Blood transfusions and the subsequent risk of hematologic malignancies.

The immunomodulatory effect of blood transfusions has been implicated in increased postoperative infections, increased hematologic malignancies and even increased mortality. Most studies, however, involve relatively small numbers ofpatients and results are often conflicting.

Chang et al., in a population-based study using Cancer Registry and Medicare data, analyzed a large number of cases and controls with regard to the role of transfusions in the development of hematologic malignancies. Whereas no increased risk was found for most hematologic malignancies, an elevated risk for lymphoplasmacytic and marginal zone lymphoma was suggestive of a causal relationship; further study of the immunomodulatory effects of blood transfusion is warranted.

A well-researched and well-documented study!

– Alice Maniatis