TRANSFUSION THERAPY FOR THE IMMUNOSUPPRESSED PATIENT

Patients who are immunosuppressed require special considerations for t heir transfusion therapy. These considerations present challenges to t ransfusion services. Immune function may be compromised in many condit ions, although the degree and duration of immune dysfunction vary cons iderably. This review focuses on adult patients who are undergoing bon e marrow or peripheral stem cell transplantation, patients with cancer who are receiving intensive chemotherapy, and patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. We provide an overview of the special consi deration necessary for ensuring that the appropriate products are prov ided for such a patient population.