Deformability of transfused red blood cells is a potent determinant of transfusion-induced change in recipient's blood flow.

Objective: There is a growing concern regarding the risks in the transfusion of PRBC, as numerous studies have reported negative transfusion outcomes, including reduced blood perfusion. In search of this phenomenon's mechanism, the effect of PRBC deformability, a major determinant of blood flow, on transfusion outcome was explored.

Methods: The effect of PRBC deformability was examined by the transfusion-induced change in recipients' ∆SBF, in β-TM patients, who are routinely treated with lifelong frequent transfusions.