Sample records for acute transfusion reactions

  1. Acute transfusion reactions: an update.

    PubMed

    Scorer, T; Doughty, H

    2014-01-01

    Over the last decade the use of blood products by the United Kingdom (UK) military has increased significantly; with the increase in transfusion comes an increased incidence of transfusion-related incidents. Acute transfusion reactions (ATRs) are a common consequence of transfusion, which vary widely in their severity and are likely to be under-reported, although reporting is a regulatory requirement. This paper discusses the importance of identifying ATRs and managing them appropriately. It introduces a flowchart (due to be incorporated in the next version of Joint Service Publication (JSP) 999, Clinical Guidelines for Operations (CGOs)), which is designed to assist the military multi-disciplinary team caring for patients in the operational environment.

  2. Recognition, Investigation and Management of Acute Transfusion Reactions

    PubMed Central

    Al-Riyami, Arwa Z.; Al-Hashmi, Sabria; Al-Arimi, Zainab; Wadsworth, Louis D.; Al-Rawas, Abdulhakim; Al-Khabori, Murtadha; Daar, Shahina

    2014-01-01

    The recognition and management of transfusion reactions (TRs) are critical to ensure patient safety during and after a blood transfusion. Transfusion reactions are classified into acute transfusion reactions (ATRs) or delayed transfusion reactions, and each category includes different subtypes. Different ATRs share common signs and symptoms which can make categorisation difficult at the beginning of the reaction. Moreover, TRs are often under-recognised and under-reported. To ensure uniform practice and safety, it is necessary to implement a national haemovigilance system and a set of national guidelines establishing policies for blood transfusion and for the detection and management of TRs. In Oman, there are currently no local TR guidelines to guide physicians and hospital blood banks. This paper summarises the available literature and provides consensus guidelines to be used in the recognition, management and reporting of ATRs. PMID:25097764

  3. Platelet transfusion therapy in sub-Saharan Africa: bacterial contamination, recipient characteristics and acute transfusion reactions

    PubMed Central

    Hume, Heather A.; Ddungu, Henry; Angom, Racheal; Baluku, Hannington; Kajumbula, Henry; Kyeyune-Byabazaire, Dorothy; Orem, Jackson; Ramirez-Arcos, Sandra; Tobian, Aaron A.R.

    2017-01-01

    Background Little data are available on bacterial contamination (BC) of platelet units or acute transfusion reactions to platelet transfusions (PT) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Methods This prospective observational study evaluated the rate of BC of whole blood derived platelet units (WB-PU), the utility of performing Gram stains (GS) to prevent septic reactions, characteristics of patients receiving PT and the rate of acute reactions associated with PT at the Uganda Cancer Institute in Kampala, Uganda. An aliquot of each WB-PU studied was taken to perform GS and culture using the Bactec™ 9120 instrument. Study participants were monitored for reactions. Results 337 WB-PU were evaluated for BC, of which 323 units were transfused in 151 transfusion episodes to 50 patients. The frequency of BC ranged from 0.3%–2.1% (according to criteria used to define BC). The GS had high specificity (99.1%), but low sensitivity to detect units with BC. The median platelet count prior to PT was 10,900 (IQR 6,000–18,900) cells/μL. 78% of PT were given to patients with no bleeding. Acute reactions occurred in 11 transfusion episodes, involving 13 WB-PU, for a rate of 7.3% (95%CI=3.7–12.7%) per transfusion episode. All recipients of units with positive bacterial cultures were receiving antibiotics at the time of transfusion; none experienced a reaction. Conclusions The rate of BC observed in this study is lower than previously reported in SSA, but still remains a safety issue. As GS appears to be an ineffective screening tool, alternate methods should be explored to prevent transfusing bacterially-contaminated platelets in SSA. PMID:27079627

  4. Prevalence of acute blood transfusion reactions in Mazandaran Heart Center, Sari, Iran, 2010-2012.

    PubMed

    Azizi, Soheil; Tabary, Shervin Ziabakhsh; Soleimani, Arya

    2014-01-01

    Although blood transfusion is life saving for patients, it is responsible for a series of complications and exposes the patients to a variety of risks. Therefore knowing different adverse effects of blood transfusion represents a great issue in managing recipient patients. The aim of the present work was to study the prevalence of blood transfusion complications among patients in the Mazandaran Heart Center, Sari, Iran, during a period of 2 years. A retrospective review of all reported and evaluated acute transfusion reactions during a 2 years period in Mazandaran Heart Center was performed. Associated clinical signs and symptoms were evaluated. In 9193 transfused blood products, there was 34 (0.4%) acute transfusion reactions. The commonest were discomfort and restlessness (0.16%), dyspnea (0.16%), rigors (0.13%), fever (0.08%), chest pain (0.06%), rash or urticaria (0.04%), nausea and vomiting (0.03%), palpitation (0.03%), hypertension (0.03%) flashing (0.02%), hypotension (0.02%). Acute transfusion reaction is seen in %0.4 of transfused patients therefore, we recommend a well-structured program for monitoring adverse reactions associated with blood transfusion and blood product administration (Hemovigilance program).

  5. Analysis of Acute Transfusion Reactions and Their Occurrence Times

    PubMed Central

    Hatayama, Yuki; Matsumoto, Satoko; Hamada, Eiko; Kojima, Nao; Hara, Ayako; Hino, Norihiko; Motokura, Toru

    2018-01-01

    Acute transfusion reactions (ATRs) are significantly relevant to the morbidity and mortality of patients. ATRs are mostly not severe and rarely cause severe conditions, including anaphylactic shock. The aim of this study was to clarify the frequency of ATRs and the time of event occurrence. A total of 18,745 transfusions were administered to 11,718 patients during a 3-year period. Adverse reactions including at least one sign or symptom were collected through a report system in 143 of 2,478 (5.7%) platelet concentrate transfusions, 105 of 6,629 (1.6%) red blood cell component transfusions and 51 of 2,307 (2.2%) fresh frozen plasma transfusions. Allergic signs and symptoms accounted for 70% of all adverse events. Severe signs and symptoms were observed in 7.1% of patients. These events appeared significantly earlier than those of non-severe signs and symptoms (median time 20 min vs 100 min, P < 0.05). For patients who have had repetitive transfusion-associated adverse events, preventive treatments for adverse events should be proactively promoted. PMID:29599628

  6. In vitro lysis and acute transfusion reactions with hemolysis caused by inappropriate storage of canine red blood cell products.

    PubMed

    Patterson, J; Rousseau, A; Kessler, R J; Giger, U

    2011-01-01

    Transfusion of red blood cell (RBC) products carries considerable risk for adverse reactions, including life-threatening hemolytic reactions. To report the occurrence and investigation of life-threatening acute transfusion reactions with hemolysis in dogs likely related to inappropriate blood product storage. Four dogs with acute transfusion reactions and other recipients of blood products. Medical records were reviewed from 4 dogs with suspected acute hemolytic transfusion reactions after receiving RBC products at a veterinary clinic over a 1-month period. Medical records of other animals receiving blood products in the same time period also were reviewed. Blood compatibility and product quality were assessed, subsequent transfusions were closely monitored, and products were diligently audited. During or immediately after RBC product transfusion, 4 dogs developed hemolysis, hemoglobinuria, or both. Two dogs died and 1 was euthanized because of progressive clinical signs compatible with an acute hemolytic transfusion reaction. Blood type and blood compatibility were confirmed. RBC units from 2 blood banks were found to be hemolyzed after storage in the clinic's refrigerator; no bacterial contamination was identified. After obtaining a new refrigerator dedicated to blood product storage, the problem of hemolyzed units and acute transfusion reactions with hemolysis completely resolved. Acute life-threatening transfusion reactions can be caused by inappropriate storage of RBC products. In addition to infectious disease screening and ensuring blood-type compatibility, quality assessment of blood products, appropriate collection, processing, and storage techniques as well as recipient monitoring are critical to provide safe, effective transfusions. Copyright © 2011 by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

  7. Blood product transfusions and reactions.

    PubMed

    Osterman, Jessica L; Arora, Sanjay

    2014-08-01

    Blood product transfusions are an essential component of the practice of emergency medicine. From acute traumatic hemorrhage to chronic blood loss necessitating transfusion for symptomatic anemia, familiarity with individual blood products and their indications for transfusion is an essential tool for every emergency physician (EP). Although the focus of this article is primarily on the transfusion of red blood cells, many of the concepts are applicable to the transfusion of all blood products. EPs must be fully familiar with both the individual blood components and the potential reactions and complications of these transfusions. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  8. Blood Product Transfusions and Reactions.

    PubMed

    Osterman, Jessica L; Arora, Sanjay

    2017-12-01

    Blood product transfusions are an essential component of the practice of emergency medicine. From acute traumatic hemorrhage to chronic blood loss necessitating transfusion for symptomatic anemia, familiarity with individual blood products and their indications for transfusion is an essential tool for every emergency physician (EP). Although the focus of this article is primarily on the transfusion of red blood cells, many of the concepts are applicable to the transfusion of all blood products. EPs must be fully familiar with both the individual blood components and the potential reactions and complications of these transfusions. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  9. Transfusion reaction - hemolytic

    MedlinePlus

    ... blood, your body produces antibodies to destroy the donor's blood cells. This process causes the transfusion reaction. Blood ... of transfusion reaction. Before a transfusion, recipient and donor blood are tested (cross-matched) to see if they ...

  10. A well-designed online transfusion reaction reporting system improves the estimation of transfusion reaction incidence and quality of care in transfusion practice.

    PubMed

    Yeh, Su-Peng; Chang, Ci-Wen; Chen, Ju-Chuan; Yeh, Wan-Chen; Chen, Pei-Chi; Chuang, Su-Jung; Lin, Chiou-Ping; Hsu, Ling-Nu; Chen, Han-Mih; Lu, Jang-Jih; Peng, Ching-Tien

    2011-12-01

    Recognizing and reporting a transfusion reaction is important in transfusion practice. However, the actual incidence of transfusion reactions is frequently underestimated. We designed an online transfusion reaction reporting system for nurses who take care of transfusion recipients. The common management before and after transfusion and the 18 most common transfusion reactions were itemized as tick boxes. We found the overall documented incidence of transfusion reaction increased dramatically, from 0.21% to 0.61% per unit of blood, after we started using an online reporting system. Overall, 94% (30/32) of nurses took only 1 week to become familiar with the new system, and 88% (28/32) considered the new system helpful in improving the quality of clinical transfusion care. By using an intranet connection, blood bank physicians can also identify patients who are having a reaction and provide appropriate recommendations immediately. A well-designed online reporting system may improve the ability to estimate the incidence of transfusion reactions and the quality of transfusion care.

  11. Delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction/hyperhemolysis syndrome in children with sickle cell disease.

    PubMed

    Talano, Julie-An M; Hillery, Cheryl A; Gottschall, Jerome L; Baylerian, Diane M; Scott, J Paul

    2003-06-01

    Alloimmunization in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) has a reported incidence of 5% to 36%. One complication of alloimmunization is delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction/hyperhemolysis (DHTR/H) syndrome, which has a reported incidence of 11%. In patients with SCD, clinical findings in DHTR/H syndrome occur approximately 1 week after the red blood cell (RBC) transfusion and include the onset of increased hemolysis associated with pain and profound anemia. The hemoglobin (Hb) often drops below pretransfusion levels. In many reported adult cases, the direct antiglobulin test (DAT) remains negative and no new alloantibody is detected as the cause for these transfusion reactions. To date, few pediatric cases have been reported with this phenomenon. The objective of this study was to describe the clinical and laboratory findings of a case series in children who had SCD and experienced a DHTR/H syndrome at our institution. An 11-year retrospective chart review of patients with discharge diagnosis of SCD and transfusion reaction was performed. DHTR/H syndrome was defined as the abrupt onset of signs and symptoms of accelerated hemolysis evidenced by an unexplained fall in Hb, elevated lactic dehydrogenase, elevated bilirubin above baseline, and hemoglobinuria, all occurring between 4 and 10 days after an RBC transfusion. Patient characteristics, time from transfusion, symptoms, reported DAT, new autoantibody or alloantibody formation, laboratory abnormalities, and complications were recorded. Patients with acute transfusion reactions were excluded. We encountered 7 patients who developed 9 episodes of DHTR/H syndrome occurring 6 to 10 days after RBC transfusion. Each presented with fever and hemoglobinuria. All but 1 patient experienced pain initially ascribed to vaso-occlusive crisis. The DAT was positive in only 2 of the 9 episodes. The presenting Hb was lower than pretransfusion levels in 8 of the 9 events. Severe complications were observed after the onset of

  12. Comparing transfusion reaction rates for various plasma types: a systematic review and meta-analysis/regression.

    PubMed

    Saadah, Nicholas H; van Hout, Fabienne M A; Schipperus, Martin R; le Cessie, Saskia; Middelburg, Rutger A; Wiersum-Osselton, Johanna C; van der Bom, Johanna G

    2017-09-01

    We estimated rates for common plasma-associated transfusion reactions and compared reported rates for various plasma types. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of peer-reviewed articles that reported plasma transfusion reaction rates. Random-effects pooled rates were calculated and compared between plasma types. Meta-regression was used to compare various plasma types with regard to their reported plasma transfusion reaction rates. Forty-eight studies reported transfusion reaction rates for fresh-frozen plasma (FFP; mixed-sex and male-only), amotosalen INTERCEPT FFP, methylene blue-treated FFP, and solvent/detergent-treated pooled plasma. Random-effects pooled average rates for FFP were: allergic reactions, 92/10 5 units transfused (95% confidence interval [CI], 46-184/10 5 units transfused); febrile nonhemolytic transfusion reactions (FNHTRs), 12/10 5 units transfused (95% CI, 7-22/10 5 units transfused); transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO), 6/10 5 units transfused (95% CI, 1-30/10 5 units transfused); transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI), 1.8/10 5 units transfused (95% CI, 1.2-2.7/10 5 units transfused); and anaphylactic reactions, 0.8/10 5 units transfused (95% CI, 0-45.7/10 5 units transfused). Risk differences between plasma types were not significant for allergic reactions, TACO, or anaphylactic reactions. Methylene blue-treated FFP led to fewer FNHTRs than FFP (risk difference = -15.3 FNHTRs/10 5 units transfused; 95% CI, -24.7 to -7.1 reactions/10 5 units transfused); and male-only FFP led to fewer cases of TRALI than mixed-sex FFP (risk difference = -0.74 TRALI/10 5 units transfused; 95% CI, -2.42 to -0.42 injuries/10 5 units transfused). Meta-regression demonstrates that the rate of FNHTRs is lower for methylene blue-treated compared with FFP, and the rate of TRALI is lower for male-only than for mixed-sex FFP; whereas no significant differences are observed between plasma types for allergic reactions, TACO

  13. Comparing transfusion reaction risks for various plasma products - an analysis of 7 years of ISTARE haemovigilance data.

    PubMed

    Saadah, Nicholas H; van der Bom, Johanna G; Wiersum-Osselton, Johanna C; Richardson, Clive; Middelburg, Rutger A; Politis, Constantina; Renaudier, Philippe; Robillard, Pierre; Schipperus, Martin R

    2018-03-01

    Plasma transfusions may result in transfusion reactions. We used the International Surveillance of Transfusion-Associated Reactions and Events (ISTARE) database, containing yearly reported national annual aggregate data on transfusion reactions from participating countries, to investigate risks of plasma transfusion reactions and compare transfusion reaction risks for different plasma types. We calculated risks for plasma transfusion reactions and compared transfusion reaction risks between plasma types using random effects regression on repeated measures. The ISTARE database contains data from 23 countries, reporting units issued and/or transfused and transfusion reactions observed for some portion of 7 years (2006-2012). Interquartile ranges (IQRs) of plasma transfusion reaction risks were: allergic reactions (5·6-72·2 reactions/10 5 units transfused); febrile non-haemolytic transfusion reactions (0-9·1); transfusion-associated circulatory overload (0-1·9); transfusion related acute lung injury (TRALI) (0-1·2); and hypotensive reactions (0-0·6). Apheresis plasma was associated with more allergic reactions [odds ratio (OR) = 1·29 (95% confidence interval: 1·19-1·40)] and hypotensive reactions [OR = 2·17 (1·38-3·41)] than whole blood-derived plasma. Pathogen-inactivated plasma was associated with fewer transfusion reactions than untreated plasma. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  14. Blood transfusion reactions; evaluation of 462 transfusions at a tertiary hospital in Nigeria.

    PubMed

    Arewa, O P; Akinola, N O; Salawu, L

    2009-06-01

    The immuno-haematological safety of blood remains an important and recurring issue in blood transfusion practice. Data concerning morbidity and mortality from blood transfusion is sparse in Nigeria however and while the current efforts at reduction in the incidence of adverse consequence of blood transfusion is encapsulated in the concept of Haemovigilance, the Nigerian blood transfusion service is yet to institute the practice. A prospective study of 462 transfusions at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital was done to evaluate the incidence and pattern of transfusion reactions in the hospital. The overall incidence of transfusion reactions is 8.7% (40 cases), with febrile nonhaemolytic transfusion reactions (FNHTR) constituting 65% of these. The incidence of adverse reaction is significantly related to a positive history of previous transfusion (p = 0.0039). Efforts must be sustained at evolving a system to minimize the incidence and consequences. The development of a haemovigilance system in which data regarding all transfusions carried out in Nigerian hospitals is collated and analyzed is necessary. The advent of the National Blood Transfusion Service (N.B.T.S) in Nigeria with Zonal centres in the six geopolitical zones of the country offers an opportunity for setting up a national haemovigilance programme.

  15. Transfusion risks and transfusion-related pro-inflammatory responses.

    PubMed

    Despotis, George John; Zhang, Lini; Lublin, Douglas M

    2007-02-01

    Despite improvements in blood screening and administration techniques, serious adverse events related to transfusion continue to occur, albeit at a much lower incidence. In addition to the development and implementation of new screening and blood purification/modification techniques and implementation of an optimal blood management program, the incidence and consequences of transfusion reactions can be reduced by a basic understanding of transfusion-related complications. Although acute hemolytic transfusion reactions, transfusion-associated anaphylaxis and sepsis, and transfusion-associated acute lung injury occur infrequently, diligence in administration of blood and monitoring for development of respective signs/symptoms can minimize the severity of these potentially life-threatening complications. In addition, emerging blood-banking techniques such as psoralen-UV inactivation of pathogens and use of patient identification systems may attenuate the incidence of adverse events related to transfusion. With respect to optimizing blood management by means of an effective blood management program involving pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic strategies, the ability to reduce use of blood products and to decrease operative time or re-exploration rates has important implications for disease prevention, blood inventory and costs, and overall health care costs.

  16. Acute myocardial infarction associated with blood transfusion: case report and literature review.

    PubMed

    Velibey, Yalcin; Erbay, Aliriza; Ozkurt, Enver; Usta, Emrah; Akin, Filiz

    2014-04-01

    A 62-year old patient with a history of chronic anemia associated with malabsorption secondary to short gut syndrome, experienced acute chest pain the second hour after the transfusion of a crossmatch-compatible erythrocyte suspension. His electrocardiogram (ECG) revealed widespread ST-segment depressions and he had an elevated troponin level. Laboratory findings and physical examination did not indicate the presence of immunological or non-immunological blood transfusion reactions. Cardiac catheterization was performed and showed angiographically non-obstructive, atherosclerotic plaques and the absence of vasospasm or thrombus formation. Following antiischemic therapy his symptoms resolved completely. The ECG obtained 24 hours after the emergence of chest pain demonstrated normal sinus rhythm with no ST-T wave changes. We present a rare case of acute myocardial infarction induced following a blood transfusion. To the best of our knowledge, a few cases of acute myocardial infarction associated with blood transfusion have been formally recorded in the medical literature and the clinical experience regarding such cases is indeed quite limited. The present case is reviewed in the context of the relevant literature as a practical resource for clinical practice. Crown Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  17. Transfusion strategy for acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

    PubMed

    Handel, James; Lang, Eddy

    2015-09-01

    Clinical question Does a hemoglobin transfusion threshold of 70 g/L yield better patient outcomes than a threshold of 90 g/L in patients with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding? Article chosen Villanueva C, Colomo A, Bosch A, et al. Transfusion strategies for acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding. N Engl J Med 2013;368(1):11-21. Study objectives The authors of this study measured mortality, from any cause, within the first 45 days, in patients with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding, who were managed with a hemoglobin threshold for red cell transfusion of either 70 g/L or 90 g/L. The secondary outcome measures included rate of further bleeding and rate of adverse events.

  18. Transfusion reaction identification and management at the bedside.

    PubMed

    Crookston, Kendall P; Koenig, Sara C; Reyes, Michael D

    2015-01-01

    Blood product transfusion is one of the most common invasive procedures performed in the health care setting. In contrast to pharmaceuticals, blood is actually a liquid transplant. Transfusion complications consequently encompass complex biological processes and infectious possibilities. Changes in vital signs are regularly seen during transfusion. Knowledge of common transfusion reaction signs and symptoms enables the clinical team to differentiate a normal patient response from a life-threatening reaction. Direct care nurses responsible for this procedure play a vital role in its success. Understanding the possible complications of transfusion and how to quickly recognize reactions at the bedside helps ensure the best patient outcomes.

  19. Adverse events related to blood transfusion

    PubMed Central

    Sahu, Sandeep; Hemlata; Verma, Anupam

    2014-01-01

    The acute blood transfusion reactions are responsible for causing most serious adverse events. Awareness about various clinical features of acute and delayed transfusion reactions with an ability to assess the serious reactions on time can lead to a better prognosis. Evidence-based medicine has changed today's scenario of clinical practice to decrease adverse transfusion reactions. New evidence-based algorithms of transfusion and improved haemovigilance lead to avoidance of unnecessary transfusions perioperatively. The recognition of adverse events under anaesthesia is always challenging. The unnecessary blood transfusions can be avoided with better blood conservation techniques during surgery and with anaesthesia techniques that reduce blood loss. Better and newer blood screening methods have decreased the infectious complications to almost negligible levels. With universal leukoreduction of red blood cells (RBCs), selection of potential donors such as use of male donors only plasma and restriction of RBC storage, most of the non-infectious complications can be avoided. PMID:25535415

  20. Monitoring and reporting transfusion reactions as a quality indicator - a clinical audit.

    PubMed

    Hussain, Shabneez; Moiz, Bushra; Ausat, Fatima Azra; Khurshid, Mohammad

    2015-02-01

    This audit was conducted as a part of a quality assurance activity to assess the frequency of receiving completely filled out blood transfusion reaction forms which were accompanied by the required samples. Once this information is known, we will elevate the bar each year to achieve 100% compliance. The sub-aim was to evaluate the frequency of the reported transfusion reactions. The study was conducted from 1st April 2010 to 30th April 2011. The information was evaluated and the frequency of receiving completely filled blood transfusion reaction forms was assessed. The variables identified were the type of transfusion reaction, the blood component transfused, the health care personnel filling the form, and whether there was legible handwriting and a completely filled form. Transfusion reactions were reported as a percentage of the total number of units transfused. During the study period, 17,880 packed red cells, 13,200 platelets, 13,620 fresh frozen plasma and 2256 cryoprecipitate were transfused and 106 transfusion reactions (0.23%) were reported. Of these, febrile non hemolytic transfusion reaction was the most common (47%), the majority caused by packed red cells. Eighty-four percent of the transfusion reaction forms were completely filled as per our criteria. Febrile non hemolytic transfusion reactions were the most common reactions reported. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  1. Adverse Effects of Plasma Transfusion

    PubMed Central

    Pandey, Suchitra; Vyas, Girish N.

    2012-01-01

    Plasma utilization has increased over the last two decades, and there is a growing concern that many plasma transfusions are inappropriate. Plasma transfusion is not without risk, and certain complications are more likely with plasma than other blood components. Clinical and laboratory investigations of the patients suffering reactions following infusion of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) define the etiology and pathogenesis of the panoply of adverse effects. We review here the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of the risks associated with plasma transfusion. Risks commonly associated with FFP include: (1) transfusion related acute lung injury; (2) transfusion associated circulatory overload, and (3) allergic/anaphylactic reactions. Other less common risks include (1) transmission of infections, (2) febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reactions, (3) RBC allo-immunization, and (4) hemolytic transfusion reactions. The affect of pathogen inactivation/reduction methods on these risks are also discussed. Fortunately, a majority of the adverse effects are not lethal and are adequately treated in clinical practice. PMID:22578374

  2. Targeting Transfusion-Related Acute Lung Injury: The Journey From Basic Science to Novel Therapies.

    PubMed

    Semple, John W; McVey, Mark J; Kim, Michael; Rebetz, Johan; Kuebler, Wolfgang M; Kapur, Rick

    2018-05-01

    Transfusion-related acute lung injury is characterized by the onset of respiratory distress and acute lung injury following blood transfusion, but its pathogenesis remains poorly understood. Generally, a two-hit model is presumed to underlie transfusion-related acute lung injury with the first hit being risk factors present in the transfused patient (such as inflammation), whereas the second hit is conveyed by factors in the transfused donor blood (such as antileukocyte antibodies). At least 80% of transfusion-related acute lung injury cases are related to the presence of donor antibodies such as antihuman leukocyte or antihuman neutrophil antibodies. The remaining cases may be related to nonantibody-mediated factors such as biolipids or components related to storage and ageing of the transfused blood cells. At present, transfusion-related acute lung injury is the leading cause of transfusion-related fatalities and no specific therapy is clinically available. In this article, we critically appraise and discuss recent preclinical (bench) insights related to transfusion-related acute lung injury pathogenesis and their therapeutic potential for future use at the patients' bedside in order to combat this devastating and possibly fatal complication of transfusion. We searched the PubMed database (until August 22, 2017). Using terms: "Transfusion-related acute lung injury," "TRALI," "TRALI and therapy," "TRALI pathogenesis." English-written articles focusing on transfusion-related acute lung injury pathogenesis, with potential therapeutic implications, were extracted. We have identified potential therapeutic approaches based on the literature. We propose that the most promising therapeutic strategies to explore are interleukin-10 therapy, down-modulating C-reactive protein levels, targeting reactive oxygen species, or blocking the interleukin-8 receptors; all focused on the transfused recipient. In the long-run, it may perhaps also be advantageous to explore other

  3. A diagnostic nomogram for delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction in sickle cell disease.

    PubMed

    Mekontso Dessap, Armand; Pirenne, France; Razazi, Keyvan; Moutereau, Stéphane; Abid, Shariq; Brun-Buisson, Christian; Maitre, Bernard; Michel, Marc; Galacteros, Frederic; Bartolucci, Pablo; Habibi, Anoosha

    2016-12-01

    Diagnosis of delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions (DHTR), one of the most dreaded complications of transfusion in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD), is challenging and not straightforward. Current diagnostic approaches are complex and not consensual; they are based on assessment of hemoglobin (Hb) drop and enhanced hemolysis, features also seen during classical vaso-occlusive events. In this observational study, we tested the hypothesis that the rate of decline in HbA after an index transfusion is a surrogate marker for the destruction of transfused RBC, which could be used diagnostically. We examined 421 transfusion episodes (in 128 patients of a French referral center for SCD) for which an Hb electrophoresis was obtained within 1 week following an index transfusion and repeated within 2 months (before a subsequent scheduled transfusion or during an acute complication). Chart review found DHTR to be present in 26 cases (6.2%), absent in 389 cases (92.4%), and possible in six cases (1.4%). As expected, DHTR was associated with accelerated hemolysis (increased serum bilirubin and lactic dehydrogenase concentrations) and a decline in total Hb as compared to the early post-transfusion value. However, the decline in HbA concentration appeared more effective in segregating between patients without DHTR and others. We propose a diagnostic nomogram for DHTR based on Hb A as a biologic marker of the survival of transfused RBCs. Am. J. Hematol. 91:1181-1184, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  4. Proposed revised nomenclature for transfusion-related acute lung injury.

    PubMed

    Toy, Pearl; Kleinman, Steven H; Looney, Mark R

    2017-03-01

    A decade ago, definitions of "transfusionߚrelated acute lung injury (TRALI)" and "possible TRALI" were standardized for research and clinical diagnosis. Since then, evidence has confirmed that TRALI is often due to transfusion of white blood cell antibodies to at-risk patients, and the term "TRALI, antibody mediated" is appropriate for such cases. Other TRALI cases are non-antibody mediated. Because specific, nonantibody transfusion factors have not yet been confirmed to cause TRALI in humans, the general term "TRALI, non-antibody mediated" is appropriate for such cases. In contrast, evidence is against possible TRALI being due to transfusion with the more likely cause of the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) being the alternative ARDS risk factor present in these patients. We propose to drop the misleading term "possible TRALI" and to rename this category of cases as "transfused ARDS." These nomenclature updates will more accurately categorize ARDS cases that develop after transfusion. © 2016 AABB.

  5. Postoperative acute kidney injury following intraoperative blood product transfusions during cardiac surgery.

    PubMed

    Kindzelski, Bogdan A; Corcoran, Philip; Siegenthaler, Michael P; Horvath, Keith A

    2018-01-01

    This study explored the nature of the association between intraoperative usage of red blood cell, fresh frozen plasma, cryoprecipitate or platelet transfusions and acute kidney injury. A total of 1175 patients who underwent cardiac surgery between 2008 and 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. We assessed the association between: (1) preoperative patient characteristics and acute kidney injury, (2) intraoperative blood product usage and acute kidney injury, (3) acute kidney injury and 30-day mortality or re-hospitalization. In our cohort of 1175 patients, 288 patients (24.5%) developed acute kidney injury. This included 162 (13.8%), 69 (5.9%) and 57 (4.9%) developing stage 1, stage 2 or stage 3 acute kidney injury, respectively. Increased red blood cell, fresh frozen plasma or platelet transfusions increased the odds of developing acute kidney injury. Specifically, every unit of red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma or platelets transfused was associated with an increase in the covariate-adjusted odds ratio of developing ⩾ stage 2 kidney injury of 1.18, 1.19 and 1.04, respectively. Intraoperative blood product transfusions were independently associated with an increased odds of developing acute kidney injury following cardiac surgery. Further randomized studies are needed to better define intraoperative transfusion criteria.

  6. Investigation of whether the acute hemolysis associated with Rho(D) immune globulin intravenous (human) administration for treatment of immune thrombocytopenic purpura is consistent with the acute hemolytic transfusion reaction model

    PubMed Central

    Gaines, Ann Reed; Lee-Stroka, Hallie; Byrne, Karen; Scott, Dorothy E.; Uhl, Lynne; Lazarus, Ellen; Stroncek, David F.

    2012-01-01

    BACKGROUND Immune thrombocytopenic purpura and secondary thrombocytopenia patients treated with Rho(D) immune globulin intravenous (human; anti-D IGIV) have experienced acute hemolysis, which is inconsistent with the typical presentation of extravascular hemolysis—the presumed mechanism of action of anti-D IGIV. Although the mechanism of anti-D-IGIV–associated acute hemolysis has not been established, the onset, signs/symptoms, and complications appear consistent with the intravascular hemolysis of acute hemolytic transfusion reactions (AHTRs). In transfusion medicine, the red blood cell (RBC) antigen-antibody incompatibility(-ies) that precipitate AHTRs can be detected in vitro with compatibility testing. Under the premise that anti-D-IGIV–associated acute hemolysis results from RBC antigen-antibody–mediated complement activation, this study evaluated whether the incompatibility(-ies) could be detected in vitro with a hemolysin assay, which would support the AHTR model as the hemolytic mechanism. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Seven anti-D IGIV lots were tested to determine the RBC antibody identities in those lots, including four lots that had been implicated in acute hemolytic episodes. Hemolysin assays were performed that tested each of 73 RBC specimens against each lot, including the RBCs of one patient who had experienced acute hemolysis after anti-D IGIV administration. RESULTS Only two anti-D IGIV lots contained RBC antibodies beyond those expected. No hemolysis endpoint was observed in any of the hemolysin assays. CONCLUSION Although the findings did not support the AHTR model, the results are reported to contribute knowledge about the mechanism of anti-D-IGIV–associated acute hemolysis and to prompt continued investigation into cause(s), prediction, and prevention of this potentially serious adverse event. PMID:19220820

  7. Serious Hazards of Transfusion (SHOT) haemovigilance and progress is improving transfusion safety

    PubMed Central

    Bolton-Maggs, Paula H B; Cohen, Hannah

    2013-01-01

    Summary The Serious Hazards of Transfusion (SHOT) UK confidential haemovigilance reporting scheme began in 1996. Over the 16 years of reporting, the evidence gathered has prompted changes in transfusion practice from the selection and management of donors to changes in hospital practice, particularly better education and training. However, half or more reports relate to errors in the transfusion process despite the introduction of several measures to improve practice. Transfusion in the UK is very safe: 2·9 million components were issued in 2012, and very few deaths are related to transfusion. The risk of death from transfusion as estimated from SHOT data in 2012 is 1 in 322 580 components issued and for major morbidity, 1 in 21 413 components issued; the risk of transfusion-transmitted infection is much lower. Acute transfusion reactions and transfusion-associated circulatory overload carry the highest risk for morbidity and death. The high rate of participation in SHOT by National Health Service organizations, 99·5%, is encouraging. Despite the very useful information gained about transfusion reactions, the main risks remain human factors. The recommendations on reduction of errors through a ‘back to basics’ approach from the first annual SHOT report remain absolutely relevant today. PMID:24032719

  8. [Alternatives to allogenous blood transfusion].

    PubMed

    Cernea, Daniela; Vlădoianu, Alice; Stoica, Maria; Novac, M; Berteanu, Cristina

    2009-01-01

    Blood transfusion is usually meant to lower morbidity and mortality rates. Allogenous blood transfusion implies certain risks that can be avoided by autologous blood transfusions techniques including: preoperatory autologous blood donation, acute normovolemic hemodilution, intraoperatory and postoperatory blood salvage. Preoperatory blood donation and acute normovolemic hemodilution are used for planned interventions with an estimated blood loss higher than 20% of blood volume. These methods imply Erythropoietin and iron treatment. Intraoperatory and postoperatory blood salvage is performed by personnel trained in blood donation, handling and storage. Autologous blood transfusions are used for certain surgical procedures that commonly require transfusions: orthopedic surgery, radical prostatectomy, cardiovascular surgery, organ transplantation. An alternative to allogenous blood transfusion is the use of artificial oxygen transporters: human or animal hemoglobin solutions or pefluorocarbonate solutions. These solutions do not require cross reactions, do not carry diseases and are generally well tolerated and easily stored in the operating room, ambulance and other transport means. They have however a slight degree of toxicity.

  9. [Allergic transfusion reactions in a patient with multiple food allergies].

    PubMed

    Strobel, E; Schöniger, M; Münz, M; Hiefinger-Schindlbeck, R

    2012-07-01

    A 13-year-old girl with an osteosarcoma was treated by surgery and chemotherapy. During three transfusions of apheresis platelet concentrates allergic reactions occurred, partly in spite of premedication with an antihistamine and a corticoid. As the patient declared to be allergic to some foods, in-vitro tests for allergen-specific IgE antibodies were performed and showed markedly positive results for specific IgE to carrot and celery, less so to hazelnut, peanut and a lot of other food antigens. The donor of one of the unsuitable platelet concentrates remembered when questioned, that he had eaten carrots and chocolate with hazelnuts during the evening before platelet donation. Two washed platelet concentrates were transfused without any problem. Furthermore, transfusions of nine red blood cell concentrates and one unit of virus-inactivated frozen pooled plasma were well tolerated. Patients should be asked for allergies previous to transfusions to be alert to allergic reactions in patients with a positive history of food or drug allergies. If premedication with antihistamines does not prevent severe allergic transfusion reactions, transfusion of washed platelet concentrates and of virus-inactivated frozen pooled plasma can be considered. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

  10. [Approaches to the immunological problems of leukocyte transfusions].

    PubMed

    Gualde, N; Malinvaud, G; Gaillard, S

    1975-01-01

    51 leukocyte transfusions from healthy donors and 3 from chronic myelogenous leukemia were given to 16 patients with acute leukemia and 4 with aplasia. During 14 transfusions we have observed clinicals reactions which are of immunological origin. The part of the transfusions and of the pregnancies in the presence of antibodies is argued. The necessity of utilisation of HL-A compatible donors during leukocyte transfusions is asserted.

  11. Transfusion of Packed Red Blood Cells--The Indications Have Changed.

    PubMed

    Cook, Alan; Miller, Nate

    2015-12-01

    Whole blood/packed red blood cells (pRBC) units transfused in the U.S. totaled 13,785,000 in 2011. A single institution in South Dakota transfused 6,485 units of pRBC in 2013. Current thresholds for transfusion have changed and each transfusion has the risk of causing an adverse reaction; thus, it is important to ensure pRBCs are administered appropriately. Due to these changes and the potential risks associated with transfusion, we reviewed the literature regarding appropriate indications for transfusion of pRBC. Our review specifically focused on four disease entities: iron-deficiency anemia, acute upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, acute coronary syndromes, and chronic ischemic heart disease. Based on our findings, we recommend utilizing an overall conservative approach to the transfusion of pRBC. In patients with iron-deficiency anemia, first try alternative methods to improve hemoglobin levels; in those with acute GI bleeding, transfuse for hemoglobin less than 7 g/dL; in patients with acute coronary syndromes, let symptoms/signs be your guide; and in patients with ischemic heart disease, transfuse for hemoglobin levels less than 8 g/dL or if they are symptomatic. Most importantly, be cautious to not fixate on numbers alone; always incorporate patients' symptoms and co-morbidities when considering whether to transfuse pRBCs.

  12. Blood Transfusion and the Risk of Acute Kidney Injury Among Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

    PubMed

    Karrowni, Wassef; Vora, Amit Navin; Dai, David; Wojdyla, Daniel; Dakik, Habib; Rao, Sunil V

    2016-09-01

    Acute kidney injury (AKI) complicating percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is associated with adverse clinical outcomes. To date, no studies have evaluated the association of blood transfusion with AKI in patients undergoing PCI. We used a retrospective cohort study of all patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing PCI from CathPCI Registry (n=1 756 864). The primary outcome was AKI defined as the rise in serum creatinine post procedure ≥0.5 mg/dL or ≥25% above baseline values. AKI developed in 9.0% of study sample. Patients with AKI were older, more often women, and had high prevalence of comorbidities, including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and advanced stages of chronic kidney disease at baseline. Blood transfusion was utilized in 2.2% of patients. In the overall sample, AKI developed in 35.1% of patients who received transfusion versus 8.4% of patients without transfusion (adjusted odds ratio, 4.87 [4.71-5.04]). In the subgroup of patients who sustained bleeding event and received transfusion, the rate of AKI was significantly increased across all preprocedure hemoglobin levels versus no blood transfusion. Similar findings were seen in the subgroup of patients with no bleeding event. Blood transfusion is strongly associated with AKI in patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing PCI. Further investigation is needed to determine whether a restrictive blood transfusion strategy might improve PCI outcomes by reducing the risk of AKI. © 2016 American Heart Association, Inc.

  13. A retrospective analysis of the effect of blood transfusion on cerebral oximetry entropy and acute kidney injury.

    PubMed

    Engoren, Milo; Brown, Russell R; Dubovoy, Anna

    2017-01-01

    Acute anemia is associated with both cerebral dysfunction and acute kidney injury and is often treated with red blood cell transfusion. We sought to determine if blood transfusion changed the cerebral oximetry entropy, a measure of the complexity or irregularity of the oximetry values, and if this change was associated with subsequent acute kidney injury. This was a retrospective, case-control study of patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass at a tertiary care hospital, comparing those who received a red blood cell transfusion to those who did not. Acute kidney injury was defined as a perioperative increase in serum creatinine by ⩾26.4 μmol/L or by ⩾50% increase. Entropy was measured using approximate entropy, sample entropy, forbidden word entropy and basescale4 entropy in 500-point sets. Forty-four transfused patients were matched to 88 randomly selected non-transfused patients. All measures of entropy had small changes in the transfused group, but increased in the non-transfused group (p<0.05, for all comparisons). Thirty-five of 132 patients (27%) suffered acute kidney injury. Based on preoperative factors, patients who suffered kidney injury were similar to those who did not, including baseline cerebral oximetry levels. After analysis with hierarchical logistic regression, the change in basescale4 entropy (odds ratio = 1.609, 95% confidence interval = 1.057-2.450, p = 0.027) and the interaction between basescale entropy and transfusion were significantly associated with subsequent development of acute kidney injury. The transfusion of red blood cells was associated with a smaller rise in entropy values compared to non-transfused patients, suggesting a change in the regulation of cerebral oxygenation, and these changes in cerebral oxygenation are also associated with acute kidney injury.

  14. [Fever-shivers reaction and standard platelet concentrates transfusion: a prospective study].

    PubMed

    Houissa, B; Abdelkefi, S; Bouslama, M; Zaeir, M; Chakroun, T; Ghachem, L; Yacoub, S

    2003-09-01

    Fever-shivers reaction (FSR) is the most frequent transfusion immediate incident related to platelet transfusions. The aim of our prospective study was to assess the frequency of the different immediate incidents, especially the frequency and the causes of the FSR, observed during the transfusion of standard platelet concentrates (SPC). For each FSR, analysis of causes included: a bacterial culture of the implicated SPC, a blood culture and HLA antibody screening (lymphocytotoxicity assay) among the patients. In the study period, 34 patients were followed during 74 transfusions. Ten immediate incidents were noted; FSR: N = 8, erythema-urticaria: N = 1 and nausea-vomit: N = 1. The FSR was observed in 6 patients who received 56 SPC. Analysis of causes of this reaction revealed that: HLA antibodies were present in one patient; bacterial contamination was not found neither among the patients nor in the implicated SPC, and the risk of the FSR occurrence rose with increased storage time of the SPC transfused. Indeed, a significant difference was noted between the mean age of the SPC implicated in the FSR and the mean age of those not implicated (P = 0,0028). In conclusion, the FSR is a frequent incident observed during SPC transfusions. In the majority of cases, the cause of this reaction was not identified. Further studies will be necessary to better understand the physiological mechanisms of the FSR.

