Recent studies suggest that transfusion of stored red cell units can sometimes be associated with adverse clinical events including increased risk of cardiovascular complications, infections, and multi-organ failure. The underlying biological mechanisms are not well understood, but appear to involve a variety of changes that occur within the red blood cells and the storage media that cause impaired ability of the red cells to deliver oxygen and promote stimulation of pro-inflammatory pathways in the recipients. In this session, the possible mechanisms of the so-called red cell "storage lesion" will be reviewed and discussed. The session will also review the immunological triggers of stored red cells with focus on the role of iron.




This session offers Self-Assessment Module (SAM) credit. Please complete the post test to receive SAM credit.