Random aggregates in newly produced platelet units are associated with platelet activation and release of the immunomodulatory factors sCD40L and RANTES

摘要

Febrile nonhemolytic transfusion reactions (FNHTRs) associated with platelet (PLT) transfusion therapy may be caused by cytokines accumulating in the storage bag during storage. Prestorage leukofiltration has proven effective in lowering the cytokine content in storage bags, but despite this procedure, which is performed routinely in most blood centers, FNHTRs still occur.4 It has been suggested that PLTs themselves secrete immunomodulatory factors during storage, because many factors accumulate in the bags with time. This suggestion also includes PLTs stored in plasma-free solutions. In addition, PLT washing in saline before transfusion further reduces the risk for FNHTR, suggesting that released factors play a role.