HOMOLOGOUS SERUM JAUNDICE IN RECIPIENTS OF POOLED PLASMA

Abstract

The ready availability of pooled plasma, whether secured through commercial channels, state departments of health or local blood bank programs, has been a boon to medical practice. However, the fact that plasma may carry a virus capable of inducing hepatitis in the recipient has created a new public health problem of major importance. The occurrence of homologous serum jaundice in recipients of blood and of blood derivatives has been reported by many investigators in both civilian and military fields. In a recent review Neefe¹has presented an excellent description of both infectious hepatitis and homologous serum jaundice, and his list ofreferences is extensive. The present study was designed to evaluate the risk of homologous serum jaundice inherent in the utilization of the dried pooled plasma which is now being distributed to meet civilian needs. The problem was approached through two avenues. Part A: A follow-up study was made