels of fHb, haptoglobin, and NO consumption prior to transfusion, and 15, 30, 60 and 120 minutes and 24 hours after transfusion. Differences were compared using Pearson's chi-square test or Fisher's exact test for dichotomous variables, or an independent-sample t test or Mann-Whitney U test for continuous data. Continuous, multiple-timepoint data were analyzed using repeated one-way analysis of variance or the Kruskall-Wallis test. Correlations were analyzed using Spearman or Pearson correlation. RESULTS: Storage duration correlated significantly with fHb concentrations and NO consumption within the storage medium (r = 0.51, P < 0.001 and r = 0.62, P = 0.002). fHb also significantly correlated with NO consumption directly (r = 0.61, P = 0.002). Transfusion of 2 RBC units significantly increased circulating fHb and NO consumption in the recipient (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05, respectively), in contrast to transfusion of 1 stored RBC unit. Storage duration of the blood products did not correlate with changes in fHb and NO consumption in the recipient. In contrast, pre-transfusion recipient plasma haptoglobin levels inversely influenced post-transfusion fHb concentrations. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that RBC transfusion can significantly increase post-transfusion plasma fHb levels and plasma NO consumption in the recipient. This finding may contribute to the potential pathophysiological mechanism underlying the much-discussed adverse relation between blood transfusions and patient outcome. This observation may be of particular importance for patients with substantial transfusion requirements.     

体外测定CPDA与ACD全血在4℃以上的有效保存期

为确定血液在4℃以上的有效保存期并为战时血液保存与运输提供依据，采集10名健康献血者全血各200ml，每袋分出50ml标记为对照组，其余为实验组。将对照组置于4℃冰箱保存，于保存末期检测红细胞ATP含量为临界ATP；将实验组置于10—33℃下保存，每天测定ATP等指标，以临界ATP为指示点确定有效保存期。结果显示，在10—33℃条件下CPDA全血有效保存期为2．5-18天，ACD全血有效保存期为1—13天。结论：4℃以上保存的CPDA全血可以在有效保存期内运送到前线，使伤员得到快速有效的输血救治。     

Storage lesion: role of red blood cell breakdown

As stored blood ages intraerythrocytic energy sources are depleted resulting in reduced structural integrity of the membrane. Thus, stored red blood cells (RBCs) become less deformable and more fragile as they age. This fragility leads to release of cell-free hemoglobin (Hb) and formation of microparticles, submicron Hb-containing vesicles. Upon transfusion, it is likely that additional hemolysis and microparticle formation occurs due to breakdown of fragile RBCs. Release of cell-free Hb and microparticles leads to increased consumption of nitric oxide (NO), an important signaling molecule that modulates blood flow, and may promote inflammation. Stored blood may also be deficient in recently discovered blood NO synthase activity. We hypothesize that these factors play a potential role in the blood storage lesion.     

输血相容性检测室内质控品制备技术优化与性能评价

目的优化自制输血相容性检测室内全血质控品制备技术,检测其保存过程中综合性能指标的变化,确定合理的处理流程、保存期限并评价其应用价值。方法选择多人份采集时间≤10 d的B型RhD阴性健康献血者标本,将其混合后离心留取上清血浆,再将混合浓缩红细胞分成2组,MAP组:使用MAP红细胞保养液洗涤2次;Saline组:使用生理盐水洗涤2次。将2组洗涤后的红细胞分别与MAP红细胞保存液、对应混合血浆按照1∶2∶3的体积比混合。选择商品化IgG抗-D试剂做抗-D效价测定,确定出现最后1个2+凝集强度的稀释倍数,并按照此稀释倍数分别在2组质控品中填加相应体积的IgG抗-D。将2组混合悬液分装在硬质塑料试管中盖帽4℃保存,每天在室温放置1 h,分别在保存的0、35、42、49 d检测质控品标本红细胞与标准抗-B的凝集强度、IgM抗-A与反定A细胞的凝集强度、IgG抗-D与RhD阳性O型红细胞的凝集强度、上清液中Na+、K+、LDH、乳酸、FHb浓度、红细胞形态变化以及质控品中细菌繁殖情况。结果保存过程中2组质控品红细胞B抗原、IgG抗D抗体反应活性均无明显变化(P>0.05),IgM抗A抗体反应活性虽出现波动(P<0.01),但凝集强度变化均在1+范围内;2组质控品K+、乳酸浓度均随保存时间延长明显增高(P<0.01),但保存35、42d时2组各指标之间无明显差异(P>0.05);2组质控品FHb浓度均随保存时间延长而增高,但相同保存时间2组之间比较无明显差异(P<0.01)。保存49 d时MAP组和Saline组FHb浓度分别为(857.1±301.5)mg/L和(595.3±334.9)mg/L,与保存0d相比均明显升高(P<0.01),MAP组部分质控品FHb浓度已经超过中度溶血标准(1 000 mg/L);2组质控品保存末期(≤42 d)红细胞都会出现一定程度的皱缩并形成棘突,但2组之间无明显差异;2组质控品保存过程中都未见细菌生长。结论本室采用2种方法自制的全血质控品质量无明显差异,保存期都能达到42 d,且管间差异小、抗原抗体反应活性稳定,能够满足输血相容性检测室内质控的相关要求,适合在输血相容性检测实验室推广。     

On the safety of using stored bank blood for chronic hemodialysis patients

Red cells stored either for 3 days or 2 weeks were equally susceptible to lysis during in vitro dialysis. Furthermore, the small increases in plasma hemoglobin during hemodialysis of 10 patients were independent of transfusion. We examined the patients during three separate hemodialyses: one without transfusion, one with transfusion of three units of red cells stored for less than 5 days, and one with transfusion of red cells stored for 2 weeks. The mean concentration of hemoglobin in plasma increased from 0.7 to 3.6 mumol per l (p less than 0.01), and it was normal again after 2 days. No significant changes occurred in the mean concentration of haptoglobin in plasma. The results indicate that red cells stored for 2 weeks are not more prone to lysis than those stored for less than 5 days. Consequently, we recommend a storage interval of less than 2 weeks, instead of 5 days, for blood transfused to chronic hemodialysis patients.     

Transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease,transfusion-associated hyperkalemia,and potassium filtration: advancing safety and sufficiency of the blood supply

Irradiation of cellular blood components is well established as a countermeasure against transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease (TA-GVHD). Unintended consequences of ionizing radiation are also well established. The red cell “storage lesion” – a progression of metabolic, functional, and morphological changes – may be exacerbated by irradiation rates and doses typically used for TA-GVHD prophylaxis. With or without irradiation, a storage lesion change of clinical concern is the accelerated egress of intracellular potassium. ATP depletion during storage limits the activity of the red cell membrane’s sodium-potassium pump (Na,K-ATPase), which normally maintains intracellular potassium (K+) at levels 30–40 times higher than the extracellular milieu. The natural diffusion of potassium down this concentration gradient proceeds faster if the cell membrane is damaged, and oxidative damage to cellular membranes and membrane proteins – including Na,K-ATPase – is an effect of ionizing radiation.Preventing transfusion-related hyperkalemia is a reason for limiting the shelf life of irradiated red cells. In the absence of specific measurements to assess storage lesion in a particular unit of blood, and in the absence of specific interventions at the time of transfusion to mitigate effects of storage lesion, it is consistent with the precautionary principle to put conservative limits on a blood component’s shelf life. On the other hand, both the safety and sufficiency of a nation’s blood supply might be improved by interventions that benefit specific recipients when they are transfused, and benefit future patients by extending the allowable shelf life of blood components. Potassium filtration of irradiated red blood cell components is one such intervention.