Title: Potential Effects of Blood Transfusions on Recipients’ Behavior and Brain Hemorrhages Explored in Recent Studies
Published: Oct. 23, 2023, 7:25 p.m. ET
By Alex Mitchell
Blood transfusions have long been a common medical procedure, but recent studies have shed light on potential consequences that recipients may experience. Researchers from the University of Geneva have found that some blood transfusion recipients reported changes in their mood, behavior, and even memories after undergoing the procedure.
In a 2018 article published in the International Journal of Clinical Transfusion Medicine, the scientists noted that six out of seven study participants acknowledged the possibility that transfusions might induce changes in behavior or values. Interestingly, three patients even acknowledged that their transfusion might have changed their own behavior or values. The study suggests that certain personality traits of the donor could be transmitted to the recipient.
Furthermore, a 2013 study conducted by the University of Michigan revealed a persistent belief among individuals that transplants, including blood transfusions, can result in personality changes. Despite lacking scientific support, this belief persists among the general population.
More recently, a study conducted by Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, and other institutions explored a potential link between blood transfusions and spontaneous brain hemorrhages. The research found that transfusion recipients whose blood came from donors who later suffered brain hemorrhages were twice as likely to suffer the same condition. The study suggests that the vascular disease cerebral amyloid angiopathy, which causes proteins to accumulate in the brain’s blood vessels, could potentially be spread through transfusion.
While this phenomenon remains quite rare, as only 0.1% of the studied donors showed recurring hemorrhages, more research is needed to confirm the findings. Lead study author Gustaf Edgren emphasized that suffering a brain hemorrhage from something transmitted through a transfusion is unlikely. However, the potential negative effects of blood transfusions remain an important public health concern due to their relatively common occurrence.
Considering the potential psychological impacts on recipients, the University of Geneva researchers argue that further exploration of the theory that blood transfusions can change the recipient’s personality is warranted. They suggest conducting larger population studies to evaluate the incidence of perceived changes in behavior or values after a blood transfusion. This research would then inform changes in the way information is provided to future patients requiring transfusions.
In conclusion, the recent studies highlight the need for a deeper understanding of the physical and psychological impacts of blood transfusions on recipients. While changes in behavior and values, as well as brain hemorrhages, remain relatively rare, continued research can help improve patient care and enhance safety measures in blood transfusions.