Survey on the Usage of Leukocyte Reduced and Irradiated Blood Components in Korea (2007~2013)

Cho, Nam Sun; Kim, Jaehyun; Lee, Won Seong

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Leukocyte reduced (LR) and irradiated (IR) blood components are used to prevent immunological transfusion-related adverse reactions. However, so far, reports on the usage of LR or IR blood components in Korea are scarce.
METHODS
Data from January, 2007 to December, 2013 provided by the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service of Korea were analyzed. Disease categories of the patients were classified according to the Korean Standard Classification of Disease.
RESULTS
In 2013, 26.7% of total transfused blood components were leukocyte reduced and an increase of 5.3% compared to 2007. The proportion of IR components increased from 21.4% in 2007 to 27.9% in 2013. The percentage of LR (IR) blood components for RBCs, platelets, and SDPs was 15.4% (14.7%), 35.1% (38.8%), and 75.2% (80.1%), respectively, in 2013. In particular, the percentage of IR FFPs units increased gradually over the years, from 11.2% in 2007 to 22.7% in 2013. LR and IR components were used mainly in hemato-oncology patients but the proportion showed a downward trend. Due to aging of the society, transfusion of LR and IR components has inclined trends in the 70's or more.
CONCLUSION
Although the transfusion rate of both LR and IR blood component is increasing, it is still remarkably lower than that in developed countries. Therefore, LR and IR blood components should be used more extensively. For this, reimbursement criteria for National Health Insurance for these blood components should be extended and the fee schedule for LR and IR blood components should be adjusted to reflect clinical practice and patient need.