Leukoreduction is Associated with a Decreased Incidence of Late Onset Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome after Injury

Transfusions are known to be associated with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). Transfusion of leukoreduced products may be associated with a decreased incidence of late posttraumatic ARDS (late ARDS). Data from ventilated and transfused trauma patients were analyzed. Key variables in the first 48 hours of admission were studied for their associations with late ARDS and examined for changes over the 6 year study period. Late ARDS developed in 244 of the 1488 patients studied (16.4%). The incidence in patients given nonleukoreduced (NLR) product was 30.4 per cent (75/247) versus 13.6 per cent (169/1241) for patients not exposed [2.77 (2.02–3.73), P < 0.001]. Exposure to NLR products (50.9% in 2000 vs 1.9% in 2005) and incidence of ARDS (26.3% in 2000 vs 6.3% in 2005) significantly decreased. Treatment variables independently associated with late ARDS were NLR product exposure, Total Parenteral Nutrition exposure, Peak Inspiratory Pressure ≥ 30 mm Hg, fluid balance ≥ 2 liters at 48 hours, and transfusion of ≥ 10 units of any product. NLR product exposure has an association with an increased incidence of late onset posttraumatic ARDS which is independent of large volume transfusions. Leukoreduction should be routinely included in an overall treatment strategy to furthermore mitigate this complication in critically ill trauma patients.