  15. Recipient Clinical Risk Factors Predominate in Possible Transfusion-Related Acute Lung Injury

    PubMed Central

    Toy, Pearl; Bacchetti, Peter; Grimes, Barbara; Gajic, Ognjen; Murphy, Edward L.; Winters, Jeffrey L.; Gropper, Michael A.; Hubmayr, Rolf D.; Matthay, Michael A.; Wilson, Gregory; Koenigsberg, Monique; Lee, Deanna C.; Hirschler, Nora V.; Lowell, Clifford A.; Schuller, Randy M.; Gandhi, Manish J.; Norris, Philip J.; Mair, David C.; Rosen, Rosa Sanchez; Looney, Mark R.

    2014-01-01

    Background Possible transfusion-related acute lung injury (pTRALI) cases by definition have a clear temporal relationship to an alternative recipient risk factor for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). We questioned whether transfusion factors are important for the development of pTRALI. Study Design and Methods In this nested case-control study, we prospectively identified 145 consecutive patients with pTRALI and randomly selected 163 transfused controls over a 4-year period at the University of California, San Francisco and the Mayo Clinic, Rochester. Results For pTRALI, we found evidence against transfusion being important: receipt of plasma from female donors (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.29 – 2.3, p=0.70), total number of units transfused (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.89 – 1.10, p=0.86), and number of red blood cell and whole blood units transfused (OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.59 –1.03, p=0.079). In contrast, we found that risk for pTRALI was associated with additional recipient factors: chronic alcohol abuse (OR 12.5, 95% CI 2.8 – 55, p<0.001), current smoker (OR 4.2, 95% CI 1.67 – 10.8, p=0.0024), shock before transfusion (OR 4.6, 95% CI 2.0 – 10.7, p<0.001), and positive fluid balance before transfusion (OR 1.32 per liter, 95% CI 1.20 – 1.44, p<0.001). Conclusion Recipient risk factors for ARDS rather than transfusion risk factors predominate in pTRALI. PMID:25488517

  16. Recipient clinical risk factors predominate in possible transfusion-related acute lung injury.

    PubMed

    Toy, Pearl; Bacchetti, Peter; Grimes, Barbara; Gajic, Ognjen; Murphy, Edward L; Winters, Jeffrey L; Gropper, Michael A; Hubmayr, Rolf D; Matthay, Michael A; Wilson, Gregory; Koenigsberg, Monique; Lee, Deanna C; Hirschler, Nora V; Lowell, Clifford A; Schuller, Randy M; Gandhi, Manish J; Norris, Philip J; Mair, David C; Sanchez Rosen, Rosa; Looney, Mark R

    2015-05-01

    Possible transfusion-related acute lung injury (pTRALI) cases by definition have a clear temporal relationship to an alternative recipient risk factor for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). We questioned whether transfusion factors are important for the development of pTRALI. In this nested case-control study, we prospectively identified 145 consecutive patients with pTRALI and randomly selected 163 transfused controls over a 4-year period at the University of California at San Francisco and the Mayo Clinic (Rochester, Minnesota). For pTRALI, we found evidence against transfusion being important: receipt of plasma from female donors (odds ratio [OR], 0.82; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.29-2.3; p = 0.70), total number of units transfused (OR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.89-1.10; p = 0.86), and number of red blood cell and whole blood units transfused (OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.59-1.03; p = 0.079). In contrast, we found that risk for pTRALI was associated with additional recipient factors: chronic alcohol abuse (OR, 12.5; 95% CI, 2.8-55; p < 0.001), current smoker (OR, 4.2; 95% CI, 1.67-10.8; p = 0.0024), shock before transfusion (OR, 4.6; 95% CI, 2.0-10.7; p < 0.001), and positive fluid balance before transfusion (OR, 1.32/L; 95% CI, 1.20-1.44; p < 0.001). Recipient risk factors for ARDS rather than transfusion risk factors predominate in pTRALI. © 2014 AABB.

  17. Increased alloimmunisation and transfusion reaction reporting in patients with solid-phase panreactivity.

    PubMed

    Olofson, Andrea M; Chandler, Rachael M; Marx-Wood, Cynthia R; Babcock, Craig A; Dunbar, Nancy M

    2017-11-01

    Automated solid-phase antibody screening uses red blood cell (RBC) membranes immobilised on polystyrene test wells to detect RBC specific antibodies. Despite its time-saving and labour-saving benefits, this method produces a higher rate of nonspecific reactivity compared with manual screening. Solid-phase panreactivity (SPP) is characterised by panreactivity (ie, all test cells reacting) in solid-phase testing accompanied by a negative autocontrol and a lack of reactivity when the same screening cells are tested in tube. The mechanisms underlying SPP and its clinical significance remain unclear. The goals of this study were to describe the prevalence of SPP at our institution and determine the alloimmunisation and transfusion reaction rates within this population. Data were collected on all patients undergoing type and screen testing over a 6-year period. Study patients undergoing subsequent transfusion were evaluated for reported transfusion reactions and development of new alloantibodies. Of the 76 051 patients studied, 0.7% demonstrated SPP of which 11% developed new alloantibodies. The transfusion reaction reporting rate among patients with SPP was 2%. Our data suggest that patients with SPP have higher rates of reported transfusion reactions and alloantibody development compared with those without SPP. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.

  18. Blood transfusion risks and alternative strategies in pediatric patients.

    PubMed

    Lavoie, Josée

    2011-01-01

    Although the safety of the blood supply has been greatly improved, there still remain both infectious and noninfectious risks to the patient. The incidence of noninfectious transfusion reactions is greater than that of infectious complications. Furthermore, the mortality associated with noninfectious risks is significantly higher. In fact, noninfectious risks account for 87-100% of fatal complications of transfusions. It is concerning to note that the majority of pediatric reports relate to human error such as overtransfusion and lack of knowledge of special requirements in the neonatal age group. The second most frequent category is acute transfusion reactions, majority of which are allergic in nature. It is estimated that the incidence of adverse outcome is 18:100,000 red blood cells issued for children aged less than 18 years and 37:100,000 for infants. The comparable adult incidence is 13:100,000. In order to decrease the risks associated with transfusion of blood products, various blood-conservation strategies can be utilized. Modalities such as acute normovolemic hemodilution, hypervolemic hemodilution, deliberate hypotension, antifibrinolytics, intraoperative blood salvage, and autologous blood donation are discussed and the pediatric literature is reviewed. A discussion of transfusion triggers, and algorithms as well as current research into alternatives to blood transfusions concludes this review. © 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

  19. Transfusion-related acute lung injury risk mitigation: an update.

    PubMed

    Otrock, Z K; Liu, C; Grossman, B J

    2017-11-01

    Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) is a life-threatening complication of transfusion. Greater understanding of the pathophysiology of this syndrome has much improved during the last two decades. Plasma-containing components from female donors with leucocyte antibodies were responsible for the majority of TRALI fatalities before mitigation strategies were implemented. Over the past 15 years, measures to mitigate risk for TRALI have been implemented worldwide and they continued to evolve with time. The AABB requires that all plasma containing components and whole blood for transfusion must be collected from men, women who have not been pregnant, or women who have tested negative for human leucocyte antigen antibodies. Although the incidence of TRALI has decreased following the institution of TRALI mitigation strategies, TRALI is still the most common cause of transfusion-associated death in the United States. In this review, we focus on TRALI risk mitigation strategies. We describe the measures taken by blood collection facilities to reduce the risk of TRALI in the United States, Canada and European countries. We also review the literature for the effectiveness of these measures. © 2017 International Society of Blood Transfusion.

  20. Reversal of anemia with allogenic RBC transfusion prevents post-cardiopulmonary bypass acute kidney injury in swine

    PubMed Central

    Patel, Nishith N.; Lin, Hua; Toth, Tibor; Welsh, Gavin I.; Jones, Ceri; Ray, Paramita; Satchell, Simon C.; Sleeman, Philippa; Angelini, Gianni D.

    2011-01-01

    Anemia during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is strongly associated with acute kidney injury in clinical studies; however, reversal of anemia with red blood cell (RBC) transfusions is associated with further renal injury. To understand this paradox, we evaluated the effects of reversal of anemia during CPB with allogenic RBC transfusion in a novel large-animal model of post-cardiac surgery acute kidney injury with significant homology to that observed in cardiac surgery patients. Adult pigs undergoing general anesthesia were allocated to a Sham procedure, CPB alone, Sham+RBC transfusion, or CPB+RBC transfusion, with recovery and reassessment at 24 h. CPB was associated with dilutional anemia and caused acute kidney injury in swine characterized by renal endothelial dysfunction, loss of nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, vasoconstriction, medullary hypoxia, cortical ATP depletion, glomerular sequestration of activated platelets and inflammatory cells, and proximal tubule epithelial cell stress. RBC transfusion in the absence of CPB also resulted in renal injury. This was characterized by endothelial injury, microvascular endothelial dysfunction, platelet activation, and equivalent cortical tubular epithelial phenotypic changes to those observed in CPB pigs, but occurred in the absence of severe intrarenal vasoconstriction, ATP depletion, or reductions in creatinine clearance. In contrast, reversal of anemia during CPB with RBC transfusion prevented the reductions in creatinine clearance, loss of NO bioavailability, platelet activation, inflammation, and epithelial cell injury attributable to CPB although it did not prevent the development of significant intrarenal vasoconstriction and endothelial dysfunction. In conclusion, contrary to the findings of observational studies in cardiac surgery, RBC transfusion during CPB protects pigs against acute kidney injury. Our study underlines the need for translational research into indications for transfusion and prevention

  1. Hypothesis: Hemolytic Transfusion Reactions Represent an Alternative Type of Anaphylaxis

    PubMed Central

    Hod, Eldad A.; Sokol, Set A.; Zimring, James C.; Spitalnik, Steven L.

    2009-01-01

    Classical anaphylaxis is the most severe, and potentially fatal, type of allergic reaction, manifested by hypotension, bronchoconstriction, and vascular permeability. Similarly, a hemolytic transfusion reaction (HTR) is the most feared consequence of blood transfusion. Evidence for the existence of an alternative, IgG-mediated pathway of anaphylaxis may be relevant for explaining the pathophysiology of IgG-mediated-HTRs. The purpose of this review is to summarize the evidence for this alternative pathway of anaphylaxis and to present the hypothesis that an IgG-mediated HTR is one example of this type of anaphylaxis. PMID:18830382

  2. Effect of RBC concentrate transfusions on serum ferritin content in children with acute leukaemia.

    PubMed

    Bebeshko, V G; Bruslova, E M; Tsvietkova, N M; Iatsemirskii, S M; Puchkareva, T I; Gonchar, L A; Krukovska, V V; Zelinska, A V; Mishchenko, L P

    2013-01-01

    To study the serum ferritin levels in children with acute leukemia, depending on the number of transfusions of RBC concentrate and period of disease. We studied the red blood count, serum iron and ferritin levels in 54 patients with acute leukemia before chemotherapy, at the time of a standardized treatment protocol, and after transfusions of RBC concentrates. In the debute of acute leukemia just before treatment lauch the serum ferritin in 81.5% of children was 2.3-2.5 higher than normal. The need for transfusion of RBC concentrates was higher under serum ferritin level exceeding 500 ng/mL. The association was established between ferritin content and age of the children, variant of acute leukemia and period of the disease. The level of serum ferritin can be used as a marker of ferrokinetic status for timely diagnosis of iron overload in children with acute leukemias and for application of treatment-and-prophylactic actions. Bebeshko V. G., Bruslova K. M., Cvjetkova N. M., Jacemyrskyj S. M., Pushkarova T. I., Gonchar L. O., Krukovska V. V., Zelinska A. V., Mishhenko L. P., 2013.

  3. Transfusion-Related Acute Lung Injury (TRALI) and Transfusion-Associated Circulatory Overload (TACO) in Liver Transplantation: A Case Report and Focused Review.

    PubMed

    Smith, Natalie K; Kim, Sang; Hill, Bryan; Goldberg, Andrew; DeMaria, Samuel; Zerillo, Jeron

    2018-06-01

    Liver transplantation (LT) is a complex procedure in a patient with multi-organ system dysfunction and coagulation defects. The surgical procedure involves dissection, major vessel manipulation, and pathophysiologic effects of graft storage and reperfusion. As a result, LT frequently involves significant hemorrhage. Subsequent massive transfusion carries high risk of transfusion-associated complications. Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) and transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO) are the leading causes of transfusion associated mortality. In this case report and focused review, we present data that suggest that patients undergoing liver transplantation may be at higher risk for TRALI and TACO than the general population. Anesthesiologists can play a role in decreasing these risks by increasing recognition and reporting of TRALI and TACO, using point of care testing with thromboelastography to guide and decrease transfusion, and considering alternatives to traditional blood products like solvent/detergent plasma.

  4. Perioperative red blood cell transfusion in orofacial surgery

    PubMed Central

    2017-01-01

    In the field of orofacial surgery, a red blood cell transfusion (RBCT) is occasionally required during double jaw and oral cancer surgery. However, the question remains whether the effect of RBCT during the perioperative period is beneficial or harmful. The answer to this question remains challenging. In the field of orofacial surgery, transfusion is performed for the purpose of oxygen transfer to hypoxic tissues and plasma volume expansion when there is bleeding. However, there are various risks, such as infectious complications (viral and bacterial), transfusion-related acute lung injury, ABO and non-ABO associated hemolytic transfusion reactions, febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reactions, transfusion associated graft-versus-host disease, transfusion associated circulatory overload, and hypersensitivity transfusion reaction including anaphylaxis and transfusion-related immune-modulation. Many studies and guidelines have suggested RBCT is considered when hemoglobin levels recorded are 7 g/dL for general patients and 8-9 g/dL for patients with cardiovascular disease or hemodynamically unstable patients. However, RBCT is occasionally an essential treatment during surgeries and it is often required in emergency cases. We need to comprehensively consider postoperative bleeding, different clinical situations, the level of intra- and postoperative patient monitoring, and various problems that may arise from a transfusion, in the perspective of patient safety. Since orofacial surgery has an especially high risk of bleeding due to the complex structures involved and the extensive vascular distribution, measures to prevent bleeding should be taken and the conditions for a transfusion should be optimized and appropriate in order to promote patient safety. PMID:29090247

  5. Red cell exchange to mitigate a delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction in a patient transfused with incompatible red blood cells.

    PubMed

    Irani, Mehraboon S; Karafin, Matthew S; Ernster, Luke

    2017-02-01

    A red cell exchange was performed to prevent a potentially fatal hemolytic transfusion reaction in a patient with anti-e who was transfused with e-antigen unscreened red blood cells during liver transplant surgery. A 64-year-old woman with cirrhosis due to hepatitis C was scheduled to receive a liver transplant. She had a previously documented anti-e, an antibody to the Rh(e)-antigen that is known to cause delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions. Pre-operatively and intra-operatively, she had massive hemorrhage which required transfusion of 34 e-antigen unscreened red blood cells (RBCs) most of which were incompatible. The hemoglobin dropped from 9.1 g/dL on post-operative day (POD)1 to 6.6 g/dL on POD6, with no evidence of blood loss. The bilirubin also increased from 5.0 mg/dL on POD 1 to 11.0 mg/dL on POD 6. As she was also becoming more hemodynamically unstable, a red cell exchange with 10 units of e-negative RBCs was performed on POD 6. She improved clinically and was extubated the following day. A few residual transfused e-positive red cells were detected after the red cell exchange until POD 13. This case illustrates how a red cell exchange can mitigate the potentially harmful effects of a delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction caused by red cell antibodies. With massive intraoperative blood loss it may not be possible to have antigen-negative RBCs immediately available, particularly for the e-antigen, which is present in 98% of the donor population. The ability to perform such a procedure may be life-saving in such patients. J. Clin. Apheresis 32:59-61, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  6. Serious hazards of transfusion (SHOT) initiative: analysis of the first two annual reports.

    PubMed

    Williamson, L M; Lowe, S; Love, E M; Cohen, H; Soldan, K; McClelland, D B; Skacel, P; Barbara, J A

    1999-07-03

    To receive and collate reports of death or major complications of transfusion of blood or components. Haematologists were invited confidentially to report deaths and major complications after blood transfusion during October 1996 to September 1998. Hospitals in United Kingdom and Ireland. Patients who died or experienced serious complications, as defined below, associated with transfusion of red cells, platelets, fresh frozen plasma, or cryoprecipitate. Death, "wrong" blood transfused to patient, acute and delayed transfusion reactions, transfusion related acute lung injury, transfusion associated graft versus host disease, post-transfusion purpura, and infection transmitted by transfusion. Circumstances relating to these cases and relative frequency of complications. Over 24 months, 366 cases were reported, of which 191 (52%) were "wrong blood to patient" episodes. Analysis of these revealed multiple errors of identification, often beginning when blood was collected from the blood bank. There were 22 deaths from all causes, including three from ABO incompatibility. There were 12 infections: four bacterial (one fatal), seven viral, and one fatal case of malaria. During the second 12 months, 164/424 hospitals (39%) submitted a "nil to report" return. Transfusion is now extremely safe, but vigilance is needed to ensure correct identification of blood and patient. Staff education should include awareness of ABO incompatibility and bacterial contamination as causes of life threatening reactions to blood.

  7. Delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction in adult sickle-cell disease: presentations, outcomes, and treatments of 99 referral center episodes.

    PubMed

    Habibi, Anoosha; Mekontso-Dessap, Armand; Guillaud, Constance; Michel, Marc; Razazi, Keyvan; Khellaf, Mehdi; Chami, Btissam; Bachir, Dora; Rieux, Claire; Melica, Giovanna; Godeau, Bertrand; Galacteros, Frédéric; Bartolucci, Pablo; Pirenne, France

    2016-10-01

    Delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction (DHTR) is one of the most feared complications of sickle-cell disease (SCD). We retrospectively analyzed the clinical and biological features, treatments and outcomes of 99 DHTRs occurring in 69 referral center patients over 12 years. The first clinical signs appeared a median of 9.4 [IQR, 3-22] days after the triggering transfusion (TT). The most frequent DHTR-related clinical manifestation was dark urine/hemoglobinuria (94%). Most patients (89%) had a painful vaso-occlusive crisis and 50% developed a secondary acute chest syndrome (ACS). The median [IQR] hemoglobin-concentration nadir was 5.5 [4.5-6.3] g/dL and LDH peak was 1335 [798-2086] IU/L. Overall mortality was 6%. None of the patients had been receiving chronic transfusions. Among these DHTRs, 61% were developed in previously immunized patients, 28% in patients with prior DHTR. Among Abs detected after the TT in 62% of the episodes, half are classically considered potentially harmful. No association could be established between clinical severity and immunohematological profile and/or the type and specificity of Abs detected after the TT. Management consisted of supportive care alone (53%) or with adjunctive measures (47%), including recombinant erythropoietin and sometimes rituximab and/or immunosuppressants. Additional transfusions were either ineffective or worsened hemolysis. In some cases, severe intravascular hemolysis can be likely responsible for the vascular reaction and high rates of ACS, pulmonary hypertension and (multi)organ failure. In conclusion, clinicians and patients must recognize early DHTR signs to avoid additional transfusions. For patients with a history of RBC immunization or DHTR, transfusion indications should be restricted. Am. J. Hematol. 91:989-994, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  8. Lichenoid Variant of Chronic Cutaneous Graft Versus Host Reaction Post Blood Transfusion: A Rare Event Post Blood Transfusion.

    PubMed

    Ramakrishnaiah, Pushpa Kodipalya; Lakshman, Archana; Aradhya, Sacchidanand Sarvajnamurthy; Veerabhadrappa, Nataraja Holavanahally

    2015-01-01

    Chronic graft versus host disease (GVHD) is a less frequently seen disease that occurs post solid organ or bone marrow transplantation. Chronic GVHD occurring post blood transfusion is an even more uncommon disease. It can present either as a lichenoid disease or as a sclerodermatous disease involving multiple systems. In this article, we report a case of chronic graft versus host reaction occurring in skin secondary to blood transfusion.

  9. Immunological complications of blood transfusions.

    PubMed

    Brand, Anneke

    2016-01-01

    Most adverse blood transfusion (BT) events are immune-mediated and in the majority of severe reactions antibodies can be identified as causal factors. Alloimmunization not only causes symptomatic reactions, transfused cells can also be (silently) destroyed. Immunization by BT can contribute to hemolytic disease of the newborn as well as to allograft rejection after transplantation. Reversely, pregnancy and transplantation may evoke immunity hampering transfusion therapy. Besides causing mortality and morbidity, alloimmunization has a huge economic impact. Transfusion reactions prolong hospital stay, require diagnostic tests and complex donor selection procedures and create the need for typed donor registries. In the 1970s, Opeltz and colleagues described that pre-transplantation BT impaired rejection of renal transplants. Leukocytes were essential for this immunosuppressive BT effect that raised concern about negative effects on cancer growth and resistance against infections. Studies on the mechanism were however preliminary abandoned when calcineurin inhibitors for prevention of graft rejection became available and since all blood products underwent leukoreduction in most countries as precautionary measure against transmission of variant Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease. Whether current leukoreduced BT are immunosuppressive and for which patients or circumstances this may contribute to worse outcome, is unknown. The last decades of the previous century, leukoreduction of cellular blood products for leukemia patients significantly reduced the incidence of immunological platelet transfusion refractoriness. The first decade of this century the avoidance of plasma- and platelet-products from females, that may contain donor-derived leukocyte antibodies, decreased transfusion related acute lung injury (TRALI) by more than 30%. These were major achievements. Challenge for the near future is to further reduce alloimmunization in particular against red blood cells (RBC) as a

  10. Fatal hemolytic transfusion reaction due to anti-Ku in a Knull patient.

    PubMed

    Lin, M; Wang, C L; Chen, F S; Ho, L H

    2003-01-01

    A fatal transfusion reaction due to anti-Ku in a Knull (Ko) patient is reported. The patient was transfused with 34 units of incompatible RBCs during 44 days of hospitalization. Apart from the first transfusion, all subsequent transfusions failed to raise the patient's Hb. No serum antibody was identified until he was transferred to another hospital for dialysis. A compatibility test demonstrated a weak antibody and autocontrol reacting at room temperature by a manual polybrene method. The antibody was considered to be a "cold agglutinin." A blood sample was sent to a reference laboratory where the patient was found to be Knull and the antibody was identified as anti-Ku.

  11. The effect of ambient exposure to PM2.5 on the transfusion usage of blood components and adverse transfusion reactions in the haze weather.

    PubMed

    Chang, Chih-Chun; Lin, Hui-Jung; Sun, Jen-Tang; Li, Pei-Yu; Lee, Tai-Chen; Su, Ming-Jang; Yen, Tzung-Hai; Chu, Fang-Yeh

    2016-10-01

    Accumulating evidence has shown that ambient exposure to PM 2.5 , especially in the haze weather, increased the risk of various diseases. However, the association of air pollution status with blood transfusion utilization and the prevalence and severity of adverse transfusion reactions remain to be clarified. The data of monthly transfusion usage of blood components, adverse transfusion reactions, as well as PM 2.5 and PM 10 levels from 2013 to 2015 were obtained. During the study interval, both PM 2.5 and PM 10 levels were significantly increased in the haze weather when compared with the non-haze weather. The utilization of total blood components per patient-month in the haze weather was prone to be increased when compared with that in the non-haze weather (13.28 ± 1.66 vs. 12.33 ± 1.30, p = 0.068). The usage of RBC products per patient-month in the haze weather was significantly increased when compared with that in the non-haze weather (4.39 ± 0.39 vs. 4.07 ± 0.30, p = 0.009). There was no obvious difference between the haze and non-haze weathers for the usage of platelet and plasma products per patient-month. Besides, no definite differences of the prevalence and severity of transfusion-associated adverse reaction were observed between the haze and non-haze weathers. Our study first indicated that transfusion utilization, particularly the RBC products, was significantly increased in the haze weather when compared with that in the non-haze weather. There was no obvious association of air pollution with the prevalence and severity of adverse transfusion reactions and further research is required. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  12. Apheresis technology correlates with bacterial contamination of platelets and reported septic transfusion reactions.

    PubMed

    Eder, Anne F; Dy, Beth A; DeMerse, Barbara; Wagner, Stephen J; Stramer, Susan L; O'Neill, E Mary; Herron, Ross M

    2017-12-01

    Apheresis technology to collect platelet (PLT) components differs among devices. We evaluated the relationship of the plateletpheresis device with bacterial contamination and reported septic transfusion reactions. Plateletpheresis was performed using Amicus (Fenwal, a Fresenius Kabi Company) or Trima (Trima Accel, TerumoBCT) from 2010 to 2014. All donations used inlet-line sample diversion and were tested by quality control (QC; Day 1) aerobic culture. Rates of bacterial contamination and septic reactions to PLTs were calculated for both devices. During the 5-year study period, plateletpheresis collections using Amicus and Trima devices totaled 1,486,888 and 671,955 donations, respectively. The rate of confirmed-positive bacterial cultures of apheresis PLT donations was significantly higher with Amicus than with Trima (252 vs. 112 per 10 6 donations [odds ratio {OR}, 2.3; 95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.8-2.9]). Septic transfusion reactions were caused by 30 apheresis PLT units from 25 contaminated Amicus procedures and three apheresis PLT units from three contaminated Trima procedures. The overall rate of septic reactions was significantly higher with apheresis PLT components collected with Amicus than with Trima (16.8 vs. 4.5 per 10 6 donations [OR, 3.8; 95% CI, 1.1-12.5]). All apheresis PLT components implicated in septic transfusion reactions had negative QC culture results incubated through Day 5 (i.e., false negatives). Apheresis technology affects bacterial contamination of plateletpheresis collections. The device-specific, higher rate of confirmed-positive bacterial culture results also correlated with a significantly higher rate of reported septic transfusion reactions to apheresis PLTs. © 2017 AABB.

  13. T regulatory cells and dendritic cells protect against transfusion-related acute lung injury via IL-10

    PubMed Central

    Kapur, Rick; Kim, Michael; Aslam, Rukhsana; McVey, Mark J.; Tabuchi, Arata; Luo, Alice; Liu, Jonathan; Li, Yuan; Shanmugabhavananthan, Shanjeevan; Speck, Edwin R.; Zufferey, Anne; Yousef, George; Zhang, Haibo; Rondina, Matthew T.; Weyrich, Andrew S.; Porcelijn, Leendert; Kuebler, Wolfgang M.; Slutsky, Arthur S.

    2017-01-01

    Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) is the leading cause of transfusion-related fatalities and is characterized by acute respiratory distress following blood transfusion. Donor antibodies are frequently involved; however, the pathogenesis and protective mechanisms in the recipient are poorly understood, and specific therapies are lacking. Using newly developed murine TRALI models based on injection of anti–major histocompatibility complex class I antibodies, we found CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ T regulatory cells (Tregs) and CD11c+ dendritic cells (DCs) to be critical effectors that protect against TRALI. Treg or DC depletion in vivo resulted in aggravated antibody-mediated acute lung injury within 90 minutes with 60% mortality upon DC depletion. In addition, resistance to antibody-mediated TRALI was associated with increased interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels, and IL-10 levels were found to be decreased in mice suffering from TRALI. Importantly, IL-10 injection completely prevented and rescued the development of TRALI in mice and may prove to be a promising new therapeutic approach for alleviating lung injury in this serious complication of transfusion. PMID:28202460

  14. Administration of platelet concentrates suspended in bicarbonated Ringer's solution in children who had platelet transfusion reactions.

    PubMed

    Kobayashi, J; Yanagisawa, R; Ono, T; Tatsuzawa, Y; Tokutake, Y; Kubota, N; Hidaka, E; Sakashita, K; Kojima, S; Shimodaira, S; Nakamura, T

    2018-02-01

    Adverse reactions to platelet transfusions are a problem. Children with primary haematological and malignant diseases may experience allergic transfusion reactions (ATRs) to platelet concentrates (PCs), which can be prevented by giving washed PCs. A new platelet additive solution, using bicarbonated Ringer's solution and acid-citrate-dextrose formula A (BRS-A), may be better for platelet washing and storage, but clinical data are scarce. A retrospective cohort study for consecutive cases was performed between 2013 and 2017. For 24 months, we transfused washed PCs containing BRS-A to children with primary haematological and malignant diseases and previous adverse reactions. Patients transfused with conventional PCs (containing residual plasma) were assigned as controls, and results were compared in terms of frequency of ATRs, corrected count increment (CCI) and occurrence of bleeding. We also studied children transfused with PCs washed by a different system as historical controls. Thirty-two patients received 377 conventional PC transfusions. ATRs occurred in 12 (37·5%) patients from transfused with 18 (4·8%) bags. Thirteen patients, who experienced reactions to regular PCs in plasma, then received 119 transfusion bags of washed PCs containing BRS-A, and none had ATRs to washed PCs containing BRS-A. Before study period, six patients transfused 137 classical washed PCs with different platelet additive solution, under same indication, ATRs occurred in one (16·7%) patient from transfused with one (0·7%) bags. CCIs (24 h) in were lower with classical washed PCs (1·26 ± 0·54) compared to regular PCs in plasma (2·07 ± 0·76) (P < 0·001), but there was no difference between washed PCs containing BRS-A (2·14 ± 0·77) and regular PCs (2·21 ± 0·79) (P = 0·769), and we saw no post-transfusion bleeding. Washed PCs containing BRS-A appear to prevent ATRs without loss of transfusion efficacy in children with primary haematological and malignant

  15. Selection of GP. Mur antigen-negative RBC for blood recipients with anti-'Mia ' records decreases transfusion reaction rates in Taiwan.

    PubMed

    Yang, C-A; Lin, J-A; Chang, C-W; Wu, K-H; Yeh, S-P; Ho, C-M; Chang, J-G

    2016-10-01

    To evaluate the clinical significance of GP. Mur antigen-negative blood selection for transfusion in patients with anti-'Mi a ' records. The GP. Mur RBC phenotype is prevalent (7·3%) in Taiwan. Antibodies against GP. Mur (anti-'Mi a ') are identified in 1·24% of our population, and anti-'Mi a ' screening using GP. Mur RBC has been routine for Taiwan's blood banks. However, due to the lack of commercial antibodies, only cross-matching was used to prevent transfusion of GP. Mur-positive blood to patients with anti-'Mi a ' in most hospitals. There is still a risk of GP. Mur-positive RBC exposure and subsequent anti-'Mi a '-related transfusion reactions. Since February 2014, GP. Mur antigen-negative RBCs identified by reaction with anti-'Mi a '-positive serum were selected for blood recipients with anti-'Mi a ' records. The transfusion reactions between January 2013 and January 2014 were compared with those that occurred between February 2014 and July 2015. The transfusion reaction rate was significantly higher in anti-'Mi a '-positive blood recipients compared to total subjects receiving an RBC transfusion before GP. Mur-negative donor RBC selection. After antigen-negative RBC selection, the transfusion reaction frequency in subjects with anti-'Mi a ' became similar to total blood recipients. IgG form anti-'Mi a ' antibodies were present in all cases of probable anti-'Mi a '-related transfusion reactions. The time required for anti-'Mi a ' boosting after transfusion was around 4-21 days. Selection of GP. Mur-negative RBC for transfusion to patients with anti-'Mi a ' records could decrease the rate of transfusion reaction and antibody boosting. This procedure should be incorporated into blood bank routines in areas where anti-'Mi a ' is prevalent. © 2016 British Blood Transfusion Society.

  16. Acute lung injury complicating blood transfusion in post-partum hemorrhage: incidence and risk factors.

    PubMed

    Teofili, Luciana; Bianchi, Maria; Zanfini, Bruno A; Catarci, Stefano; Sicuranza, Rossella; Spartano, Serena; Zini, Gina; Draisci, Gaetano

    2014-01-01

    We retrospectively investigated the incidence and risk factors for transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) among patients transfused for post-partum hemorrhage (PPH). We identified a series of 71 consecutive patients with PPH requiring the urgent transfusion of three or more red blood cell (RBC) units, with or without transfusion of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and/or platelets (PLT). Clinical records were then retrieved and examined for respiratory distress events. According to the 2004 consensus definition, cases of new-onset hypoxemia, within 6 hours after transfusion, with bilateral pulmonary changes, in the absence of cardiogenic pulmonary edema were identified as TRALI. If an alternative risk factor for acute lung injury was present, possible TRALI was diagnosed. Thirteen cases of TRALI and 1 case of possible TRALI were identified (overall incidence 19.7%). At univariate analysis, patients with TRALI received higher number of RBC, PLT and FFP units and had a longer postpartum hospitalization. Among the diseases occurring in pregnancy- and various pre-existing comorbidities, only gestational hypertension and pre-eclampsia, significantly increased the risk to develop TRALI (p = 0.006). At multivariate analysis including both transfusion- and patient-related risk factors, pregnancy-related, hypertensive disorders were confirmed to be the only predictors for TRALI, with an odds ratio of 27.7 ( 95% CI 1.27-604.3, p=0.034). Patients suffering from PPH represent a high-risk population for TRALI. The patients with gestational hypertension and pre-eclampsia, not receiving anti-hypertensive therapy, have the highest risk. Therefore, a careful monitoring of these patients after transfusions is recommended.

  17. A systematic review of validated methods for identifying transfusion-related ABO incompatibility reactions using administrative and claims data.

    PubMed

    Carnahan, Ryan M; Kee, Vicki R

    2012-01-01

    This paper aimed to systematically review algorithms to identify transfusion-related ABO incompatibility reactions in administrative data, with a focus on studies that have examined the validity of the algorithms. A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Iowa Drug Information Service database, and Embase. A Google Scholar search was also conducted because of the difficulty identifying relevant studies. Reviews were conducted by two investigators to identify studies using data sources from the USA or Canada because these data sources were most likely to reflect the coding practices of Mini-Sentinel data sources. One study was found that validated International Classification of Diseases (ICD-9-CM) codes representing transfusion reactions. None of these cases were ABO incompatibility reactions. Several studies consistently used ICD-9-CM code 999.6, which represents ABO incompatibility reactions, and a technical report identified the ICD-10 code for these reactions. One study included the E-code E8760 for mismatched blood in transfusion in the algorithm. Another study reported finding no ABO incompatibility reaction codes in the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample database, which contains data of 2.23 million patients who received transfusions, raising questions about the sensitivity of administrative data for identifying such reactions. Two studies reported perfect specificity, with sensitivity ranging from 21% to 83%, for the code identifying allogeneic red blood cell transfusions in hospitalized patients. There is no information to assess the validity of algorithms to identify transfusion-related ABO incompatibility reactions. Further information on the validity of algorithms to identify transfusions would also be useful. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  18. Acute Lung Injury Complicating Blood Transfusion in Post-Partum Hemorrhage: Incidence and Risk Factors

    PubMed Central

    Teofili, Luciana; Bianchi, Maria; Zanfini, Bruno A.; Catarci, Stefano; Sicuranza, Rossella; Spartano, Serena; Zini, Gina; Draisci, Gaetano

    2014-01-01

    Background We retrospectively investigated the incidence and risk factors for transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) among patients transfused for post-partum hemorrhage (PPH). Methods We identified a series of 71 consecutive patients with PPH requiring the urgent transfusion of three or more red blood cell (RBC) units, with or without transfusion of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and/or platelets (PLT). Clinical records were then retrieved and examined for respiratory distress events. According to the 2004 consensus definition, cases of new-onset hypoxemia, within 6 hours after transfusion, with bilateral pulmonary changes, in the absence of cardiogenic pulmonary edema were identified as TRALI. If an alternative risk factor for acute lung injury was present, possible TRALI was diagnosed. Results Thirteen cases of TRALI and 1 case of possible TRALI were identified (overall incidence 19.7%). At univariate analysis, patients with TRALI received higher number of RBC, PLT and FFP units and had a longer postpartum hospitalization. Among the diseases occurring in pregnancy- and various pre-existing comorbidities, only gestational hypertension and pre-eclampsia, significantly increased the risk to develop TRALI (p = 0.006). At multivariate analysis including both transfusion- and patient-related risk factors, pregnancy-related, hypertensive disorders were confirmed to be the only predictors for TRALI, with an odds ratio of 27.7 ( 95% CI 1.27–604.3, p=0.034). Conclusions Patients suffering from PPH represent a high-risk population for TRALI. The patients with gestational hypertension and pre-eclampsia, not receiving anti-hypertensive therapy, have the highest risk. Therefore, a careful monitoring of these patients after transfusions is recommended. PMID:25408855

  19. Anti-E Detected in a 7-Month-Old Infant with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia after Transfusion.

    PubMed

    Kumeta, Mai; Tanaka, Kazuto; Kaneko, Natsuki; Osanai, Takayuki; Ajima, Hikaru; Tamai, Yoshiko; Kayaba, Hiroyuki; Ito, Etsuro; Saito, Norihiro

    2018-06-01

    Only a few cases of infantile anti-red blood cell alloantibody production have been reported. A 7-month-old girl with acute lymphoid leukemia developed anti-E alloantibody 13 days after transfusion of E-positive red blood cells. Antibody screening was performed before and at 2, 6, 13, 18, 27, 34, and 49 days after red blood cell transfusion. Identification test, direct immunoglobulin test, acid elution, and dithiothreitol test were also performed. Anti-E alloantibody was detected in the blood 13 days after the first transfusion. The detected antibody was IgM and it decreased below detectable levels within 49 days after the first transfusion. Follow-up testing for the presence of post-transfusion alloantibody at appropriate times is important, even in infants.

  20. The Epidemiology of Transfusion-related Acute Lung Injury Varies According to the Applied Definition of Lung Injury Onset Time.

    PubMed

    Vande Vusse, Lisa K; Caldwell, Ellen; Tran, Edward; Hogl, Laurie; Dinwiddie, Steven; López, José A; Maier, Ronald V; Watkins, Timothy R

    2015-09-01

    Research that applies an unreliable definition for transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) may draw false conclusions about its risk factors and biology. The effectiveness of preventive strategies may decrease as a consequence. However, the reliability of the consensus TRALI definition is unknown. To prospectively study the effect of applying two plausible definitions of acute respiratory distress syndrome onset time on TRALI epidemiology. We studied 316 adults admitted to the intensive care unit and transfused red blood cells within 24 hours of blunt trauma. We identified patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome, and defined acute respiratory distress syndrome onset time two ways: (1) the time at which the first radiographic or oxygenation criterion was met, and (2) the time both criteria were met. We categorized two corresponding groups of TRALI cases transfused in the 6 hours before acute respiratory distress syndrome onset. We used Cohen's kappa to measure agreement between the TRALI cases and implicated blood components identified by the two acute respiratory distress syndrome onset time definitions. In a nested case-control study, we examined potential risk factors for each group of TRALI cases, including demographics, injury severity, and characteristics of blood components transfused in the 6 hours before acute respiratory distress syndrome onset. Forty-two of 113 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome were TRALI cases per the first acute respiratory distress syndrome onset time definition and 63 per the second definition. There was slight agreement between the two groups of TRALI cases (κ = 0.16; 95% confidence interval, -0.01 to 0.33) and between the implicated blood components (κ = 0.15, 95% confidence interval, 0.11-0.20). Age, Injury Severity Score, high plasma-volume components, and transfused plasma volume were risk factors for TRALI when applying the second acute respiratory distress syndrome onset time definition

  1. Incompatible type A plasma transfusion in patients requiring massive transfusion protocol: Outcomes of an Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma multicenter study.

    PubMed

    Stevens, W Tait; Morse, Bryan C; Bernard, Andrew; Davenport, Daniel L; Sams, Valerie G; Goodman, Michael D; Dumire, Russell; Carrick, Matthew M; McCarthy, Patrick; Stubbs, James R; Pritts, Timothy A; Dente, Christopher J; Luo-Owen, Xian; Gregory, Jason A; Turay, David; Gomaa, Dina; Quispe, Juan C; Fitzgerald, Caitlin A; Haddad, Nadeem N; Choudhry, Asad; Quesada, Jose F; Zielinski, Martin D

    2017-07-01

    With a relative shortage of type AB plasma, many centers have converted to type A plasma for resuscitation of patients whose blood type is unknown. The goal of this study is to determine outcomes for trauma patients who received incompatible plasma transfusions as part of a massive transfusion protocol (MTP). As part of an Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma multi-institutional trial, registry and blood bank data were collected from eight trauma centers for trauma patients (age, ≥ 15 years) receiving emergency release plasma transfusions as part of MTPs from January 2012 to August 2016. Incompatible type A plasma was defined as transfusion to patient blood type B or type AB. Of the 1,536 patients identified, 92% received compatible plasma transfusions and 8% received incompatible type A plasma. Patient characteristics were similar except for greater penetrating injuries (48% vs 36%; p = 0.01) in the incompatible group. In the incompatible group, patients were transfused more plasma units at 4 hours (median, 9 vs. 5; p < 0.001) and overall for stay (11 vs. 9; p = 0.03). No hemolytic transfusion reactions were reported. Two transfusion-related acute lung injury events were reported in the compatible group. Between incompatible and compatible groups, there was no difference in the rates of acute respiratory distress syndrome (6% vs. 8%; p = 0.589), thromboembolic events (9% vs. 7%; p = 0.464), sepsis (6% vs. 8%; p = 0.589), or acute renal failure (8% vs. 8%, p = 0.860). Mortality at 6 (17% vs. 15%, p = 0.775) and 24 hours (25% vs. 23%, p = 0.544) and at 28 days or discharge (38% vs. 35%, p = 0.486) were similar between groups. Multivariate regression demonstrated that Injury Severity Score, older age and more red blood cell transfusion at 4 hours were independently associated with death at 28 days or discharge; Injury Severity Score and more red blood cell transfusion at 4 hours were predictors for morbidity. Incompatible transfusion was not an independent

  2. Transfusion-transmitted malaria masquerading as sickle cell crisis with multisystem organ failure.

    PubMed

    Maier, Cheryl L; Gross, Phillip J; Dean, Christina L; Chonat, Satheesh; Ip, Andrew; McLemore, Morgan; El Rassi, Fuad; Stowell, Sean R; Josephson, Cassandra D; Fasano, Ross M

    2018-06-01

    Fever accompanying vaso-occlusive crisis is a common presentation in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) and carries a broad differential diagnosis. Here, we report a case of transfusion-transmitted malaria in a patient with SCD presenting with acute vaso-occlusive crisis and rapidly decompensating to multisystem organ failure (MSOF). An 18-year-old African American male with SCD was admitted after multiple days of fever and severe generalized body pain. He received monthly blood transfusions as stroke prophylaxis. A source of infection was not readily identified, but treatment was initiated with continuous intravenous fluids and empiric antibiotics. The patient developed acute renal failure, acute hypoxic respiratory failure, and shock. He underwent red blood cell (RBC) exchange transfusion followed by therapeutic plasma exchange and continuous veno-venous hemodialysis. A manual peripheral blood smear revealed intraerythrocytic inclusions suggestive of Plasmodium, and molecular studies confirmed Plasmodium falciparum infection. Intravenous artesunate was given daily for 1 week. A look-back investigation involving two hospitals, multiple blood suppliers, and state and federal public health departments identified the source of malaria as a unit of RBCs transfused 2 weeks prior to admission. Clinical suspicion for transfusion-related adverse events, including hemolytic transfusion reactions and transfusion-transmitted infections, should be high in typically and atypically immunocompromised patient populations (like SCD), especially those on chronic transfusion protocols. Manual blood smear review aids in the evaluation of patients with SCD presenting with severe vaso-occlusive crisis and MSOF and can alert clinicians to the need for initiating aggressive therapy like RBC exchange and artesunate therapy. © 2018 AABB.

