Which transfusion-related complication can be reduced by leukocyte depletion or reducing RBC transfusion volume?

Which transfusion-related complication can be reduced by leukocyte depletion or reducing RBC transfusion volume?

• A. Chills and hemolysis
• B. Leukostasis and neutrophilia
• C. Fluid overload and pulmonary edema
• D. Transmission of cytomegalovirus and fever

Answer: (D)

Leukocyte reduction lowers the number of donor white cells and their cytokines in a transfusion, and CMV hides in those leukocytes. By removing leukocytes, you cut the risk of transmitting CMV with the blood. Reducing the transfusion volume also lowers the total leukocyte load and the amount of cytokines delivered, which decreases the likelihood of febrile transfusion reactions. Because both strategies target the leukocyte content and the inflammatory mediators that can trigger fever, the complication most effectively reduced by either approach is cytomegalovirus transmission and fever.

Leukocyte reduction lowers the number of donor white cells and their cytokines in a transfusion, and CMV hides in those leukocytes. By removing leukocytes, you cut the risk of transmitting CMV with the blood. Reducing the transfusion volume also lowers the total leukocyte load and the amount of cytokines delivered, which decreases the likelihood of febrile transfusion reactions. Because both strategies target the leukocyte content and the inflammatory mediators that can trigger fever, the complication most effectively reduced by either approach is cytomegalovirus transmission and fever.