Cytokine profiling and post-transfusion haemoglobin increment in patients with haematological diseases.

Background And Objectives: In a previous pilot study, we demonstrated significantly lower haemoglobin (Hb) increment after red-blood-cell (RBC) transfusions in febrile patients compared to patients without fever. The aim of this study was to examine associations between inflammatory mediators and post-transfusion haemoglobin increment in patients with haematological diseases.

Materials And Methods: Twenty-seven patients (eight women, 19 men), median age 56 years receiving RBC transfusion, were included in the study.