  3. Development of enhancing agglutination reaction using gold nanoparticle for pre-transfusion testing.

    PubMed

    Choktaweesak, N; Krasathong, P; Ammaranond, P

    2016-10-01

    To explore an alternative way for antibody detection testing, the examination of gold nanoparticle solution for enhancing unexpected antibodies for pre-transfusion testing was investigated. Exposure of foreign antigens on red blood cells from transfusion can trigger the immune system to produce unexpected antibodies. This immunological response may cause the complication to future transfusion. For detection of unexpected antibodies, the antibody screening test is performed approximately 30-60 min. To reduce turnaround time, enhancing reagent, low-ionic strength solution (LISS), is widely used. However, cost of enhancing reagent is an issue which has concerned in resource limited countries. Gold nanoparticle solution can increase red blood cells agglutination reaction. To solve this issue, study of gold nanoparticle solution was investigated. Samples were performed comparing between LISS and gold nanoparticle solution at antiglobulin phase. After reading the agglutination reaction, supernatants were collected and measured at the optical density at 760 nm by spectrophotometer. The optical density in the tube of gold nanoparticle solution was higher than in the tube of 2-5% cell suspension and monoclonal antibody. It has been observed that gold nanoparticle solution enhanced the reaction of agglutination 98% while LISS enhanced the agglutination only 60·8%. Employing a commercially available enhancing reagent, parallel samples confirmed results providing validation of the assay. It approximately costs $1 US dollars compared to $30 for a commercially available reagent. The low cost and yet effective time-consuming test for antibody screening is a practical and viable solution alternative way for performing in antibody screening test in resource limited countries. © 2016 British Blood Transfusion Society.

  4. Severe transfusion-related acute lung injury managed with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in an obstetric patient.

    PubMed

    Lee, Allison J; Koyyalamudi, Pushpa L; Martinez-Ruiz, Ricardo

    2008-11-01

    Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) is the leading cause of transfusion-related mortality in the United States. Management is usually supportive, including supplemental oxygen, intravenous fluids, and mechanical ventilation if necessary. Most patients recover within 72 hours. We present a nearly fatal case of TRALI in an obstetric patient, which was successfully managed with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).

  5. Blood transfusion improves renal oxygenation and renal function in sepsis-induced acute kidney injury in rats.

    PubMed

    Zafrani, Lara; Ergin, Bulent; Kapucu, Aysegul; Ince, Can

    2016-12-20

    The effects of blood transfusion on renal microcirculation during sepsis are unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effect of blood transfusion on renal microvascular oxygenation and renal function during sepsis-induced acute kidney injury. Twenty-seven Wistar albino rats were randomized into four groups: a sham group (n = 6), a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) group (n = 7), a LPS group that received fluid resuscitation (n = 7), and a LPS group that received blood transfusion (n = 7). The mean arterial blood pressure, renal blood flow, and renal microvascular oxygenation within the kidney cortex were recorded. Acute kidney injury was assessed using the serum creatinine levels, metabolic cost, and histopathological lesions. Nitrosative stress (expression of endothelial (eNOS) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)) within the kidney was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Hemoglobin levels, pH, serum lactate levels, and liver enzymes were measured. Fluid resuscitation and blood transfusion both significantly improved the mean arterial pressure and renal blood flow after LPS infusion. Renal microvascular oxygenation, serum creatinine levels, and tubular damage significantly improved in the LPS group that received blood transfusion compared to the group that received fluids. Moreover, the renal expression of eNOS was markedly suppressed under endotoxin challenge. Blood transfusion, but not fluid resuscitation, was able to restore the renal expression of eNOS. However, there were no significant differences in lactic acidosis or liver function between the two groups. Blood transfusion significantly improved renal function in endotoxemic rats. The specific beneficial effect of blood transfusion on the kidney could have been mediated in part by the improvements in renal microvascular oxygenation and sepsis-induced endothelial dysfunction via the restoration of eNOS expression within the kidney.

  6. Red blood cell transfusion triggers in acute leukemia: a randomized pilot study.

    PubMed

    DeZern, Amy E; Williams, Katherine; Zahurak, Marianna; Hand, Wesley; Stephens, R Scott; King, Karen E; Frank, Steven M; Ness, Paul M

    2016-07-01

    Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion thresholds have yet to be examined in large randomized trials in hematologic malignancies. This pilot study in acute leukemia uses a restrictive compared to a liberal transfusion strategy. A randomized (2:1) study was conducted of restrictive (LOW) hemoglobin (Hb) trigger (7 g/dL) compared to higher (HIGH) Hb trigger (8 g/dL). The primary outcome was feasibility of conducting a larger trial. The four requirements for success required that more than 50% of the eligible patients could be consented, more than 75% of the patients randomized to the LOW arm tolerated the transfusion trigger, fewer than 15% of patients crossed over from the LOW arm to the HIGH arm, and no indication for the need to pause the study for safety concerns. Secondary outcomes included fatigue, bleeding, and RBCs and platelets transfused. Ninety patients were consented and randomly assigned to LOW to HIGH. The four criteria for the primary objective of feasibility were met. When the number of units transfused was compared, adjusting for baseline Hb, the LOW arm was transfused on average 8.0 (95% confidence interval [CI], 6.9-9.1) units/patient while the HIGH arm received 11.7 (95% CI, 10.1-13.2) units (p = 0.0003). There was no significant difference in bleeding events or neutropenic fevers between study arms. This study establishes feasibility for trial of Hb thresholds in leukemia through demonstration of success in all primary outcome metrics and a favorable safety profile. This population requires further study to evaluate the equivalence of liberal and restrictive transfusion thresholds in this unique clinical setting. © 2016 AABB.

  7. An acute hemolytic transfusion reaction due to anti-IH in a patient with sickle cell disease.

    PubMed

    Campbell, S A; Shirey, R S; King, K E; Ness, P M

    2000-07-01

    A hemolytic transfusion reaction (HTR) due to anti-IH is reported in a patient with sickle cell disease (SCD). An 18-year-old woman with SCD and a complete phenotype on file had been identified as group B-positive with negative antibody-screening tests and had received 1 unit of packed RBCs. Ten days later, she was readmitted in painful crisis with a Hb of 4.2 g per dL. Antibody-screening tests and panel cells were positive at all test phases with a negative autocontrol, which suggested alloantibodies. Phenotypically matched group O RBCs were issued emergently. After the transfusion of 100 mL, the patient had an HTR with chills, fever, and tachycardia and laboratory findings of hemoglobinemia, hemoglobinuria, and negative DATs. A high-titer, IgM anti-IH with a high thermal amplitude (reactive with group O, but not group B RBCs at 37 degrees C) was identified. Autologous RBCs appeared to have normal I antigen expression, but less H antigen than pooled group B RBCs. She was given group B RBCs, uneventfully, by use of a blood warmer. This is a rare case of anti-IH as the cause of a HTR, as a serologic problem that may be seen in SCD, and as an autoantibody that may mimic an alloantibody. Ironically, this HTR resulted from the effort to provide phenotypically matched RBCs, which necessitated the selection of group O RBCs.

  8. Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) in graft by blood donor antibodies against host leukocytes.

    PubMed

    Goodwin, Jodi; Tinckam, Kathryn; denHollander, Neal; Haroon, Ayesha; Keshavjee, Shaf; Cserti-Gazdewich, Christine M

    2010-09-01

    It is unknown the extent to which transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) contributes to primary graft dysfunction (PGD), the leading cause of death after lung transplantation. In this case of suspected transfusion-associated acute bilateral graft injury in a 61-year-old idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patient, recipient sera from before and after transplantation/transfusion, as well as the sera of 22 of the 24 implicated blood donors, were individually screened by Luminex bead assay for the presence of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies, with recipient and lung donor HLA typing to explore for cognate relationships. A red-cell-unit donor-source anti-Cw6 antibody, cognate with the HLA type of the recipient, was identified. This is the second reported case of TRALI in the setting of lung transplantation, and the first to show an associated interaction between donor antibodies (in a low-plasma volume product) with recipient leukocytes (rather than graft antigens); therefore, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of PGD. Copyright 2010 International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  9. Acute transfusion-related abdominal injury in trauma patients: a case report.

    PubMed

    Michel, P; Wähnert, D; Freistühler, M; Laukoetter, M G; Rehberg, S; Raschke, M J; Garcia, P

    2016-10-19

    Secondary abdominal compartment syndrome is well known as a life-threatening complication in critically ill patients in an intensive care unit. Massive crystalloid fluid resuscitation has been identified as the most important risk factor. The time interval from hospital admittance to the development of manifest abdominal compartment syndrome is usually greater than 24 hours. In the absence of any direct abdominal trauma, we observed a rapidly evolving secondary abdominal compartment syndrome shortly after hospital admittance associated with massive transfusion of blood products and only moderate crystalloid resuscitation. We report the case of an acute secondary abdominal compartment syndrome developing within 3 to 4 hours in a 74-year-old polytraumatized white woman. Although multiple fractures of her extremities and a B-type pelvic ring fracture were diagnosed by a full body computed tomography scan, no intra-abdominal injury could be detected. Hemorrhagic shock with a drop in her hemoglobin level to 5.7 g/dl was treated by massive transfusion of blood products and high doses of catecholamines. Shortly afterwards, her pulmonary gas exchange progressively deteriorated and mechanical ventilation became almost impossible with peak airway pressures of up to 60 cmH 2 O. Her abdomen appeared rigid and tense accompanied by a progressive hemodynamic decompensation necessitating mechanic cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Although preoperative computed tomography scans showed no signs of intra-abdominal fluid, a decompressive laparotomy under cardiopulmonary resuscitation conditions was performed and 2 liters of ascites-like fluid disgorged. Her hemodynamics and pulmonary ventilation improved immediately. This case report describes for the first time acute secondary abdominal compartment syndrome in a trauma patient, evolving in a very short time period. We hypothesize that the massive transfusion of blood products along with high doses of catecholamines triggered the acute

  10. 42 CFR 493.1103 - Standard: Requirements for transfusion services.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... of transfusion reactions on a continuous basis through a CLIA-certified laboratory or a laboratory... transfusion reactions. The facility must have procedures for preventing transfusion reactions and when necessary, promptly identify, investigate, and report blood and blood product transfusion reactions to the...

  11. 42 CFR 493.1103 - Standard: Requirements for transfusion services.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... of transfusion reactions on a continuous basis through a CLIA-certified laboratory or a laboratory... transfusion reactions. The facility must have procedures for preventing transfusion reactions and when necessary, promptly identify, investigate, and report blood and blood product transfusion reactions to the...

  12. Non-polar lipids accumulate during storage of transfusion products and do not contribute to the onset of transfusion-related acute lung injury.

    PubMed

    Peters, A L; Vervaart, M A T; van Bruggen, R; de Korte, D; Nieuwland, R; Kulik, W; Vlaar, A P J

    2017-01-01

    The accumulation of non-polar lipids arachidonic acid, 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (HETE), 12-HETE and 15-HETE during storage of transfusion products may play a role in the onset of transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI), a syndrome of respiratory distress after transfusion. We investigated non-polar lipid accumulation in red blood cells (RBCs) stored for 42 days, plasma stored for 7 days at either 4 or 20°C and platelet (PLT) transfusion products stored for 7 days. Furthermore, we investigated whether transfusion of RBCs with increased levels of non-polar lipids induces TRALI in a 'two-hit' human volunteer model. All products were produced following Dutch Blood Bank protocols and are according to European standards. Non-polar lipids were measured with high-performance liquid chromotography followed by mass spectrometry. All non-polar lipids increased in RBCs after 21 days of storage compared to baseline. The non-polar lipid concentration in plasma increased significantly, and the increase was even more pronounced in products stored at 20°C. In platelets, baseline levels of 5-HETE and 15-HETE were higher than in RBCs or plasma. However, the non-polar lipids did not change significantly during storage of PLT products. Infusion of RBCs with increased levels of non-polar lipids did not induce TRALI in LPS-primed human volunteers. We conclude that non-polar lipids accumulate in RBC and plasma transfusion products and that accumulation is temperature dependent. Accumulation of non-polar lipids does not appear to explain the onset of TRALI (Dutch Trial Register - NTR4455). © 2016 International Society of Blood Transfusion.

  13. Platelet Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor is a Potential Mediator of Transfusion-Related Acute Lung Injury.

    PubMed

    Maloney, James P; Ambruso, Daniel R; Voelkel, Norbert F; Silliman, Christopher C

    The occurrence of non-hemolytic transfusion reactions is highest with platelet and plasma administration. Some of these reactions are characterized by endothelial leak, especially transfusion related acute lung injury (TRALI). Elevated concentrations of inflammatory mediators secreted by contaminating leukocytes during blood product storage may contribute to such reactions, but platelet-secreted mediators may also contribute. We hypothesized that platelet storage leads to accumulation of the endothelial permeability mediator vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and that intravascular administration of exogenous VEGF leads to extensive binding to its lung receptors. Single donor, leukocyte-reduced apheresis platelet units were sampled over 5 days of storage. VEGF protein content of the centrifuged supernatant was determined by ELISA, and the potential contribution of VEGF from contaminating leukocytes was quantified. Isolated-perfused rat lungs were used to study the uptake of radiolabeled VEGF administered intravascularly, and the effect of unlabeled VEGF on lung leak. There was a time-dependent release of VEGF into the plasma fraction of the platelet concentrates (62 ± 9 pg/ml on day one, 149 ± 23 pg/ml on day 5; mean ± SEM, p<0.01, n=8) and a contribution by contaminating leukocytes was excluded. Exogenous 125I-VEGF bound avidly and specifically to the lung vasculature, and unlabeled VEGF in the lung perfusate caused vascular leak. Rising concentrations of VEGF occur during storage of single donor platelet concentrates due to platelet secretion or disintegration, but not due to leukocyte contamination. Exogenous VEGF at these concentrations rapidly binds to its receptors in the lung vessels. At higher VEGF concentrations, VEGF causes vascular leak in uninjured lungs. These data provide further evidence that VEGF may contribute to the increased lung permeability seen in TRALI associated with platelet products.

  14. Risk of Acute Kidney Injury in Patients Randomized to a Restrictive Versus Liberal Approach to Red Blood Cell Transfusion in Cardiac Surgery: A Substudy Protocol of the Transfusion Requirements in Cardiac Surgery III Noninferiority Trial.

    PubMed

    Garg, Amit X; Shehata, Nadine; McGuinness, Shay; Whitlock, Richard; Fergusson, Dean; Wald, Ron; Parikh, Chirag; Bagshaw, Sean M; Khanykin, Boris; Gregory, Alex; Syed, Summer; Hare, Gregory M T; Cuerden, Meaghan S; Thorpe, Kevin E; Hall, Judith; Verma, Subodh; Roshanov, Pavel S; Sontrop, Jessica M; Mazer, C David

    2018-01-01

    When safe to do so, avoiding blood transfusions in cardiac surgery can avoid the risk of transfusion-related infections and other complications while protecting a scarce resource and reducing costs. This protocol describes a kidney substudy of the Transfusion Requirements in Cardiac Surgery III (TRICS-III) trial, a multinational noninferiority randomized controlled trial to determine whether the risk of major clinical outcomes in patients undergoing planned cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass is no greater with a restrictive versus liberal approach to red blood cell transfusion. The objective of this substudy is to determine whether the risk of acute kidney injury is no greater with a restrictive versus liberal approach to red blood cell transfusion, and whether this holds true in patients with and without preexisting chronic kidney disease. Multinational noninferiority randomized controlled trial conducted in 73 centers in 19 countries (2014-2017). Patients (~4800) undergoing planned cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. The primary outcome of this substudy is perioperative acute kidney injury, defined as an acute rise in serum creatinine from the preoperative value (obtained in the 30-day period before surgery), where an acute rise is defined as ≥26.5 μmol/L in the first 48 hours after surgery or ≥50% in the first 7 days after surgery. We will report the absolute risk difference in acute kidney injury and the 95% confidence interval. We will repeat the primary analysis using alternative definitions of acute kidney injury, including staging definitions, and will examine effect modification by preexisting chronic kidney disease (defined as a preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] <60 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ). It is not possible to blind patients or providers to the intervention; however, objective measures will be used to assess outcomes, and outcome assessors will be blinded to the intervention assignment. Substudy results will be

  15. Effect of cross‐match on packed cell volume after transfusion of packed red blood cells in transfusion‐naïve anemic cats

    PubMed Central

    Prittie, Jennifer; Hohenhaus, Ann E.; Tozier, Erik

    2018-01-01

    Background Novel feline RBC antigens might contribute to decreased efficacy of RBC transfusion and increased incidence of acute transfusion reactions (ATR). Objectives To examine the effect of major cross‐match in transfusion‐naïve anemic cats on the incidence of acute immunologic transfusion reaction and transfusion efficacy for up to 24 hours after transfusion. Animals Forty‐eight client owned transfusion‐naïve anemic cats. Methods Prospective, randomized, controlled study. All transfusion‐naïve cats receiving packed red blood cells (pRBC) transfusions from January 2016 to August 2017 were eligible for inclusion. Cats in the study group received cross‐match and blood type compatible pRBCs and cats in the control group received noncross‐matched blood type compatible pRBCs. Incidence of ATR and change in PCV after transfusion was recorded. Results No significant difference in incidence of transfusion reactions between cross‐matched and noncross‐matched groups (CM+ 4/24; 17%, CM– 7/24; 29%, P = .16). No significant difference between groups in mean change in PCV after transfusion scaled to dose of pRBCs administered at any time point after transfusion (immediate: CM+ 0.62 ± 0.59, CM– 0.75 ± 0.48, P = .41; 1 hour: CM+ 0.60 ± 0.66, CM– 0.74 ± 0.53, P = .43; 12 hours: CM+ 0.70 ± 0.55, CM– 0.66 ± 0.60, P = .81; 24 hours: CM+ 0.64 ± 0.71, CM– 0.55 ± 0.48, P = .70). Conclusions and Clinical Importance Our results do not support use of the major cross‐match test to increase efficacy of, and to decrease adverse events associated with, RBC transfusion in AB blood typed transfusion‐naïve cats. PMID:29573055

  16. Blood transfusion in burn patients: Triggers of transfusion in a referral burn center in Iran.

    PubMed

    Tavousi, S H; Ahmadabadi, A; Sedaghat, A; Khadem-Rezaiyan, M; Yaghoubi Moghaddam, Z; Behrouzian, M J; Nemati, S; Saghafi, H

    2018-02-01

    Blood and its derivatives are one of the most lifesaving products in the modern medicine practice. However, it is not an absolutely safe prescription. Many adverse effects such as infection, transfusion-related acute lung injury, immunosuppression, multi-organ dysfunction, acute respiratory syndrome, transfusion errors, transmission of infectious agents such as HIV, HBV, HCV are attributable to blood transfusion. The aim of this study was to describe how and when blood products were transfused in a referral burn center. This cross-sectional study was performed on medical records of all admitted patients in the Department of Burns and Reconstructive Surgery of Imam Reza Hospital, Mashhad, Iran during September 2014 up to August 2015. Transfusion measures such as Hb, Hct and demographic data were extracted from patient records. SPSS version 11.5 was used for data analysis. During the study period, 701 acute burnt patients were admitted with the mean age of 25.5±20.5 years. Sixty-four percent were male and burnt percentage of total body surface area (TBSA) was 30.9±24.3%. About one third (240) of patients received at least one blood product. Mean of the transfused packed red blood cell was 274.1±674.6mL per patient and 8.85mL per 1% of burnt TBSA. Anemia was the most common transfusion trigger. Mortality in burnt patients who received blood products was two folds more than patients who did not receive any blood products. We prescribed less blood products compared with other reviewed burn centers. However, following a written blood transfusion protocol by all clinicians may reduce blood transfusion in unnecessary situations even more significantly. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  17. Transfusion-related alloimmune neutropenia with no pulmonary complications: one donor-five cases.

    PubMed

    Hauck-Dlimi, Barbara; Ruppel, Renate; Zimmermann, Robert; Strobel, Julian; Reil, Angelika; Eckstein, Reinhold; Zingsem, Juergen

    2016-01-01

    Neutrophil alloantibodies are well-known triggers of transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) and also cause immune neutropenia. Alloimmune neutropenia due to transfusion is an isolated phenomenon that is only rarely identified. Its incidence is specified in the literature as being less than one in 10,000 transfused plasma-containing units. We expect that this phenomenon is underreported. We observed five cases of alloimmune neutropenia with no respiratory complications with only one case initially reported as a suspected transfusion reaction. The other four cases were detected in the course of the subsequent lookback investigation. The first case was reported as a potential transfusion reaction when a female patient showed a decrease in the white blood cell count after a platelet (PLT) transfusion. Examinations of the donor blood revealed an antibody against the human neutrophil antigen HNA-1b; the recipient was typed HNA-1b positive and HNA-1a negative. After examining the blood counts of other patients who previously received PLT concentrates from the same donor, we identified four other patients with an unreported decrease in the leukocyte and/or granulocyte count of more than approximately 50% after transfusion. HNA antibodies are generally regarded as potential triggers of TRALI. Here we describe an HNA antibody that reproducibly caused transfusion-related neutropenia only without pulmonary complications. Factors predisposing patients to TRALI development are widely discussed. Our case suggests that antibody characteristics are also relevant in the development of TRALI. Current measures to prevent TRALI should also prevent transfusion-related alloimmune neutropenia. © 2015 AABB.

  18. Revisiting acute normovolemic hemodilution and blood transfusion during pediatric cardiac surgery: a prospective observational study.

    PubMed

    Sebastian, Roby; Ratliff, Todd; Winch, Peter D; Tumin, Dmitry; Gomez, Daniel; Tobias, Joseph; Galantowicz, Mark; Naguib, Aymen N

    2017-01-01

    The majority of allogeneic transfusions occur in the perioperative setting, especially during cardiac surgery. In addition to the economic implications, there is emerging evidence that blood transfusion may increase both morbidity and mortality. Acute normovolemic hemodilution (ANH) may limit the need for blood products. The primary objective of this study was to determine if the method of blood collection (syringe or bag) during the ANH process impacted the platelet count and function. The secondary objectives included the need for perioperative blood transfusions during the procedure and in the intensive care unit. In addition, we assessed these outcomes' associations with ANH parameters including the method of collection, time of storage, and volume removed. Data were collected prospectively from 50 patients undergoing cardiac surgery on cardiopulmonary bypass over a 6-month period. Platelet count and function were measured for the ANH blood immediately after collection and again prior to transfusing to the patient at the end of cardiopulmonary bypass. Other data collected included ANH volume, length of storage, and the quantity of all blood products given throughout the perioperative period. No change in platelet count or function was noted regardless of the length of time or collection method for the ANH blood. Twenty-three patients received blood or blood products in the operating room or the intensive care unit, while 27 patients received no blood transfusion during their entire hospitalization. Higher ANH volume (ml·kg -1 ) and longer storage time were associated with a greater need for intraoperative transfusions. Acute normovolemic hemodilution protects the platelets from the untoward effects of cardiopulmonary bypass and offers an important autologous blood product that improves hemostasis at the conclusion of surgery. Platelet count and function are preserved regardless of the method of collection or the length of storage. The volume of ANH removed

  19. Cost-effectiveness of leucoreduction for prevention of febrile non-haemolytic transfusion reactions

    PubMed Central

    Tsantes, Argirios E.; Kyriakou, Elias; Nikolopoulos, Georgios K.; Stylos, Dimitrios; Sidhom, Marlene; Bonovas, Stefanos; Douramani, Panagiota; Kalantzis, Dimitrios; Kokoris, Styliani; Valsami, Serena; Stamoulis, Konstantinos; Politou, Marianna; Foudoulaki-Paparizos, Leontini

    2014-01-01

    Background The cost-effectiveness of universal leucoreduction of blood components remains unclear. When using leucoreduced red blood cells, the decrease in the rate of febrile non-haemolytic transfusion reactions (FNHTR) is the only proven, meaningful clinical benefit, whose relationship to costs can be calculated relatively easily. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of leucoreduction in avoiding FNHTR. Materials and methods Data were obtained from two large tertiary hospitals in Athens, Greece, over a 4-year period (2009–2012). The incidence of FNHTR in patients transfused with leucoreduced or non-leucodepleted red blood cells, the additional cost of leucoreduction and the cost to treat the FNHTR were estimated. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), which is the ratio of the change in costs to the incremental benefits of leucoreduction, was calculated. Results In total, 86,032 red blood cell units were transfused. Of these, 53,409 were leucodepleted and 32,623 were non-leucoreduced. Among patients transfused with leucodepleted units, 25 cases (0.047%) met the criteria for having a FNHTR, while in patients treated with non-leucoreduced components, 134 FNHTR were observed (0.411%). The ICER of leucoreduction was € 6,916 (i.e., the cost to prevent one case of FNHTR). Conclusions Leucoreduction does not have a favourable cost-effectiveness ratio in relation to the occurrence of FNHTR. However, many factors, which could not be easily and accurately assessed, influence the long-term costs of transfusion. It is imperative to undertake a series of large, meticulously designed clinical studies across the entire spectrum of blood transfusion settings, to investigate most of the parameters involved. PMID:24931843

  20. The Canadian Transfusion Surveillance System: what is it and how can the data be used?

    PubMed

    Ditomasso, Julie; Liu, Yang; Heddle, Nancy M

    2012-06-01

    Hemovigilance systems are important programs for: monitoring trends of known risks; evaluating effectiveness of steps taken to reduce risks; providing data to support recommendations for change and guideline development; and contributing overall to the safety of transfusion. The Transfusion Transmitted Injury Surveillance System is the hemovigilance system implemented in Canada. It evolved in 1999 as a pilot program and expanded across Canada in 2005. Each province reports their adverse reactions to the transfusion of blood products and plasma proteins to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) at predetermined intervals. PHAC reconciles, summarizes the data and publishes a report approximately 2 years after the data are collected. This is considered a passive reporting system but in spite of the delays, the program provides useful information to address a variety of questions. Examples include: assessing the impact of a provincial patient transfusion history registry in Québec on reporting of hemolytic transfusion reactions; identifying trends of bacterial contamination of blood products and assessing the impact of interventions on these events; and the impact of male-only plasma on the incidence of Transfusion Related Acute Lung Injury. Although hemovigilance data has been successfully used to improve blood safety, we must continue to explore ways to utilize such data to improve and implement safe transfusion practices. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  1. Economic analysis of blood product transfusions according to the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia in the elderly.

    PubMed

    Cannas, G; Fattoum, J; Boukhit, M; Thomas, X

    2015-01-01

    Blood transfusion requirement represents one of the most significant cost driver associated with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Low-intensity treatments (low-dose cytarabine, hypomethylating agents) have the potential to reduce transfusion dependence, and improve health-related quality of life. We assessed the cost-effectiveness of treatment types regarding blood product transfusions in a cohort of 214 AML patients aged ≥ 70 years. Analyzes did not indicate any significant overall survival (OS) advantage of intensive chemotherapy comparatively to low-intensity treatment. The difference was significant when compared to best supportive care (BSC) (P<0.0001). Blood products transfusion cost per patient was 1.3 times lower with low-intensity therapy and 2.7 times lower with BSC than with intensive chemotherapy. Mean transfusion cost per patient according to OS varied from 2.4 to 1.3 times less with low-intensity treatment comparatively to intensive chemotherapy for patients having OS ≤ 13.3 months. Costs varied from 3.5 to 2.6 times less with BSC comparatively to intensive chemotherapy. In contrast, mean transfusion costs were comparable among treatments for patients with OS>13.3 months. Low-intensity treatments represent a cost-effective alternative to BSC and require a reduced number of transfused blood products comparatively to intensive chemotherapy, while OS was not significantly different. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  2. Wide variations in blood product transfusion practices among providers who care for patients with acute leukemia in the United States.

    PubMed

    Pine, Alexander B; Lee, Eun-Ju; Sekeres, Mikkael; Steensma, David P; Zelterman, Daniel; Prebet, Thomas; DeZern, Amy; Komrokji, Rami; Litzow, Mark; Luger, Selina; Stone, Richard; Erba, Harry P; Garcia-Manero, Guillermo; Lee, Alfred I; Podoltsev, Nikolai A; Barbarotta, Lisa; Kasberg, Stephanie; Hendrickson, Jeanne E; Gore, Steven D; Zeidan, Amer M

    2017-02-01

    Transfusion of blood products is a key component of the supportive management in patients with acute leukemia (AL). However high-quality trial evidence and clinical outcome data to support specific transfusion goals for blood products for patients with AL remain limited leading to diverse transfusion practices. The primary objective of this study was to determine the spectrum of transfusion patterns in a variety of care settings among providers who treat AL patients. A 31-question survey queried providers caring for AL patients about the existence of institutional guidelines for transfusion of blood products, transfusion triggers for hemoglobin (Hb), platelets (PLTs), and fibrinogen in various settings including inpatient and outpatient and before procedures. We analyzed 130 responses and identified divergent transfusion Hb goals in hospitalized and ambulatory patients, fibrinogen goals for cryoprecipitate transfusions, and variation in practice for use of certain PLTs and red blood cell products. The least variable transfusion patterns were reported for PLT goals in thrombocytopenia and in the setting of invasive procedures such as bone marrow biopsy and lumbar punctures. This survey confirmed wide variations in blood product transfusion practices across several clinical scenarios in patients with AL. The findings emphasized the need for large prospective randomized trials to develop standardized evidence-based guidelines for blood product transfusions in patients with AL with the goal of limiting unnecessary transfusions without compromising outcomes. © 2016 AABB.

  3. Allergic transfusion reactions from blood components donated by IgA-deficient donors with and without anti-IgA: a comparative retrospective study.

    PubMed

    Robitaille, N; Delage, G; Long, A; Thibault, L; Robillard, P

    2010-08-01

    IgA deficiency is common (1/500) and up to 40% of affected individuals will develop anti-IgA. A few studies suggested that passive transfusion of anti-IgA was not associated with an increased risk of allergic reactions. This study was designed to assess the safety of transfusing blood components containing anti-IgA. IgA-deficient blood donors with and without anti-IgA were identified from Héma-Québec's (HQ) computerized database. IgA deficiency was confirmed by an ELISA method and the presence of anti-IgA by a passive hemagglutination assay. Blood donations from IgA-deficient donors issued to hospitals between March 1999 and December 2004 were retrieved. Medical charts of recipients were reviewed for the occurrence of a suspected transfusion reaction. Presence and nature of transfusion reactions were assessed blindly by an adjudicating committee. A total of 323 IgA-deficient blood products were issued by HQ to 55 hospitals. Of these, 48 agreed to participate [315 blood products (97.5%)]. A total of 272 products were transfused: 174 contained anti-IgA, and 98 did not. Only two minor allergic reactions occurred in each group. Incidence of allergic reactions was 1.15% in the anti-IgA group and 2.04% in the group without anti-IgA (P = 0.91). There was no anaphylactic reaction in either group. This study indicates that the proportion of allergic reactions does not appear to be greater in recipients of blood components containing anti-IgA compared to recipients of non-anti-IgA-containing components. Allowing donations from IgA-deficient donors with anti-IgA may therefore be contemplated.

  4. Retrospective evaluation of the effect of red blood cell product age on occurrence of acute transfusion-related complications in dogs: 210 cases (2010-2012).

    PubMed

    Maglaras, Christina H; Koenig, Amie; Bedard, Deanna L; Brainard, Benjamin M

    2017-01-01

    To determine whether red blood cell (RBC) product age influences the occurrence of acute transfusion-related complications and mortality in dogs. The hypothesis was that acute transfusion-related complications and mortality would increase with age of product. Retrospective study (2010-2012). University teaching hospital. Two hundred and ten clinical canine patients. None. Medical records were reviewed for dogs receiving RBC-containing products. Patient signalment; reason for transfusion; product type, dose, age, and source; pretransfusion compatibility; rate, route, and method of administration; administration of multiple transfusions; underlying disease; occurrence of transfusion-related complications (eg, fever, hemolysis, gastrointestinal distress, cardiovascular, neurologic, and respiratory complications); various hematologic parameters; and survival were recorded. Data were analyzed for association between potential risk factors and occurrence of transfusion-related complications as well as between transfusion-related complications and survival. Of 333 transfusion events in 210 patients, 84 transfusion-related complications occurred. Fever was most common (41/333), followed by hemolysis (21/333). For every additional day of product age, the odds of hemolysis increased significantly (odds ratio, 1.11; 95% confidence interval, 1.06-1.16; P < 0.0001). Transfusion-related complications when considered as a whole were associated with higher dose of product, longer duration of administration per transfusion event, and immune-mediated disease, but not with source of product or general category of anemia. Administration rate was significantly slower in patients with febrile transfusion-related complications (P < 0.0001). Product age was not associated with increased mortality. Age of stored RBC products is associated with increased risk of transfusion-related hemolysis, but not with fever. Prospective clinical studies evaluating the influence of storage duration on

  5. Case report: massive postpartum transfusion of Jr(a+) red cells in the presence of anti-Jra.

    PubMed

    Yuan, S; Armour, R; Reid, A; Abdel-Rahman, K F; Rumsey, D M; Phillips, M; Nester, T

    2005-01-01

    Jr(a) is a high-prevalence antigen. The rare Jr(a-) individuals can form anti-Jr(a) after exposure to the Jr(a) antigen through transfusion or pregnancy. The clinical significance of anti-Jr(a) is not well established. This study reports a case of a 31-year-old woman with a previously identified anti-Jr(a) who required massive transfusion of RBCs after developing life-threatening postpartum disseminated intravascular coagulopathy. Despite the emergent transfusion of 15 units of Jr(a) untested RBCs, she did not develop laboratory or clinical evidence of acute hemolysis. The patient's anti-Jr(a) had a pretransfusion titer of 4 and a monocyte monolayer assay (MMA) reactivity of 68.5% (reactivity > 5% is considered capable of shortening the survival of incompatible RBCs). The titer increased fourfold to 64 and the MMA reactivity was 72.5% on Day 10 posttransfusion. Review of laboratory data showed evidence of a mild delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction by Day 10 posttransfusion. Despite rare reports of hemolytic transfusion reactions due to anti-Jr(a) in the literature, most cases, including this one, report that this antibody is clinically insignificant or causes only mild delayed hemolysis. Clinicians should be advised to balance the risks of withholding transfusion with the small chance of significant hemolysis after transfusion of Jr(a+) RBCs in the presence of anti-Jr(a).

  6. Restrictive versus liberal blood transfusion for acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (TRIGGER): a pragmatic, open-label, cluster randomised feasibility trial.

    PubMed

    Jairath, Vipul; Kahan, Brennan C; Gray, Alasdair; Doré, Caroline J; Mora, Ana; James, Martin W; Stanley, Adrian J; Everett, Simon M; Bailey, Adam A; Dallal, Helen; Greenaway, John; Le Jeune, Ivan; Darwent, Melanie; Church, Nicholas; Reckless, Ian; Hodge, Renate; Dyer, Claire; Meredith, Sarah; Llewelyn, Charlotte; Palmer, Kelvin R; Logan, Richard F; Travis, Simon P; Walsh, Timothy S; Murphy, Michael F

    2015-07-11

    Transfusion thresholds for acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding are controversial. So far, only three small, underpowered studies and one single-centre trial have been done. Findings from the single-centre trial showed reduced mortality with restrictive red blood cell (RBC) transfusion. We aimed to assess whether a multicentre, cluster randomised trial is a feasible method to substantiate or refute this finding. In this pragmatic, open-label, cluster randomised feasibility trial, done in six university hospitals in the UK, we enrolled all patients aged 18 years or older with new presentations of acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding, irrespective of comorbidity, except for exsanguinating haemorrhage. We randomly assigned hospitals (1:1) with a computer-generated randomisation sequence (random permuted block size of 6, without stratification or matching) to either a restrictive (transfusion when haemoglobin concentration fell below 80 g/L) or liberal (transfusion when haemoglobin concentration fell below 100 g/L) RBC transfusion policy. Neither patients nor investigators were masked to treatment allocation. Feasibility outcomes were recruitment rate, protocol adherence, haemoglobin concentration, RBC exposure, selection bias, and information to guide design and economic evaluation of the phase 3 trial. Main exploratory clinical outcomes were further bleeding and mortality at day 28. We did analyses on all enrolled patients for whom an outcome was available. This trial is registered, ISRCTN85757829 and NCT02105532. Between Sept 3, 2012, and March 1, 2013, we enrolled 936 patients across six hospitals (403 patients in three hospitals with a restrictive policy and 533 patients in three hospitals with a liberal policy). Recruitment rate was significantly higher for the liberal than for the restrictive policy (62% vs 55%; p=0·04). Despite some baseline imbalances, Rockall and Blatchford risk scores were identical between policies. Protocol adherence was 96% (SD 10) in

  7. Hemoglobin Threshold for Blood Transfusion in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.

    PubMed

    Chegondi, Madhuradhar; Sasaki, Jun; Raszynski, André; Totapally, Balagangadhar R

    2016-07-01

    To evaluate the hemoglobin threshold for red cell transfusion in children admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Retrospective chart review study. Tertiary care PICU. Critically ill pediatric patients requiring blood transfusion. No intervention. We analyzed the charts of all children between 1 month and 21 years of age who received packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusions during a 2-year period. The target patients were identified from our blood bank database. For analysis, the patients were subdivided into four groups: acute blood loss (postsurgically, trauma, or acute gastrointestinal bleeding from other causes), hematologic (hematologic malignancies, bone marrow suppression, hemolytic anemia, or sickle cell disease), unstable (FiO 2 > 0.6 and/or on inotropic support), and stable groups. We also compared the pre-transfusion hemoglobin threshold in all unstable patients with that of all stable patients. A total of 571 transfusion episodes in 284 patients were analyzed. 28% (n = 160) of transfusions were administered to patients in the acute blood loss group, 36% (n = 206) to hematologic patients, 17% (n = 99) to unstable patients, and 18% (n = 106) to stable patients. The mean pre-transfusion hemoglobin (± SD) in all children as well as in the acute blood loss, hematologic, unstable and stable groups was 7.3 ± 1.20, 7.83 ± 1.32, 6.97 ± 1.31, 7.96 ± 1.37, 7.31 ± 1.09 g/dl, respectively. The transfusion threshold for acute blood loss and unstable groups was higher compared to hematologic and stable groups (p < 0.001; ANOVA with multiple comparisons). The mean pre-transfusion hemoglobin threshold for stable and unstable patients among all groups was 7.3 ± 1.3 and 7.9 ± 1.3 (p < 0.0001), respectively. The observed mortality rate was higher among children who received transfusion compared to other children admitted to PICU. The hemoglobin threshold for transfusion varied according to clinical conditions. Overall, the hemoglobin threshold for

  8. [Influence of Leukodeplated Blood Transfusion on Cellular Immunity of Acute Leukemia Patients].

    PubMed

    Lu, Ya-Lan; Zhang, Xin; Wang, Yu-Fang; Ke, Shan-Dong; Ke, Jin-Yong; Liu, Geng-Fu; Chen, Shi-Ming

    2016-08-01

    To study the influence of leukodeplated blood transfusion on cellular immunity of patients with acute leuemia, so as to provide support for application of leuko-deplated blood transfusion in clinic. A total of 100 AL patients from January 2012 to December 2015 were chosen, and were divided into 2 groups: leukodeplated blood transfusion group(50 cases) and routine blood transfusion group(RBT) as control (50 cases). The effective rate, side effects, peripheral blood T cells and expression level of TLR2 and TLR4 were compared between 2 groups. The expression levels CD3(+), CD4(+), CD8(+), CD4(+)/CD8(+) of TLR2 and TLR4 in control group were (52.18±2.14)%, (27.28±1.19)%,(24.21±1.65)%,1.22±0.18,0.62±0.04 and 0.57±0.05, respectively, after treatment; while these indicators in LdBT group were (52.18±2.14)%,(30.97±2.01)%,(27.08±1.55)%,1.39±0.24,0.91±0.06 and 0.87±0.07, respectively, and above-mentioned indicators in LdBT group were significantly higher than those in control group(P<0.05). Compared with these indicators before treatment, CD3(+), CD4(+), CD8(+) and CD4(+)/CD8(+) in the patients increased significantly(P<0.05). The efficiency was 92.00% (46/50) in LdBT group, and 84.00% (42/50) in control group, without statistically significant difference(P>0.05). The rate of side effects in study group was 6% (3/50), 18% (9/50) in control group, with statistically significance difference (P<0.05). Leukodeplated blood transfusion can improve the cellular immunity of AL patients, and reduce the rate of side effects.

  9. Epidemiology of RBC Transfusions in Patients With Severe Acute Kidney Injury: Analysis From the Randomized Evaluation of Normal Versus Augmented Level Study.

