TRANSFUSION THERAPY IN SOLID-ORGAN TRANSPLANTATION

Numerous transfusion issues arise in the support of solid organ transp lantation. ABO and HLA can cause graft rejection immunity or problems in transfusion support. Blood usage has been reduced by the use of ery thropoietin in renal failure and aprotinin during liver transplants. M ultifactorial coagulopathy during liver transplant surgery continues t o be a challenge requiring close monitoring, however. The beneficial e ffect of transfusions on graft survival has lessened in recent years, but remains an area of active research.