Thrombotic Risks in Red Blood Cell Transfusions

Timur Dubovoy; Milo Engoren

doi:10.1055/s-0035-1569069

Seminars in Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Table of Contents

Semin Thromb Hemost 2016; 42(02): 102-111
DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1569069

Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Thrombotic Risks in Red Blood Cell Transfusions

Authors

Timur Dubovoy

¹Department of Anesthesiology, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Milo Engoren

¹Department of Anesthesiology, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan

Abstract

Red blood cells play a key role in normal hemostasis and thrombosis. Their ability to affect coagulation is multifactorial and depends on their mechanical properties affecting viscosity and blood flow, ability to aggregate and adhere to each other and potentially to vascular endothelium, molecular signaling via microvesicles and surface proteins, including blood group antigens, and participation in nitric oxide metabolism. Transfused red blood cells suffer from a storage lesion that damages the cells leading to changes in shape, function, and intracellular communication. In this article, we review if and how transfused red blood cells may lead to both increased hemorrhage and increased thrombosis.

Keywords

erythrocytes - hemorrhage - thrombosis - transfusion

Full Text

References

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