    PubMed

    Bellomo, Rinaldo; Mårtensson, Johan; Kaukonen, Kirsi-Maija; Lo, Serigne; Gallagher, Martin; Cass, Alan; Myburgh, John; Finfer, Simon

    2016-05-01

    To assess the epidemiology and outcomes associated with RBC transfusion in patients with severe acute kidney injury requiring continuous renal replacement therapy. Post hoc analysis of data from a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial. Thirty-five ICUs in Australia and New Zealand. Cohort of 1,465 patients enrolled in the Randomized Evaluation of Normal versus Augmented Level replacement therapy study. Daily information on morning hemoglobin level and amount of RBC transfused were prospectively collected in the Randomized Evaluation of Normal versus Augmented Level study. We analyzed the epidemiology of such transfusions and their association with clinical outcomes. Overall, 977 patients(66.7%) received a total of 1,192 RBC units. By day 5, 785 of 977 transfused patients (80.4%) had received at least one RBC transfusion. Hemoglobin at randomization was lower in transfused than in nontransfused patients (94 vs 111 g/L; p < 0.001). Mean daily hemoglobin was 88 ± 7 and 99 ± 12 g/L in transfused and nontransfused patients. Among transfused patients, 228 (46.7%) had died by day 90 when compared with 426 (43.6%) of nontransfused patients (p = 0.27). Survivors received on average 316 ± 261 mL of RBC, whereas nonsurvivors received 302 ± 362 mL (p = 0.42). On multivariate Cox regression analysis, RBC transfusion was independently associated with lower 90-day mortality (hazard ratio, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.38-0.79). However, we found no independent association between RBC transfusions and mortality when the analyses were restricted to patients surviving at least 5 days (hazard ratio, 1.29; 95% CI, 0.90-1.85). We found no independent association between RBC transfusion and renal replacement therapy-free days, mechanical ventilator-free days, or length of stay in ICU or hospital. In patients with severe acute kidney injury treated with continuous renal replacement therapy, we found no association of RBC transfusion with 90-day mortality or other

  10. Outpatient red blood cell transfusion payments among patients on chronic dialysis.

    PubMed

    Gitlin, Matthew; Lee, J Andrew; Spiegel, David M; Carson, Jeffrey L; Song, Xue; Custer, Brian S; Cao, Zhun; Cappell, Katherine A; Varker, Helen V; Wan, Shaowei; Ashfaq, Akhtar

    2012-11-02

    Payments for red blood cell (RBC) transfusions are separate from US Medicare bundled payments for dialysis-related services and medications. Our objective was to examine the economic burden for payers when chronic dialysis patients receive outpatient RBC transfusions. Using Truven Health MarketScan® data (1/1/02-10/31/10) in this retrospective micro-costing economic analysis, we analyzed data from chronic dialysis patients who underwent at least 1 outpatient RBC transfusion who had at least 6 months of continuous enrollment prior to initial dialysis claim and at least 30 days post-transfusion follow-up. A conceptual model of transfusion-associated resource use based on current literature was employed to estimate outpatient RBC transfusion payments. Total payments per RBC transfusion episode included screening/monitoring (within 3 days), blood acquisition/administration (within 2 days), and associated complications (within 3 days for acute events; up to 45 days for chronic events). A total of 3283 patient transfusion episodes were included; 56.4% were men and 40.9% had Medicare supplemental insurance. Mean (standard deviation [SD]) age was 60.9 (15.0) years, and mean Charlson comorbidity index was 4.3 (2.5). During a mean (SD) follow-up of 495 (474) days, patients had a mean of 2.2 (3.8) outpatient RBC transfusion episodes. Mean/median (SD) total payment per RBC transfusion episode was $854/$427 ($2,060) with 72.1% attributable to blood acquisition and administration payments. Complication payments ranged from mean (SD) $213 ($168) for delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction to $19,466 ($15,424) for congestive heart failure. Payments for outpatient RBC transfusion episodes were driven by blood acquisition and administration payments. While infrequent, transfusion complications increased payments substantially when they occurred.

  11. Restrictive versus liberal red blood cell transfusion strategy after hip surgery: a decision model analysis of healthcare costs.

    PubMed

    Fusaro, Mario V; Nielsen, Nathan D; Nielsen, Alexandra; Fontaine, Magali J; Hess, John R; Reed, Robert M; DeLisle, Sylvain; Netzer, Giora

    2017-02-01

    Red blood cell transfusion related to select surgical procedures accounts for approximately 2.8 million transfusions in the United States yearly and occurs commonly after hip fracture surgeries. Randomized controlled trials have demonstrated lack of clinical benefit with higher versus lower transfusion thresholds in postoperative hip fracture repair patients with cardiac disease or risk factors for cardiac disease. The economic implications of a higher versus lower hemoglobin (Hb) threshold have not yet been investigated. A decision tree analysis was constructed to estimate differences in healthcare costs and charges between a Hb transfusion threshold strategy of 8 g/dL versus 10 g/dL from the perspective of both Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) as well as hospitals. Secondary outcome measures included differences in transfusion-related adverse events. Among the 133,697 Medicare beneficiaries undergoing hip fracture repair in 2012, we estimated that 45,457 patients would be anemic and at risk for transfusion. CMS would save an estimated $11.3 million to $24.3 million in payments, while hospitals would reduce charges by an estimated $52.7 million to $93.6 million if the restrictive transfusion strategy were to be implemented nationally. Additionally, rates of transfusion-associated circulatory overload, transfusion-related acute lung injury, acute transfusion reactions, length of stay, and mortality would be reduced. This model suggests that the uniform adoption of a restrictive transfusion strategy among patients with cardiac disease and risk factors for cardiac disease undergoing hip fracture repair would result in significant reductions in clinically important outcomes with significant cost savings. © 2016 AABB.

  12. The Association of Targeted Cell Salvage Blood Transfusion During Cesarean Delivery With Allogeneic Packed Red Blood Cell Transfusions in a Maternity Hospital in China.

    PubMed

    Yan, Haiya; Hu, Ling-Qun; Wu, Yun; Fan, Qihui; Wong, Cynthia A; McCarthy, Robert J

    2018-03-01

    Autologous transfusion of intraoperative cell salvage blood may be a potential method to decrease the need for allogeneic packed red blood cell transfusions after cesarean delivery, although there are limited data on the benefits of this method. This study evaluated the implementation of targeted intraoperative cell salvage during cesarean delivery in women at increased risk for hemorrhage at the Women's and Children's Hospital in Ningbo, China. All women who underwent cesarean delivery >28 weeks of gestation were included in the study. The period before intraoperative cell collection (October 1, 2010, to August 31, 2012, n = 11,322) was compared with the postimplementation period (September 1, 2012, to June 30, 2015, n = 17,456) using an interrupted time series analysis. In the postimplementation period, women suspected to be at increased risk of the need for a blood transfusion (1604, 9.2%) underwent intraoperative cell salvage collection. The primary outcomes were the monthly rate of allogeneic packed red blood cell use and the incidence of clinical manifestation of acute blood transfusion reactions. The mean (standard deviation) estimated monthly allogeneic packed blood cell transfusion rate at the end of the 57-month study was 2.2% ± 0.7% with the implementation compared with 2.7% ± 0.9% without, difference -0.5%, 95% CI, -1.4% to 0.3%; P = .22. The mean number of allogeneic units transfused per patient was 4.1 ± 0.4 units with implementation and 3.9 ± 0.9 units without, difference 0.2, 95% CI, -1.7 to 1.1 units; P = .69. Intraoperative cell salvage blood was reinfused in 757 (47%) and wasted in 847 (53%) cases. The monthly intraoperative allogeneic packed red blood cells use rate was lower after implementation (difference -0.7%, 95% CI, -0.1% to -1.4%; P = .03); however, the monthly postpartum allogeneic packed red blood cell use rate was unchanged (difference -0.2%, 95% CI, -0.4% to 0.7%; P = .56). The clinical manifestation of acute blood transfusion

  13. Transfusion thresholds and other strategies for guiding allogeneic red blood cell transfusion

    PubMed Central

    Carson, Jeffrey L; Carless, Paul A; Hebert, Paul C

    2014-01-01

    .72). This equates to an average absolute risk reduction (ARR) of 34% (95% CI 24% to 45%). The volume of RBCs transfused was reduced on average by 1.19 units (95% CI 0.53 to 1.85 units). However, heterogeneity between trials was statistically significant (P < 0.00001; I2 ≥ 93%) for these outcomes. Restrictive transfusion strategies did not appear to impact the rate of adverse events compared to liberal transfusion strategies (i.e. mortality, cardiac events, myocardial infarction, stroke, pneumonia and thromboembolism). Restrictive transfusion strategies were associated with a statistically significant reduction in hospital mortality (RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.62 to 0.95) but not 30-day mortality (RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.70 to 1.03). The use of restrictive transfusion strategies did not reduce functional recovery, hospital or intensive care length of stay. The majority of patients randomised were included in good-quality trials, but some items of methodological quality were unclear. There are no trials in patients with acute coronary syndrome. Authors’ conclusions The existing evidence supports the use of restrictive transfusion triggers in most patients, including those with pre-existing cardiovascular disease. As there are no trials, the effects of restrictive transfusion triggers in high-risk groups, such as acute coronary syndrome, need to be tested in further large clinical trials. In countries with inadequate screening of donor blood, the data may constitute a stronger basis for avoiding transfusion with allogeneic red cells. PMID:22513904

  14. Error reporting in transfusion medicine at a tertiary care centre: a patient safety initiative.

    PubMed

    Elhence, Priti; Shenoy, Veena; Verma, Anupam; Sachan, Deepti

    2012-11-01

    Errors in the transfusion process can compromise patient safety. A study was undertaken at our center to identify the errors in the transfusion process and their causes in order to reduce their occurrence by corrective and preventive actions. All near miss, no harm events and adverse events reported in the 'transfusion process' during 1 year study period were recorded, classified and analyzed at a tertiary care teaching hospital in North India. In total, 285 transfusion related events were reported during the study period. Of these, there were four adverse (1.5%), 10 no harm (3.5%) and 271 (95%) near miss events. Incorrect blood component transfusion rate was 1 in 6031 component units. ABO incompatible transfusion rate was one in 15,077 component units issued or one in 26,200 PRBC units issued and acute hemolytic transfusion reaction due to ABO incompatible transfusion was 1 in 60,309 component units issued. Fifty-three percent of the antecedent near miss events were bedside events. Patient sample handling errors were the single largest category of errors (n=94, 33%) followed by errors in labeling and blood component handling and storage in user areas. The actual and near miss event data obtained through this initiative provided us with clear evidence about latent defects and critical points in the transfusion process so that corrective and preventive actions could be taken to reduce errors and improve transfusion safety.

  15. Prevention of immune-mediated transfusion-related acute lung injury; from bloodbank to patient.

    PubMed

    Műller, Marcella C A; Porcelijn, Leendert; Vlaar, Alexander P J

    2012-01-01

    Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) is the leading cause of transfusion related morbidity and mortality. Immune-mediated TRALI is caused by leucocyte and neutrophil antibodies in the transfused blood products that react with white blood cell antigens of the recipient, hereby inducing endothelial damage and lung injury. About two thirds of TRALI cases are thought to be immune-mediated. Both Human Leucocyte Antibodies (HLA Class I and II) and Human Neutrophil Antibodies (HNA) are involved in TRALI. Most antibodies result from allo-exposure of the blood donor, with multiparous donors having the highest incidence of antibodies. Detection of anti-leucocyte and anti-neutrophil antibodies is complex and many uncertainties still exist regarding the interpretation of the test results. In this review we discuss the evidence and effectiveness of measurements to prevent immune-mediated TRALI from a bloodbank and bedside perspective. From a bloodbank perspective various preventive measures have been implicated. In some countries bloodbanks have successfully implemented donor selection strategies, ranging from testing of allo-exposed donors for leucocyte antibodies to the exclusion of all females from donating high plasma volume products. Another strategy involves dilution of antibodies present by pooling of plasma donations of multiple donors. From a bedside view, the most important measure to prevent TRALI is to limit patients' exposure to allogenic bloodproducts. Furthermore recognition and awareness of the syndrome need to be heightened among clinicians.

  16. Current issues with blood transfusions in sickle cell disease.

    PubMed

    Vichinsky, E P

    2001-01-01

    With increased recognition of the profound morbidity of sickle cell disease and with growing evidence of the efficacy of transfusion therapy in prevention and treatment of sickle cell complications, most patients now receive intermittent transfusion therapy. The purpose of this report is to review blood component therapy and Its risks for sickle cell patients. Packed red cells are the preferred blood component. Leukocyte-reduced units should be standard because of their beneficial effects in reducing alloimmunization, transfusion reactions, platelet refractoriness, and infection transmission. The use of washed, frozen, or Irradiated units is limited to specific problems. Sickle trait-positive units function normally, but because of difficulties with calculating hemoglobin S percentages and leukocyte filters, they are not routinely used. Transfusion-acquired infections have shown a marked decrease but still present a major risk. Viral hepatitis transmission is currently low, but at least 10% of adult sickle cell patients are hepatitis C positive, and they often have liver damage. Although bacterial infections are rare, they account for 16% of transfusion-related fatalities. Patients who are iron overloaded are particularly vulnerable to Yersina enterocolitica. Red cell alloimmunization is a serious problem that could potentially affect 50% of transfused patients. However, preventive phenotypic matching for common antigens can minimize alloimmunization; limited matching for at least E, C, and K has become the standard of care. Recently, more patients are being identified who have developed red cell autoantibodies, which can mask alloantibodies and occasionally are hemolytic. Careful laboratory evaluation of all cases is essential. Transfusions also may trigger sickle cell events, including pain crises, stroke, and acute pulmonary deterioration. In part, these are induced by blood viscosity and increased blood pressure. Diuretic therapy and close monitoring of

  17. A prospective, active haemovigilance study with combined cohort analysis of 19 175 transfusions of platelet components prepared with amotosalen–UVA photochemical treatment

    PubMed Central

    Knutson, F; Osselaer, J; Pierelli, L; Lozano, M; Cid, J; Tardivel, R; Garraud, O; Hervig, T; Domanovic, D; Cukjati, M; Gudmundson, S; Hjalmarsdottir, I B; Castrillo, A; Gonzalez, R; Brihante, D; Santos, M; Schlenke, P; Elliott, A; Lin, J-S; Tappe, D; Stassinopoulos, A; Green, J; Corash, L

    2015-01-01

    Background and Objectives A photochemical treatment process (PCT) utilizing amotosalen and UVA light (INTERCEPT™ Blood System) has been developed for inactivation of viruses, bacteria, parasites and leucocytes that can contaminate blood components intended for transfusion. The objective of this study was to further characterize the safety profile of INTERCEPT-treated platelet components (PCT-PLT) administered across a broad patient population. Materials and Methods This open-label, observational haemovigilance programme of PCT-PLT transfusions was conducted in 21 centres in 11 countries. All transfusions were monitored for adverse events within 24 h post-transfusion and for serious adverse events (SAEs) up to 7 days post-transfusion. All adverse events were assessed for severity (Grade 0–4), and causal relationship to PCT-PLT transfusion. Results Over the course of 7 years in the study centres, 4067 patients received 19 175 PCT-PLT transfusions. Adverse events were infrequent, and most were of Grade 1 severity. On a per-transfusion basis, 123 (0·6%) were classified an acute transfusion reaction (ATR) defined as an adverse event related to the transfusion. Among these ATRs, the most common were chills (77, 0·4%) and urticaria (41, 0·2%). Fourteen SAEs were reported, of which 2 were attributed to platelet transfusion (<0·1%). No case of transfusion-related acute lung injury, transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease, transfusion-transmitted infection or death was attributed to the transfusion of PCT-PLT. Conclusion This longitudinal haemovigilance safety programme to monitor PCT-PLT transfusions demonstrated a low rate of ATRs, and a safety profile consistent with that previously reported for conventional platelet components. PMID:25981525

  18. Delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction presenting as a painful crisis in a patient with sickle cell anemia.

    PubMed

    Fabron, A; Moreira, G; Bordin, J O

    1999-01-07

    Patients with sickle cell anemia (SCA) are frequently transfused with red blood cells (RBC). Recently we reported that the calculated risk of RBC alloimmunization per transfussed unit in Brazilian patients with SCA is 1.15%. We describe a delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction (DHTR) presenting as a painful crisis in a patient with SCA. A 35-year-old Brazilian female with homozygous SCA was admitted for a program of partial exchange transfusion prior to cholecystectomy. Her blood group was O RhD positive and no atypical RBC alloantibody was detected using the indirect antiglobulin technique. Pre-transfusional hemoglobin (Hb) was 8.7 g/dL and isovolumic partial exchange transfusion was performed using 4 units of ABO compatible packed RBC. Five days after the last transfusion she developed generalized joint pain and fever of 39 degrees C. Her Hb level dropped from 12.0 g/dL to 9.3 g/dL and the unconjugated bilirrubin level rose to 27 mmol/L. She was jaundiced and had hemoglobinuria. Hemoglobin electrophoresis showed 48.7% HbS, 46.6% HbA1, 2.7% HbA2, and 2.0% HbF. The patient's extended RBC phenotype was CDe, K-k+, Kp(a-b+), Fy(a-b-), M+N+s+, Le(a+b-), Di(a-). An RBC alloantibody with specificity to the Rh system (anti-c, titer 1:16.384) was identified by the indirect antiglobulin test. The Rh phenotype of the RBC used in the last packed RBC transfusion was CcDEe. The patient was discharged, asymptomatic, 7 days after admission.

  19. Use of an identification system based on biometric data for patients requiring transfusions guarantees transfusion safety and traceability

    PubMed Central

    Bennardello, Francesco; Fidone, Carmelo; Cabibbo, Sergio; Calabrese, Salvatore; Garozzo, Giovanni; Cassarino, Grazia; Antolino, Agostino; Tavolino, Giuseppe; Zisa, Nuccio; Falla, Cadigia; Drago, Giuseppe; Di Stefano, Giovanna; Bonomo, Pietro

    2009-01-01

    Background One of the most serious risks of blood transfusions is an error in ABO blood group compatibility, which can cause a haemolytic transfusion reaction and, in the most severe cases, the death of the patient. The frequency and type of errors observed suggest that these are inevitable, in that mistakes are inherent to human nature, unless significant changes, including the use of computerised instruments, are made to procedures. Methods In order to identify patients who are candidates for the transfusion of blood components and to guarantee the traceability of the transfusion, the Securblood system (BBS srl) was introduced. This system records the various stages of the transfusion process, the health care workers involved and any immediate transfusion reactions. The patients and staff are identified by fingerprinting or a bar code. The system was implemented within Ragusa hospital in 16 operative units (ordinary wards, day hospital, operating theatres). Results In the period from August 2007 to July 2008, 7282 blood components were transfused within the hospital, of which 5606 (77%) using the Securblood system. Overall, 1777 patients were transfused. In this year of experience, no transfusion errors were recorded and each blood component was transfused to the right patient. We recorded 33 blocks of the terminals (involving 0.6% of the transfused blood components) which required the intervention of staff from the Service of Immunohaematology and Transfusion Medicine (SIMT). Most of the blocks were due to procedural errors. Conclusions The Securblood system guarantees complete traceability of the transfusion process outside the SIMT and eliminates the possibility of mistaken identification of patients or blood components. The use of fingerprinting to identify health care staff (nurses and doctors) and patients obliges the staff to carry out the identification procedures directly in the presence of the patient and guarantees the presence of the doctor at the

  20. Use of an identification system based on biometric data for patients requiring transfusions guarantees transfusion safety and traceability.

    PubMed

    Bennardello, Francesco; Fidone, Carmelo; Cabibbo, Sergio; Calabrese, Salvatore; Garozzo, Giovanni; Cassarino, Grazia; Antolino, Agostino; Tavolino, Giuseppe; Zisa, Nuccio; Falla, Cadigia; Drago, Giuseppe; Di Stefano, Giovanna; Bonomo, Pietro

    2009-07-01

    One of the most serious risks of blood transfusions is an error in ABO blood group compatibility, which can cause a haemolytic transfusion reaction and, in the most severe cases, the death of the patient. The frequency and type of errors observed suggest that these are inevitable, in that mistakes are inherent to human nature, unless significant changes, including the use of computerised instruments, are made to procedures. In order to identify patients who are candidates for the transfusion of blood components and to guarantee the traceability of the transfusion, the Securblood system (BBS srl) was introduced. This system records the various stages of the transfusion process, the health care workers involved and any immediate transfusion reactions. The patients and staff are identified by fingerprinting or a bar code. The system was implemented within Ragusa hospital in 16 operative units (ordinary wards, day hospital, operating theatres). In the period from August 2007 to July 2008, 7282 blood components were transfused within the hospital, of which 5606 (77%) using the Securblood system. Overall, 1777 patients were transfused. In this year of experience, no transfusion errors were recorded and each blood component was transfused to the right patient. We recorded 33 blocks of the terminals (involving 0.6% of the transfused blood components) which required the intervention of staff from the Service of Immunohaematology and Transfusion Medicine (SIMT). Most of the blocks were due to procedural errors. The Securblood system guarantees complete traceability of the transfusion process outside the SIMT and eliminates the possibility of mistaken identification of patients or blood components. The use of fingerprinting to identify health care staff (nurses and doctors) and patients obliges the staff to carry out the identification procedures directly in the presence of the patient and guarantees the presence of the doctor at the start of the transfusion.

  1. Red blood cell transfusion in newborn infants

    PubMed Central

    Whyte, Robin K; Jefferies, Ann L

    2014-01-01

    Red blood cell transfusion is an important and frequent component of neonatal intensive care. The present position statement addresses the methods and indications for red blood cell transfusion of the newborn, based on a review of the current literature. The most frequent indications for blood transfusion in the newborn are the acute treatment of perinatal hemorrhagic shock and the recurrent correction of anemia of prematurity. Perinatal hemorrhagic shock requires immediate treatment with large quantities of red blood cells; the effects of massive transfusion on other blood components must be considered. Some guidelines are now available from clinical trials investigating transfusion in anemia of prematurity; however, considerable uncertainty remains. There is weak evidence that cognitive impairment may be more severe at follow-up in extremely low birth weight infants transfused at lower hemoglobin thresholds; therefore, these thresholds should be maintained by transfusion therapy. Although the risks of transfusion have declined considerably in recent years, they can be minimized further by carefully restricting neonatal blood sampling. PMID:24855419

  2. Providing ABO-identical platelets and cryoprecipitate to (almost) all patients: approach, logistics, and associated decreases in transfusion reaction and red blood cell alloimmunization incidence.

    PubMed

    Henrichs, Kelly F; Howk, Nedda; Masel, Debra S; Thayer, Mark; Refaai, Majed A; Kirkley, Scott A; Heal, Joanna M; Blumberg, Neil

    2012-03-01

    There are multiple benefits to transfusing only ABO-identical blood components. Historically our institution routinely transfused ABO-nonidentical platelets (PLTs) and cryoprecipitate to surgical patients. In April 2005, we implemented a policy of transfusing only ABO-identical components whenever feasible, regardless of outdating or logistic considerations. Technical staff closely monitored product usage and adjusted blood center orders based on recent utilization and planned transfusions. When unable to provide ABO-identical PLTs, ABO-compatible PLTs were washed to remove incompatible plasma. Data on outdating were collected for 18 months before and after implementation. We compared transfusion reaction and red blood cell (RBC) alloimmunization incidence for 4 years preceding (2001-2004) and subsequent (2006-2009) to implementation. In the year after implementation, only 11 of 410 surgical patients received ABO-nonidentical PLTs (2.7%). There was a 5.6% increase in outdating of PLTs. Transfusing ABO-identical components was associated with significant reductions in febrile (-46%; 8.0 to 4.3 per 10,000 components; p < 0.0001) and allergic transfusion reactions (-23%; from 7.0 to 5.4 per 10,000 components; p = 0.025). A progressive reduction in de novo RBC alloimmunization incidence also occurred (-50% by 2009; p = 0.03). Providing ABO-identical PLTs to almost all patients was feasible in our setting by changing ordering and inventorying procedures and making the ABO-identical policy a staff priority. Unexpected and striking reductions in febrile and allergic reactions and RBC alloimmunization were observed, of uncertain causal relationship to this ABO policy change, which will require further study. © 2011 American Association of Blood Banks.

  3. Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transfusion Is Safe and Improves Liver Function in Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure Patients

    PubMed Central

    Shi, Ming; Zhang, Zheng; Xu, Ruonan; Lin, Hu; Fu, Junliang; Zou, Zhengsheng; Zhang, Aimin; Shi, Jianfei; Chen, Liming; Lv, Sa; He, Weiping; Geng, Hua; Jin, Lei; Liu, Zhenwen

    2012-01-01

    Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a severe, life-threatening complication, and new and efficient therapeutic strategies for liver failure are urgently needed. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transfusions have been shown to reverse fulminant hepatic failure in mice and to improve liver function in patients with end-stage liver diseases. We assessed the safety and initial efficacy of umbilical cord-derived MSC (UC-MSC) transfusions for ACLF patients associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. A total of 43 ACLF patients were enrolled for this open-labeled and controlled study; 24 patients were treated with UC-MSCs, and 19 patients were treated with saline as controls. UC-MSC therapy was given three times at 4-week intervals. The liver function, adverse events, and survival rates were evaluated during the 48-week or 72-week follow-up period. No significant side effects were observed during the trial. The UC-MSC transfusions significantly increased the survival rates in ACLF patients; reduced the model for end-stage liver disease scores; increased serum albumin, cholinesterase, and prothrombin activity; and increased platelet counts. Serum total bilirubin and alanine aminotransferase levels were significantly decreased after the UC-MSC transfusions. UC-MSC transfusions are safe in the clinic and may serve as a novel therapeutic approach for HBV-associated ACLF patients. PMID:23197664

  4. Postoperative Acute Kidney Injury and Blood Product Transfusion After Synthetic Colloid Use During Cardiac Surgery.

    PubMed

    Tobey, Rajika; Cheng, Hao; Gao, Mei; Li, Zhongmin; Young, J Nilas; Boyd, W Douglas; Ji, Fuhai; Liu, Hong

    2017-06-01

    This study assessed the effect of 2 types of hydroxyethyl starches (HES) on renal integrity and blood transfusion in cardiac surgery patients. Retrospective investigation. Patients from a single tertiary medical center. Inclusion criteria included coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) and/or valve surgery that included cardiopulmonary bypass with aortic cross-clamping. Intraoperative HES and blood product administration. The study comprised 1,265 patients who met inclusion criteria. Of these patients, 70% received HES, and of these, 47% received<1,000 mL and 53% received≥1,000 mL. There was no difference in the development of acute kidney injury between the 2 groups. A parsimonious propensity model for colloids showed that combined CABG and valve surgery were less likely to be associated with HES administration than was CABG alone (OR 0.68, confidence interval [CI] 0.46-0.97; p = 0.04). Intra-aortic balloon pump use was less likely to be associated with HES administration (OR 0.57, CI 0.38-0.86; p = 0.007). Patients with chronic kidney disease, stages 3 to 5, were less likely to receive HES, with an OR of 0.56 (CI 0.38-0.84; p = 0.004); 0.51 (CI 0.20-1.33; p = 0.170); and 0.23 (CI 0.12-0.44; p<0.0001), respectively, for each stage. No difference was noted in red blood cell transfusion. However, fresh frozen plasma, cryoprecipitate, and platelet transfusions were significantly higher with larger volumes of HES, with an OR of 2.03 (CI 1.64-2.52; p<0.001); 1.60 (CI 1.30-1.97; p<0.000); and 1.62 (CI 1.21-2.15; p = 0.006), respectively. No differences in surgical mortality were found between the colloid and noncolloid groups. This study showed no association of postoperative acute kidney injury and red blood cell transfusion between the colloid and noncolloid groups. Although the complication rate was higher with HES administration, there was no difference in surgery mortality between the 2 groups. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  5. Restrictive vs Liberal Blood Transfusion for Acute Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Rationale and Protocol for a Cluster Randomized Feasibility Trial

    PubMed Central

    Jairath, Vipul; Kahan, Brennan C.; Gray, Alasdair; Doré, Caroline J.; Mora, Ana; Dyer, Claire; Stokes, Elizabeth A.; Llewelyn, Charlotte; Bailey, Adam A.; Dallal, Helen; Everett, Simon M.; James, Martin W.; Stanley, Adrian J.; Church, Nicholas; Darwent, Melanie; Greenaway, John; Le Jeune, Ivan; Reckless, Ian; Campbell, Helen E.; Meredith, Sarah; Palmer, Kelvin R.; Logan, Richard F.A.; Travis, Simon P.L.; Walsh, Timothy S.; Murphy, Michael F.

    2013-01-01

    Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (AUGIB) is the commonest reason for hospitalization with hemorrhage in the UK and the leading indication for transfusion of red blood cells (RBCs). Observational studies suggest an association between more liberal RBC transfusion and adverse patient outcomes, and a recent randomised trial reported increased further bleeding and mortality with a liberal transfusion policy. TRIGGER (Transfusion in Gastrointestinal Bleeding) is a pragmatic, cluster randomized trial which aims to evaluate the feasibility and safety of implementing a restrictive versus liberal RBC transfusion policy in adult patients admitted with AUGIB. The trial will take place in 6 UK hospitals, and each centre will be randomly allocated to a transfusion policy. Clinicians throughout each hospital will manage all eligible patients according to the transfusion policy for the 6-month trial recruitment period. In the restrictive centers, patients become eligible for RBC transfusion when their hemoglobin is < 8 g/dL. In the liberal centers patients become eligible for transfusion once their hemoglobin is < 10 g/dL. All clinicians will have the discretion to transfuse outside of the policy but will be asked to document the reasons for doing so. Feasibility outcome measures include protocol adherence, recruitment rate, and evidence of selection bias. Clinical outcome measures include further bleeding, mortality, thromboembolic events, and infections. Quality of life will be measured using the EuroQol EQ-5D at day 28, and the costs associated with hospitalization for AUGIB in the UK will be estimated. Consent will be sought from participants or their representatives according to patient capacity for use of routine hospital data and day 28 follow up. The study has ethical approval for conduct in England and Scotland. Results will be analysed according to a pre-defined statistical analysis plan and disseminated in peer reviewed publications to relevant stakeholders. The

  6. Restrictive vs liberal blood transfusion for acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding: rationale and protocol for a cluster randomized feasibility trial.

    PubMed

    Jairath, Vipul; Kahan, Brennan C; Gray, Alasdair; Doré, Caroline J; Mora, Ana; Dyer, Claire; Stokes, Elizabeth A; Llewelyn, Charlotte; Bailey, Adam A; Dallal, Helen; Everett, Simon M; James, Martin W; Stanley, Adrian J; Church, Nicholas; Darwent, Melanie; Greenaway, John; Le Jeune, Ivan; Reckless, Ian; Campbell, Helen E; Meredith, Sarah; Palmer, Kelvin R; Logan, Richard F A; Travis, Simon P L; Walsh, Timothy S; Murphy, Michael F

    2013-07-01

    Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (AUGIB) is the commonest reason for hospitalization with hemorrhage in the UK and the leading indication for transfusion of red blood cells (RBCs). Observational studies suggest an association between more liberal RBC transfusion and adverse patient outcomes, and a recent randomised trial reported increased further bleeding and mortality with a liberal transfusion policy. TRIGGER (Transfusion in Gastrointestinal Bleeding) is a pragmatic, cluster randomized trial which aims to evaluate the feasibility and safety of implementing a restrictive versus liberal RBC transfusion policy in adult patients admitted with AUGIB. The trial will take place in 6 UK hospitals, and each centre will be randomly allocated to a transfusion policy. Clinicians throughout each hospital will manage all eligible patients according to the transfusion policy for the 6-month trial recruitment period. In the restrictive centers, patients become eligible for RBC transfusion when their hemoglobin is <8 g/dL. In the liberal centers patients become eligible for transfusion once their hemoglobin is <10 g/dL. All clinicians will have the discretion to transfuse outside of the policy but will be asked to document the reasons for doing so. Feasibility outcome measures include protocol adherence, recruitment rate, and evidence of selection bias. Clinical outcome measures include further bleeding, mortality, thromboembolic events, and infections. Quality of life will be measured using the EuroQol EQ-5D at day 28, and the costs associated with hospitalization for AUGIB in the UK will be estimated. Consent will be sought from participants or their representatives according to patient capacity for use of routine hospital data and day 28 follow up. The study has ethical approval for conduct in England and Scotland. Results will be analysed according to a pre-defined statistical analysis plan and disseminated in peer reviewed publications to relevant stakeholders. The

  7. Transfusion of prion-filtered red cells does not increase the rate of alloimmunization or transfusion reactions in patients: results of the UK trial of prion-filtered versus standard red cells in surgical patients (PRISM A).

    PubMed

    Elebute, Modupe O; Choo, Louise; Mora, Ana; MacRury, Coral; Llewelyn, Charlotte; Purohit, Shilpi; Hicks, Vicky; Casey, Caroline; Malfroy, Moira; Deary, Alison; Reed, Tania; Meredith, Sarah; Manson, Lynn; Williamson, Lorna M

    2013-03-01

    This study, conducted for the UK Blood Transfusion Services (UKBTS), evaluated the clinical safety of red cells filtered through a CE-marked prion removal filter (P-Capt™). Patients requiring blood transfusion for elective procedures in nine UK hospitals were entered into a non-randomized open trial to assess development of red cell antibodies to standard red cell (RCC) or prion-filtered red cell concentrates (PF-RCC) at eight weeks and six months post-transfusion. Patients who received at least 1 unit of PF-RCC were compared with a control cohort given RCC only. About 917 PF-RCC and 1336 RCC units were transfused into 299 and 291 patients respectively. Twenty-six new red cell antibodies were detected post-transfusion in 10 patients in each arm, an overall alloimmunization rate of 4.4%. Neither the treatment arm [odds ratio (OR) 0.93, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.3, 2.5] nor number of units transfused (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.8, 1.1) had a significant effect on the proportion of patients who developed new alloantibodies. No pan-reactive antibodies or antibodies specifically against PF-RCC were detected. There was no difference in transfusion reactions between arms, and no novel transfusion-related adverse events clearly attributable to PF-RCC were seen. These data suggest that prion filtration of red cells does not reduce overall transfusion safety. This finding requires confirmation in large populations of transfused patients. © 2013 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

  8. Platelets are dispensable for antibody-mediated transfusion-related acute lung injury in the mouse.

    PubMed

    Hechler, B; Maître, B; Magnenat, S; Heim, V; El Mdawar, M-B; Gachet, C; de la Salle, H

    2016-06-01

    Essentials Role of platelets in immunological transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) is debated. Immunological TRALI was tested in mice exhibiting severe thrombocytopenia or platelet dysfunction. Platelets are required to prevent lung hemorrhage but not edema formation and respiratory distress. Platelets are dispensable for the initiation and development of TRALI. Background Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) is a serious transfusion-related complication. Previous conflicting studies have indicated that platelets are either crucial or dispensable for TRALI. Objectives To evaluate the role of platelets in major histocompatibility complex (MHC) I-induced-TRALI. Methods Antibody-mediated TRALI was experimentally induced in mice by lipopolysaccharide priming followed by the administration of an anti-MHC I mAb. Results TRALI was tested in the context of severe thrombocytopenia provoked by the administration of diphtheria toxin (DT) in transgenic iDTR mice selectively expressing DT receptor in megakaryocytes. The pathologic responses occurring within the first 10 min following the injection of the anti-MHC I mAb, i.e. the severity of lung edema and the drop in aortic blood oxygenation, were similar in severely thrombocytopenic DT-iDTR and control mice. At later times, mortality was nevertheless increased in DT-iDTR mice, owing to lung hemorrhages. When less severe thrombocytopenia was induced with an antiplatelet mAb, TRALI started and developed similarly as in control mice, but hemorrhages were absent. Furthermore, when platelet functions were defective because of administration of aspirin or clopidogrel, or because of glycoprotein (GP)IIbIIIa deficiency, TRALI still developed but no lung hemorrhages were observed. In contrast, when GPVI was immunodepleted, TRALI still occurred, but was occasionally accompanied by hemorrhages. Conclusions Platelets are dispensable for the initiation and development of MHC I-induced TRALI. Although they do not protect

  9. Preoperative blood transfusions for sickle cell disease

    PubMed Central

    Estcourt, Lise J; Fortin, Patricia M; Trivella, Marialena; Hopewell, Sally

    2016-01-01

    ongoing trials identified. These trials were conducted between 1988 and 2011. The majority of people included had haemoglobin (Hb) SS SCD. The majority of surgical procedures were considered low or intermediate risk for developing sickle cell-related complications. Aggressive versus simple red blood cell transfusions One trial (551 participants) compared an aggressive transfusion regimen (decreasing sickle haemoglobin to less than 30%) to a simple transfusion regimen (increasing haemoglobin to 100 g/l). This trial re-randomised participants and therefore quantitative analysis was only possible on two subsets of data: participants undergoing cholecystectomy (230 participants); and participants undergoing tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy surgeries (107 participants). Data were not combined as we do not know if any participant received both surgeries. Overall, the quality of the evidence was very low across different outcomes according to GRADE methodology. This was due to the trial being at high risk of bias primarily due to lack of blinding, indirectness and the outcome estimates being imprecise. Cholecystectomy subgroup results are reported in the abstract. Results for both subgroups were similar. There was no difference in all-cause mortality between people receiving aggressive transfusions and those receiving conservative transfusions. No deaths occurred in either subgroup. There were no differences between the aggressive transfusion group and conservative transfusion group in the number of people developing: an acute chest syndrome, risk ratio 0.84 (95% confidence interval 0.38 to 1.84) (one trial, 230 participants, very low quality evidence);vaso-occlusive crisis, risk ratio 0.30 (95% confidence interval 0.09 to 1.04) (one trial, 230 participants, very low quality evidence);serious infection, risk ratio 1.75 (95% confidence interval 0.59 to 5.18) (one trial, 230 participants, very low quality evidence);any perioperative complications, risk ratio 0.75 (95% confidence

  10. Recurrent life-threatening reactions to platelet transfusion in an aplastic anaemia patient with a paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria clone.

    PubMed

    Mohamed, M; Bates, G; Richardson, D; Burrows, L

    2014-09-01

    A 60-year-old woman was diagnosed with non-severe aplastic anaemia when she presented with anaemia and thrombocytopenia. She developed recurrent life-threatening hypotensive reactions during transfusion of leukodepleted platelet concentrates, and washed platelet concentrates prevented the development of such reactions subsequently. A paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria clone was detected on investigating for aplastic anaemia, which has been speculated to play a role in the recurrent hypotensive reactions. © 2014 The Authors; Internal Medicine Journal © 2014 Royal Australasian College of Physicians.

  11. Acute stress reactions after submarine accidents.

    PubMed

    Eid, Jarle; Johnsen, Bjørn Helge

    2002-05-01

    The aim of the present study was to explore contextual and individual factors associated with acute stress reactions in three Norwegian submarine crews exposed to different significant peacetime maneuver accidents. Approximately 2 to 3 weeks after the accidents, crew members completed the Coping Style Questionnaire, the General Health Questionnaire, the Impact of Event Scale, and the Post-Traumatic Symptom Scale. Although exposed subjects (N = 47) revealed more posttraumatic stress symptoms than nonexposed crew members on shore leave (N = 7), they showed less acute stress reactions than survivors from a surface ship accident in the Norwegian Navy. Inspection of individual cases revealed that 4% of the exposed submariners showed high loads of acute stress symptoms. Unit cohesion and habitual coping styles emerged as resilience factors, whereas previous exposure to critical incidents and personal experience of not coping in the accident situation emerged as vulnerability factors, explaining 32% of the acute stress reactions reported by submarine crew members.

  12. Post-Transplant Blood Transfusions and Pediatric Renal Allograft Outcomes

    PubMed Central

    Verghese, Priya; Gillingham, Kristen; Matas, Arthur; Chinnakotla, Srinath; Chavers, Blanche

    2016-01-01

    The association of blood transfusions with graft survival after pediatric kidney transplant (KTx) is unclear. We retrospectively analyzed blood transfusions post-KTx and subsequent outcomes. Between 1984 and 2013, 482 children (<18 years of age) underwent KTx at our center. Recipient demographics, outcomes and transfusion data were collected. Cox regression with post-KTx blood transfusion as a time-dependent covariate was performed to model the impact of blood transfusion on outcomes. Of the 208 (44%) that were transfused, 39% had transfusion <1 month post-KTx; 48% > 12 months. Transfused and non-transfused recipients were not significantly different. In univariate and multivariate analyses, there was no difference between transfused and non-transfused recipient patient survival; antibody-mediated and acute cellular rejection, and donor-specific antibody (DSA) free survival. Transfusions <1 month post-KTx did not impact death-censored graft survival (DCGS) (p=NS). Patients transfused >12 months post-KTx had significantly lower 12 month estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (compared to non-transfused) and worse subsequent DCGS. Post-KTx blood transfusions have increased in pediatric KTx over time but have no negative association with rejection or DSA production. DCGS is unaffected by transfusion within first month. Transfusions after the first year occur in patients with more advanced chronic kidney disease and are associated with significantly worse DCGS. PMID:27712016

  13. [Organ transplantation and blood transfusion].

    PubMed

    Matignon, M; Bonnefoy, F; Lang, P; Grimbert, P

    2011-04-01

    Pretransplant blood transfusion remains a controversial subject and its history can summarize the last 40 years of transplantation. Until 1971, transfusions were widely used in patients awaiting transplantation, especially due to the anemia induced by the chronic renal dysfunction. Then, a noxious effect of preformed anti-HLA antibodies on renal grafts survival was reported and pretransplant transfusions were stopped. Between 1972 and 1977, improvement of renal graft survival in patients who received pretransplant transfusions was noted. Therefore, from 1978 on, a systematic policy of pretransplant transfusions was adopted by almost all centres of transplantation. During the eighties, it was again abandoned for several reasons: absence of graft survival improvement in patients treated by cyclosporine, HLA immunization leading to an increased incidence of acute graft rejection, risk of viral diseases transmission and human recombinant erythropoietin development. The lack of improvement in graft survival for ten years has been leading the transplant community to look for antigen-specific immunosuppressive strategies to achieve transplantation tolerance. Donor-specific transfusion may have clinical benefits, as long-term grafts survival improvement, through modulation of the recipient's cellular immune system and has been recently reconsidered, especially before living donor transplantation. The immunological mechanisms inducing a tolerance-gaining effect of transfusions are still misunderstood, but the recent discovery of immunomodulatory effects of the apoptotic cells present in cellular products could enlighten our comprehension of pretransplant transfusions benefits and could help to develop specific tolerance induction strategies in solid organ transplantation. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  14. The definition of massive transfusion in trauma: a critical variable in examining evidence for resuscitation.

