Influence of perioperative leukodeplated red blood cell transfusion on immune function of patients with bladder cancer

: Objective To investigate the effect of leukodeplated red blood cell (RBC) transfusion on immune function of patients with bladder cancer. Methods A total of 48 patients with bladder cancer who required perioperative RBC transfusion were randomized into two groups: 22 received leukodeplated RBC transfusion (Group I) and 26 received suspended RBC transfusion (Group II ). T-cell subgroup, natural killer cell activity, erythrocyte-C3b receptor rosette formation rate, and immunosuppressive acidic protein (IAP) level were determined for the two groups before and after transfusion, and the results were statistically analyzed. Results There was no obvious difference in immune function between the two groups before transfusion. After transfusion, the immune function of both groups was lower. However, it was higher in Group I than in Group II . IAP level was higher after transfusion than before transfusion; however, it was lower in Group I than in Group II . Conclusion Perioperative RBC transfusion can decrease immune function in patients with bladder cancer. Compared with suspended RBC transfusion, leukodeplated RBC transfusion can improve immune function in patients with bladder cancer.