Discontinuing washed red cell transfusions in thalassaemia patients

Abstract

<h3>Aim</h3> To assess if thalassaemia patients previously transfused with washed red cells (WRC) can effectively be transitioned to leucodepleted RBC (LDRC) with leucodepletion standard and RBC plasma content low. <h3>Methods</h3> An audit was conducted from June 2009 at POWH of 20 thalassaemia patients previously receiving WRC before and after changing to LDRCs. Transfusion reactions, RBC requirement and Hb pre-transfusion were documented for six episodes around the introduction of LDRC. NSW Blood Service WRC supply data before and after this change in policy at POWH is reported. <h3>Results</h3> Reactions were only noted in a small number of patients transitioned to LDRC. In most cases reactions did not require reins-tituting WRC. In 2/20 patients WRC use was reinstituted. Changes in RBC requirement and haemoglobin levels were not apparent. In the 2008-2009 financial year, a total of 2708 washed units were supplied in NSW and following the wider adoption of this policy, 811 washed units were supplied in the 2012-2013 financial year. <h3>Discussion</h3> Thalassaemia patients on WRC can be successfully transitioned to leucodepleted RBC. The transition appears safe and the subsequent rate of reactions appears low. This change in transfusion practice may save costs and also simplify the logistics of regular blood transfusion in this patient group.