A thalassemic patient with need of recurrent transfusion. But he develops transfusion reaction like fever and chills. What can be done to the blood to decrease the rate of transfusion reactions?
**Core Concept**
The underlying principle being tested is the management of transfusion reactions in patients requiring recurrent blood transfusions, such as those with thalassemia. Transfusion reactions can be due to various factors, including **leukocyte** and **platelet** antibodies.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
To decrease the rate of transfusion reactions, the blood can be **leukoreduced**, which involves removing most of the **white blood cells (leukocytes)** from the donated blood. This process reduces the risk of transfusion-related complications, including fever and chills, as these reactions are often caused by the body's immune response to the donor's leukocytes.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This choice would not be relevant to reducing transfusion reactions.
**Option B:** Similarly, this choice does not address the issue of leukocyte-induced transfusion reactions.
**Option C:** This option does not apply to the context of reducing transfusion reactions through blood modification.
**Option D:** Although not specified, any option that does not involve leukoreduction would not be the best choice for reducing transfusion reactions.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key point to remember is that **leukoreduction** significantly decreases the incidence of febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reactions, making it a valuable procedure for patients who require frequent blood transfusions.
**Correct Answer:** D. Leukoreduction of blood.