Immune complications associated with chronic transfusion.

Blood transfusion and component therapy are an integral part of treatment for patients with certain life-threatening illnesses. Any benefit derived from transfusion must be weighed against the potential risk for complications. Patients who are chronically transfused present a unique challenge to practitioners. The presentation will focus on alloimmunization to red blood cell antigens, platelet refractoriness, transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease, and cytomegalovirus infection. Prevention or management of these complications also will be discussed.