[Prevention of HLA antibody formation in patients with hemato-oncologic diseases by using leukocyte depleted blood preparations].

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.