PREVENTION OF HLA ALLOIMMUNIZATION IN PATIENTS WITH HEMATOLOGIC-ONCOLOGIC DISEASES BY LEUKOCYTE DEPLETION OF BLOOD COMPONENTS

Objective: To determine the effect of transfusion therapy with leukocyte-depleted platelet concentrates in comparison to transfusion support with standard platelet concentrates on the frequency of HLA alloimmunization in hematologic-oncologic patients. Design: Prospective randomized study. Setting: Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Immunohematology at a University Hospital. Patients: 52 hematologic-oncologic patients randomized in 2 groups. Interventions: Exclusive substitution with leukocyte-depleted blood components (platelet concentrates and packed red cells, filter group) or with standard platelet concentrates and leukocyte-depleted packed red cells (control group). Determination of the development of HLA antibodies. Results: 27% of the patients in the control group (4 out of 15) developed HLA antibodies in contrast to zero patients (0 out of 22) in the filter group (p < 0.02). Conclusions: The results of this comparative clinical study show that the consequent and exclusive support with leukocyte-depleted blood components is an effective approach for prevention of HLA alloimmunization in long-term substituted patients.