We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
PURITAN MEDICAL

Download Mobile App




Fresh Red Blood Cells Transfusions No Better Than Older Ones

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 23 Dec 2019
Red blood-cell transfusions are commonly administered in critically ill children who have illnesses that increase the need for transfusion, such as trauma, cancer chemotherapy, major surgery with significant intraoperative bleeding, and conditions such as sickle cell disease and thalassemia.

Transfusion with red blood cells is the only way to rapidly treat severe anemia that could be life-threatening. More...
Red blood cells are stored in blood banks as red-cell units for up to 42 days. Some studies published over the past few decades have suggested that transfusion with red blood-cell units stored for longer periods might be less beneficial than transfusion with fresher red-cell units.

A large international team of scientists led by critical care staff at Sainte-Justine University Hospital Centre (Montreal, QC, Canada) undertook a randomized trial that recruited patients admitted to pediatric intensive care units in 50 medical centers. The study began in February 2014 and ended in November 2018. In the study there were 1,461 children ranging in age from 3 days to 16 years who were admitted to pediatric intensive care units and were recruited in the USA (29 sites), Canada (10 sites), France (eight sites), Italy (two sites), and Israel (one site); Sainte-Justine University Hospital was the coordinating center in Canada and recruited the greatest number of patients (over 160).

During the course of the study, half of the patients received transfusions with fresh red blood cells stored for seven days or less and half received transfusions with older red cells. The primary outcome measured was the development of new or progressive multiple-organ dysfunction (impairment of one or more organs). The team found that fresh red cells did not reduce the incidence of new or progressive multiple-organ dysfunction or death compared to older red cells and that the outcomes were not significantly different between the two groups. About 20.2% of those who received fresh red cells experienced new or progressive organ dysfunction, while 18.2% of those who received older red cells experienced similar dysfunction.

The study did not examine whether the use of the oldest red cells allowable (more than 35 days) affects outcomes, or whether fresh red cells affect outcomes for children requiring large-volume red cell transfusions. The children in this study received low-volume red cell transfusions. The authors concluded that among critically ill pediatric patients, the use of fresh red blood cells did not reduce the incidence of new or progressive multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (including mortality) compared with standard-issue red blood cells. The study was published on December 10, 2019 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Related Links:
Sainte-Justine University Hospital Centre


Gold Member
Quantitative POC Immunoassay Analyzer
EASY READER+
Serological Pipet Controller
PIPETBOY GENIUS
New
Automated Biochemical Analyzer
iBC 900
New
Automatic Hematology Analyzer
LABAS F9000
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








DIASOURCE (A Biovendor Company)

Channels

Immunology

view channel
Image: A simple blood test could replace surgical biopsies for early detecion of heart transplant rejection (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

Blood Test Detects Organ Rejection in Heart Transplant Patients

Following a heart transplant, patients are required to undergo surgical biopsies so that physicians can assess the possibility of organ rejection. Rejection happens when the recipient’s immune system identifies... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image: Pancreatic cancer diagnosis (Photo courtesy of World Journal of Gastroenterology)

AI-Driven Preliminary Testing for Pancreatic Cancer Enhances Prognosis

Pancreatic cancer poses a major global health threat due to its high mortality rate, with 467,409 deaths and 510,992 new cases reported worldwide in 2022. Often referred to as the "king" of all cancers,... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.