Should leucocyte filter be used in every thalassemia major patient?
The role of leucocyte filters is to help in leuco-reduction at the bedside. The presence of leucocytes in the transfused blood can give rise to non-hemolytic febrile transfusion reactions (NHFTR). Use of filters has been found to decrease substantially these reactions. If the family can afford the use of filters, it is better to use them at the outset. They are available as single use or double use (Pall India Ltd., Mumbai, India/Baxter India Ltd, Gurgaon, India) for one or two blood bags at single sitting, costing around Rs. 500-600/-. In patients with frequent transfusions reactions (NHFTR), pre-medication with pheniramine maleate (AvilTM, Hoechst) and paracetamol decreases the reactions, in addition to use of filters. 6. In a young child, how to differentiate between thalassemia major and thalassemia intermedia? Suppose a child 2-3 years of age comes to the clinic and investigation reveals beta-homozygous thalassemia with high HbF levels on electrophoresis/HPLC. In absence of massiv
