Does Blood Donors' Sex Affect Mortality in Red Cell Transfusion Recipients?

Evidence suggests that plasma and platelet transfusions from female and parous donors are associated with excess adverse outcomes, particularly transfusion-related acute lung injury. However, evidence regarding excess harm from red blood cell transfusions is mixed.

Researchers in Sweden analyzed national health registry data from 370,000 adults (mean age, 66; 57% women) without histories of blood transfusion who received red blood cell transfusions during 2010 through 2017 and were followed until death, emigration, or end of study. No significant differences were noted in 2-year survival among recipients of red blood cells from female donors (regardless of parity) compared with recipients from male donors.