Cryopreserved red blood cells are superior to standard liquid red blood cells

David A. Hampton, Connor Wiles, Loïc J. Fabricant, Laszlo Kiraly, Jerome Differding, Samantha Underwood, Dinh Le, Jennifer Watters, Martin A. Schreiber

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

25 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Liquid preserved packed red blood cell (LPRBC) transfusions are used to treat anemia and increase end-organ perfusion. Throughout their storage duration, LPRBCs undergo biochemical and structural changes collectively known as the storage lesion. These changes adversely affect perfusion and oxygen off-loading. Cryopreserved RBCs (CPRBC) can be stored for up to 10 years and potentially minimize the associated storage lesion. We hypothesized that CPRBCs maintain a superior biochemical profile compared with LPRBCs. Methods: This was a prospective, randomized, double-blinded study. Adult trauma patients with an Injury Severity Score (ISS) greater than 4 and an anticipated 1-U to 2-U transfusion of PRBCs were eligible. Enrolled patients were randomized to receive either CPRBCs or LPRBCs. Serum proteins (haptoglobin, serum amyloid P, and C-reactive protein), proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, d-dimer, nitric oxide, and 2,3-DPG concentrations were analyzed. Mann-Whitney U-test and Wilcoxon rank sum test were used to assess significance (p < 0.05). Results: Fifty-seven patients were enrolled (CPRBC, n = 22; LPRBC, n = 35). The LPRBC group's final interleukin 8, tumor necrosis factor α, and d-dimer concentrations were elevated compared with their pretransfusion values (p < 0.05). After the second transfused units, 2,3-DPG was higher in the patients receiving CPRBCs (p < 0.05); this difference persisted throughout the study. Finally, serum protein concentrations were decreased in the transfused CPRBC units compared with LPRBC (p < 0.01). Conclusion: CPRBC transfusions have a superior biochemical profile: an absent inflammatory response, attenuated fibrinolytic state, and increased 2,3-DPG. A blood banking system using both storage techniques will offer the highest-quality products to critically injured patients virtually independent of periodic changes in donor availability and transfusion needs.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)20-27
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery
Volume77
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2014

Keywords

  • Cryopreservation
  • cytokines
  • transfusion

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine

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