Vall d'Hebron Talks by VHIR 'Storage Lesion: A Key Consideration in Neurocritical Care Transfusion Strategies'

Speaker: Marta Peris Sales, predoctoral researcher. Neurotraumatology and Neurosurgery Research Unit (UNINN). Vall d’Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR).

Abstract: Anemia is common in neurocritical care and is independently associated with secondary neurological injury and poor outcomes. Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion remains a key intervention to restore oxygen delivery to the injured brain. However, stored RBCs undergo progressive biochemical and structural changes collectively known as the “storage lesion.” These include reduced deformability, depletion of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate, oxidative membrane injury, and disturbed nitric oxide metabolism, all of which may compromise post-transfusion RBC function. In neurocritical care, such changes are of particular concern, as attenuation of cerebral oxygen delivery may occur when the injured brain has limited ischemic tolerance. The clinical relevance of RBC storage duration remains controversial, and data from general critical care populations may not be directly applicable to patients with acute brain injury, whose physiological reserve is substantially reduced. In this review, we examine the pathophysiology of the storage lesion, assess evidence on the impact of storage duration on RBC functional performance, and discuss implications for transfusion decision-making in neurocritical care, highlighting the need for brain-injury-specific research to guide evidence-based practice.

Host: Dr. Ma Antonia Poca Pastor. Head of group Neurotraumatology and Neurosurgery Research Unit (UNINN). Vall d’Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR).

Online assistance: https://gencat.zoom.us/j/87320480422