    PubMed

    Mitra, Biswadev; Cameron, Peter A; Gruen, Russell L; Mori, Alfredo; Fitzgerald, Mark; Street, Alison

    2011-06-01

    'Massive' transfusion is a poorly defined inclusion criteria for studies examining the blood and blood product that are used during trauma resuscitation. We aimed to compare the traditional definition of massive transfusion (≥10 units in 24 h) to a more acute definition of at least 5 units in 4 h. Multitrauma patients were subgrouped according to the traditional definition and compared with the acute definition. Demographics, presenting vital signs and blood results, management including transfusion practice and outcomes were retrospectively studied. Associations of transfused fresh frozen plasma:packed red blood cells (PRBC) ratios with mortality were studied. There were 927 patients who received PRBCs in the first 24 h, with 314 patients identified using the traditional definition and 303 patients using the acute definition. The patients identified using the traditional definition received 18 (12-29) units of PRBC in 24 h, significantly higher than those identified using the acute definition [15 (9-29) units, P<0.001]. The traditional definition excluded a significant proportion of patients who died in the emergency department. By using the acute definition to select a study sample, there seems to be an increase in mortality with fresh frozen plasma:PRBC ratio of 1 : 1 ratio compared with a 1 : 2 ratio. The traditional 'massive' transfusion definition not only 'dilutes' the potential study samples with a less acute group of patients, but also further excludes patients who die early. This latter group is most likely to be benefitted from any change to resuscitation practice. An acute definition of massive transfusion should be adopted when examining clinical practice during initial trauma resuscitation.

  15. Red blood cell alloimmunization in sickle cell disease: pathophysiology, risk factors, and transfusion management.

    PubMed

    Yazdanbakhsh, Karina; Ware, Russell E; Noizat-Pirenne, France

    2012-07-19

    Red blood cell transfusions have reduced morbidity and mortality for patients with sickle cell disease. Transfusions can lead to erythrocyte alloimmunization, however, with serious complications for the patient including life-threatening delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions and difficulty in finding compatible units, which can cause transfusion delays. In this review, we discuss the risk factors associated with alloimmunization with emphasis on possible mechanisms that can trigger delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions in sickle cell disease, and we describe the challenges in transfusion management of these patients, including opportunities and emerging approaches for minimizing this life-threatening complication.

  16. Transfusion Practices Committee of a public blood bank network in Minas Gerais, Brazil.

    PubMed

    de Carvalho, Ricardo Vilas Freire; Brener, Stela; Ferreira, Angela Melgaço; do Valle, Marcele Cunha Ribeiro; Moraes-Souza, Helio

    2012-01-01

    This study aimed to verify the performance of blood transfusion committees in transfusion services linked to the public blood bank network of the state of Minas Gerais. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted between 2007 and 2008 using questionnaires and proficiency tests to evaluate the reporting and investigation of transfusion reactions comparing transfusion services with and without transfusion committees in the public transfusion services of the state of Minas Gerais. Nineteen of Hemominas own transfusion services and 207 that contracted the services of the foundation located in 178 municipalities were visited between 2007 and 2008. Established transfusion committees were present in 63.4% of the services visited. Transfusion incidents were reported by 53 (36.8%) transfusion services with transfusion committees and by eight (9.6%) without transfusion committees (p < 0.001) with 543 (97.5%) and 14 (2.5%) notifications, respectively. Of the reported transfusion incidents, 40 (75.5%) transfusion services with transfusion committees and only two (25%) of those without transfusion committees investigated the causes. The incidence of notification and investigation of the causes of transfusion reactions was higher in transfusion services where a transfusion committee was present. Despite these results, the performance of these committees was found to be incipient and a better organization and more effective operation are required.

  17. Blood transfusion in developing countries: problems, priorities and practicalities.

    PubMed

    Wake, D J; Cutting, W A

    1998-01-01

    The acute medical services could not exist without blood transfusions--life-savers in many situations. But transfusions can also be a quick and easy route for the transmission of infectious agents such as HIV, HBV, HCV and malaria. Infection through blood supply is a major issue in all countries but particularly in those with economic constraints which limit safety. This study was carried out in India (March-May 1997) and involved centres in Delhi, Calcutta and Vellore. It examined many aspects of blood transfusion including donor screening, use of professional donors, blood testing and criteria for blood use. The many problems in Indian blood transfusion services are mirrored in other countries. Here we examine the problems, priorities and practicalities of blood transfusion particularly in developing countries.

  18. Anti-HI can cause a severe delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction with hyperhemolysis in sickle cell disease patients.

    PubMed

    Ibanez, Clara; Habibi, Anoosha; Mekontso-Dessap, Armand; Chadebech, Philippe; Chami, Btissam; Bierling, Philippe; Galactéros, Frédéric; Rieux, Claire; Nataf, Joëlle; Bartolucci, Pablo; Peyrard, Thierry; Pirenne, France

    2016-07-01

    Delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction (DHTR) is a life-threatening condition in sickle cell disease (SCD) patients that is frequently complicated by hyperhemolysis. Antibodies resulting from antigen disparity between donors of European ancestry and patients of African ancestry are common, but situations involving antibodies not classically of clinical significance are also encountered. Anti-HI is generally considered to be an innocuous naturally occurring antibody. We describe two cases of hyperhemolysis with anti-HI and provide details of the reported cases. Both SCD patients were polyimmunized and belonged to blood group B. They developed anti-HI that was reactive at 37°C, after the transfusion of group O red blood cell units matched for all known and produced antibodies classically considered to be clinically significant. Both patients developed DHTR with hyperhemolysis. In the first case, a pregnant woman, a second transfusion was unavoidable and the patient died from cardiac arrest. The state of the second patient improved without the need for further transfusion. Three other cases of DHTR with anti-HI have been described in the literature in SCD patients. The two additional cases reported here definitively demonstrate that anti-HI is dangerous in SCD patients. As a result, ABO-identical matching (including A1 status) must be considered in SCD patients with anti-HI. © 2016 AABB.

  19. Prophylactic versus selective blood transfusion for sickle cell disease in pregnancy.

    PubMed

    Okusanya, Babasola O; Oladapo, Olufemi T

    2016-12-22

    % confidence interval (CI) 0.61 to 13.22; very low-quality evidence) or markers of severe maternal morbidity (pulmonary embolism (no events); congestive cardiac failure (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.07 to 15.38; very low-quality evidence); acute chest syndrome (RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.12 to 3.75)) between the treatment groups (prophylactic blood transfusion versus selective blood transfusion). Low-quality evidence indicated that prophylactic blood transfusion reduced the risk of pain crisis compared with selective blood transfusion (RR 0.28, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.67, one trial, 72 women; low-quality evidence), and no differences in the occurrence of acute splenic sequestration (RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.01 to 7.92; low-quality evidence), haemolytic crises (RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.04 to 3.06) or delayed blood transfusion reaction (RR 2.00, 95% CI 0.54 to 7.39; very low-quality evidence) between the comparison groups.Other relevant maternal outcomes pre-specified for this review such as cumulative duration of hospital stay, postpartum haemorrhage and iron overload, and infant outcomes, admission to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and haemolytic disease of the newborn, were not reported by the trial. Evidence from one small trial of very low quality suggests that prophylactic blood transfusion to pregnant women with sickle cell anaemia (HbSS) confers no clear clinical benefits when compared with selective transfusion. Currently, there is no evidence from randomised or quasi-randomised trials to provide reliable advice on the optimal blood transfusion policy for women with other variants of sickle cell disease (i.e. HbSC and HbSβThal). The available data and quality of evidence on this subject are insufficient to advocate for a change in existing clinical practice and policy.

  20. Appropriateness of Plasma Transfusion: A College of American Pathologists Q-Probes Study of Guidelines, Waste, and Serious Adverse Events.

    PubMed

    Alcorn, Kirsten; Ramsey, Glenn; Souers, Rhona; Lehman, Christopher M

    2017-03-01

    - Plasma transfusion guidelines support patient care and safety, management of product wastage, and compliance; yet, there is little information across multiple institutions about use of and adherence to plasma transfusion guidelines. - To survey multiple institutions regarding their plasma transfusion guidelines and compliance, plasma wastage rates, and incidence of transfusion reactions associated with plasma transfusion. - The College of American Pathologists Q-Probes model was used to collect data from 89 participating institutions. Each site was asked to provide data relevant to its most recent 40 adult patient plasma transfusion episodes, and complete a questionnaire regarding plasma transfusion guidelines, utilization and wastage of plasma, and transfusion reactions related to plasma transfusion. - The participating institutions reported a total of 3383 evaluable plasma transfusion episodes with transfusion of 9060 units of plasma. Compliance with institution-specific guidelines was seen in 3018 events (89%). Pretransfusion and posttransfusion coagulation testing was done in 3281 (97%) and 3043 (90%) of these episodes, respectively. Inappropriate criteria were noted for more than 100 transfusion episodes. Thirty-two plasma transfusion episodes (1%) were associated with a transfusion reaction. Serious and fatal reactions were reported. Median plasma wastage rate for the year preceding the study was 4.5%. - Most participating institutions are compliant with plasma transfusion guidelines based on published references, supported by appropriate testing. With transfusions for indications that lack evidence of efficacy and incidence of transfusion reactions, there is an ongoing role for transfusion service leaders to continue to update and monitor plasma transfusion practices.

  1. Transfusion-transmitted malaria in Ghana.

    PubMed

    Owusu-Ofori, Alex K; Betson, Martha; Parry, Christopher M; Stothard, J Russell; Bates, Imelda

    2013-06-01

    In sub-Saharan Africa, the prevalence of malaria parasitemia in blood donors varies from 0.6% to 50%. Although the burden of TTM in malaria-endemic countries is unknown, it is recommended that all donated blood is screened for malaria parasites. This study aimed to establish the incidence of TTM and identify a suitable screening test. Pregnant women, children, and immunocompromised malaria-negative transfusion recipients in a teaching hospital in Ghana were recruited over the course of 1 year. Parasites detected in recipients within 14 days of the transfusion were genotyped and compared to parasites in the transfused blood. The presence of genotypically identical parasites in the recipient and the transfused blood confirmed transfusion-transmitted malaria. Four malaria screening tests were compared to assess their usefulness in the context of African blood banks. Of the 50 patients who received transfusions that were positive for Plasmodium falciparum by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), 7 recipients developed PCR-detectable parasitemia. In only 1 of the 50 recipients (2%) was the parasite identical to that in the transfused blood. The prevalence of P. falciparum malaria in transfused blood was 4.7% (21/445) by microscopy, 13.7% (60/440) by rapid diagnostic test, 18% (78/436) by PCR, and 22.2% (98/442) by enzyme immunoassay. Although malaria parasites are commonly detected in blood donors in malaria-endemic areas, transfusion-transmitted malaria occurs infrequently. Policies recommend screening blood donors for malaria, but none of the commonly used methods is sufficiently sensitive to be used by blood banks in malaria-endemic countries.

  2. Red blood cell storage time and transfusion: current practice, concerns and future perspectives

    PubMed Central

    García-Roa, María; del Carmen Vicente-Ayuso, María; Bobes, Alejandro M.; Pedraza, Alexandra C.; González-Fernández, Ataúlfo; Martín, María Paz; Sáez, Isabel; Seghatchian, Jerard; Gutiérrez, Laura

    2017-01-01

    Red blood cells (RBCs) units are the most requested transfusion product worldwide. Indications for transfusion include symptomatic anaemia, acute sickle cell crisis, and acute blood loss of more than 30% of the blood volume, with the aim of restoring tissue oxygen delivery. However, stored RBCs from donors are not a qualitative equal product, and, in many ways, this is a matter of concern in the transfusion practice. Besides donor-to-donor variation, the storage time influences the RBC unit at the qualitative level, as RBCs age in the storage bag and are exposed to the so-called storage lesion. Several studies have shown that the storage lesion leads to post-transfusion enhanced clearance, plasma transferrin saturation, nitric oxide scavenging and/or immunomodulation with potential unwanted transfusion-related clinical outcomes, such as acute lung injury or higher mortality rate. While, to date, several studies have claimed the risk or deleterious effects of “old” vs “young” RBC transfusion regimes, it is still a matter of debate, and consideration should be taken of the clinical context. Transfusion-dependent patients may benefit from transfusion with “young” RBC units, as it assures longer inter-transfusion periods, while transfusion with “old” RBC units is not itself harmful. Unbiased Omics approaches are being applied to the characterisation of RBC through storage, to better understand the (patho)physiological role of microparticles (MPs) that are found naturally, and also on stored RBC units. Perhaps RBC storage time is not an accurate surrogate for RBC quality and there is a need to establish which parameters do indeed reflect optimal efficacy and safety. A better Omics characterisation of components of “young” and “old” RBC units, including MPs, donor and recipient, might lead to the development of new therapies, including the use of engineered RBCs or MPs as cell-based drug delivering tools, or cost-effective personalised transfusion

  3. Alloimmunization is associated with older age of transfused red blood cells in sickle cell disease.

    PubMed

    Desai, Payal C; Deal, Allison M; Pfaff, Emily R; Qaqish, Bahjat; Hebden, Leyna M; Park, Yara A; Ataga, Kenneth I

    2015-08-01

    Red blood cell (RBC) alloimmunization is a significant clinical complication of sickle cell disease (SCD). It can lead to difficulty with cross-matching for future transfusions and may sometimes trigger life-threatening delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions. We conducted a retrospective study to explore the association of clinical complications and age of RBC with alloimmunization in patients with SCD followed at a single institution from 2005 to 2012. One hundred and sixty six patients with a total of 488 RBC transfusions were evaluated. Nineteen patients (11%) developed new alloantibodies following blood transfusions during the period of review. The median age of RBC units was 20 days (interquartile range: 14-27 days). RBC antibody formation was significantly associated with the age of RBC units (P = 0.002), with a hazard ratio of 3.5 (95% CI: 1.71-7.11) for a RBC unit that was 7 days old and 9.8 (95% CI: 2.66-35.97) for a unit that was 35 days old, 28 days after the blood transfusion. No association was observed between RBC alloimmunization and acute vaso-occlusive complications. Although increased echocardiography-derived tricuspid regurgitant jet velocity (TRV) was associated with the presence of RBC alloantibodies (P = 0.02), TRV was not significantly associated with alloimmunization when adjusted for patient age and number of transfused RBC units. Our study suggests that RBC antibody formation is significantly associated with older age of RBCs at the time of transfusion. Prospective studies in patients with SCD are required to confirm this finding. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  4. Contemporary Risk Factors and Outcomes of Transfusion-Associated Circulatory Overload.

    PubMed

    Roubinian, Nareg H; Hendrickson, Jeanne E; Triulzi, Darrell J; Gottschall, Jerome L; Michalkiewicz, Michael; Chowdhury, Dhuly; Kor, Daryl J; Looney, Mark R; Matthay, Michael A; Kleinman, Steven H; Brambilla, Donald; Murphy, Edward L

    2018-04-01

    Transfusion-associated circulatory overload is characterized by hydrostatic pulmonary edema following blood transfusion. Restrictive transfusion practice may affect the occurrence and severity of transfusion-associated circulatory overload in critically ill patients. We sought to examine contemporary risk factors and outcomes for transfusion-associated circulatory overload. Case-control study. Four tertiary care hospitals. We prospectively enrolled 200 patients with transfusion-associated circulatory overload identified by active surveillance and 405 controls matched by transfusion intensity. None. Among 20,845 transfused patients who received 128,263 blood components from May 2015 until July 2016, transfusion-associated circulatory overload incidence was one case per 100 transfused patients. In addition to cardiovascular comorbidities, multivariable analysis identified the following independent predictors of transfusion-associated circulatory overload: acute kidney injury, emergency surgery, pretransfusion diuretic use, and plasma transfusion-the latter especially in females. Compared with matched controls, transfusion-associated circulatory overload cases were more likely to require mechanical ventilation (71% vs 49%; p < 0.001), experienced longer intensive care and hospital lengths of stay following transfusion, and had higher mortality (21% vs 11%; p = 0.02) even after adjustment for other potentially confounding variables. Despite restrictive transfusion practice, transfusion-associated circulatory overload remains a frequent complication of transfusion and is an independent risk factor for in-hospital morbidity and mortality. In addition to cardiovascular and renal risk factors, plasma transfusion was associated with transfusion-associated circulatory overload after controlling for other covariates. Additional research is needed to examine the benefit of reduced erythrocyte or plasma exposure in patients at high risk for transfusion-associated circulatory

  5. Retrospective Evaluation of a Restrictive Transfusion Strategy in Older Adults with Hip Fracture.

    PubMed

    Zerah, Lorene; Dourthe, Lucile; Cohen-Bittan, Judith; Verny, Marc; Raux, Mathieu; Mézière, Anthony; Khiami, Frédéric; Tourette, Cendrine; Neri, Christian; Le Manach, Yannick; Riou, Bruno; Vallet, Hélène; Boddaert, Jacques

    2018-04-20

    To compare the association between a restrictive transfusion strategy and cardiovascular complications during hospitalization for hip fracture with the association between a liberal transfusion strategy and cardiovascular complications, accounting for all transfusions from the emergency department to postacute rehabilitation settings. Retrospective study. Perioperative geriatric care unit. All individuals aged 70 and older admitted to the emergency department for hip fracture and hospitalized in our perioperative geriatric care unit (N=667; n=193 in the liberal transfusion group, n=474 in the restrictive transfusion group) from July 2009 to April 2016. A restrictive transfusion strategy (hemoglobin level threshold ≥8 g/dL or symptoms) used from January 2012 to April 2016 was compared with the liberal transfusion strategy (hemoglobin level threshold ≥10 g/dL) used from July 2009 to December 2011. Primary endpoint was in-hospital acute cardiovascular complications (heart failure, myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation or stroke). The change to a restrictive transfusion strategy was associated with fewer acute cardiovascular complications (odds ratio=0.45, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.31-0.67, p<.001), without any noticeable difference in in-hospital or 6-month mortality. The change also led to a reduction in packed red blood cell units used per participant (median 1, interquartile range (IQR) 0-2 in restrictive vs median 2, IQR 0-3 in liberal transfusion strategy, P<.001). In rehabilitation settings, the frequency of transfusion was greater with the restrictive transfusion strategy than the liberal transfusion strategy (18% vs 9%, P<.001). A restrictive transfusion strategy in older adults with hip fracture was found to be safe and was associated with fewer cardiovascular complications but more transfusions in rehabilitation settings. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings. © 2018, Copyright the Authors Journal compilation © 2018, The

  6. [Fever during blood transfusion. A case of coincidence instead of causality].

    PubMed

    Strobel, E; Bender, H-U

    2013-10-01

    A boy aged 2 years and 5 months showed agitation, shivering and fever with a temperature of 38.9 °C during a red blood cell transfusion. Examination of the assumed adverse transfusion reaction gave no indications of erythrocyte incompatibility, hemolysis or IgA incompatibility. No antibodies against HLA class I antigens or HPA antigens were found in the recipient's blood. Sterility testing of the blood product showed no growth, but in the blood cultures taken from the patient immediately after the blood transfusion, Enterobacter cloacae was detected which also could be found in blood cultures and nose and throat swabs taken 3 days before. Therefore, the fever during blood transfusion was not a case of causality but of coincidence. This case underlines the recommendation to examine blood cultures from the recipient in all suspected cases of adverse transfusion reaction.

  7. A microengineered model of RBC transfusion-induced pulmonary vascular injury.

    PubMed

    Seo, Jeongyun; Conegliano, David; Farrell, Megan; Cho, Minseon; Ding, Xueting; Seykora, Thomas; Qing, Danielle; Mangalmurti, Nilam S; Huh, Dongeun

    2017-06-13

    Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion poses significant risks to critically ill patients by increasing their susceptibility to acute respiratory distress syndrome. While the underlying mechanisms of this life-threatening syndrome remain elusive, studies suggest that RBC-induced microvascular injury in the distal lung plays a central role in the development of lung injury following blood transfusion. Here we present a novel microengineering strategy to model and investigate this key disease process. Specifically, we created a microdevice for culturing primary human lung endothelial cells under physiological flow conditions to recapitulate the morphology and hemodynamic environment of the pulmonary microvascular endothelium in vivo. Perfusion of the microengineered vessel with human RBCs resulted in abnormal cytoskeletal rearrangement and release of intracellular molecules associated with regulated necrotic cell death, replicating the characteristics of acute endothelial injury in transfused lungs in vivo. Our data also revealed the significant effect of hemodynamic shear stress on RBC-induced microvascular injury. Furthermore, we integrated the microfluidic endothelium with a computer-controlled mechanical stretching system to show that breathing-induced physiological deformation of the pulmonary microvasculature may exacerbate vascular injury during RBC transfusion. Our biomimetic microsystem provides an enabling platform to mechanistically study transfusion-associated pulmonary vascular complications in susceptible patient populations.

  8. 42 CFR 493.1103 - Standard: Requirements for transfusion services.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... distribution. (1) If a facility stores or maintains blood or blood products for transfusion outside of a... necessary, promptly identify, investigate, and report blood and blood product transfusion reactions to the... availability of blood and blood products. (b) Provision of testing. The facility must provide prompt ABO...

  9. 42 CFR 493.1103 - Standard: Requirements for transfusion services.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... distribution. (1) If a facility stores or maintains blood or blood products for transfusion outside of a... necessary, promptly identify, investigate, and report blood and blood product transfusion reactions to the... availability of blood and blood products. (b) Provision of testing. The facility must provide prompt ABO...

  10. 42 CFR 493.1103 - Standard: Requirements for transfusion services.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... distribution. (1) If a facility stores or maintains blood or blood products for transfusion outside of a... necessary, promptly identify, investigate, and report blood and blood product transfusion reactions to the... availability of blood and blood products. (b) Provision of testing. The facility must provide prompt ABO...

  11. Appropriateness of red blood cell transfusion in Australasian intensive care practice.

    PubMed

    French, Craig J; Bellomo, Rinaldo; Finfer, Simon R; Lipman, Jeffery; Chapman, Marianne; Boyce, Neil W

    2002-11-18

    To determine the incidence and appropriateness of use of allogenic packed red blood cell (RBC) transfusion in Australian and New Zealand intensive care practice. Intensive care units of 18 Australian and New Zealand hospitals: March 2001. Prospective, observational, multicentre study. All admissions to participating intensive care units were screened and all patients who received a transfusion of RBC were enrolled. The indications for transfusion were recorded and compared with Australian National Health and Medical Research Council guidelines. Transfusions conforming to these guidelines were deemed appropriate. RBC transfusion in intensive care and transfusion appropriateness. 1808 admissions to intensive care units were screened: 357 (19.8%) admissions (350 patients) received an RBC transfusion while in intensive care. Overall, 1464 RBC units were administered in intensive care on 576 transfusion days. The most common indications for transfusion were acute bleeding (60.1%; 880/1464) and diminished physiological reserve (28.9%; 423/1464). The rate of inappropriate transfusion was 3.0% (44/1464). Diminished physiological reserve with haemogloblin level > or = 100 g/L was the indication in 50% (22/44) of inappropriate transfusions; no indication was provided for 31% (15/44). The rate of inappropriate transfusion in Australian and New Zealand intensive care units in 2001 was remarkably low.

  12. Detecting autologous blood transfusions: a comparison of three passport approaches and four blood markers.

    PubMed

    Mørkeberg, J; Sharpe, K; Belhage, B; Damsgaard, R; Schmidt, W; Prommer, N; Gore, C J; Ashenden, M J

    2011-04-01

    Blood passport has been suggested as an indirect tool to detect various kinds of blood manipulations. Autologous blood transfusions are currently undetectable, and the objective of this study was to examine the sensitivities of different blood markers and blood passport approaches in order to determine the best approach to detect autologous blood transfusions. Twenty-nine subjects were transfused with either one (n=8) or three (n=21) bags of autologous blood. Hemoglobin concentration ([Hb]), percentage of reticulocytes (%ret) and hemoglobin mass (Hbmass) were measured 1 day before reinfusion and six times after reinfusion. The sensitivity and specificity of a novel marker, Hbmr (based on Hbmass and %ret), was evaluated together with [Hb], Hbmass and OFF-hr by different passport methods. Our novel Hbmr marker showed superior sensitivity in detecting the highest dosage of transfused blood, with OFF-hr showing equal or superior sensitivities at lower dosages. Hbmr and OFF-hr showed superior but equal sensitivities from 1 to 4 weeks after transfusion compared with [Hb] and Hbmass, with Hbmass being the only tenable prospect to detect acute transfusions. Because autologous blood transfusions can be an acute practice with blood withdrawal and reinfusion within a few days, Hbmass seems to be the only option for revealing this practice. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

  13. [Blood transfusion assessment to 112 homozygous sickle-cell disease patients in university hospital of Brazzaville].

    PubMed

    Dokekias, A Elira; Ossini, L Ngolet; Tsiba, F O Atipo; Malanda, F; Koko, I; De Montalembert, M

    2009-01-01

    Homozygous, sickle-cell disease (SCD) is responsible for acute complication, especially anaemic crisis and special situation such as acute chest syndrome, stroke and acute priapism. Pregnancy sickle-cell disease presents high risk for the mother and the fetus. In these indications, blood transfusion is the main therapy aiming to reduce anaemia in order to restore hemoglobin's rate or to increase normal Hb proportion. This study aims to assess the short-term efficiency of the red cell transfusion in SCD homozygous form. One hundred and twelve homozygous sickle-cell patients were enrolled in this prospective study: 59 females and 53 males, median age is 21,8 years (extremes: 2 and 45 years). These patients are mostly with very low income. Two groups of patients are included in this study. In the first group, patients present acute anemia crisis caused by infections disease (malaria, bacterial infections). In the second group (20 cases), SCD patients have particularly situations: pregnancy (10 cases); stroke (six cases); cardiac failure (two cases) and priapism (two cases). Transfusion treatment in first group is simple regimen. Transfusion of EC increased median Hb level at 2,9 g/dl (extremes: 1,1 and 4,7). In the second group of patients, 16 cases were transfused by manual partial exchange (1-3) and four patients received simple regimen of transfusion. Median Hb level was 3,1g/dl (extremes: 2,4-4,9 g/dl). HbS percentage reduction was after PTE between -30 and -66,8% (median: -52,6%). According to our diagnostic possibilities (blood serologic test), we have not found any contamination by HIV, HBV and HCV (virus).

  14. The bloody mess of red blood cell transfusion.

    PubMed

    Chandra, Susilo; Kulkarni, Hrishikesh; Westphal, Martin

    2017-12-28

    Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion might be life-saving in settings with acute blood loss, especially uncontrolled haemorrhagic shock. However, there appears to be a catch-22 situation reflected by the facts that preoperative anaemia represents an independent risk factor for postoperative morbidity and mortality, and that RBC transfusion might also contribute to adverse clinical outcomes. This dilemma is further complicated by the difficulty to define the "best" transfusion trigger and strategy. Since one size does obviously not fit all, a personalised approach is merited. Attempts should thus be made to critically reflect on the pros and cons of RBC transfusion in each individual patient. Patient blood management concepts including preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative optimisation strategies involving the intensive care unit are warranted and are likely to provide benefits for the patients and the healthcare system. In this context, it is important to consider that "simply" increasing the haemoglobin content, and in proportion oxygen delivery, may not necessarily contribute to a better outcome but potentially the contrary in the long term. The difficulty lies in identification of the patients who might eventually profit from RBC transfusion and to determine in whom a transfusion might be withheld without inducing harm. More robust clinical data providing long-term outcome data are needed to better understand in which patients RBC transfusion might be life-saving vs life-limiting.

  15. Results of a protocol of transfusion threshold and surgical technique on transfusion requirements in burn patients.

    PubMed

    O'Mara, Michael S; Hayetian, Fernando; Slater, Harvey; Goldfarb, I William; Tolchin, Eric; Caushaj, Philip F

    2005-08-01

    Blood loss and high rates of transfusion in burn centers remains an area of ongoing concern. Blood use brings the risk of infection, adverse reaction, and immunosuppression. A protocol to reduce blood loss and blood use was implemented. Analysis included 3-year periods before and after institution of the protocol. All patients were transfused for a hemoglobin below 8.0 gm/dL. Operations per admission did not change during the two time periods (0.78 in each). Overall units transfused per operation decreased from 1.56+/-0.06 to 1.25+/-0.14 units after instituting the protocol (p<0.05). Also, units transfused per admission decreased from 1.21+/-0.15 to 0.96+/-0.06 units of blood (p<0.05). This was noticed particularly in burns of less than 20% surface area, declining from 386 to 46 units after protocol institution, from 0.37 to 0.04 units per admission, and from 0.79 to 0.08 units per operation in this group of smallest burns. There was no change noted in the larger burns. This study suggests that a defined protocol of hemostasis, technique, and transfusion trigger should be implemented in the process of burn excision and grafting. This will help especially those patients with the smallest burns, essentially eliminating transfusion need in that group.

  16. Transfusion practice in anemic, non-bleeding patients: Cross-sectional survey of physicians working in general internal medicine teaching hospitals in Switzerland.

    PubMed

    von Babo, Michelle; Chmiel, Corinne; Müggler, Simon Andreas; Rakusa, Julia; Schuppli, Caroline; Meier, Philipp; Fischler, Manuel; Urner, Martin

    2018-01-01

    Transfusion practice might significantly influence patient morbidity and mortality. Between European countries, transfusion practice of red blood cells (RBC) greatly differs. Only sparse data are available on transfusion practice of general internal medicine physicians in Switzerland. In this cross-sectional survey, physicians working in general medicine teaching hospitals in Switzerland were investigated regarding their self-reported transfusion practice in anemic patients without acute bleeding. The definition of anemia, transfusion triggers, knowledge on RBC transfusion, and implementation of guidelines were assessed. 560 physicians of 71 hospitals (64%) responded to the survey. Anemia was defined at very diverging hemoglobin values (by 38% at a hemoglobin <130 g/L for men and by 57% at <120 g/L in non-pregnant women). 62% and 43% respectively, did not define anemia in men and in women according to the World Health Organization. Fifty percent reported not to transfuse RBC according to international guidelines. Following factors were indicated to influence the decision to transfuse: educational background of the physicians, geographical region of employment, severity of anemia, and presence of known coronary artery disease. 60% indicated that their knowledge on Transfusion-related Acute Lung Injury (TRALI) did not influence transfusion practice. 50% of physicians stated that no local transfusion guidelines exist and 84% supported the development of national recommendations on transfusion in non-acutely bleeding, anemic patients. This study highlights the lack of adherence to current transfusion guidelines in Switzerland. Identifying and subsequently correcting this deficit in knowledge translation may have a significant impact on patient care.

  17. PATCH: platelet transfusion in cerebral haemorrhage: study protocol for a multicentre, randomised, controlled trial.

    PubMed

    de Gans, Koen; de Haan, Rob J; Majoie, Charles B; Koopman, Maria M; Brand, Anneke; Dijkgraaf, Marcel G; Vermeulen, Marinus; Roos, Yvo B

    2010-03-18

    Patients suffering from intracerebral haemorrhage have a poor prognosis, especially if they are using antiplatelet therapy. Currently, no effective acute treatment option for intracerebral haemorrhage exists. Limiting the early growth of intracerebral haemorrhage volume which continues the first hours after admission seems a promising strategy. Because intracerebral haemorrhage patients who are on antiplatelet therapy have been shown to be particularly at risk of early haematoma growth, platelet transfusion may have a beneficial effect. The primary objective is to investigate whether platelet transfusion improves outcome in intracerebral haemorrhage patients who are on antiplatelet treatment. The PATCH study is a prospective, randomised, multi-centre study with open treatment and blind endpoint evaluation. Patients will be randomised to receive platelet transfusion within six hours or standard care. The primary endpoint is functional health after three months. The main secondary endpoints are safety of platelet transfusion and the occurrence of haematoma growth. To detect an absolute poor outcome reduction of 20%, a total of 190 patients will be included. To our knowledge this is the first randomised controlled trial of platelet transfusion for an acute haemorrhagic disease.

  18. DELAYING BLOOD TRANSFUSION IN EXPERIMENTAL ACUTE ANEMIA WITH A PERFLUOROCARBON EMULSION

    PubMed Central

    Cabrales, Pedro; Briceño, Juan Carlos

    2011-01-01

    Background To avoid unnecessary blood transfusions, physiologic transfusion triggers, rather than exclusively hemoglobin-based transfusion triggers have been suggested. The objective of this study was to determine systemic and microvascular effects of using a perfluorocarbon-based oxygen carrier (PFCOC) to maintaining perfusion and oxygenation during extreme anemia. Methods The hamster (weight 55-65 g) window chamber model was used. Two isovolemic hemodilution steps were performed using 10% hydroxyethyl starch at normoxic conditions to hematocrit of 19% (5.5 gHb/dl), point where the transfusion trigger was reached. Two additional hemodilution exchanges using the PFCOC (Oxycyte™, Synthetic Blood International, Inc. Costa Mesa, CA) and increasing fraction of inspired oxygen to 1.0 were performed to reduce hematocrit to 11% (3.8 gHb/dl) and 6% (2.0 gHb/dl), respectively. No control group was used in the study, as this level of hemodilution is lethal with conventional plasma expanders. Systemic parameters, microvascular perfusion, functional capillary density and oxygen tensions across the microvascular network were measured. Results At 6% hematocrit, the PFCOC maintained mean arterial pressure, cardiac output, systemic oxygen delivery and consumption. As hematocrit was lowered from 11% to 6%, functional capillary density, calculated microvascular oxygen delivery and consumption decreased, and oxygen extraction ratio was close to 100%. Peripheral tissue oxygenation was not predicted by systemic oxygenation. Conclusions PFCOC in conjunction with hyperoxia was able to sustain organ function, and partially provide systemic oxygenation during extreme anemia over the observation period. The PFCOC can work as a bridge until red blood cells are available for transfusion, or where additional oxygen is required, notwithstanding possible limitations in peripheral tissue oxygenation. PMID:21326091

  19. The IgE-dependent pathway in allergic transfusion reactions: involvement of donor blood allergens other than plasma proteins.

    PubMed

    Matsuyama, Nobuki; Yasui, Kazuta; Amakishi, Etsuko; Hayashi, Tomoya; Kuroishi, Ayumu; Ishii, Hiroyuki; Matsukura, Harumichi; Tani, Yoshihiko; Furuta, Rika A; Hirayama, Fumiya

    2015-07-01

    On transfusion, several plasma proteins can cause anaphylaxis in patients deficient in the corresponding plasma proteins. However, little is known about other allergens, which are encountered much more infrequently. Although it has been speculated that an allergen-independent pathway underlying allergic transfusion reactions (ATRs) is elicited by biological response modifiers accumulated in blood components during storage, the exact mechanisms remain unresolved. Furthermore, it is difficult even to determine whether ATRs are induced via allergen-dependent or allergen-independent pathways. To distinguish these two pathways in ATR cases, we established a basophil activation test, in which the basophil-activating ability of supernatants of residual transfused blood of ATR cases to whole blood basophils was assessed in the presence or absence of dasatinib, an inhibitor of IgE-mediated basophil activation. Three of 37 supernatants from the platelet concentrates with ATRs activated panel blood basophils in the absence, but not in the presence, of dasatinib. The basophil activation was inhibited by treatment of anti-fish collagen I MoAb in one case, suggesting that the involvement of fish allergens may have been present in donor plasma. We concluded that unknown non-plasma proteins, some of which had epitopes similar to fish antigens, in blood component may be involved in ATRs via an allergen/IgE-dependent pathway.

  20. Serious hazards of transfusion - conference report: celebration of 20 years of UK haemovigilance.

    PubMed

    Bolton-Maggs, P H B

    2017-12-01

    The Annual SHOT Report for incidents in 2016 was published on July 12 and celebrated of 20 years of UK haemovigilance. Components are very safe, related in part to risk-reduction measures triggered by SHOT reporting. Transfusion-related acute lung injury is now very rare (all plasma components are provided from male donors), and infection transmission is also uncommon - a single transmission of hepatitis E in 2016 and no bacterial transmissions. Human factors (errors) account for 87% of all reports. Deaths and major morbidity most often result from transfusion-associated circulatory overload. Wrong transfusions and deaths from ABO-incompatible transfusion can be reduced by correct bedside checks. It is notable that information technology systems may not be safe. Standardisation is required for flags and alerts. SHOT key recommendations include: assess patients for transfusion-associated circulatory overload prior to transfusion. Be like a pilot - use a bedside checklist when setting up the transfusion. © 2017 British Blood Transfusion Society.

  1. Incompatible blood transfusion: Challenging yet lifesaving in the management of acute severe autoimmune hemolytic anemia.

    PubMed

    Das, Sudipta Sekhar; Zaman, Rafiq Uz; Safi, Mohammad

    2014-07-01

    Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is characterized by the production of autoantibodies directed against red cell antigens. Most patients of AIHA arrive in the emergency or out-patient department (OPD) with severe anemia requiring urgent blood transfusion. Here we share our experience of managing these patients with incompatible blood transfusions and suggest the minimal test required to assure patient safety. A total of 14 patients admitted with severe anemia, diagnosed with AIHA and requiring blood transfusion urgently were included in the study. A series of immunohematological investigations were performed to confirm the diagnosis and issue best match packed red blood cells (PRBC) to these patients. A total of 167 PRBC units were crossmatched for 14 patients of which 46 units (28%) were found to be best match ones and 26 (56.5%) of these units were transfused. A mean turn around time of 222 min was observed in issuing the "best match" blood. Severe hemolysis was observed in all patients with a median hemoglobin increment of 0.88 g/dl after each unit PRBC transfusion. Decision to transfuse in AIHA should be based on the clinical condition of the patient. No critical patient should be denied blood transfusion due to serological incompatibility. Minimum investigations such as direct antiglobulin test (DAT), antibody screening and autocontrol should be performed to ensure transfusion safety in patients. All transfusion services should be capable of issuing "best match" PRBCs in AIHA.

  2. Incompatible blood transfusion: Challenging yet lifesaving in the management of acute severe autoimmune hemolytic anemia

    PubMed Central

    Das, Sudipta Sekhar; Zaman, Rafiq Uz; Safi, Mohammad

    2014-01-01

    Background and Aim: Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is characterized by the production of autoantibodies directed against red cell antigens. Most patients of AIHA arrive in the emergency or out-patient department (OPD) with severe anemia requiring urgent blood transfusion. Here we share our experience of managing these patients with incompatible blood transfusions and suggest the minimal test required to assure patient safety. Materials and Methods: A total of 14 patients admitted with severe anemia, diagnosed with AIHA and requiring blood transfusion urgently were included in the study. A series of immunohematological investigations were performed to confirm the diagnosis and issue best match packed red blood cells (PRBC) to these patients. Results: A total of 167 PRBC units were crossmatched for 14 patients of which 46 units (28%) were found to be best match ones and 26 (56.5%) of these units were transfused. A mean turn around time of 222 min was observed in issuing the “best match” blood. Severe hemolysis was observed in all patients with a median hemoglobin increment of 0.88 g/dl after each unit PRBC transfusion. Conclusion: Decision to transfuse in AIHA should be based on the clinical condition of the patient. No critical patient should be denied blood transfusion due to serological incompatibility. Minimum investigations such as direct antiglobulin test (DAT), antibody screening and autocontrol should be performed to ensure transfusion safety in patients. All transfusion services should be capable of issuing “best match” PRBCs in AIHA. PMID:25161349

  3. The hospital transfusion committee: a step towards improved quality assurance.

    PubMed

    Calder, L; Woodfield, G

    1991-10-09

    Quality assurance has an important contribution to make in the judicious use of scarce resources. Auckland Hospital has established a transfusion committee because there was an escalating usage of blood and blood products which are expensive prescription medicines. A pilot audit of red cell transfusions indicated that 29% of red cell transfusions may have been unnecessary. A wide range of initiatives at Auckland Hospital has reduced blood product usage. Inappropriate use of blood carries an opportunity cost and may subject patients to unnecessary risk of reactions, including potential disease transmission. Strategies which need to be employed by transfusion committees include the introduction of clinical audit, physician education, restrictions on availability, and clinical budgeting. It is recommended that transfusion committees be set up in all major hospitals.

