Numerous observational studies suggest that “older” blood may be harmful to recipients. Nancy Heddle, lead author of the “INFORM study” (NEJM Oct 24, 2016) tells us why we shouldn’t worry!

Nancy Heddle

Is “Old Blood” like Old Milk?

If you go into a grocery store to buy milk, you will notice that the grocers have placed the “oldest” milk at the front of the shelf, and the “freshest” milk at the back! Grocers are simply practicing a philosophy called “first in, first out” (FIFO) that minimizes the number of products that expire. Blood banks follow pretty much the same strategy with blood for transfusion (with some exceptions).

A number of years ago, scientists noticed that blood at the end of its allowable storage period (“shelf life”) was decidedly NOT the same as it was at the beginning! Structural, biochemical, and various immunologic changes were described, and quite frankly, it all sounded really scary! In response, a few randomized trials and many more observational, retrospective studies were published. The studies definitely made blood bankers and clinicians alike worry that something bad was happening (but came with the usual warnings about making too many conclusions based on retrospective studies). The jury was out, and we needed help to resolve the differences!

INFORM, like several other recently published randomized studies such as “RECESS” and “ABLE” (references below), was designed to look prospectively at the issue and determine whether there was evidence that blood bankers needed to change practices. INFORM is the largest and most inclusive randomized study on this issue published, and Professor Heddle takes us through the philosophy, structure, and results of the study! I’ll give you a hint: Blood banks’ current philosophy works! There are still some questions to be answered, but this study goes a long way toward ending the “age of blood” controversy! Check it out!

Nancy Heddle

Is “Old Blood” like Old Milk?

If you go into a grocery store to buy milk, you will notice that the grocers have placed the “oldest” milk at the front of the shelf, and the “freshest” milk at the back! Grocers are simply practicing a philosophy called “first in, first out” (FIFO) that minimizes the number of products that expire. Blood banks follow pretty much the same strategy with blood for transfusion (with some exceptions).

A number of years ago, scientists noticed that blood at the end of its allowable storage period (“shelf life”) was decidedly NOT the same as it was at the beginning! Structural, biochemical, and various immunologic changes were described, and quite frankly, it all sounded really scary! In response, a few randomized trials and many more observational, retrospective studies were published. The studies definitely made blood bankers and clinicians alike worry that something bad was happening (but came with the usual warnings about making too many conclusions based on retrospective studies). The jury was out, and we needed help to resolve the differences!

INFORM, like several other recently published randomized studies such as “RECESS” and “ABLE” (references below), was designed to look prospectively at the issue and determine whether there was evidence that blood bankers needed to change practices. INFORM is the largest and most inclusive randomized study on this issue published, and Professor Heddle takes us through the philosophy, structure, and results of the study! I’ll give you a hint: Blood banks’ current philosophy works! There are still some questions to be answered, but this study goes a long way toward ending the “age of blood” controversy! Check it out!

DISCLAIMER and DISCLOSURES: The opinions expressed on this episode are those of my guest and I alone, and do not reflect those of the organizations with which either of us is affiliated. Professor Heddle wants you to know that INFORM was funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), and her research group receives funding from Canadian Blood Services and Health Canada. I (Dr. Chaffin) have no relevant disclosures for this episode.

The images below are generously provided by Professor Nancy Heddle.

References:

• INFORM: Heddle NM et al. Effect of Short-Term vs. Long-Term Blood Storage on Mortality after Transfusion. N Engl J Med 2016; 375:1937-1945 (published online 10/24/2016)
• Article Professor Heddle referenced on Pragmatic Trials: Ford I and Norrie J. The Changing Face of Clinical Trials; Pragmatic Trials. N Engl J Med 2016; 375:454-463.

Other Age of Blood Randomized Trials:

• RECESS: Steiner ME et al. Effects of Red-Cell Storage Duration on Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery. N Engl J Med 2015; 372:1419-1429.
• ABLE: Lacroix J et al. Age of Transfused Blood in Critically Ill Adults. N Engl J Med 2015; 372:1410-1418.
• ARIPI: Fergusson DA et al. Effect of Fresh Red Blood Cell Transfusions on Clinical Outcomes in Premature, Very Low-Birth-Weight Infants; The ARIPI Randomized Trial. JAMA. 2012;308(14):1443-1451.
• TOTAL: Dhabangi A et al. Effect of Transfusion of Red Blood Cells With Longer vs Shorter Storage Duration on Elevated Blood Lactate Levels in Children With Severe Anemia; The TOTAL Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2015;314(23):2514-2523.
• ABC-PICU (in progress): Age of Blood in Children in Pediatric Intensive Care Units (ABC PICU). Study Record at ClinicalTrials.gov.