Accumulated cytokines in stored autologous blood do not cause febrile nonhemolytic transfusion reactions

Accumulated inflammatory cytokines are considered to be a cause of febrile nonhemolytic transfusion reactions (FNHTRs) of platelet transfusions. Inflammatory cytokines have been found in red cell components stored at 4 °C; however, their relationship to FNHTRs has not been clearly demonstrated following red cell transfusions. We measured cytokine levels in stored blood, and determined whether inflammatory marker concentrations were elevated in subjects infused with autologous blood stored for 5 weeks. In conclusion, cytokines accumulated in blood stored at 4 °C, but their increases were small. No changes were seen in recipients’ inflammatory markers after blood transfusion. Our results indicate that cytokines in stored autologous blood are not responsible for FNHTRs.