Platelet storage lesion: The limited impacts of leukoreduction processes in retention of microvesicules, prion, and platelet-derived biological response modifiers

Transfusion as an Inflammation Hit: Knowns and Unknowns

Transfusion of blood cell components is frequent in the therapeutic arsenal; it is globally safe or even very safe. At present, residual clinical manifestations are principally inflammatory in nature. If some rare clinical hazards manifest as acute inflammation symptoms of various origin, most of them linked with conflicting and undesirable biological material accompanying the therapeutic component (infectious pathogen, pathogenic antibody, unwanted antigen, or allergen), the general feature is subtler and less visible, and essentially consists of alloimmunization or febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reaction. The present essay aims to present updates in hematology and immunology that help understand how, when, and why subclinical inflammation underlies alloimmunization and circumstances characteristic of red blood cells and – even more frequently – platelets that contribute inflammatory mediators. Modern transfusion medicine makes sustained efforts to limit such inflammatory hazards; efforts can be successful only if one has a clear view of each element’s role.

Advances in transfusion science for shock-trauma: Optimising the clinical management of acute haemorrhage

The primary resuscitation of severely injured patients, acute haemorrhage and shock-trauma has been well reported in the literature. Resuscitation protocols include the use of diverse agents such as fresh whole blood [FWB], packed red blood cells [PRBCs], reconstituted blood products, fresh frozen plasma [FFP] and its derivative concentrates or recombinant products, volume expanders and tranexamic acid [TXA]. The reasonably prudent use of these agents and products is necessary to reverse risk factors of haemorrhagic shock such as haemodilution, hypothermia, acidosis and coagulopathy. Addressing the mechanisms of haemoregulation in the pathophysiology of DIC is important to optimise transfusion practice.