The impact of storage on red cell function in blood transfusion

Despite the common use of red-blood-cell transfusions in clinical practice, actual beneficial effects of red blood cells have never been demonstrated. On the contrary, several studies suggest that red-blood-cell transfusions are associated with higher risks of morbidity and mortality. The effects of the duration of storage on the efficacy of red blood cells have therefore been questioned in a number of studies. Recent insights into the physiology of red blood cells – such as the role of the hypoxia-induced vasodilator-releasing function of red blood cells – is discussed in relation to the controversy surrounding the use of blood transfusions in clinical practice.

Key words: red blood cell, tissue oxygenation, microcirculation, blood transfusion, transfusion triggers, storage