Pathogen-reduced red blood cell suspension in pediatric transfusion practice

Introduction . Pathogen reduction technologies in donor blood products have provided a preventive approach against a variety of hemotransmissive infections as well as prevention of donor leukocyte complications. However, while pathogen reduction in plasma and platelet concentrates is currently widespread, methods for reducing pathogens in red blood cell (RBC)-containing products are still being studied. Aim : to analyze the transfusion results of a pathogen-reduced RBC suspension in patients with various oncological and hematological diseases as well as defects of the immune system in order to prevent transfusion transmission of cytomegalovirus infection. Patients and methods . The results of transfusion therapy of a pathogen-reduced RBC suspension for the prevention of transfusion transmission of CMV infection in 27 patients who underwent transfusions during a long follow-up period are presented. Results . A total of 27 patients received 167 transfusions of pathogen-reduced RBC suspension. Transfusion efficacy, assessed by hemoglobin increase, was dependent on the transfusion volume per body weight, but was independent of the storage time of the RBC suspension over the measured interval. The transfusions were effective and tolerated without complications. Conclusion . The clinical use of pathogen-reduced RBC suspension is safe and provides sufficient clinical and laboratory efficacy.