  4. A comparative assessment of nursing students' cognitive knowledge of blood transfusion using lecture and simulation.

    PubMed

    Flood, Lisa S; Higbie, Julie

    2016-01-01

    Professional nurses must have the knowledge and skills to safely administer blood products and monitor for life-threatening complications. Nurse educators should ensure that student nurses also learn how to safely administer blood products; however students rarely have the opportunity to witness and manage adverse transfusion reactions. Despite the low incidence of rare adverse transfusion reactions, nursing students must be able to immediately recognize transfusion reactions, implement appropriate interventions, and communicate effectively with health care providers. To reinforce blood transfusion knowledge, practice technical skills, and promote management of adverse reactions, a human patient simulation experience was created for baccalaureate nursing students to provide application of related classroom content. Using a quasi-experimental design, students who received a related didactic lecture preceding the simulation were compared with students who did not receive the lecture. The lecture group's pre/posttest mean scores (n = 42) were significantly higher than the no lecture group's mean scores (n = 44). This simulation design included proper blood administration procedures, patient monitoring, management of transfusion reactions, and practice with interdisciplinary communication. Participation in a human patient simulation following a related didactic lecture may be useful to strengthen cognitive learning and help bridge the didactic-clinic gap. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  5. A prospective, randomized, double-blind study, comparing unirradiated to irradiated white blood cell transfusions in acute leukemia patients

    PubMed Central

    Freireich, E J; Lichtiger, B; Mattiuzzi, G; Martinez, F; Reddy, V; Kyle Wathen, J

    2013-01-01

    A prospective, randomized double-blind study comparing the effects of irradiated and unirradiated white blood cells was conducted in 108 acute leukemia patients with life-threatening infections, refractory to antibiotics. The study demonstrated no significant improvement in 30-day survival or overall survival. Transfusion of unirradiated white cells did not compromise the patient's opportunity to undergo allogeneic stem cell transplant, nor the success rate or overall survival after allogeneic transplant. The important positive finding in this study was that the unirradiated white cells produced a significantly higher increment in circulating granulocytes and in a higher proportion of patients granulocyte count exceeded 1000 per microliter, approaching normal concentrations. The increase in the number and the improved survival of the unirradiated granulocytes suggest that this procedure might potentially be a method to improve the utility of granulocyte transfusions and merits further investigation. The study demonstrated non-inferiority for unirradiated white cells. There were no harmful effects such as graft-versus-host disease, indicating that such studies would be safe to conduct in the future. PMID:23072780

  6. Detection of rare blood group, Bombay (Oh) phenotype patients and management by acute normovolemic hemodilution.

    PubMed

    Shrivastava, Manisha; Navaid, Seema; Peethambarakshan, A; Agrawal, Kalpana; Khan, Athar

    2015-01-01

    Due to lack of correct blood grouping practices, the rare Bombay Oh phenotype may be missed, subjecting patients to the risk of severe hemolytic transfusion reaction. In the absence of blood donor registry, transfusion management of patients needing immediate surgery is a challenge. This study presents detection of rare Bombay Oh phenotype patients and their management by acute peri-operative acute normovolemic hemodilution (ANH) in a hospital from central India. Blood grouping of patients and blood donors with a standard tube method was carried out and samples identified as rare Bombay phenotype were confirmed by saliva inhibition test. Surgical management of cases needing transfusion was done by ANH, as per the British Committee for Standards in Hematology guidelines. The incidence of Bombay phenotype was 0.002% or 1 in 51,924 in the study. Amongst three cases (patients) identified as Bombay phenotype, one was Bombay Oh, Rh negative. Two cases were missed in the first instance and one case actually did not require transfusion. In the absence of a blood donor registry for Bombay phenotype, the cases needing transfusion were successfully managed with ANH in the operation theatre. A simple test like blood grouping should be done with serious intention with incorporation of both forward and reverse grouping, so that no patient receives wrong blood leading to fatal hemolysis due to transfusion. ANH is a cost-effective transfusion option for suitable patients. Appropriate clinical decision making, use of strategies to decrease peri-operative blood losses and cost-effective country based planning could be more widely applied to improve clinical transfusion practice.

  7. Transfusion Medicine in Sub-Saharan Africa: Conference Summary.

    PubMed

    Dzik, Walter Sunny; Kyeyune, Dorothy; Otekat, Grace; Natukunda, Bernard; Hume, Heather; Kasirye, Phillip G; Ddungu, Henry; Kajja, Isaac; Dhabangi, Aggrey; Mugyenyi, Godfrey R; Seguin, Claire; Barnes, Linda; Delaney, Meghan

    2015-07-01

    In November 2014, a 3-day conference devoted to transfusion medicine in sub-Saharan Africa was held in Kampala, Uganda. Faculty from academic institutions in Uganda provided a broad overview of issues pertinent to transfusion medicine in Africa. The conference consisted of lectures, demonstrations, and discussions followed by 5 small group workshops held at the Uganda Blood Transfusion Service Laboratories, the Ugandan Cancer Institute, and the Mulago National Referral Hospital. Highlighted topics included the challenges posed by increasing clinical demands for blood, the need for better patient identification at the time of transfusion, inadequate application of the antiglobulin reagent during pretransfusion testing, concern regarding proper recognition and evaluation of transfusion reactions, the expanded role for nurse leadership as a means to improve patient outcomes, and the need for an epidemiologic map of blood usage in Africa. Specialty areas of focus included the potential for broader application of transcranial Doppler and hydroxyurea therapy in sickle cell disease, African-specific guidelines for transfusion support of cancer patients, the challenges of transfusion support in trauma, and the importance of African-centered clinical research in pediatric and obstetric transfusion medicine. The course concluded by summarizing the benefits derived from an organized quality program that extended from the donor to the recipient. As an educational tool, the slide-audio presentation of the lectures will be made freely available at the International Society of Blood Transfusion Academy Web site: http://www.isbtweb.org/academy/. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  8. The association of fever with transfusion-associated circulatory overload.

    PubMed

    Parmar, N; Pendergrast, J; Lieberman, L; Lin, Y; Callum, J; Cserti-Gazdewich, C

    2017-01-01

    Fever is described in transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO), reflecting either comprehensive haemovigilance or an inflammatory pathobiology (such as congestion-associated atheroma disruptions). Hospital haemovigilance data (1/1/2010-31/12/2012) were reviewed for TACO cases (frequency and mode of referral). TACO with or without fever (TACO+F/-F) was examined for its association with patient age (as a surrogate for atheroma burden) and product age (as a surrogate for storage-related pyrogens). Fever in allergic transfusion reactions was also compared. Of 972 reactions, 107 suspected cases of TACO (11%) were seen. TACO+F vs. TACO-F occurred in 42·1 vs. 57·9%, respectively. TACO+F cases were discovered in referrals to investigate either a fever (in 47·1%) or dyspnoea (in 52·9%). Among TACO+F cases, 24·4% had already been febrile, whereas 75·6% exhibited a new reaction-associated fever. After excluding preexisting fevers, TACO+F occurred in 31·8% of TACO, compared with 8·2% of allergic reactions with fever, for an odds ratio of 5·2 (2·9-9·4 [95% CI]), P < 0·001. TACO+F/TACO-F showed no difference in median host age (69 vs. 64 years, P = 0·3), RBC age (22 days +F/-F, P = 0·9) or severity. Transfusion-associated circulatory overload disproportionately exhibits fever compared with allergic reactions. However, TACO+F did not associate with patient or product age, nor reflect severity. To better understand TACO+F, the fever-congestion sequence merits attention. Further study is needed to see whether TACO+F occurs as reproducibly elsewhere, and in association with atherosclerosis in a better characterized cohort. © 2016 International Society of Blood Transfusion.

  9. Esterase reactions in acute myelomonocytic leukemia.

    PubMed

    Kass, L

    1977-05-01

    Specific and nonspecific esterase reactions of bone marrow cells from 14 patients with untreated acute myelomonocytic leukemia and six patients with acute histiomonocytic leukemia were examined. The technic for esterase determination permitted simultaneous visualization of both esterases on the same glass coverslip containing the marrow cells. In cases of acute histiomonocytic leukemia, monocytes, monocytoid hemohistioblasts and undifferentiated blasts stained intensely positive for nonspecific esterase, using alpha-naphthyl acetate as the substrate. No evidence of specific esterase activity using naphthol ASD-chloroacetate as the substrate and fast blue BBN as the dye coupler was apparent in these cells. In all of the cases of acute myelomonocytic leukemia, both specific and nonspecific esterases were visualized within monocytes, monocytoid cells, and granulocytic cells that had monocytoid-type nuclei. Nonspecific esterase activity was not observed in polymorphonuclear leukocytes in cases of myelomonocytic leukemia. The results support a current viewpoint that acute myelomonocytic leukemia may be a variant of acute myeloblastic leukemia, and that cytochemically, many of the leukemic cells in myelomonocytic leukemia share properties of both granulocytes and monocytes.

  10. Single blood transfusion induces the production of donor-specific alloantibodies and regulatory T cells mainly in the spleen

    PubMed Central

    Kitazawa, Yusuke; Sawanobori, Yasushi; Ueno, Takamasa; Ueha, Satoshi; Matsushima, Kouji; Matsuno, Kenjiro

    2018-01-01

    Abstract Donor-specific blood transfusion is known to induce alloresponses and lead to immunosuppression. We examined their underlying mechanisms by employing fully allogeneic rat combinations. Transfused recipients efficiently produced alloantibodies of the IgM and IgG subclasses directed against donor class I MHC. The recipients exhibited active expansion of CD4+ T cells and CD4+FOXP3+ regulatory T cells (Treg cells), followed by CD45R+ B cells and IgM+ or IgG subclass+ antibody-forming cells mainly in the spleen. From 1.5 days, the resident MHCII+CD103+ dendritic cells (DCs) in the splenic T-cell area, periarterial lymphocyte sheath, formed clusters with recipient BrdU+ or 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine+ cells, from which the proliferative response of CD4+ T cells originated peaking at 3–4 days. Transfusion-induced antibodies had donor passenger cell-depleting activity in vitro and in vivo and could suppress acute GvH disease caused by donor T cells. Furthermore, Treg cells significantly suppressed mixed leukocyte reactions in a donor-specific manner. In conclusion, single blood transfusion efficiently induced a helper T-cell-dependent anti-donor class I MHC antibody-forming cell response with immunoglobulin class switching, and a donor-specific Treg cell response mainly in the spleen, probably by way of the indirect allorecognition via resident DCs. These antibodies and Treg cells may be involved, at least partly, in the donor-specific transfusion-induced suppression of allograft rejection. PMID:29361165

  11. Risk Factors and Outcomes in Transfusion-associated Circulatory Overload

    PubMed Central

    Murphy, Edward L.; Kwaan, Nicholas; Looney, Mark R.; Gajic, Ognjen; Hubmayr, Rolf D.; Gropper, Michael A.; Koenigsberg, Monique; Wilson, Greg; Matthay, Michael; Bacchetti, Peter; Toy, Pearl

    2013-01-01

    BACKGROUND Transfusion-associated circulatory overload is characterized by new respiratory distress and hydrostatic pulmonary edema within 6 hours after blood transfusion, but its risk factors and outcomes are poorly characterized. METHODS Using a case control design, we enrolled 83 patients with severe transfusion-associated circulatory overload identified by active surveillance for hypoxemia and 163 transfused controls at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and Mayo Clinic (Rochester, Minn) hospitals. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using multivariable logistic regression, and survival and length of stay were analyzed using proportional hazard models. RESULTS Transfusion-associated circulatory overload was associated with chronic renal failure (OR 27.0; 95% CI, 5.2–143), a past history of heart failure (OR 6.6; 95% CI, 2.1–21), hemorrhagic shock (OR 113; 95% CI, 14.1–903), number of blood products transfused (OR 1.11 per unit; 95% CI, 1.01–1.22), and fluid balance per hour (OR 9.4 per liter; 95% CI, 3.1–28). Patients with transfusion-associated circulatory overload had significantly increased in-hospital mortality (hazard ratio 3.20; 95% CI, 1.23–8.10) after controlling for Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation-II (APACHE-II) score, and longer hospital and intensive care unit lengths of stay. CONCLUSIONS The risk of transfusion-associated circulatory overload increases with the number of blood products administered and a positive fluid balance, and in patients with pre-existing heart failure and chronic renal failure. These data, if replicated, could be used to construct predictive algorithms for transfusion-associated circulatory overload, and subsequent modifications of transfusion practice might prevent morbidity and mortality associated with this complication. PMID:23357450

  12. Intravenous iron vs blood for acute post-partum anaemia (IIBAPPA): a prospective randomised trial.

    PubMed

    Chua, Seng; Gupta, Sarika; Curnow, Jennifer; Gidaszewski, Beata; Khajehei, Marjan; Diplock, Hayley

    2017-12-19

    Acute post-partum anaemia can be associated with significant morbidity including a predisposition for postnatal depression. Lack of clear practice guidelines means a number of women are treated with multiple blood transfusions. Intravenous iron has the potential to limit the need for multiple blood transfusions but its role in the post-partum setting is unclear. IIBAPPA is a multi-centre randomised non-inferiority trial. Women with a primary post-partum haemorrhage (PPH) >1000 mL and resultant haemoglobin (Hb) 5.5-8.0 g/dL after resuscitation with ongoing symptomatic anaemia who are otherwise stable (no active bleeding) are eligible to participate. Patients with sepsis or conditions necessitating rapid Hb restoration are excluded. Eligible participants are randomised to receive a blood transfusion or a single dose of intravenous iron polymaltose calculated using the Ganzoni formula. Primary outcome measures include Hb, Ferritin and C-Reactive Protein levels on Day 7. Secondary outcomes evaluate (i) Hb, Ferritin and CRP levels on Day 14, 28, (ii) anaemia symptoms on Day 0, 7, 14 and 28 using structured health related quality of life questionnaires, (iii) treatment safety by assessing adverse reactions and infection endpoints and (iv) the quantitative impact of anaemia on breast feeding quality using a hospital designed questionnaire. If equivalence in Hb and ferritin levels, symptom scores and safety endpoints is demonstrated, intravenous iron may become the preferred treatment for women with acute post-partum anaemia to minimise transfusion reactions and costs. Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12615001370594 on 16th December, 2015 (prospective approval).

  13. Implementation of secondary bacterial culture testing of platelets to mitigate residual risk of septic transfusion reactions.

    PubMed

    Bloch, Evan M; Marshall, Christi E; Boyd, Joan S; Shifflett, Lisa; Tobian, Aaron A R; Gehrie, Eric A; Ness, Paul M

    2018-04-01

    Bacterial contamination of platelets remains a major transfusion-associated risk despite long-standing safety measures in the United States. We evaluated an approach using secondary bacterial culture (SBC) to contend with residual risk of bacterial contamination. Phased implementation of SBC was initiated in October 2016 for platelets (all apheresis collected) received at our institution from the blood donor center (Day 3 post collection). Platelet products were sampled aseptically (5 mL inoculated into an aerobic bottle [BacT/ALERT BPA, BioMerieux, Inc.]) by the blood bank staff upon receipt, using a sterile connection device and sampling kit. The platelet sample was inoculated into an aerobic blood culture bottle and incubated at 35°C for 3 days. The cost of SBC was calculated on the basis of consumables and labor costs at time of implementation. In the 13 months following implementation (October 6, 2016, to November 30, 2017), 23,044/24,653 (93.47%) platelet products underwent SBC. A total of eight positive cultures were detected (incidence 1 in 2881 platelet products), seven of which were positive within 24 hours of SBC. Coagulase negative Staphyloccus spp. were identified in four cases. Five of the eight cases were probable true positive (repeat reactive) and interdicted (cost per averted case was US$77,935). The remaining three cases were indeterminate. No septic transfusion reactions were reported during the observation period. We demonstrate the feasibility of SBC of apheresis platelets to mitigate bacterial risk. SBC is lower cost than alternative measures (e.g., pathogen reduction and point-of-release testing) and can be integrated into workflow at hospital transfusion services. © 2018 AABB.

  14. A randomized controlled trial oftransfusion-related acute lung injury: is plasma from multiparous blood donors dangerous?

    PubMed

    Palfi, M; Berg, S; Ernerudh, J; Berlin, G

    2001-03-01

    Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) and other posttransfusion reactions may be caused by granulocyte and/or HLA antibodies, which are often present in blood from multiparous donors. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of plasma from multiparous donors with those of plasma from donors with no history of transfusion or pregnancy (control plasma) in a prospective, randomized, double-blind, crossover study. Intensive care patients, judged to need at least 2 units of plasma, were randomly assigned to receive a unit of control plasma and, 4 hours later, a plasma unit from a multiparous donor (> or = 3 live births) or to receive the plasma units in opposite order. The patients were closely monitored, and body temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate were recorded. Blood samples for analysis of blood gases, TNFalpha, IL-1 receptor antagonist, soluble E selectin, and C3d complement factor were collected at least on four occasions (before and after the transfusion of each unit). Transfusion of plasma from multiparous donors was associated with significantly lower oxygen saturation and higher TNFalpha concentrations than transfusion of control plasma. The mean arterial pressure increased significantly after the transfusion of control plasma, whereas plasma from multiparous donors had no effect on it. Five posttransfusion reactions were observed in 100 patients, in four cases after the transfusion of plasma from multiparous donors. Plasma from multiparous blood donors may impair pulmonary function in intensive care unit patients.

  15. Transfusion practice in Helsinki University Central Hospital: an analysis of diagnosis-related groups (DRG).

    PubMed

    Syrjälä, M T; Kytöniemi, I; Mikkolainen, K; Ranimo, J; Lauharanta, J

    2001-12-01

    Transfusion data combined with data automatically recorded in hospital databases provides an outstanding tool for blood utilization reporting. When the reporting is performed with an online analytical processing (OLAP) tool, real time reporting can be provided to blood subscribers. When this data is combined with a common patient classification system, Diagnosis-Related Groups (DRG), it is possible to produce statistical results, that are similar in different institutions and may provide a means for international transfusion bench-marking and cost comparison. We use a DRG classification to describe the transfusion practice in Helsinki University Central Hospital. The key indicators include the percentage of transfused patients, the number of transfused units and costs in different DRG groups, as well as transfusion rates per DRG weighted treatment episodes. Ninety-three per cent of all transfusions could be classified into different DRGs. The largest blood-using DRG group was acute adult leukaemia (DRG 473), which accounted for 10.4% of all transfusion costs. The 13 largest blood consuming DRGs accounted for half the total costs in 1998. Currently, there is a lack of an internationally accepted standardized way to report institutional or national transfusion practices. DRG-based transfusion reporting might serve as a means for transfusion benchmarking and thus aid studies of variations in transfusion practice.

  16. Blood conservation strategies to reduce the need for red blood cell transfusion in critically ill patients

    PubMed Central

    Tinmouth, Alan T.; McIntyre, Lauralynn A.; Fowler, Robert A.

    2008-01-01

    Anemia commonly affects critically ill patients. The causes are multifactorial and include acute blood loss, blood loss from diagnostic testing and blunted red blood cell production. Blood transfusions are frequently given to patients in intensive care units to treat low hemoglobin levels due to either acute blood loss or subacute anemia associated with critical illness. Although blood transfusion is a life-saving therapy, evidence suggests that it may be associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. A number of blood conservation strategies exist that may mitigate anemia in hospital patients and limit the need for transfusion. These strategies include the use of hemostatic agents, hemoglobin substitutes and blood salvage techniques, the reduction of blood loss associated with diagnostic testing, the use of erythropoietin and the use of restrictive blood transfusion triggers. Strategies to reduce blood loss associated with diagnostic testing and the use of hemostatic agents and erythropoietin result in higher hemoglobin levels, but they have not been shown to reduce the need for blood transfusions or to improve clinical outcomes. Lowering the hemoglobin threshold at which blood is transfused will reduce the need for transfusions and is not associated with increased morbidity or mortality among most critically ill patients without active cardiac disease. Further research is needed to determine the potential roles for other blood conservation strategies. PMID:18166731

  17. Critical Value Reporting in Transfusion Medicine

    PubMed Central

    Reese, Erika M.; Nelson, Randin C.; Flegel, Willy A.; Byrne, Karen M.; Booth, Garrett S.

    2017-01-01

    Abstract Objectives: While critical value procedures have been adopted in most areas of the clinical laboratory, their use in transfusion medicine has not been reviewed in detail. The results of this study present a comprehensive overview of critical value reporting and communication practices in transfusion medicine in the United States. Methods: A web-based survey was developed to collect data on the prevalence of critical value procedures and practices of communicating results. The survey was distributed via email to US hospital-based blood banks. Results: Of 123 facilities surveyed, 84 (68.3%) blood banks had a critical value procedure. From a panel of 23 common blood bank results, nine results were selected by more than 70% of facilities as either a critical value or requiring rapid communication as defined by an alternate procedure. Conclusions: There was overlap among results communicated by facilities with and without a critical value procedure. The most frequently communicated results, such as incompatible crossmatch for RBC units issued uncrossmatched, delay in finding compatible blood due to a clinically significant antibody, and transfusion reaction evaluation suggestive of a serious adverse event, addressed scenarios associated with the leading reported causes of transfusion-related fatalities. PMID:28371931

  18. The International Haemovigilance Network Database for the Surveillance of Adverse Reactions and Events in Donors and Recipients of Blood Components: technical issues and results.

    PubMed

    Politis, C; Wiersum, J C; Richardson, C; Robillard, P; Jorgensen, J; Renaudier, P; Faber, J-C; Wood, E M

    2016-11-01

    The International Haemovigilance Network's ISTARE is an online database for surveillance of all adverse reactions (ARs) and adverse events (AEs) associated with donation of blood and transfusion of blood components, irrespective of severity or the harm caused. ISTARE aims to unify the collection and sharing of information with a view to harmonizing best practices for haemovigilance systems around the world. Adverse reactionss and adverse events are recorded by blood component, type of reaction, severity and imputability to transfusion, using internationally agreed standard definitions. From 2006 to 2012, 125 national sets of annual aggregated data were received from 25 countries, covering 132.8 million blood components issued. The incidence of all ARs was 77.5 per 100 000 components issued, of which 25% were severe (19.1 per 100 000). Of 349 deaths (0.26 per 100 000), 58% were due to the three ARs related to the respiratory system: transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO, 27%), transfusion-associated acute lung injury (TRALI, 19%) and transfusion-associated dyspnoea (TAD, 12%). Cumulatively, 594 477 donor complications were reported (rate 660 per 100 000), of which 2.9% were severe. ISTARE is a well-established surveillance tool offering important contributions to international efforts to maximize transfusion safety. © 2016 International Society of Blood Transfusion.

  19. Transfusion-related immunomodulation: review of the literature and implications for pediatric critical illness.

    PubMed

    Muszynski, Jennifer A; Spinella, Philip C; Cholette, Jill M; Acker, Jason P; Hall, Mark W; Juffermans, Nicole P; Kelly, Daniel P; Blumberg, Neil; Nicol, Kathleen; Liedel, Jennifer; Doctor, Allan; Remy, Kenneth E; Tucci, Marisa; Lacroix, Jacques; Norris, Philip J

    2017-01-01

    Transfusion-related immunomodulation (TRIM) in the intensive care unit (ICU) is difficult to define and likely represents a complicated set of physiologic responses to transfusion, including both proinflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. Similarly, the immunologic response to critical illness in both adults and children is highly complex and is characterized by both acute inflammation and acquired immune suppression. How transfusion may contribute to or perpetuate these phenotypes in the ICU is poorly understood, despite the fact that transfusion is common in critically ill patients. Both hyperinflammation and severe immune suppression are associated with poor outcomes from critical illness, underscoring the need to understand potential immunologic consequences of blood product transfusion. In this review we outline the dynamic immunologic response to critical illness, provide clinical evidence in support of immunomodulatory effects of blood product transfusion, review preclinical and translational studies to date of TRIM, and provide insight into future research directions. © 2016 AABB.

  20. Blood transfusion and 30-day readmission rate in adult patients hospitalized with sickle cell disease crisis

    PubMed Central

    Nouraie, Mehdi; Gordeuk, Victor R.

    2015-01-01

    Background Sickle cell disease (SCD) patients hospitalized with vaso-occlusive pain crisis tend to have prolonged length of stay (LOS) and high 30-day readmission rates. We investigated the associations of demographic characteristics, comorbidities and blood transfusion during hospitalization with these outcomes. Study Design Repeated regression analysis was used to analyze 39,324 admissions of 4,348 adults with sickle cell crisis from 2007–2012 in the Truven Health MarketScan® Medicaid Databases. Results The mean (95% range) LOS was 5.9 (1.0–19.0) days and the 30-day readmission rate was 39.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 39.1%–40.0%). Older age, chronic cardiopulmonary, renal or liver disease and sepsis were associated with both longer LOS and greater 30-day readmission rate. Female gender, iron overload, acute chest syndrome, acute renal failure and stroke were additional predictors of longer LOS. Simple red blood cell transfusion was administered in 31.3% of the admissions, and these patients tended to have more severe disease (chronic cardiopulmonary or kidney disease, acute chest syndrome, acute kidney or liver failure, sepsis). Nevertheless, transfusion was associated with a reduced estimated odds ratio of inpatient mortality of 0.75 (95% CI: 0.57–0.99) and a decreased odds ratio of 30-day readmission of 0.78 (95% CI: 0.73–0.83). Conclusion Our findings point to blood transfusion as a potential means to reduce the 30-day readmission rate among Medicaid patients hospitalized with sickle cell crisis. There is a need for a prospective study to examine the potential benefit and safety of simple blood transfusion for this purpose. PMID:26126756

  1. [Clinical effects of the transfusion of leukocytes isolated by filtration from continuous flux].

    PubMed

    Malinvaud, G; Gailiard, S; Gualde, N

    1977-09-01

    The present work studies clinical effects of leukocyte transfusions to patients with medular aplasis. Leukocytes were collected by filtration on a continuous flow, according to the technique earlier described in this review [9]. Two major points are stressed on tolerance by the patients of the injected products and clinical efficiency. Seventy eight suspensions were prepared and transfused to 30 patients in the course of 36 incidents of myeloid insufficiency. All patients but two evidenced by the time of transfusion a number of polynuclears inferior to 500 per cubic millimeter. The infection was quite serious with increased gravity despite the antibiotherapy. Intolerance was noticeable in about one third of the cases, half of which consisted only in chillis by the end or after transfusion. Only one accident consisting in acute respiration troubles and shock was observed. This however does not occur by chance. It involves sensitization which may be related to HLA system but may also be of different nature, although not clearly identified. Nevertheless is efficiency of the injected products demonstrated by recirculation of the transfused leukocytes. This was noticed within an hour following transfusion for more than 50 percent of the cases. Furthermore it lasted for 16 hours in more than one fourth of the patients. In addition following results are in favour of real clinical efficiency. Certainly in the course of 16 aplasic incidents, no improvement was observed. For most patients however transfusions were late and not renewed or the patients were highly immunized. Conversely the infection state did improve in 8 patients, the disease responsible for aplasia running its course on its own. Lastly in the course of 12 aplasic incidents, infection and acute aplasia did cure. All these observations should lead one to study with great care the immunological state of the recipient. Instructions being known, the number of transfused leukocytes should be sufficient and

  2. Unexpected Anemia and Reticulocytopenia in an Adolescent With Sickle Cell Anemia Receiving Chronic Transfusion Therapy.

    PubMed

    Blauel, Emily R; Grossmann, Lily T; Vissa, Madhav; Miller, Scott T

    2015-10-01

    In a patient with sickle cell disease receiving chronic transfusion, exacerbation of anemia with reticulocytopenia must prompt consideration of a delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction with hyperhemolysis, as further transfusion may worsen this condition; definitive diagnosis is sometimes difficult. Anemia evolving during parvovirus B19-induced erythroid hypoplasia (transient aplastic crisis) should be attenuated in chronic transfusion patients due to superior survival of transfused over endogenous red blood cells. A 16-year-old with sickle cell disease receiving chronic transfusion of modified intensity (goal to maintain hemoglobin S<50%) who developed symptomatic anemia with reticulocytopenia was later shown to have had transient aplastic crisis.

  3. An epidemiologic cohort study reviewing the practice of blood product transfusions among a population of pediatric oncology patients.

    PubMed

    Lieberman, Lani; Liu, Yang; Portwine, Carol; Barty, Rebecca L; Heddle, Nancy M

    2014-10-01

    Despite the high utilization of blood products by pediatric oncology patients, literature in this population remains scarce. The primary objective of this study was to assess red blood cell (RBC) and platelet (PLT) utilization rates and transfusion thresholds in pediatric oncology patients. The secondary objective was to describe transfusion-related complications including RBC alloantibody development and transfusion reactions. This epidemiologic cohort study involved pediatric oncology patients at a Canadian academic children's hospital between April 2002 and December 2011. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and transfusion variables were collected from the Transfusion Registry for Utilization Statistics and Tracking database, a large database that captures more than 50 demographic and clinical variables as well as comprehensive transfusion information and laboratory test results. Of 647 pediatric oncology patients, 430 (66%) received a RBC or PLT transfusion or both during this time period. The median transfusion threshold before a RBC and PLT transfusion was a hemoglobin (Hb) value of 72 g/L (interquartile range [IQR], 68-76 g/L) and a PLT count of 16 × 10(9) /L (IQR, 10 × 10(9) -23 × 10(9) /L), respectively. Ninety-two percent of the issued RBC and PLT products (7507/8154) were cytomegalovirus negative and 90% were irradiated (7299/8154). RBC alloantibody development and transfusion reactions were reported infrequently in 0.5% (2/423) and 4.5% (8/179) of the patients, respectively. This study assessed utilization rates, transfusion thresholds, alloantibody development, and transfusion reactions in pediatric oncology patients. The descriptive results from this epidemiologic study provide baseline information to generate hypotheses to be tested in future interventional studies. © 2014 AABB.

  4. Blood transfusion in trauma patients: unresolved questions.

    PubMed

    Cushing, M; Shaz, B H

    2011-03-01

    Massive transfusion is an essential part of resuscitation efforts in acute trauma patients. The goal is to quickly correct trauma-induced coagulopathy and replace red blood cell (RBC) mass with the minimal number as well as the appropriate choice of blood components to minimize the possible adverse effects of transfusions. Early trauma induced coagulopathy (ETIC) is present in about 20% of patients upon hospital admission and predicts for decreased survival. The mechanism of ETIC is still being elucidated; however, most theories of ETIC's pathophysiology justify the early use of plasma. Most massive transfusion protocol (MTP) ratios deliver blood products in a ratio of 1:1:1 for RBCs:plasma:platelets, which is supported by the majority of the literature demonstrating improved patient survival with higher ratios (>1 plasma and platelet for every 2 RBCs transfused). Indeed, formula-driven MTPs allow trauma services to react quickly to ETIC and provide coagulation factors and platelets in these ratios without having to wait for the results of coagulation assays while the patient's coagulopathy worsens. New MTPs are being created which are adjusted according to an individual's coagulation laboratory values based on point-of-care laboratory tests, such as thromboelastography. When creating an MTP, product wastage due to inappropriate activation and improper product storage should be considered and closely monitored. Another area of discussion regarding transfusion in trauma includes the potential association of prolonged storage of RBCs and adverse outcomes, which has yet to be confirmed. Significant progress has been made in the transfusion management of trauma patients, but further studies are required to optimize patient care and outcomes.

  5. Best practices for transfusion for patients with sickle cell disease

    PubMed Central

    Wun, Ted; Hassell, Kathryn

    2010-01-01

    The β-globin gene mutation in sickle cell anemia results in anemia and repeated bouts of vascular occlusion. The cumulative effect of these vasocclusive events is progressive damage to many organs including the kidneys, lungs, and brain. The transfusion of red blood cells (RBC) can ameliorate many of these complications, but can be associated with both acute and chronic complications, including iron overload. The objective of the Best Practices in Transfusion Medicine for Patients with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) Conference was to review the available published evidence and clinical experience surrounding the use of RBC transfusions for sickle cell disease by a panel of experts. The expert panel developed explicit clinical guidelines for the use of RBC in SCD patients. The panel also made recommendations for further research. A set of guidelines were produced for dissemination to pertinent stakeholders. If implemented, these clinical pathways have the potential to optimize the use of red blood cell transfusions in SCD.

  6. Acute physical exercise under hypoxia improves sleep, mood and reaction time.

    PubMed

    de Aquino-Lemos, Valdir; Santos, Ronaldo Vagner T; Antunes, Hanna Karen Moreira; Lira, Fabio S; Luz Bittar, Irene G; Caris, Aline V; Tufik, Sergio; de Mello, Marco Tulio

    2016-02-01

    This study aimed to assess the effect of two sessions of acute physical exercise at 50% VO2peak performed under hypoxia (equivalent to an altitude of 4500 m for 28 h) on sleep, mood and reaction time. Forty healthy men were randomized into 4 groups: Normoxia (NG) (n = 10); Hypoxia (HG) (n = 10); Exercise under Normoxia (ENG) (n = 10); and Exercise under Hypoxia (EHG) (n = 10). All mood and reaction time assessments were performed 40 min after awakening. Sleep was reassessed on the first day at 14 h after the initiation of hypoxia; mood and reaction time were measured 28 h later. Two sessions of acute physical exercise at 50% VO2peak were performed for 60 min on the first and second days after 3 and 27 h, respectively, after starting to hypoxia. Improved sleep efficiency, stage N3 and REM sleep and reduced wake after sleep onset were observed under hypoxia after acute physical exercise. Tension, anger, depressed mood, vigor and reaction time scores improved after exercise under hypoxia. We conclude that hypoxia impairs sleep, reaction time and mood. Acute physical exercise at 50% VO2peak under hypoxia improves sleep efficiency, reversing the aspects that had been adversely affected under hypoxia, possibly contributing to improved mood and reaction time.

  7. [Improving blood safety: errors management in transfusion medicine].

    PubMed

    Bujandrić, Nevenka; Grujić, Jasmina; Krga-Milanović, Mirjana

    2014-01-01

    The concept of blood safety includes the entire transfusion chain starting with the collection of blood from the blood donor, and ending with blood transfusion to the patient. The concept involves quality management system as the systematic monitoring of adverse reactions and incidents regarding the blood donor or patient. Monitoring of near-miss errors show the critical points in the working process and increase transfusion safety. The aim of the study was to present the analysis results of adverse and unexpected events in transfusion practice with a potential risk to the health of blood donors and patients. One-year retrospective study was based on the collection, analysis and interpretation of written reports on medical errors in the Blood Transfusion Institute of Vojvodina. Errors were distributed according to the type, frequency and part of the working process where they occurred. Possible causes and corrective actions were described for each error. The study showed that there were not errors with potential health consequences for the blood donor/patient. Errors with potentially damaging consequences for patients were detected throughout the entire transfusion chain. Most of the errors were identified in the preanalytical phase. The human factor was responsible for the largest number of errors. Error reporting system has an important role in the error management and the reduction of transfusion-related risk of adverse events and incidents. The ongoing analysis reveals the strengths and weaknesses of the entire process and indicates the necessary changes. Errors in transfusion medicine can be avoided in a large percentage and prevention is cost-effective, systematic and applicable.

  8. Ethical Questions about Platelet Transfusions at the End of Life.

    PubMed

    Sherbeck, John P; Boss, Renee D

    2016-08-01

    This case of platelet transfusion in palliative care illustrates a common dilemma in transfusion medicine: approval of the use of a scarce, yet potentially life-saving, resource. As in this case, these decisions often involve seriously ill patients with acute needs and evolving goals of care. The use of resources to treat the patient at hand must be balanced against maintaining adequate resources to treat future patients. In this setting, the ethical principles of beneficence and social justice are in conflict. © 2016 American Medical Association. All Rights Reserved.

  9. Transfusion-Associated Circulatory Overload: Evidence-Based Strategies to Prevent, Identify, and Manage a Serious Adverse Event.

    PubMed

    Henneman, Elizabeth A; Andrzejewski, Chester; Gawlinski, Anna; McAfee, Kelley; Panaccione, Thomas; Dziel, Kimberly

    2017-10-01

    Transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO) is a potentially life-threatening complication of blood transfusion and is associated with increased morbidity, length of stay (hospital and intensive care unit), and hospital costs. Bedside nurses play a key role in the prevention, identification, and reporting of this complication. A common misperception is that the most frequently encountered serious adverse event during transfusion is a hemolytic reaction in a patient who receives ABO-incompatible blood. In fact, the incidence of TACO-related fatalities is higher than fatalities caused by ABO-related hemolytic reactions. Surveillance and evidence-based strategies such as clinical decision support systems have the potential to reduce the incidence of TACO and mitigate its effects. Practical suggestions for conducting bedside transfusion surveillance and future directions for improving transfusion care are presented. ©2017 American Association of Critical-Care Nurses.

  10. An unexpected cause of an acute hypersensitivity reaction during recovery from anaesthesia.

    PubMed

    Thong, C L; Lambros, M; Stewart, M G; Kam, P C A

    2005-08-01

    Acute hypersensitivity reactions to chlorhexidine in the operating room are probably more likely to occur during the early phases of anaesthesia because chlorhexidine is often used for cleaning the surgical field or during placement of indwelling catheters. We report a case of an acute hypersensitivity reaction that occurred in the post anaesthetic care unit. Subsequent skin testing suggested sensitivity to chlorhexidine, which had been applied over the vaginal mucosa at the end of surgery. Relevant issues in the investigation of acute hypersensitivity reactions in the post anaesthetic period are discussed.

  11. [Transfusion problems in surgery and anesthesiology. The causes, consequences, prevention and treatment of perioperative anemia].

    PubMed

    István, Pénzes; Regöly-Mérei, János; Telek, Géza; Madách, Krisztina

    2003-10-26

    The classical indication for blood transfusion is the correction of oxygen delivery failure, and the elimination of tissue ischaemia. Such indications in the surgical and anesthesiological practice are the acute haemorrhagic states (trauma, acute gastrointestinal bleeding, intraoperative hemorrhage), as well as diseases associated with chronic blood loss (occult bleeding caused by malignancies, and ulcerating processes etc.). The traditional surgical and anesthesiological viewpoint has adopted a remarkably liberal approach to the indication of blood transfusion, and a whole range of its subtle, medium-long term adverse effects has been taken into account only recently. The purpose of this review was to analyze the causes and pathophysiological consequences of perioperative anemia and blood loss, as well as to reconsider the proper indications of blood transfusion in the view of immunological sequela. The most recent data on the transfusion related immuno-depression and immunomodulation are summarized. The authors wish to provide clues for the definition of "transfusion trigger", in addition, methods available for the clinical practice to reduce blood demand and to restore oxygen transport capacity during surgical and anesthesiological interventions are revisited. Based on the review of the literature and the personal experience of the authors the practical recommendations concerning the administration of blood and blood products should be summarized as follows: 1. Blood transfusion is rarely indicated if the hemoglobin level is above 10 g/dl, and in fact always necessary if it is less than 6 g/dl, especially, if the anemia developed acutely. 2. The "transfusion trigger" is subject to continued debate, and whether a particular patient with intermediary (6-10 g/dl) Hb levels should be transfused or not must be assessed in the perspective of the potential complications initiated by the inadequate oxygenation. 3. If major co-morbidity (e.g. emphysema, ischaemic heart

  12. A review of blood transfusions in a trauma unit for young children.

    PubMed

    Salverda, M; Ketharanathan, N; Van Dijk, M; Beltchev, E; Buys, H; Numanoglu, A; Van As, A B

    2017-02-27

    Trauma is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Blood transfusions play an incremental role in the acute phase, yet practice varies owing to variations in transfusion thresholds and concerns about potential complications, especially in children. To evaluate protocol adherence to blood transfusion thresholds in paediatric trauma patients and determine the degree of blood product wastage, as defined by discarded units. A retrospective, descriptive study of trauma patients (age 0 - 13 years) who received a blood transfusion in the trauma unit at Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa, over a 5.5-year period (1 January 2009 - 1 July 2014). Haemoglobin (Hb) transfusion thresholds were defined as 10 g/dL for neurotrauma patients and patients requiring skin grafting or a musculocutaneous flap (group 1). All other trauma patients had an Hb transfusion threshold of 7 g/dL (group 2). A total of 144 patients were included (mean age 5.2 years (standard deviation (SD) 3.3), 68.1% male). The mean Hb increase after transfusion was 3.5 g/dL (SD 1.7). Adherence to the transfusion Hb threshold protocol was 96.7% for group 1 v. 34.0% for group 2. No complications were reported. Average blood wastage was 3.5 units per year during the study period. Adherence to paediatric blood transfusion protocol was low in the Hb threshold group <7 g/dL. However, transfusion-related complications and wastage were minimal. Further prospective research is required to determine optimal blood transfusion guidelines for paediatric trauma patients.

  13. MHC class I–specific antibody binding to nonhematopoietic cells drives complement activation to induce transfusion-related acute lung injury in mice

    PubMed Central

    Strait, Richard T.; Hicks, Wyenona; Barasa, Nathaniel; Mahler, Ashley; Khodoun, Marat; Köhl, Jörg; Stringer, Keith; Witte, David; Van Rooijen, Nico; Susskind, Brian M.

    2011-01-01

    Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI), a form of noncardiogenic pulmonary edema that develops during or within 6 h after a blood transfusion, is the most frequent cause of transfusion-associated death in the United States. Because development of TRALI is associated with donor antibodies (Abs) reactive with recipient major histocompatibility complex (MHC), a mouse model has been studied in which TRALI-like disease is caused by injecting mice with anti–MHC class I monoclonal Ab (mAb). Previous publications with this model have concluded that disease is caused by FcR-dependent activation of neutrophils and platelets, with production of reactive oxygen species that damage pulmonary vascular endothelium. In this study, we confirm the role of reactive oxygen species in the pathogenesis of this mouse model of TRALI and show ultrastructural evidence of pulmonary vascular injury within 5 min of anti–MHC class I mAb injection. However, we demonstrate that disease induction in this model involves macrophages rather than neutrophils or platelets, activation of complement and production of C5a rather than activation of FcγRI, FcγRIII, or FcγRIV, and binding of anti–MHC class I mAb to non-BM–derived cells such as pulmonary vascular endothelium. These observations have important implications for the prevention and treatment of TRALI. PMID:22025304

  14. Absence of giant blood Marseille-like virus DNA detection by polymerase chain reaction in plasma from healthy US blood donors and serum from multiply transfused patients from Cameroon.

    PubMed

    Phan, Tung Gia; Desnues, Christelle; Switzer, William M; Djoko, Cyrille F; Schneider, Bradley S; Deng, Xutao; Delwart, Eric

    2015-06-01

    A new Marseilleviridae virus family member, giant blood Marseille-like (GBM) virus, was recently reported in persons from France in the serum of an infant with adenitis, in the blood of 4% of healthy blood donors, and in 9% of multiply transfused thalassemia patients. These results suggested the presence of a nucleocytoplasmic large DNA virus potentially transmissible by blood product transfusion. To investigate this possibility we tested the plasma from 113 US blood donors and 74 multiply transfused Cameroon patients for GBM viral DNA using highly sensitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays. GBM DNA was not detected by nested PCR in any of these 187 human specimens. Further testing is required to confirm the occurrence of human GBM virus infections. © 2015 AABB.

  15. Blood product transfusion in emergency department patients: a case-control study of practice patterns and impact on outcome.

