Why no difference?
Seeking explanations for why fresh RBCs did not perform better than older stored cells, Dr. Spinella suggested that changes such as storage lesions that occur over time may not be as clinically relevant as previously supposed.
“Another possibility is that these study patients didn’t need red cells to begin with to improve oxygen delivery,” he said.
Other potential explanations include the possibility that exposure to fresh red cells may be associated with immune suppression because viable white cells may also be present in the product, and that the chronological age of a stored red cell unit may not equate to its biologic or metabolic age or performance, he added.
ABC PICU was supported by Washington University; the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; the Canadian and French governments; and other groups. Dr. Spinella reported having no relevant conflicts of interest.