Leukocyte reduction of red blood cell transfusions does not decrease allosensitization rates in potential kidney transplant candidates.

A significant proportion of potential kidney transplant candidates continue to periodically require blood transfusions that carry a risk of allosensitization. Leukocyte reduction (leukoreduction) of blood products has been proved to reduce transfusion-associated allosensitization in patients with hematologic malignancies; however, the effect in potential kidney transplant candidates is unknown. A total of 112 kidney transplant candidates who received red blood cell transfusions while on the transplant waiting list were identified retrospectively.