Blood stored longer may be less safe for patients with massive blood loss and shock

Blood stored longer may be less safe for patients with massive blood loss and shock In a collaborative study using a mouse model, researchers have found mechanistic links between older stored red blood cell transfusions and subsequent bacterial pneumonia. This may reveal new approaches to improve safety of stored red blood cell transfusions. The key player is free heme, a breakdown product from degraded red blood cells. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J