Cellular blood components contain variable numbers of donor leukocytes. The transfusion of leukocytes accompanying erythrocyte and platelet transfusion may be associated with a variety of potentially harmful effects in the recipient. These adverse effects can largely be avoided by removing leukocytes from blood components to a sufficient degree. This volume, written by leading authorities in the field, provides a timely and comprehensive collection of reviews on the preparation, quality assurance and clinical use of leukocyte-depleted blood products. The most recent information on the adverse effects of leukocytes following blood transfusion is presented, and the effectiveness of methods to prevent or minimize these events by leukocyte depletion is carefully evaluated. Attention is also given to unresolved and controversial issues, such as quality control and cost-efficiency, bringing out the variety of opinions held on these subjects.
Introduction - leukocyte-reduced blood components, T.A. Lane; leukocyte
depletion of red cells, G. Sirchia et al; preparation and clinical utility of
leukocyte-reduced platelets, K.C. Anderson; prevention of HLA
alloimmunization by using leukocyte-depleted components, G. Andreu;
prevention of cytomegalovirus infection by using leukocyte-depleted
components, M. Sayers; impact of leukodepletion on infections other than
cytomegalovirus, R.Y. Dodd; immunosuppression and leukocytes, L.S. Jensen;
leukocyte depletion for pediatric patients, R.G. Strauss; pre-storage
filtration of red cells and platelets, R. Pietersz and S. Dzik; counting and
typing of leukocytes in leukocyte-depleted blood components, P. Rebulla and
B. Wenz; quality requirements and quality assurance of leukocyte-depleted
blood components, G. Myllyla; mechanisms of leukocyte removal by filtration,
S. Dzik; cost-effectiveness of leukocyte depletion, A. Brand.
