Immunomodulation after Blood Transfusion – Impact on Incidence of Postoperative Infection

Objective: Overview of complications and side effects related to perioperative transfusion of allogeneic blood components. Data Sources: Present literature based on electronical search (PubMed). Results: Transfusion of blood components is one of the most common therapeutic methods used in medicine. However, transfusion of allogeneic blood components may be associated with certain postoperative complications. Recent data indicate that some of these adverse effects are related to the cellular content of the blood product and also to storage time as well as methods used for preparations. Storage of blood components may lead to accumulation of bioactive substances in a time-dependent manner. Conclusion: Evidence has emerged that allogeneic blood transfusions are an independent variable predicting postoperative infection. Based on present literature, the patients may benefit by implementing selective and objective transfusion regimes avoiding an overuse of blood components.