    PubMed

    Beyer, Alexander; Rees, Ryan; Palmer, Christopher; Wessman, Brian T; Fuller, Brian M

    2017-12-01

    Blood product transfusion occurs in a significant percentage of intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Pulmonary complications, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), occurring in the setting of transfusion, are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Contrary to the ICU setting, there is little evidence describing the epidemiology of transfusion in the emergency department (ED) or its potential impact on outcome. The objectives of this study were to: (1) characterize transfusion practices in the ED with respect to patient characteristics and pre-transfusion laboratory values; and (2) investigate the effect of ED blood product transfusion on the incidence of pulmonary complications after admission. We hypothesized that blood product transfusion would increase the event rate for pulmonary complications, and have a negative impact on other clinically significant outcomes. This was a retrospective case-control study with one-one matching of 204 transfused ED patients to 204 non-transfused controls. The primary outcome was a composite pulmonary outcome that included: acute respiratory failure, new need for ICU admission, and ARDS. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the primary outcome as a function of transfusion. One-hundred twenty four (60.8%) patients were transfused packed red blood cells (PRBC) in the ED. The mean pre-transfusion hemoglobin level was 8.5 g/dl. There were 73 patients with a hemoglobin value ≥10 g/dl; 19 (26.0%) received a PRBC transfusion. A total of 54 (26.5%) patients were transfused platelets. The main indications were thrombocytopenia (27.8%) and neurologic injury (24.1%). Ten patients had a platelet level <10,000 (guideline recommended threshold for transfusion to prevent spontaneous hemorrhage). The mean platelet count for neurologic injury patients was 197,000 prior to transfusion. The primary outcome occurred in 26 control patients (12.7%), as compared with 28 cases (13.7%). In multivariable

  16. Transcriptomic biomarkers of altered erythropoiesis to detect autologous blood transfusion.

    PubMed

    Salamin, Olivier; Mignot, Jonathan; Kuuranne, Tiia; Saugy, Martial; Leuenberger, Nicolas

    2018-03-01

    Autologous blood transfusion is a powerful means of improving performance and remains one of the most challenging methods to detect. Recent investigations have identified 3 candidate reticulocytes genes whose expression was significantly influenced by blood transfusion. Using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction as an alternative quantitative method, the present study supports that delta-aminolevulinate synthase 2 (ALAS2), carbonic anhydrase (CA1), and solute carrier family 4 member 1 (SLC4A1) genes are down-regulated post-transfusion. The expression of these genes exhibited stronger correlation with immature reticulocyte fraction than with reticulocytes percentage. Moreover, the repression of reticulocytes' gene expression was more pronounced than the diminution of immature reticulocyte fraction and reticulocyte percentage following blood transfusion. It suggests that the 3 candidate genes are reliable predictors of bone marrow's response to blood transfusion and that they represent potential biomarkers for the detection of this method prohibited in sports. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  17. Acute hypersensitivity reactions associated with administration of crotalidae polyvalent immune Fab antivenom.

    PubMed

    Cannon, Robert; Ruha, Anne-Michelle; Kashani, John

    2008-04-01

    Acute hypersensitivity reactions are well known to occur with the administration of the Antivenin (Crotalidae) Polyvalent (Wyeth Laboratories, Marietta, PA). Crotalidae polyvalent immune Fab (ovine) (CroFab; FabAV, Protherics, Inc., Brentwood, TN) was introduced in 2001, and early studies reported a hypersensitivity reaction rate up to 19%. We describe the incidence of acute hypersensitivity reactions to FabAV in patients bitten by rattlesnakes. This was a nonconcurrent observational cohort study, with data obtained by chart review of all patients admitted to our service for rattlesnake bites from July 2000 to June 2004. The study was conducted at an urban Level I trauma center and urban children's hospital. All patients treated with FabAV were included. Those who received no antivenom or who were treated with Antivenin (Crotalidae) Polyvalent were excluded. The main outcome variable was whether an acute hypersensitivity reaction developed. Ninety-three patients were included in the review (72 male and 21 female patients). The mean age was 34.5 years (range 16 months to 91 years), and the mean dose of antivenom was 12 vials (range 4 to 32 vials). The incidence of acute hypersensitivity reactions was 5 of 93, or 5.4%. Four patients developed a mild reaction that was easily treated and were able to finish the full course of antivenom. Only 1 patient developed a reaction that prevented further antivenom administration. FabAV appears to be associated with a lower incidence of acute hypersensitivity than initially reported. Most reactions are mild and easily treated and do not preclude further dosing of antivenom.

  18. BEST-TEST2: assessment of hematology trainee knowledge of transfusion medicine.

    PubMed

    Lin, Yulia; Tinmouth, Alan; Mallick, Ranjeeta; Haspel, Richard L

    2016-02-01

    As transfusion is a common therapy and key component in every hematologist's practice, hematology training programs should dedicate significant time and effort to delivering high-quality transfusion medicine education to their trainees. The current state of hematology trainee knowledge of transfusion medicine is not known. A validated assessment tool developed by the Biomedical Excellence for Safer Transfusion (BEST) Collaborative was used to assess prior transfusion medicine education, attitudes, perceived ability, and transfusion medicine knowledge of hematology trainees. A total of 149 hematology trainees at 17 international sites were assessed. The overall mean exam score was 61.6% (standard deviation, 13.4%; range, 30%-100%) with no correlation in exam scores with postgraduate year or previous transfusion medicine education in medical school or internal medicine residency. However, better scores correlated with 3 or more hours of transfusion medicine education (p = 0.0003) and perceived higher-quality education during hematology training (p = 0.03). Hematology trainees at US sites, where hematology is often combined with oncology training, had statistically lower scores than trainees at non-US sites (56.2% vs. 67.4%; p < 0.0001). In terms of topic areas, although 93% of participants had obtained consent for transfusion, the lowest scores were on transfusion reaction-related questions. Given the overall poor performance, this study serves as an impetus for all hematology training programs to reevaluate the quality and quantity of transfusion medicine training and can assist in the development of targeted curricula. © 2015 AABB.

  19. The role of maladaptive appraisals in child acute stress reactions.

    PubMed

    Salmon, Karen; Sinclair, Emma; Bryant, Richard A

    2007-06-01

    To test the prediction of cognitive models of trauma that negative, catastrophic appraisals central to the development of psychopathological stress reactions. A cross-sectional, concurrent design was used. Sixty-six children (aged 7-13 years), who were hospitalized after traumatic injury were assessed within 4 weeks of their trauma for acute stress disorder, depression, and administered the Child Post-traumatic Cognitions Inventory (cPTCI). Parental acute stress was also assessed. Children's negative appraisals of their ongoing vulnerability accounted for 44% of the variance of acute stress reactions in children. Injury severity, depression, age, and parental acute stress levels did not account for significant additional variance. The findings provide support for cognitive models of trauma adaptation and highlight the importance of assessing children's appraisals of their traumatic experience in order to develop effective interventions.

  20. Platelet Transfusion – the Art and Science of Compromise

    PubMed Central

    Cid, Joan; Harm, Sarah K.; Yazer, Mark H.

    2013-01-01

    Summary Many modern therapies depend on platelet (PLT) transfusion support. PLTs have a 4- to 7-day shelf life and are frequently in short supply. In order to optimize the inventory PLTs are often transfused to adults without regard for ABO compatibility. Hemolytic reactions are infrequent despite the presence of ‘high titer’ anti-A and anti-B antibodies in some of the units. Despite the low risk for hemolysis, some centers provide only ABO identical PLTs to their recipients; this practice might have other beneficial outcomes that remain to be proven. Strategies to mitigate the risk of hemolysis and the clinical and laboratory outcomes following ABO-matched and mismatched transfusions will be discussed. Although the PLTs themselves do not carry the D antigen, a small number of RBCs are also transfused with every PLT dose. The quantity of RBCs varies by the type of PLT preparation, and even a small quantity of D+ RBCs can alloimmunize a susceptible D− host. Thus PLT units are labeled as D+/–, and most transfusion services try to prevent the transfusion of D+ PLTs to D– females of childbearing age. A similar policy for patients with hematological diseases is controversial, and the elements and mechanisms of anti-D alloimmunization will be discussed. PMID:23922541

  1. Pediatric Patient Blood Management Programs: Not Just Transfusing Little Adults.

    PubMed

    Goel, Ruchika; Cushing, Melissa M; Tobian, Aaron A R

    2016-10-01

    disease. Perioperative blood management strategies include minimizing blood draws, restricting transfusions, intraoperative cell salvage, acute normovolemic hemodilution, antifibrinolytic agents, and using point-of-care tests to guide transfusion decisions. However, further research is needed for the use of intravenous iron, erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, and possible use of whole blood and pathogen inactivation. There are numerous areas where newly formed collaborations could be used to investigate pediatric transfusion, and these studies would provide critical data to support vital pediatric PBM programs to optimize neonatal and pediatric care. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  2. [The new Blood Law and new principles of transfusion therapy].

    PubMed

    Takahashi, Koki

    2005-01-01

    The new Blood Law for Self-sufficiency, Stable Supply of Safe Blood Products and Other Transfusion-related Rules was enacted in July 2003. In terms of the safety of blood products, improvement of screening tests and the introduction of the viral nucleic acid amplification test to shorten the so-called window period have markedly reduced the incidence of blood-borne virus transmission, although they cannot completely protect against transfusion-associated adverse reactions. Even with increasing blood safety, there remains an iatrogenic risk of ABO-mismatched transfusions without proper management systems and standard operation procedures. Fresh frozen plasma and plasma derivatives have been and continue to be used much more in Japan compared with the international standard. As a result, the shortage of domestic blood products remains an obstacle to achieving self-sufficiency. The goal of the new law is to provide safe transfusion therapy and achieve self-sufficiency in all blood products including plasma derivatives such as albumin solutions. To reach this goal medical professionals should recognize the necessity for safe and appropriate transfusions and establish new principles for improved transfusion therapy, including standard indications, safe operation procedure guidelines, and a 24-hour management system in each hospital.

  3. Prediction of Packed Cell Volume after Whole Blood Transfusion in Small Ruminants and South American Camelids: 80 Cases (2006-2016).

    PubMed

    Luethy, D; Stefanovski, D; Salber, R; Sweeney, R W

    2017-11-01

    Calculation of desired whole blood transfusion volume relies on an estimate of an animal's circulating blood volume, generally accepted to be 0.08 L/kg or 8% of the animal's body weight in kilograms. To use packed cell volume before and after whole blood transfusion to evaluate the accuracy of a commonly used equation to predict packed cell volume after transfusion in small ruminants and South American camelids; to determine the nature and frequency of adverse transfusion reactions in small ruminants and camelids after whole blood transfusion. Fifty-eight small ruminants and 22 alpacas that received whole blood transfusions for anemia. Retrospective case series; medical record review for small ruminants and camelids that received whole blood transfusions during hospitalization. Mean volume of distribution of blood as a fraction of body weight in sheep (0.075 L/kg, 7.5% BW) and goats (0.076 L/kg, 7.6% BW) differed significantly (P < 0.01) from alpacas (0.103 L/kg, 10.3% BW). Mild transfusion reactions were noted in 16% of transfusions. The generally accepted value of 8% for circulating blood volume (volume of distribution of blood) is adequate for calculation of transfusion volumes; however, use of the species-specific circulating blood volume can improve calculation of transfusion volume to predict and achieve desired packed cell volume. The incidence of transfusion reactions in small ruminants and camelids is low. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

  4. Parvovirus B19 infection transmitted by transfusion of red blood cells confirmed by molecular analysis of linked donor and recipient samples.

    PubMed

    Yu, Mei-Ying W; Alter, Harvey J; Virata-Theimer, Maria Luisa A; Geng, Yansheng; Ma, Li; Schechterly, Cathy A; Colvin, Camilla A; Luban, Naomi L C

    2010-08-01

    Extremely high viremic levels of parvovirus B19 (B19V) can be found in acutely infected, but asymptomatic donors. However, reports of transmission by single-donor blood components are rare. In this prospective study, paired donor-recipient samples were used to investigate the transfusion risk. Posttransfusion plasma or blood samples from recipients were tested for B19V DNA by polymerase chain reaction, generally at 4 and 8 weeks, and for anti-B19V immunoglobulin (Ig)G by enzyme immunoassay, at 12 and 24 weeks. To rule out infection unrelated to transfusion, pretransfusion samples and linked donor's samples for each B19V DNA-positive recipient were assayed for B19V DNA and anti-B19V IgG and IgM. To confirm transmission, sequencing and phylogenetic analysis were performed. A total of 14 of 869 (1.6%) recipients were B19V DNA positive, but only 1 of 869 (0.12%; 95% confidence interval, 0.0029%-0.6409%) was negative for B19V DNA and anti-B19V IgG before transfusion and seroconverted posttransfusion. This newly infected patient received 5 × 10(10) IU B19V DNA in one red blood cell (RBC) unit from an acutely infected anti-B19V-negative donor in addition to RBCs from three other donors that cumulatively contained 1320 IU of anti-B19V IgG. DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis showed that sequences from the linked donor and recipient were identical (Genotype 1), thus establishing transfusion transmission. The 0.12% transmission rate documented here, although low, could nonetheless result in hundreds or thousands of infections annually in the United States based on calculated confidence limits. Although most would be asymptomatic, some could have severe clinical outcomes, especially in neonates and those with immunocompromised or hemolytic states. © 2010 American Association of Blood Banks.

  5. Prolonged storage of packed red blood cells for blood transfusion.

    PubMed

    Martí-Carvajal, Arturo J; Simancas-Racines, Daniel; Peña-González, Barbra S

    2015-07-14

    A blood transfusion is an acute intervention, used to address life- and health-threatening conditions on a short-term basis. Packed red blood cells are most often used for blood transfusion. Sometimes blood is transfused after prolonged storage but there is continuing debate as to whether transfusion of 'older' blood is as beneficial as transfusion of 'fresher' blood. To assess the clinical benefits and harms of prolonged storage of packed red blood cells, in comparison with fresh, on recipients of blood transfusion. We ran the search on 1st May 2014. We searched the Cochrane Injuries Group Specialized Register, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, The Cochrane Library), MEDLINE (OvidSP), Embase (OvidSP), CINAHL (EBSCO Host) and two other databases. We also searched clinical trials registers and screened reference lists of the retrieved publications and reviews. We updated this search in June 2015 but these results have not yet been incorporated. Randomised clinical trials including participants assessed as requiring red blood cell transfusion were eligible for inclusion. Prolonged storage was defined as red blood cells stored for ≥ 21 days in a blood bank. We did not apply limits regarding the duration of follow-up, or country where the study took place. We excluded trials where patients received a combination of short- and long-stored blood products, and also trials without a clear definition of prolonged storage. We independently performed study selection, risk of bias assessment and data extraction by at least two review authors. The major outcomes were death from any cause, transfusion-related acute lung injury, and adverse events. We estimated relative risk for dichotomous outcomes. We measured statistical heterogeneity using I(2). We used a random-effects model to synthesise the findings. We identified three randomised clinical trials, involving a total of 120 participants, comparing packed red blood cells with ≥ 21 days storage

  6. The epidemiology of blood component transfusion in Catalonia, Northeastern Spain.

    PubMed

    Bosch, M Alba; Contreras, Enric; Madoz, Pedro; Ortiz, Pilar; Pereira, Arturo; Pujol, M Mar

    2011-01-01

    Epidemiologic information on blood component usage can help improve the utilization of transfusion resources. Crosssectional survey in 2007 that included every hospital in Catalonia. Clinical data of blood recipients, including the four-digit International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification codes and the indication for transfusion, were prospectively collected according to an established protocol. In total, 19,148 red blood cell (RBC) units, 1812 platelet (PLT) doses, and 3070 plasma units, transfused into 8019 patients (median age, 71 years; 52% males), were surveyed. Half the RBC units were used by patients older than 70 years. Specific diagnosis and procedures with the highest RBC use were lower limb orthopedic surgery (10.6% of all units) and gastrointestinal hemorrhage (6%). Therapeutic plasmapheresis (8.1%) and heart valve surgery (7.2%) were the procedures with the highest plasma use. Oncohematology patients accounted for 73% of transfused PLTs, more that two-thirds being administered for hemorrhage prophylaxis. Acute hemorrhage was the most common indication for RBC and plasma transfusion. Among all blood recipients, 80% received only RBCs and 6.9% received only plasma and/or PLTs, without concomitant RBCs. The population transfusion incidence rates were 35 RBC units, three PLT doses, and 6 plasma units per 1000 population-year. Demographic changes anticipate a 30% increase in RBC transfusion by year 2030. These results allow for identification of blood uses that are susceptible to improvement, help appraise the expected yield of blood safety measures, and will assist in planning the future blood supply. © 2010 American Association of Blood Banks.

  7. Autologous Blood Transfusion for Postpartum Hemorrhage.

    PubMed

    Greenawalt, Julia A; Zernell, Denise

    Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a leading contributor to maternal morbidity and mortality in the United States and globally. Although the rate of PPH is generally decreasing nationally, severity of PPH appears to be increasing, potentially related to the various comorbidities associated with women of childbearing age. There is increasing evidence of risks associated with allogeneic blood transfusion, which has historically been the classic therapeutic approach for treatment to PPH. Pregnant women are particularly susceptible to the implications of sensitization to red cell antigens, a common sequela to allogenic blood transfusion. Autologous blood transfusion eliminates the potential of communicable disease transmission as well as the conceivable threat of a blood transfusion reaction. Recent technological advances allow cell salvage coupled with the use of a leukocyte filter to be used as an alternative approach for improving the outcome for women experiencing a PPH. Modest changes in standard operating procedure and continued training in use and application of cell salvaged blood may assist in minimizing negative outcomes from PPH. Salvaged blood has been demonstrated to be at least equal and often superior to banked blood. We discuss nursing implications for application of this technology for women with PPH. Continued research is warranted to evaluate the impact that application of cell salvage with filtration has on the patient experiencing a PPH.

  8. The value of automated gel column agglutination technology in the identification of true inherited D blood types in massively transfused patients.

    PubMed

    Summers, Thomas; Johnson, Viviana V; Stephan, John P; Johnson, Gloria J; Leonard, George

    2009-08-01

    Massive transfusion of D- trauma patients in the combat setting involves the use of D+ red blood cells (RBCs) or whole blood along with suboptimal pretransfusion test result documentation. This presents challenges to the transfusion service of tertiary care military hospitals who ultimately receive these casualties because initial D typing results may only reflect the transfused RBCs. After patients are stabilized, mixed-field reaction results on D typing indicate the patient's true inherited D phenotype. This case series illustrates the utility of automated gel column agglutination in detecting mixed-field reactions in these patients. The transfusion service test results, including the automated gel column agglutination D typing results, of four massively transfused D- patients transfused D+ RBCs is presented. To test the sensitivity of the automated gel column agglutination method in detecting mixed-field agglutination reactions, a comparative analysis of three automated technologies using predetermined mixtures of D+ and D- RBCs is also presented. The automated gel column agglutination method detected mixed-field agglutination in D typing in all four patients and in the three prepared control specimens. The automated microwell tube method identified one of the three prepared control specimens as indeterminate, which was subsequently manually confirmed as a mixed-field reaction. The automated solid-phase method was unable to detect any mixed fields. The automated gel column agglutination method provides a sensitive means for detecting mixed-field agglutination reactions in the determination of the true inherited D phenotype of combat casualties transfused massive amounts of D+ RBCs.

  9. [Home blood transfusion].

    PubMed

    Gay, V; Prévôt, G; Amico, I; Bonnet, B; Mansard, M-O

    2010-12-01

    The development of alternatives to hospitalization including home medical care (HAD), an aging population and a more secure transfusion raises the question of the feasibility of home blood transfusion. The legislation allows the home blood transfusion under specified conditions, but when they are met, the texts on nursing care and the transfusion gesture may hamper this progress. We report our experience of 3 years: a protocol was established to do home blood transfusions by trained transfusion nurses from the HAD. Six patients were eligible for transfusion at home but only three of them could be treated at home. Moreover, since late 2009, the Nursing Department no longer allows this practice for legal reasons. At the same time, a questionnaire was sent to 224 HAD to find out about their practice on the subject. In the light of practices in different countries, earnings for the quality of life of the patient, lack of space in hospitals and the aging population, it seems essential to change the law to permit a rational transfusion, thoughtful, safe for the patient at home and for caregivers who are involved. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  10. Blood Transfusion During Total Ankle Arthroplasty Is Associated With Increased In-Hospital Complications and Costs.

    PubMed

    Ewing, Michael A; Huntley, Samuel R; Baker, Dustin K; Smith, Kenneth S; Hudson, Parke W; McGwin, Gerald; Ponce, Brent A; Johnson, Michael D

    2018-04-01

    Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is an increasingly used, effective treatment for end-stage ankle arthritis. Although numerous studies have associated blood transfusion with complications following hip and knee arthroplasty, its effects following TAA are largely unknown. This study uses data from a large, nationally representative database to estimate the association between blood transfusion and inpatient complications and hospital costs following TAA. Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from 2004 to 2014, 25 412 patients who underwent TAA were identified, with 286 (1.1%) receiving a blood transfusion. Univariate analysis assessed patient and hospital factors associated with blood transfusion following TAA. Patients requiring blood transfusion were more likely to be female, African American, Medicare recipients, and treated in nonteaching hospitals. Average length of stay for patients following transfusion was 3.0 days longer, while average inpatient cost was increased by approximately 50%. Patients who received blood transfusion were significantly more likely to suffer from congestive heart failure, peripheral vascular disease, hypothyroidism, coagulation disorder, or anemia. Acute renal failure was significantly more common among patients receiving blood transfusion ( P < .001). Blood transfusions following TAA are infrequent and are associated with multiple medical comorbidities, increased complications, longer hospital stays, and increased overall cost. Level III: Retrospective, comparative study.

  11. A prospective study on red blood cell transfusion related hyperkalemia in critically ill patients.

    PubMed

    Raza, Shahzad; Ali Baig, Mahadi; Chang, Christopher; Dabas, Ridhima; Akhtar, Mallika; Khan, Areej; Nemani, Krishna; Alani, Rahima; Majumder, Omran; Gazizova, Natalya; Biswas, Shaluk; Patel, Priyeshkumar; Al-Hilli, Jaffar A; Shad, Yasar; Berger, Barbara J; Zaman, Mohammad

    2015-06-01

    Transfusion-associated hyperkalemic cardiac arrest is a serious complication in patients receiving packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusions. Mortality from hyperkalemia increases with large volumes of PRBC transfusion, increased rate of transfusion, and the use of stored PRBCs. Theoretically, hyperkalemia may be complicated by low cardiac output, acidosis, hyperglycemia, hypocalcemia, and hypothermia. In this study, we focus on transfusion-related hyperkalemia involving only medical intensive care unit (MICU) patients. This prospective observational study focuses on PRBC transfusions among MICU patients greater than 18 years of age. Factors considered during each transfusion included patient's diagnosis, indication for transfusion, medical co-morbidities, acid-base disorders, K(+) levels before and after each PRBC transfusion, age of stored blood, volume and rate of transfusion, and other adverse events. We used Pearson correlation and multivariate analysis for each factor listed above and performed a logistic regression analysis. Between June 2011 and December 2011, 125 patients received a total of 160 units of PRBCs. Median age was 63 years (22 - 92 years). Seventy-one (57%) were females. Sixty-three patients (50%) had metabolic acidosis, 75 (60%) had acute renal failure (ARF), and 12 (10%) had end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Indications for transfusion included septic shock (n = 65, 52%), acute blood loss (n = 25, 20%), non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) (n = 25, 20%) and preparation for procedures (n = 14, 11%). Baseline K(+) value was 3.9 ± 1.1 mEq/L compared to 4.3 ± 1.2 mEq/L post-transfusion respectively (P = 0.9). During this study period, 4% of patients developed hyperkalemia (K(+) 5.5 mEq/L or above). The mean change of serum potassium in patients receiving transfusion ≥ 12 days old blood was 4.1 ± 0.4 mEq/L compared to 4.8 ± 0.3 mEq/L (mean ± SD) in patients receiving blood 12 days or less old. Sixty-two patients (77.5%) that were

  12. Evaluation of a multi-center randomised clinical trial on prophylactic transfusion of fresh frozen plasma: implications for future trials.

    PubMed

    Müller, M C A; de Haan, R J; Vroom, M B; Juffermans, N P

    2014-10-01

    Prophylactic use of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) in critically ill patients with a coagulopathy is common. However, a lack of evidence of efficacy has resulted in a call for trials on the benefit of FFP in these patients. To date, conducting a trial on this subject has not been successful. Recently, a multi-center randomised trial was stopped prematurely due to slow inclusion. To assess clinicians' opinions regarding a trial on prophylactic administration of FFP in coagulopathic critically ill patients who need to undergo an intervention. A survey among 55 intensivists who all participated in a randomised trial on the risks and benefits of FFP in critically ill patients. Response rate was 84%. Majority of respondents indicated that international normalised ratio (INR) should be assessed before insertion of a central venous catheter (CVC) (61%), chest tube (89%) or tracheostomy (91%). Reasons to withhold transfusion of FFP to non-bleeding critically ill patients are risk of transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) (46%), fluid overload (39%) and allergic reaction (24%). Although, the majority of respondents expressed the opinion that the trial was clinically relevant, 56% indicated that ≥1 patient subgroups should have been excluded from participation. Intensivists express the need for more evidence on the prophylactic use of FFP in coagulopathic critically ill patients. However, lack of knowledge about FFP and personal beliefs about the preferable transfusion strategy among clinicians, resulted in premature termination of a clinical trial on this topic. © 2014 British Blood Transfusion Society.

  13. BLOOD PRODUCT TRANSFUSIONS IN GREAT APES: A RETROSPECTIVE REVIEW OF 12 CASES.

    PubMed

    Hahn, Alicia; Sturgeon, Ginger; Rossi, Joseph

    2017-06-01

    Although the administration of blood and blood products can be lifesaving, transfusions in exotic species are less common because of the lack of knowledge of a species' blood groups, the availability of species-specific donors, and possible adverse effects. Recently, blood groups were elucidated in great apes; however, few reports have been published regarding actual transfusion situations in these species. This information is critical because poorly executed transfusions can compromise already weakened patients or result in the death of the recipient. In 2014, a retrospective survey of U.S. zoos housing great apes received 45 of 67 responses; from which, 12 transfusion cases in great apes were identified, including Sumatran orangutans ( Pongo pygmaeus sumatraensis, n = 4), chimpanzee ( Pan troglodytes , n = 1), and western lowland gorillas ( Gorilla gorilla gorilla, n = 7). These animals, ranging from birth to 31 yr, received intravenous transfusions of whole blood, packed red blood cells, or human albumin. Overall, animals that received transfusions for anemia because of chronic illness or blood loss survived, but those individuals with concurrent life-threatening issues did not survive. No adverse reactions related to the transfusion occurred, except in two orangutans given human albumin.

  14. Canine and feline blood transfusions: controversies and recent advances in administration practices.

    PubMed

    Kisielewicz, Caroline; Self, Ian A

    2014-05-01

    To discuss and review blood transfusion practices in dogs and cats including collection and storage of blood and administration of products. To report new developments, controversial practices, less conventional blood product administration techniques and where applicable, describe the relevance to anaesthetists and anaesthesia. PubMed and Google Scholar using dog, cat, blood transfusion, packed red blood cells and whole blood as keywords. Blood transfusions improve oxygen carrying capacity and the clinical signs of anaemia. However there are numerous potential risks and complications possible with transfusions, which may outweigh their benefits. Storage of blood products has improved considerably over time but whilst extended storage times may improve their availability, a phenomenon known as the storage lesion has been identified which affects erythrocyte viability and survival. Leukoreduction involves removing leukocytes and platelets thereby preventing their release of cytokines and bioactive compounds which also contribute to storage lesions and certain transfusion reactions. Newer transfusion techniques are being explored such as cell salvage in surgical patients and subsequent autologous transfusion. Xenotransfusions, using blood and blood products between different species, provide an alternative to conventional blood products. © 2014 Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists and the American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia.

  15. Transfusion-transmitted babesiosis in an immunocompromised patient: a case report and review.

    PubMed

    Wudhikarn, Kitsada; Perry, Elizabeth H; Kemperman, Melissa; Jensen, Kathy A; Kline, Susan E

    2011-09-01

    Babesiosis is a tick- and transfusion-borne disease caused by intraerythrocytic Babesia parasites. In 2009, a 61-year-old Minnesota woman with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and a history of recent chemotherapy and numerous blood transfusions for gastrointestinal bleeding became febrile and anemic 12 days postsplenectomy. Babesia were visualized on blood smears, confirmed by polymerase chain reaction as B. microti. She developed respiratory failure despite initiation of clindamycin and quinine, and required 12 weeks of azithromycin and atovaquone before blood smear and polymerase chain reaction findings were negative. Serologic evidence of B. microti infection was identified in 1 associated blood donor and 1 other recipient of that donor's blood. Babesia infection can be asymptomatic or cause mild to fulminant disease resulting in multiorgan failure or death. Patients with advanced age, asplenia, or other immune compromise are at risk for severe babesiosis and may require prolonged treatment to eradicate parasitemia. Incidence of transfusion-transmitted babesiosis has increased over the past decade. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  16. Probable transfusion-transmitted Zika virus in Brazil.

    PubMed

    Barjas-Castro, Maria L; Angerami, Rodrigo N; Cunha, Mariana S; Suzuki, Akemi; Nogueira, Juliana S; Rocco, Iray M; Maeda, Adriana Y; Vasami, Fernanda G S; Katz, Gizelda; Boin, Ilka F S F; Stucchi, Raquel S B; Resende, Mariângela R; Esposito, Danillo L A; de Souza, Renato P; da Fonseca, Benedito A; Addas-Carvalho, Marcelo

    2016-07-01

    Zika virus (ZIKV) is an emerging arthropod-borne flavivirus transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. Recent commentaries regarding ZIKV routes of transmission describe a potential transmission by transfusion. Herein, we report a probable case of transfusion-transmitted ZIKV infection through a platelet transfusion that was detected from postdonation information. A blood donor made a voluntary telephone report to the blood donor facility 3 days after donation and informed the facility of a febrile illness (fever, malaise, and headaches). Due to the ongoing dengue epidemic, the initial clinical investigation included dengue among other possible diagnoses. The serology and molecular laboratory results excluded dengue infection. However, stored samples from the donation were positive for ZIKV on reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis. A retrospective investigation demonstrated that the platelet concentrate, which was part of a pool, had been transfused after a liver transplantation. A physician had evaluated the patient 4 days after surgery. Laboratory investigation showed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay results that were negative for dengue immunoglobulin M antibodies; however, the results were positive for hemagglutination inhibition antibodies against flavivirus. ZIKV RT-PCR and virus isolation analyses in cell cultures from recipient serum were both positive. The sequencing confirmed ZIKV in the donor and patient samples. Ten partial nucleotide sequences from the ZIKV strain that were detected in the donor were aligned and compared with the ZIKV genome detected in the recipient, revealing a 99.8% homology between the two strains. This is a case of probable transmission of ZIKV through blood transfusion. The patient had been transfused with the blood product from an infected donor, most likely in the incubation period after ZIKV infection but prior to clinical disease onset. This report emphasizes the importance of postdonation information and

  17. Transfusion of stored blood impairs host defenses against Gram-negative pathogens in mice.

    PubMed

    Prestia, Kevin; Bandyopadhyay, Sheila; Slate, Andrea; Francis, Richard O; Francis, Kevin P; Spitalnik, Steven L; Fidock, David A; Brittenham, Gary M; Hod, Eldad A

    2014-11-01

    Although human red blood cell (RBC) units may be refrigerator stored for up to 42 days, transfusion of older RBCs acutely delivers a large bolus of iron to mononuclear phagocytes. Similarly, iron dextran circulates in plasma for hours to days and is progressively cleared by mononuclear phagocytes, which return iron to plasma. Finally, malaria infection continuously delivers iron to macrophages by intra- and extravascular hemolysis. Studies suggest that iron administration increases infectious risk. To assess the effects of increased iron availability on susceptibility to infection, we infected mice with model Gram-negative intracellular or extracellular pathogens (Salmonella typhimurium or Escherichia coli, respectively), accompanied by RBC transfusion, iron dextran administration, or malarial coinfection. In our mouse models, transfusion of older RBCs exacerbates infection with both Gram-negative pathogens. Although iron dextran exacerbates E. coli infection to a similar extent as transfusion of corresponding amounts of iron, higher iron doses are required to produce comparable effects with S. typhimurium. Coinfection of mice with Plasmodium yoelii and S. typhimurium produces overwhelming Salmonella sepsis. Finally, treating mice with antibiotics abrogates the enhancing effect on E. coli infection of both older RBC transfusion and iron dextran administration. Transfusion of older RBCs exacerbates Gram-negative infection to a similar extent as malaria coinfection or iron dextran administration. Appropriate antibiotic therapy abrogates the effect of older RBC transfusions on infection with E. coli. Iron delivery to macrophages may be an underappreciated mechanism mediating, at least some, adverse effects of RBC transfusions. © 2014 AABB.

  18. Intraoperative transfusion practices in Europe

    PubMed Central

    Meier, J.; Filipescu, D.; Kozek-Langenecker, S.; Llau Pitarch, J.; Mallett, S.; Martus, P.; Matot, I.

    2016-01-01

    Background. Transfusion of allogeneic blood influences outcome after surgery. Despite widespread availability of transfusion guidelines, transfusion practices might vary among physicians, departments, hospitals and countries. Our aim was to determine the amount of packed red blood cells (pRBC) and blood products transfused intraoperatively, and to describe factors determining transfusion throughout Europe. Methods. We did a prospective observational cohort study enrolling 5803 patients in 126 European centres that received at least one pRBC unit intraoperatively, during a continuous three month period in 2013. Results. The overall intraoperative transfusion rate was 1.8%; 59% of transfusions were at least partially initiated as a result of a physiological transfusion trigger- mostly because of hypotension (55.4%) and/or tachycardia (30.7%). Haemoglobin (Hb)- based transfusion trigger alone initiated only 8.5% of transfusions. The Hb concentration [mean (sd)] just before transfusion was 8.1 (1.7) g dl−1 and increased to 9.8 (1.8) g dl−1 after transfusion. The mean number of intraoperatively transfused pRBC units was 2.5 (2.7) units (median 2). Conclusion. Although European Society of Anaesthesiology transfusion guidelines are moderately implemented in Europe with respect to Hb threshold for transfusion (7–9 g dl−1), there is still an urgent need for further educational efforts that focus on the number of pRBC units to be transfused at this threshold. Clinical trial registration. NCT 01604083. PMID:26787795

  19. Intraoperative transfusion practices in Europe.

    PubMed

    Meier, J; Filipescu, D; Kozek-Langenecker, S; Llau Pitarch, J; Mallett, S; Martus, P; Matot, I

    2016-02-01

    Transfusion of allogeneic blood influences outcome after surgery. Despite widespread availability of transfusion guidelines, transfusion practices might vary among physicians, departments, hospitals and countries. Our aim was to determine the amount of packed red blood cells (pRBC) and blood products transfused intraoperatively, and to describe factors determining transfusion throughout Europe. We did a prospective observational cohort study enrolling 5803 patients in 126 European centres that received at least one pRBC unit intraoperatively, during a continuous three month period in 2013. The overall intraoperative transfusion rate was 1.8%; 59% of transfusions were at least partially initiated as a result of a physiological transfusion trigger- mostly because of hypotension (55.4%) and/or tachycardia (30.7%). Haemoglobin (Hb)- based transfusion trigger alone initiated only 8.5% of transfusions. The Hb concentration [mean (sd)] just before transfusion was 8.1 (1.7) g dl(-1) and increased to 9.8 (1.8) g dl(-1) after transfusion. The mean number of intraoperatively transfused pRBC units was 2.5 (2.7) units (median 2). Although European Society of Anaesthesiology transfusion guidelines are moderately implemented in Europe with respect to Hb threshold for transfusion (7-9 g dl(-1)), there is still an urgent need for further educational efforts that focus on the number of pRBC units to be transfused at this threshold. NCT 01604083. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Journal of Anaesthesia.

  20. For assessment of changes in intraoperative red blood cell transfusion practices over time, the pooled incidence of transfusion correlates highly with total units transfused.

    PubMed

    Dexter, Franklin; Epstein, Richard H

    2017-06-01

    Multiple studies nationwide and at single hospitals have examined changes over time in the incidence of perioperative red blood cell (RBC) transfusion. However, the cost of RBC transfusions is related to the number of RBC units transfused, not to the incidence. We evaluate whether the readily available incidence of RBC transfusion can be used as a valid surrogate measure. Observational retrospective study. One tertiary, academic hospital. 394,789 cases of 1885 procedures over N=42 quarters of the year. None. Incidence and number of RBC units transfused intraoperatively. The number of RBC units transfused per case did not follow a Poisson distribution, confirming that the number of units and incidence of transfusion are not interchangeable for analyzing decisions by case. However, with all cases of each quarter combined, the Spearman correlation was 0.98±0.01 between each quarter's incidence of RBC transfusion and mean RBC units transfused per case (P<0.0001). For assessment of changes in intraoperative RBC transfusion practices over years, it is sufficient to analyze the pooled incidence of transfusion, rather than to calculate the number of units transfused. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  1. Audit of transfusion procedures in 660 hospitals. A College of American Pathologists Q-Probes study of patient identification and vital sign monitoring frequencies in 16494 transfusions.

    PubMed

    Novis, David A; Miller, Karen A; Howanitz, Peter J; Renner, Stephen W; Walsh, Molly K

    2003-05-01

    Hemolytic transfusion reactions are often the result of failure to follow established identification and monitoring procedures. To measure the frequencies with which health care workers completed specific transfusion procedures required for laboratory and blood bank accreditation. In 2 separate studies, participants in the College of American Pathologists Q-Probes laboratory quality improvement program audited nonemergent red blood cell transfusions prospectively and completed questionnaires profiling their institutions' transfusion policies. A total of 660 institutions, predominantly in the United States, at which transfusion medicine services are provided. The percentages of transfusions for which participants completed 4 specific components of patient and blood unit identifications, and for which participants monitored vital signs at 3 specific intervals during transfusions. In the first study, all components of patient identification procedures were performed in 62.3%, and all required patient vital sign monitoring was performed in 81.6% of 12 448 transfusions audited. The median frequencies with which institutions participating in the first study performed all patient identification and monitoring procedures were 69.0% and 90.2%, respectively. In the second study, all components of patient identification were performed in 25.4% and all patient vital sign monitoring was performed in 88.3% of 4046 transfusions audited. The median frequencies with which institutions participating in the second study performed all patient identification and monitoring procedures were 10.0% and 95.0%, respectively. Individual practices and/or institutional policies associated with greater frequencies of patient identification and/or vital sign monitoring included transporting units of blood directly to patient bedsides, having no more than 1 individual handle blood units in route, checking unit labels against physicians' orders, having patients wear identification tags (wristbands

  2. When to consider transfusion therapy for patients with non-transfusion-dependent thalassaemia

    PubMed Central

    Taher, A T; Radwan, A; Viprakasit, V

    2015-01-01

    Non-transfusion-dependent thalassaemia (NTDT) refers to all thalassaemia disease phenotypes that do not require regular blood transfusions for survival. Thalassaemia disorders were traditionally concentrated along the tropical belt stretching from sub-Saharan Africa through the Mediterranean region and the Middle East to South and South-East Asia, but global migration has led to increased incidence in North America and Northern Europe. Transfusionists may be familiar with β-thalassaemia major because of the lifelong transfusions needed by these patients. Although patients with NTDT do not require regular transfusions for survival, they may require transfusions in some instances such as pregnancy, infection or growth failure. The complications associated with NTDT can be severe if not properly managed, and many are directly related to chronic anaemia. Awareness of NTDT is important, and this review will outline the factors that should be taken into consideration when deciding whether to initiate and properly plan for transfusion therapy in these patients in terms of transfusion interval and duration of treatment. PMID:25286743

  3. When to consider transfusion therapy for patients with non-transfusion-dependent thalassaemia.

    PubMed

    Taher, A T; Radwan, A; Viprakasit, V

    2015-01-01

    Non-transfusion-dependent thalassaemia (NTDT) refers to all thalassaemia disease phenotypes that do not require regular blood transfusions for survival. Thalassaemia disorders were traditionally concentrated along the tropical belt stretching from sub-Saharan Africa through the Mediterranean region and the Middle East to South and South-East Asia, but global migration has led to increased incidence in North America and Northern Europe. Transfusionists may be familiar with β-thalassaemia major because of the lifelong transfusions needed by these patients. Although patients with NTDT do not require regular transfusions for survival, they may require transfusions in some instances such as pregnancy, infection or growth failure. The complications associated with NTDT can be severe if not properly managed, and many are directly related to chronic anaemia. Awareness of NTDT is important, and this review will outline the factors that should be taken into consideration when deciding whether to initiate and properly plan for transfusion therapy in these patients in terms of transfusion interval and duration of treatment. © 2014 The Authors. Vox Sanguinis published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Blood Transfusion.

  4. Computerized bar code-based blood identification systems and near-miss transfusion episodes and transfusion errors.

    PubMed

    Nuttall, Gregory A; Abenstein, John P; Stubbs, James R; Santrach, Paula; Ereth, Mark H; Johnson, Pamela M; Douglas, Emily; Oliver, William C

    2013-04-01

    To determine whether the use of a computerized bar code-based blood identification system resulted in a reduction in transfusion errors or near-miss transfusion episodes. Our institution instituted a computerized bar code-based blood identification system in October 2006. After institutional review board approval, we performed a retrospective study of transfusion errors from January 1, 2002, through December 31, 2005, and from January 1, 2007, through December 31, 2010. A total of 388,837 U were transfused during the 2002-2005 period. There were 6 misidentification episodes of a blood product being transfused to the wrong patient during that period (incidence of 1 in 64,806 U or 1.5 per 100,000 transfusions; 95% CI, 0.6-3.3 per 100,000 transfusions). There was 1 reported near-miss transfusion episode (incidence of 0.3 per 100,000 transfusions; 95% CI, <0.1-1.4 per 100,000 transfusions). A total of 304,136 U were transfused during the 2007-2010 period. There was 1 misidentification episode of a blood product transfused to the wrong patient during that period when the blood bag and patient's armband were scanned after starting to transfuse the unit (incidence of 1 in 304,136 U or 0.3 per 100,000 transfusions; 95% CI, <0.1-1.8 per 100,000 transfusions; P=.14). There were 34 reported near-miss transfusion errors (incidence of 11.2 per 100,000 transfusions; 95% CI, 7.7-15.6 per 100,000 transfusions; P<.001). Institution of a computerized bar code-based blood identification system was associated with a large increase in discovered near-miss events. Copyright © 2013 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  5. A structured blood conservation programme reduces transfusions and costs in cardiac surgery.

