CD71 Erythroid Cells, RBC Clearance and Sepsis in Donor - Recipient Sex- Mismatched Transfusion

Blood transfusion is a common treatment for critically ill patients. However, blood transfusion can be associated with life-threatening conditions, such as the growth of bacteria in a patient’s blood (sepsis). Unexpected and harmful reactions to blood transfusion may relate to blood donor factors. There is an increased risk of mortality in female patients receiving blood from male donors, compared to female donors. However, the reason why donor-recipient sex-mismatched transfusions are associated with higher mortality is unclear. Firstly, we have shown that male donors have a higher portion of specific young red blood cells (RBCs) than female donors. Young RBC may affect some patients’ immune systems. We suspect transfused young RBCs may overload the patient’s ability to process the transfused cells, releasing iron from inside the RBCs. We have created a specific test to explore how young RBCs interact with the immune cells. Additionally, we will examine the probability of sepsis in male and female critically ill patients receiving sex-mismatched transfusions by looking back at their health records.
As each donor's blood is biologically different, understanding the impact that donor’s sex has on blood components and ultimately the clinical outcomes in transfusion patients would significantly aid in ensuring the right products for the right patients.

ACKER, Jason

University of Alberta

Graduate Fellowship Program

Alberta

$70,000