Allosensitization rate of male patients awaiting first kidney grafts after leuko-depleted blood transfusion.

Background: Blood transfusions are generally avoided for potential renal transplant recipients due to risk of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) allosensitization. Despite the near universal use of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, there are still occasions when patients require blood transfusions for reasons such as resistance to erythropoiesis-stimulating agents or cardiovascular instability. The risk of allosensitization in renal patients is believed to be lower with leuko-depleted blood.