What are the benefits of leukocyte-depleted erythrocyte transfusions in cardiac valve surgery?
Studies have shown that leukocyte-depleted erythrocyte transfusions are associated with reduced acute kidney injury and in-hospital mortality in cardiac valve surgery. A double-blind, randomized controlled trial also demonstrated that leukocyte-depleted erythrocyte transfusions have beneficial effects on postoperative complications in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Other benefits of leukocyte-depleted erythrocyte transfusions include a decrease in the incidence of postoperative supraventricular tachycardia in diabetic patients, and improved long-term survival after post-sternotomy mediastinitis.  