    PubMed

    Ternström, Lisa; Hyllner, Monica; Backlund, Erika; Schersten, Henrik; Jeppsson, Anders

    2014-11-01

    Transfusions of blood products can be lifesaving, but they are also associated with considerable risks and adverse effects, including immune response and infections. In cardiac surgery, transfusions have also been associated with increased mortality. We prospectively studied the effects of a structured programme to reduce transfusions and transfusion-associated costs in cardiac surgery. The programme included: (i) education of all staff about the risks and benefits of blood transfusions; (ii) revised guidelines for transfusions; and (iii) a transfusion log where indication for transfusion, status of the patient and prescribing physician were registered. Transfusion prevalence, complications and costs for blood products were registered for all acute and elective cardiac operations during a 12-month period before (n = 1128) and after (n = 1034) the programme was started. The two time periods were compared. In addition, the prevalence of transfusions was registered for 2 more years after the programme was initiated. The first year after the programme was initiated the proportion of patients transfused with red blood cell concentrate decreased by 21.8% (from 58.2 to 45.5%, P <0.001), plasma by 37.4% (from 30.8 to 19.3%, P <0.001) and platelets by 21.0% (from 20.5 to 16.2%, P = 0.010). Reoperations for bleeding (5.8 vs 5.0%), early complication rate and 30-day mortality (2.5 vs 2.6%) were not significantly different before and after the start date. Based on the 2009 institutional prices for red blood cell concentrate (102 €/unit), plasma (35 €/unit) and platelets (290 €/unit), the savings on blood products were €161,623 during the first 12 months after the programme was launched. The proportion of patients transfused with any blood product was 60.9% before the programme was started and 48.3, 54.0 and 50.7% 1-3 years after its start (all P <0.001), respectively. A structured blood conservation programme reduces transfusions and costs for blood products in cardiac

  6. Transfusion-transmitted infections among multi-transfused patients in Brazil.

    PubMed

    de Paula, Erich V; Gonçales, Neiva S L; Xueref, Serge; Addas-Carvalho, Marcelo; Gilli, Simone C O; Angerami, Rodrigo N; Veríssimo, Mônica P A; Gonçales, Fernando L

    2005-12-01

    Transfusion-transmitted infections (TTI) continue to be a problem in many parts of the world, and multi-transfused patients (MTP) are at a particularly increased risk of TTI. to estimate the prevalence of TTI among multi-transfused patients in Brazil, and to understand the epidemiological characteristics of TTI among these patients. cross-sectional study of 353 MTP, who were interviewed using a structured questionnaire and tested for serological markers of hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. the overall prevalence of HCV, HIV, HBV and co-infection among MTP were 16.7%, 1.7%, 0.8% and 1.7% respectively. A dose-effect relationship could be detected between the number of units transfused and HCV infection. Other non-transfusion related (NTR) risk factors for HCV did not confer any excess risk of HCV infection to MTP. HCV infection was the most prevalent TTI among MTP, and remains a major health problem for these patients. A dose-effect relationship could be detected between HCV and the number of units transfused. The implementation of measures such as donor education programs, standards for donor selection criteria, and of improved serological screening protocols, paralleled the decline in the prevalence of TTI, specially of HCV, observed in MTP, underscoring the importance of such measures for the reduction of the residual risk of TTI.

  7. Transfusion-associated hyperkalemic cardiac arrest in pediatric patients receiving massive transfusion.

    PubMed

    Lee, Angela C; Reduque, Leila L; Luban, Naomi L C; Ness, Paul M; Anton, Blair; Heitmiller, Eugenie S

    2014-01-01

    Hyperkalemic cardiac arrest is a potential complication of massive transfusion in children. Our objective was to identify risk factors and potential preventive measures by reviewing the literature on transfusion-associated hyperkalemic cardiac arrest (TAHCA) in the pediatric population. Literature searches were performed in MEDLINE and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. We identified nine case reports of pediatric patients who had experienced cardiac arrest during massive transfusion. Serum potassium concentration was reported in eight of those reports; the mean was 9.2 ± 1.8 mmol/L. Risk factors for TAHCA noted in the case reports included infancy (n = 6); age of red blood cells (RBCs; n = 5); site of transfusion (n = 5); and the presence of comorbidities such as hyperkalemia, hypocalcemia, acidemia, and hypotension (n = 9). We also identified 13 clinical studies that examined potassium levels associated with transfusion. Of those 13, five studied routine transfusion, two were registries, and six examined massive transfusion. Key points identified from this literature search are as follows: 1) Case reports are skewed toward infants and neonates in particular and 2) the rate of blood transfusion, more so than total volume, cardiac output, and the site of infusion, are key factors in the development of TAHCA. Measures to reduce the risk of TAHCA in young children include anticipating and replacing blood loss before significant hemodynamic compromise occurs, using larger-bore (>23-gauge) peripheral intravenous catheters rather than central venous access, checking and correcting electrolyte abnormalities frequently, and using fresher RBCs for massive transfusion. © 2013 American Association of Blood Banks.

  8. Red Kidney: Kidney Transplant From a Deceased Donor Who Received Massive Blood Transfusion During Cardiopulmonary Bypass.

    PubMed

    Bell, Richard; Hanif, Faisal; Prasad, Padmini; Ahmad, Niaz

    2016-06-01

    Here, we present a case of a deceased-donor kidney transplant. The brain-dead donor had received a massive blood transfusion during cardiopulmonary bypass, which lead to hemolysis, hemoglobinuria, acute kidney injury, and renal replacement therapy. The kidney appeared red after in situ flush. Postoperatively, the recipient developed delayed graft function. Protocol biopsy during the postoperative period revealed the widespread deposition of heme pigment in the renal tubules. Massive blood transfusion and cardiopulmonary bypass surgery are associated with hemolysis and heme pigment deposition in the renal tubules, which subsequently lead to acute kidney injury. Kidneys from such donors appear red and, while this does not preclude transplant, are likely to develop delayed graft function.

  9. Association of Prehospital Blood Product Transfusion During Medical Evacuation of Combat Casualties in Afghanistan With Acute and 30-Day Survival.

    PubMed

    Shackelford, Stacy A; Del Junco, Deborah J; Powell-Dunford, Nicole; Mazuchowski, Edward L; Howard, Jeffrey T; Kotwal, Russ S; Gurney, Jennifer; Butler, Frank K; Gross, Kirby; Stockinger, Zsolt T

    2017-10-24

    Prehospital blood product transfusion in trauma care remains controversial due to poor-quality evidence and cost. Sequential expansion of blood transfusion capability after 2012 to deployed military medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) units enabled a concurrent cohort study to focus on the timing as well as the location of the initial transfusion. To examine the association of prehospital transfusion and time to initial transfusion with injury survival. Retrospective cohort study of US military combat casualties in Afghanistan between April 1, 2012, and August 7, 2015. Eligible patients were rescued alive by MEDEVAC from point of injury with either (1) a traumatic limb amputation at or above the knee or elbow or (2) shock defined as a systolic blood pressure of less than 90 mm Hg or a heart rate greater than 120 beats per minute. Initiation of prehospital transfusion and time from MEDEVAC rescue to first transfusion, regardless of location (ie, prior to or during hospitalization). Transfusion recipients were compared with nonrecipients (unexposed) for whom transfusion was delayed or not given. Mortality at 24 hours and 30 days after MEDEVAC rescue were coprimary outcomes. To balance injury severity, nonrecipients of prehospital transfusion were frequency matched to recipients by mechanism of injury, prehospital shock, severity of limb amputation, head injury, and torso hemorrhage. Cox regression was stratified by matched groups and also adjusted for age, injury year, transport team, tourniquet use, and time to MEDEVAC rescue. Of 502 patients (median age, 25 years [interquartile range, 22 to 29 years]; 98% male), 3 of 55 prehospital transfusion recipients (5%) and 85 of 447 nonrecipients (19%) died within 24 hours of MEDEVAC rescue (between-group difference, -14% [95% CI, -21% to -6%]; P = .01). By day 30, 6 recipients (11%) and 102 nonrecipients (23%) died (between-group difference, -12% [95% CI, -21% to -2%]; P = .04). For the 386 patients without missing

  10. Acute allergic reactions in children with AEDS after prolonged cow's milk elimination diets.

    PubMed

    Flinterman, A E; Knulst, A C; Meijer, Y; Bruijnzeel-Koomen, C A F M; Pasmans, S G M A

    2006-03-01

    Food allergy is not always correctly diagnosed in children with atopic eczema dermatitis syndrome (AEDS) and treatment with an avoidance diet is not without danger. After admission to our clinic, 11 children with a prolonged cow's milk (CM) elimination diet because of AEDS and sensitization underwent double-blind placebo-controlled food challenge (DBPCFC). Retrospectively, the exposure to CM, sensitization and reactions to accidental ingestion were carefully documented. The DBPCFC was used to evaluate the childrens' current status. Before the elimination period (median 2.3 years; started before the admission) all 11 children with AEDS were sensitized and had ingested CM (four bottle-fed; seven breast-fed without CM diet of the mother) without the development of acute reactions. The diagnosis of CM allergy was not confirmed by DBPCFC previously. After elimination the AEDS had not improved, but nevertheless the diet was continued. During the elimination period, eight of 11 children developed severe acute allergic reactions to CM after accidental ingestion. In evaluation, in our clinic all 11 children experienced acute allergic reactions to CM during DBPCFC. There is a considerable chance of developing acute allergic reactions to CM after elimination in children with AEDS without previous problems after CM intake.

  11. 21 CFR 606.170 - Adverse reaction file.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... regarding each unit of blood or blood product arising as a result of blood collection or transfusion. A... it is determined that the product was at fault in causing a transfusion reaction, copies of all such... a complication of blood collection or transfusion is confirmed to be fatal, the Director, Office of...

  12. 21 CFR 606.170 - Adverse reaction file.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... regarding each unit of blood or blood product arising as a result of blood collection or transfusion. A... it is determined that the product was at fault in causing a transfusion reaction, copies of all such... a complication of blood collection or transfusion is confirmed to be fatal, the Director, Office of...

  13. Effect of blood transfusion on outcome after major burn injury: a multicenter study.

    PubMed

    Palmieri, Tina L; Caruso, Daniel M; Foster, Kevin N; Cairns, Bruce A; Peck, Michael D; Gamelli, Richard L; Mozingo, David W; Kagan, Richard J; Wahl, Wendy; Kemalyan, Nathan A; Fish, Joel S; Gomez, Manuel; Sheridan, Robert L; Faucher, Lee D; Latenser, Barbara A; Gibran, Nicole S; Klein, Robert L; Solem, Lynn D; Saffle, Jeffrey R; Morris, Stephen E; Jeng, James C; Voigt, David; Howard, Pamela A; Molitor, Fred; Greenhalgh, David G

    2006-06-01

    To delineate blood transfusion practices and outcomes in patients with major burn injury. Patients with major burn injury frequently require multiple blood transfusions; however, the effect of blood transfusion after major burn injury has had limited study. Multicenter retrospective cohort analysis. Regional burn centers throughout the United States and Canada. Patients admitted to a participating burn center from January 1 through December 31, 2002, with acute burn injuries of >or=20% total body surface area. Outcome measurements included mortality, number of infections, length of stay, units of blood transfused in and out of the operating room, number of operations, and anticoagulant use. A total of 21 burn centers contributed data on 666 patients; 79% of patients survived and received a mean of 14 units of packed red blood cells during their hospitalization. Mortality was related to patient age, total body surface area burn, inhalation injury, number of units of blood transfused outside the operating room, and total number of transfusions. The number of infections per patient increased with each unit of blood transfused (odds ratio, 1.13; p<.001). Patients on anticoagulation during hospitalization received more blood than patients not on anticoagulation (16.3+/-1.5 vs. 12.3+/-1.5, p<.001). The number of transfusions received was associated with mortality and infectious episodes in patients with major burns even after factoring for indices of burn severity. The utilization of blood products in the treatment of major burn injury should be reserved for patients with a demonstrated physiologic need.

  14. Evaluating the frequency of vital sign monitoring during blood transfusion: an evidence-based practice initiative.

    PubMed

    DeYoung Sullivan, Karen; Vu, Truc; Richardson, Goley; Castillo, Estella; Martinez, Fernando

    2015-10-01

    Patients with cancer are often dependent on blood transfusions during treatment. Frequent vital sign monitoring during transfusions may interrupt sleep and the patient's ability to ambulate or participate in unit activities. Relying heavily on vital sign findings may also overshadow unmeasurable symptoms of transfusion reaction. The aim of this evidence-based practice initiative was to examine the evidence regarding the optimum frequency of vital sign monitoring for patients undergoing stem cell transplantation receiving blood products and to amend policy and practice to be consistent with the literature. 
AT A GLANCE
: Patients with cancer frequently require transfusion support during treatment.Inconsistencies exist in recommendations for the frequency of vital sign monitoring during transfusion.Examining best practice guidelines suggests that less frequent vital sign monitoring may be appropriate if coupled with thoughtful physiologic assessment.

  15. Quality indicators for Transfusion Medicine in Spain: a survey among hospital transfusion services.

    PubMed

    Romon, Iñigo; Lozano, Miguel

    2017-05-01

    Transfusion services in the European Union must implement quality management systems to improve quality. Quality indicators (QI) play a key role in quality management because they can supply important information about the performance of the transfusion service, which can then be used for benchmarking. However, little is known about the actual use of QI in hospitals. We tried to ascertain the use and characteristics of QI in Spanish hospital transfusion services. We performed a survey among transfusion services in order to learn which QI they use. We classified indicators into categories and concepts, according to the steps of the transfusion process or the activities the indicators referred to. Seventy-six hospitals (17.9% of the hospitals actively transfusing in the country) reported 731 QI. Twenty-two of them (29%) were tertiary level hospitals. The number of indicators per hospital and by activity varied greatly. QI were assigned to some basic categories: transfusion process (23% of indicators), transfusion activity and stock management (22%), haemovigilance (20%), stem cell transplantation (9%), transfusion laboratory (9%), quality management system (8%), blood donation (3.4%), apheresis and therapeutic activities (2.5%) and immunohaematology of pregnancy (2%). Although most hospitals use QI in their quality management system and share a core group of indicators, we found a great dispersion in the number and characteristics of the indicators used. The use of a commonly agreed set of QI could be an aid to benchmarking among hospitals and to improving the transfusion process.

  16. Transfusion thresholds and other strategies for guiding allogeneic red blood cell transfusion.

    PubMed

    Hill, S R; Carless, P A; Henry, D A; Carson, J L; Hebert, P C; McClelland, D B; Henderson, K M

    2002-01-01

    Most clinical practice guidelines recommend restrictive red cell transfusion practices with the goal of minimising exposure to allogeneic blood (from an unrelated donor). The purpose of this review is to compare clinical outcomes in patients randomised to restrictive versus liberal transfusion thresholds (triggers). To examine the evidence on the effect of transfusion thresholds, on the use of allogeneic and/or autologous blood, and the evidence for any effect on clinical outcomes. Trials were identified by: computer searches of OVID Medline (1966 to December 2000), Current Contents (1993 to Week 48 2000), and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (2000 Issue 4). References in identified trials and review articles were checked and authors contacted to identify any additional studies. Controlled trials in which patients were randomised to an intervention group or to a control group. Trials were included where the intervention groups were assigned on the basis of a clear transfusion "trigger", described as a haemoglobin (Hb) or haematocrit (Hct) level below which a RBC transfusion was to be administered. Trial quality was assessed using criteria proposed by Schulz et al. (1995). Relative risks of requiring allogeneic blood transfusion, transfused blood volumes and other clinical outcomes were pooled across trials using a random effects model. Ten trials were identified that reported outcomes for a total of 1780 patients. Restrictive transfusion strategies reduced the risk of receiving a red blood cell (RBC) transfusion by a relative 42% (RR=0.58: 95%CI=0.47,0.71). This equates to an average absolute risk reduction (ARR) of 40% (95%CI=24% to 56%). The volume of RBCs transfused was reduced on average by 0.93 units (95%CI=0.36,1.5 units). However, heterogeneity between these trials was statistically significant (p<0.00001) for these outcomes. Mortality, rates of cardiac events, morbidity, and length of hospital stay were unaffected. Trials were of poor methodological

  17. Intranasal desmopressin versus blood transfusion in cirrhotic patients with coagulopathy undergoing dental extraction: a randomized controlled trial.

    PubMed

    Stanca, Carmen M; Montazem, Andre H; Lawal, Adeyemi; Zhang, Jin X; Schiano, Thomas D

    2010-01-01

    Cirrhotic patients waiting for liver transplantation who need dental extractions are given fresh frozen plasma and/or platelets to correct coagulopathy. This is costly and may be associated with transfusion reactions and fluid overload. We evaluated the efficacy of intranasal desmopressin as an alternative to transfusion to correct the coagulopathy of cirrhotic patients undergoing dental extraction. Cirrhotic patients with platelet counts of 30,000 to 50,000/microL and/or international normalized ratio (INR) 2.0 to 3.0 were enrolled in a prospective, controlled, randomized clinical trial. Blood transfusion (fresh frozen plasma 10 mL/kg and/or 1 unit of single donor platelets, respectively) or intranasal desmopressin (300 microg) were given before dental extraction. A standard oral and maxillofacial surgical treatment protocol was performed by the same surgeon. Patients were followed for postextraction bleeding and side-effects over the next 24 to 48 hours. No significant differences were noted between the 2 groups in gender, age, INR, platelet count, creatinine, total bilirubin, ALT, albumin, MELD score, or number of teeth removed (median 3 vs 4). The number of teeth removed ranged between 1 and 31 in the desmopressin group and 1 and 22 in the transfusion group. No patients in desmopressin group required rescue blood transfusion after extraction. One patient in the transfusion group had bleeding after the procedure and required an additional transfusion. Another patient experienced an allergic reaction at the end of transfusion, which was effectively treated with diphenhydramine. Treatment associated average costs were lower for desmopressin ($700/patient) compared with transfusion ($1,173/patient). Intranasal desmopressin was as effective as blood transfusion in achieving hemostasis in cirrhotic patients with moderate coagulopathy undergoing dental extraction. Intranasal desmopressin was much more convenient, less expensive, and well tolerated.

  18. Recombinant factor VIIa as an adjunctive therapy for patients requiring large volume transfusion: a pharmacoeconomic evaluation.

    PubMed

    Loudon, B; Smith, M P

    2005-08-01

    Acute haemorrhage requiring large volume transfusion presents a costly and unpredictable risk to transfusion services. Recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) (NovoSeven, Novo Nordisk, Bagsvaard, Denmark) may provide an important adjunctive haemostatic strategy for the management of patients requiring large volume blood transfusions. To review blood transfusion over a 12-month period and assess the major costs associated with haemorrhage management. A pharmoeconomic evaluation of rFVIIa intervention for large volume transfusion was conducted to identify the most cost-effective strategy for using this haemostatic product. Audit and analysis of all patients admitted to Christchurch Public Hospital requiring > 5 units of red blood cells (RBC) during a single transfusion episode. Patients were stratified into groups dependent on RBC units received and further stratified with regard to ward category. Cumulative costs were derived to compare standard treatment with an hypothesized rFVIIa intervention for each transfusion group. Sensitivity analyses were performed by varying parameters and comparing to original outcomes. Comparison of costs between the standard and hypothetical model indicated no statistically significant differences between groups (P < 0.05). Univariate and multivariate sensitivity analyses indicate that intervention with rFVIIa after transfusion of 14 RBC units may be cost-effective due to conservation of blood components and reduction in duration of intensive area stay. Intervention with rFVIIa for haemorrhage control is most cost-effective relatively early in the RBC transfusion period. Our hypothetical model indicates the optimal time point is when 14 RBC units have been transfused.

  19. A study on the prevalence of dog erythrocyte antigen 1.1 and detection of canine Babesia by polymerase chain reaction from apparently healthy dogs in a selected rural community in Zimbabwe.

    PubMed

    Dhliwayo, Solomon; Makonese, Tariro A; Whittall, Belinda; Chikerema, Silvester M; Pfukenyi, Davies M; Tivapasi, Musavenga T

    2016-10-26

    A study was carried out to determine the prevalence of blood group antigen dog erythrocyte antigen (DEA) 1.1 in mixed breed dogs in rural Chinamhora, Zimbabwe. DEA 1.1 is clinically the most important canine blood group as it is the most antigenic blood type; hence, DEA 1.1 antibodies are capable of causing acute haemolytic, potentially life-threatening transfusion reactions. In this study, blood samples were collected from 100 dogs in Chinamhora, and blood typing was carried out using standardised DEA 1.1 typing strips with monoclonal anti-DEA 1.1 antibodies (Alvedia® LAB DEA 1.1 test kits). Polymerase chain reaction for detecting Babesia spp. antigen was carried out on 58 of the samples. Of the 100 dogs, 78% were DEA 1.1 positive and 22% were DEA 1.1 negative. A significantly (p = 0.02) higher proportion of females (90.5%) were DEA 1.1 positive than males (69.0%). The probability of sensitisation of recipient dogs following first-time transfusion of untyped or unmatched blood was 17.2%, and an approximately 3% (2.95%) probability of an acute haemolytic reaction following a second incompatible transfusion was found. Babesia spp. antigen was found in 6.9% of the samples. No significant relationship (χ2 = 0.56, p = 0.45) was found between DEA 1.1 positivity and Babesia spp. antigen presence. Despite a low probability of haemolysis after a second incompatibility transfusion, the risk remains present and should not be ignored. Hence, where possible, blood typing for DEA 1.1 is recommended. A survey of DEA 3, 4, 5 and 7 in various breeds is also recommended.

  20. The Non-Hemostatic Aspects of Transfused Platelets

    PubMed Central

    Sut, Caroline; Tariket, Sofiane; Aubron, Cécile; Aloui, Chaker; Hamzeh-Cognasse, Hind; Berthelot, Philippe; Laradi, Sandrine; Greinacher, Andreas; Garraud, Olivier; Cognasse, Fabrice

    2018-01-01

    Platelets transfusion is a safe process, but during or after the process, the recipient may experience an adverse reaction and occasionally a serious adverse reaction (SAR). In this review, we focus on the inflammatory potential of platelet components (PCs) and their involvement in SARs. Recent evidence has highlighted a central role for platelets in the host inflammatory and immune responses. Blood platelets are involved in inflammation and various other aspects of innate immunity through the release of a plethora of immunomodulatory cytokines, chemokines, and associated molecules, collectively termed biological response modifiers that behave like ligands for endothelial and leukocyte receptors and for platelets themselves. The involvement of PCs in SARs—particularly on a critically ill patient’s context—could be related, at least in part, to the inflammatory functions of platelets, acquired during storage lesions. Moreover, we focus on causal link between platelet activation and immune-mediated disorders (transfusion-associated immunomodulation, platelets, polyanions, and bacterial defense and alloimmunization). This is linked to the platelets’ propensity to be activated even in the absence of deliberate stimuli and to the occurrence of time-dependent storage lesions. PMID:29536007

  1. [Blood clots in erythrocyte concentrates during transfusion].

    PubMed

    Wagner, T; Drexler, C; Kröll, W; Jüngling, G; Lanzer, G; Gabriel, C

    2008-12-01

    The presence of multiple blood clots in leucocyte-depleted erythrocyte concentrates during a transfusion gave rise to an investigation to find the exact cause. Determination of the various blood group systems was carried out using the gel centrifugation method and also the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using sequence-specific primers. In addition the human leucocyte antigens (HLA) class 1 and class 2 markers were determined with molecular biological methods. The erythrocytes in the blood bags containing the blood clots showed a mixed-field agglutination in each blood group where the donor and recipient had different phenotypes. The HLA groups, however, could be solely attributed to the patient, since during the preparation of erythrocyte concentrates all leucocytes are removed and only very few residual cells containing DNA are present. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first detailed report on blood clots from patient blood in erythrocyte concentrates, which occurred during a transfusion. The retrograde filling of the blood bag with patient blood during the transfusion led to coagulation in the bag. Therefore, careful attention must be taken when dealing with stored blood and corresponding training must be regularly carried out.

  2. Massive blood transfusion during hospitalization for delivery in New York State, 1998-2007.

    PubMed

    Mhyre, Jill M; Shilkrut, Alexander; Kuklina, Elena V; Callaghan, William M; Creanga, Andreea A; Kaminsky, Sari; Bateman, Brian T

    2013-12-01

    To define the frequency, risk factors, and outcomes of massive transfusion in obstetrics. The State Inpatient Dataset for New York (1998-2007) was used to identify all delivery hospitalizations for hospitals that reported at least one delivery-related transfusion per year. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the relationship between maternal age, race, and relevant clinical variables and the risk of massive blood transfusion defined as 10 or more units of blood recorded. Massive blood transfusion complicated 6 of every 10,000 deliveries with cases observed even in the smallest facilities. Risk factors with the strongest independent associations with massive blood transfusion included abnormal placentation (1.6/10,000 deliveries, adjusted odds ratio [OR] 18.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 14.7-23.3), placental abruption (1.0/10,000, adjusted OR 14.6, 95% CI 11.2-19.0), severe preeclampsia (0.8/10,000, adjusted OR 10.4, 95% CI 7.7-14.2), and intrauterine fetal demise (0.7/10,000, adjusted OR 5.5, 95% CI 3.9-7.8). The most common etiologies of massive blood transfusion were abnormal placentation (26.6% of cases), uterine atony (21.2%), placental abruption (16.7%), and postpartum hemorrhage associated with coagulopathy (15.0%). A disproportionate number of women who received a massive blood transfusion experienced severe morbidity including renal failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis, and in-hospital death. Massive blood transfusion was infrequent, regardless of facility size. In the presence of known risk for receipt of massive blood transfusion, women should be informed of this possibility, should deliver in a well-resourced facility if possible, and should receive appropriate blood product preparation and venous access in advance of delivery. : II.

  3. The effect of vitamin E on acute skin reaction caused by radiotherapy.

    PubMed

    Dirier, A; Akmansu, M; Bora, H; Gurer, M

    2007-09-01

    Ionizing radiation affects healthy organs and tissues as well as diseased tissues during radiation therapy. Skin reactions varying from acute erythema to necrosis can be seen. It has been found that vitamin E can prevent mutagenic and/or carcinogenic effects of ionizing radiation in both animals and cell cultures. This study investigated the preventative effect of antioxidant vitamin E on irradiation-induced acute skin reactions. No protective effect of vitamin E was demonstrated. It is possible that the vehicle induced free radical exposure in the irradiated skin.

  4. Splenectomy reduces packed red cell transfusion requirement in children with sickle cell disease.

    PubMed

    Haricharan, Ramanath N; Roberts, Jared M; Morgan, Traci L; Aprahamian, Charles J; Hardin, William D; Hilliard, Lee M; Georgeson, Keith E; Barnhart, Douglas C

    2008-06-01

    The purpose of the study was to measure the effect of splenectomy on packed-cell transfusion requirement in children with sickle cell disease. Thirty-seven sickle cell children who underwent splenectomies between January 2000 and May 2006 at a children's hospital were reviewed. Data were collected 6 months preoperatively to 12 months postsplenectomy. Paired t test, analysis of variance, and multivariable regression analyses were performed. Of 37 children with median age 11 years (range, 2-18 years), 34 (21 males) had data that allowed analyses. Twenty-six had Hgb-SS, 5 had Hgb-SC, and 3 had Hgb S-Thal. Laparoscopic splenectomy was attempted in 36 and completed successfully in 34 (94% success). The number of units transfused decreased by 38% for 0 to 6 months and by 45% for 6 to 12 months postsplenectomy. Postoperatively, hematocrit levels increased and reticulocytes concurrently decreased with a reduction in transfusion clinic visits. The decrease in transfusion was not influenced by spleen weight, age, or hemoglobin type. Two children had acute chest syndrome (6%), and 1 had severe pneumonia (3%). Laparoscopic splenectomy can be successfully completed in sickle cell children. Splenectomy significantly reduces the packed red cell transfusion requirement and frequency of clinic visits, in sickle cell children for at least 12 months postoperatively.

  5. Effectiveness, safety, and cost of partial exchange transfusions in patients with sickle-cell anemia at a sickle cell disease center in sub-Saharan Africa.

    PubMed

    Boma Muteb, P; Kaluila Mamba, J F J; Muhau Pfutila, P; Bilo, V; Panda Mulefu, J D; Diallo, D A

    2017-11-01

    The partial exchange transfusions necessary for management of some sickle-cell complications raise the issue of effectiveness in the context of limited resources and inadequate blood safety. This study evaluated the effectiveness, safety, and cost of partial exchange transfusions in 39 patients with sickle-cell anemia in Lubumbashi, looking at the patients' age and gender and the tolerability and direct cost of the transfusions. Excel and SPSS 18 were used for data entry and analysis. Chi2 and Fisher exact tests were used for comparisons. A P-value ≤ 5% was considered statistically significant. The average age of patients was 8.6 ± 6.4 years, and the majority were girls. The most frequent indications were stroke, severe infections, severe vasooclusive crises, and acute chest syndrome. Partial exchange transfusions were effective in improving hemoglobin and hematocrit as well as the percentage of HbS. No acute accident was observed during any partial exchange transfusion; one anti-Kell alloimmunization and 2 cases of iron overload were observed. The annual cost of partial exchange transfusions per patient requiring (and able to afford) regular treatment was US $ 3,345 without iron chelation and more than US $ 5000 with chelation. Partial exchange transfusions are effective and tolerated, but financially inaccessible to the majority of our sickle cell patients. Thus, an assessment is needed of the economic burden of sickle cell complications that require partial exchange transfusions in the context of countries with limited financial resources.

  6. Why do four NICUs using identical RBC transfusion guidelines have different gestational age-adjusted RBC transfusion rates?

    PubMed

    Henry, E; Christensen, R D; Sheffield, M J; Eggert, L D; Carroll, P D; Minton, S D; Lambert, D K; Ilstrup, S J

    2015-02-01

    To compare neonatal red blood cell (RBC) transfusion rates in four large Intermountain Healthcare NICUs, all of which adhere to the same RBC transfusion guidelines. This retrospective analysis was part of a transfusion-management quality-improvement project. De-identified data included RBC transfusions, clinical and laboratory findings, the anemia-prevention strategies in place in each NICU, and specific costs and outcomes. Of 2389 NICU RBC transfusions given during the 4-year period studied, 98.9 ± 2.1% (mean ± S.D.) were compliant with our transfusion guidelines, with no difference in compliance between any of the four NICUs. However, RBC transfusion rates varied widely between the four, with averages ranging from 4.6 transfusions/1000 NICU days to 21.7/1000 NICU days (P < 0.00001). Gestational age-adjusted transfusion rates were correspondingly discordant (P < 0.00001). The lower-transfusing NICUs had written anemia-preventing guidelines, such as umbilical cord milking at very low birth weight delivery, use of cord blood for admission laboratory studies, and darbepoetin dosing for selected neonates. Rates of Bell stage ⩾ 2 necrotizing enterocolitis and grade ⩾ 3 intraventricular hemorrhage were lowest in the two lower-transfusing NICUs (P < 0.0002 and P < 0.0016). Average pharmacy costs for darbepoetin were $84/dose, with an average pharmacy cost of $269 per transfusion averted. With a cost of $900/RBC transfusion, the anemia-preventing strategies resulted in an estimated cost savings to Intermountain Healthcare of about $6970 per 1000 NICU days, or about $282,300 annually. Using transfusion guidelines has been shown previously to reduce practice variability, lower transfusion rates and diminish transfusion costs. Based on our present findings, we maintain that even when transfusion guidelines are in place and adhered to rigorously, RBC transfusion rates are reduced further if anemia-preventing strategies are also in place.

  7. Allogeneic umbilical cord blood red cell concentrates: an innovative blood product for transfusion therapy of preterm infants.

    PubMed

    Bianchi, Maria; Giannantonio, Carmen; Spartano, Serena; Fioretti, Maria; Landini, Alessandra; Molisso, Anna; Tesfagabir, Ghennet Mikael; Tornesello, Assunta; Barbagallo, Ombretta; Valentini, Caterina Giovanna; Vento, Giovanni; Zini, Gina; Romagnoli, Costantino; Papacci, Patrizia; Teofili, Luciana

    2015-01-01

    Preterm infants often receive blood transfusions early in life. In this setting, umbilical cord blood (UCB) might be safer than adult blood (A) with respect to infectious and immunologic threats. To evaluate, as a first objective, the feasibility of fulfilling transfusion needs of preterm infants with allogeneic UCB red blood cell (RBC) concentrates and, as a secondary objective, to assess the safety of allogeneic cord blood transfusions. At the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and the UNICATT Cord Blood Bank of 'A. Gemelli' Hospital in Rome, a prospective study was carried out over a 1-year period, enrolling newborns with gestational age ≤30 weeks and/or birth weight ≤1,500 g requiring RBC transfusions within the first 28 days of life. At first transfusion, patients were assigned to receive UCB-RBCs or A-RBCs depending on the availability of ABO-Rh(D)-matched UCB-RBC units. The same regimen (UCB-RBC or A-RBC units) was thereafter maintained, unless ABO-Rh(D)-matched UCB-RBC units were not available. Overall, 23 UCB-RBC units were transfused to 9 patients; the requests for UCB-RBC units were met in 45% of patients at the first transfusion and in 78% at the subsequent transfusions. At a median follow-up of 57 days (range 6-219), no acute or delayed transfusion-related adverse events occurred. Hematocrit gain after transfusion and time intervals between transfusions were similar in the UCB-RBC and A-RBC group, as well. Transfusing allogeneic UCB-RBC units in preterm infants appears a feasible and safe approach, although the transfusion needs of our study population were not completely covered. More data are necessary to validate this novel transfusion practice. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  8. Red blood cell transfusion in the resuscitation of septic patients with hematological malignancies.

    PubMed

    Mirouse, Adrien; Resche-Rigon, Matthieu; Lemiale, Virginie; Mokart, Djamel; Kouatchet, Achille; Mayaux, Julien; Vincent, François; Nyunga, Martine; Bruneel, Fabrice; Rabbat, Antoine; Lebert, Christine; Perez, Pierre; Renault, Anne; Meert, Anne-Pascale; Benoit, Dominique; Hamidfar, Rebecca; Jourdain, Mercé; Darmon, Michaël; Azoulay, Elie; Pène, Frédéric

    2017-12-01

    Indications for red blood cell (RBC) transfusion in septic acute circulatory failure remain unclear. We addressed the practices and the prognostic impact of RBC transfusion in the early resuscitation of severe sepsis and septic shock in patients with hematological malignancies. We performed a retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database of patients with hematological malignancies who required intensive care unit (ICU) admission in 2010-2011. Patients with a main admission diagnosis of severe sepsis or septic shock were included in the present study. We assessed RBC transfusion during the first two days as part of initial resuscitation. Among the 1011 patients of the primary cohort, 631 (62.4%) were admitted to the ICU for severe sepsis (55%) or septic shock (45%). Among them, 210 (33.3%) patients received a median of 2 [interquartile 1-3] packed red cells during the first 48 h. Hemoglobin levels were lower in transfused patients at days 1 and 2 and became similar to those of non-transfused patients at day 3. Early RBC transfusion was more likely in patients with myeloid neoplasms and neutropenia. Transfused patients displayed more severe presentations as assessed by higher admission SOFA scores and blood lactate levels and the further requirements for organ failure supports. RBC transfusion within the first two days was associated with higher day 7 (20.5 vs. 13.3%, p = 0.02), in-ICU (39 vs. 25.2%, p < 0.001) and in-hospital (51 vs. 36.6%, p < 0.001) mortality rates. RBC transfusion remained independently associated with increased in-hospital mortality in multivariate logistic regression (OR 1.52 [1.03-2.26], p = 0.03) and propensity score-adjusted (OR 1.64 [1.05-2.57], p = 0.03) analysis. RBC transfusion is commonly used in the early resuscitation of septic patients with hematological malignancies. Although it was preferentially provided to the most severe patients, we found it possibly associated with an increased risk of death.

  9. A national common massive transfusion protocol (MTP) is a feasible and advantageous option for centralized blood services and hospitals.

    PubMed

    Chay, J; Koh, M; Tan, H H; Ng, J; Ng, H J; Chia, N; Kuperan, P; Tan, J; Lew, E; Tan, L K; Koh, P L; Desouza, K A; Bin Mohd Fathil, S; Kyaw, P M; Ang, A L

    2016-01-01

    A common national MTP was jointly implemented in 2011 by the national blood service (Blood Services Group) and seven participating acute hospitals to provide rapid access to transfusion support for massively haemorrhaging patients treated in all acute care hospitals. Through a systematic clinical workflow, blood components are transfused in a ratio of 1:1:1 (pRBC: whole blood-derived platelets: FFP), together with cryoprecipitate for fibrinogen replacement. The composition of components for the MTP is fixed, although operational aspects of the MTP can be adapted by individual hospitals to suit local hospital workflow. The MTP could be activated in support of any patient with critical bleeding and at risk of massive transfusion, including trauma and non-trauma general medical, surgical and obstetric patients. There were 434 activations of the MTP from October 2011 to October 2013. Thirty-nine per cent were for trauma patients, and 30% were for surgical patients with heavy intra-operative bleeding, with 25% and 6% for patients with gastrointestinal bleeding and peri-partum haemorrhage, respectively. Several hospitals reported reduction in mean time between request and arrival of blood. Mean transfusion ratio achieved was one red cell unit: 0·8 FFP units: 0·8 whole blood-derived platelet units: 0·4 units of cryoprecipitate. Although cryoprecipitate usage more than doubled after introduction of MTP, there was no significant rise in overall red cells, platelet and FFP usage following implementation. This successful collaboration shows that shared transfusion protocols are feasible and potentially advantageous for hospitals sharing a central blood provider. © 2015 International Society of Blood Transfusion.

  10. Transfusion Requirements in Cardiac Surgery III (TRICS III): Study Design of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

    PubMed

    Shehata, Nadine; Whitlock, Richard; Fergusson, Dean A; Thorpe, Kevin E; MacAdams, Charlie; Grocott, Hilary P; Rubens, Fraser; Fremes, Stephen; Lellouche, Francois; Bagshaw, Sean; Royse, Alistair; Rosseel, Peter M; Hare, Greg; Medicis, Etienne De; Hudson, Christopher; Belley-Cote, Emilie; Bainbridge, Daniel; Kent, Blaine; Shaw, Andrew; Byrne, Kelly; Syed, Summer; Royse, Colin F; McGuiness, Shay; Hall, Judith; Mazer, C David

    2018-02-01

    To determine if a restrictive transfusion threshold is noninferior to a higher threshold as measured by a composite outcome of mortality and serious morbidity. Transfusion Requirements in Cardiac Surgery (TRICS) III was a multicenter, international, open-label randomized controlled trial of two commonly used transfusion strategies in patients having cardiac surgery using a noninferiority trial design (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02042898). Eligible patients were randomized prior to surgery in a 1:1 ratio. Potential participants were 18 years or older undergoing planned cardiac surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) with a preoperative European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE I) of 6 or more. Five thousand patients; those allocated to a restrictive transfusion group received a red blood cell (RBC) transfusion if the hemoglobin concentration (Hb) was less than 7.5 g/dL intraoperatively and/or postoperatively. Patients allocated to a liberal transfusion strategy received RBC transfusion if the Hb was less than 9.5 g/dL intraoperatively or postoperatively in the intensive care unit or less than 8.5 g/dL on the ward. The primary outcome was a composite of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke, or new onset renal dysfunction requiring dialysis at hospital discharge or day 28, whichever comes first. The primary outcome was analyzed as a per-protocol analysis. The trial monitored adherence closely as adherence to the transfusion triggers is important in ensuring that measured outcomes reflect the transfusion strategy. By randomizing prior to surgery, the TRICS III trial captured the most acute reduction in hemoglobin during cardiopulmonary bypass. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  11. Lung function, transfusion, pulmonary capillary blood volume and sickle cell disease.

    PubMed

    Lunt, Alan; McGhee, Emily; Robinson, Polly; Rees, David; Height, Susan; Greenough, Anne

    2016-02-01

    Lung function abnormalities occur in children with sickle cell disease (SCD) and may be associated with elevated pulmonary blood volume. To investigate that association, we determined whether blood transfusion in SCD children acutely increased pulmonary capillary blood volume (PCBV) and increased respiratory system resistance (Rrs5). Measurements of Rrs5 and spirometry were made before and after blood transfusion in 18 children, median age 14.2 (6.6-18.5) years. Diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide and nitric oxide were assessed to calculate the PCBV. Post transfusion, the median Rrs5 had increased from 127.4 to 141.3% predicted (p<0.0001) and pulmonary capillary blood volume from 39.7 to 64.1 ml/m2 (p<0.0001); forced expiratory volume in one second (p=0.0056) and vital capacity (p=0.0008) decreased. The increase in Rrs5 correlated with the increase in PCBV (r=0.50, p=0.0493). Increased pulmonary capillary blood volume may at least partially explain the lung function abnormalities in SCD children. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  12. Age of red blood cells and outcome in acute kidney injury

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    Introduction Transfusion of red blood cells (RBCs) and, in particular, older RBCs has been associated with increased short-term mortality in critically ill patients. We evaluated the association between age of transfused RBCs and acute kidney injury (AKI), hospital, and 90-day mortality in critically ill patients. Methods We conducted a prospective, observational, predefined sub-study within the FINNish Acute Kidney Injury (FINNAKI) study. This study included all elective ICU admissions with expected ICU stay of more than 24 hours and all emergency admissions from September to November 2011. To study the age of RBCs, we classified transfused patients into quartiles according to the age of oldest transfused RBC unit in the ICU. AKI was defined according to KDIGO (Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes) criteria. Results Out of 1798 patients, 652 received at least one RBC unit. The median [interquartile range] age of the oldest RBC unit transfused was 12 [11-13] days in the freshest quartile and 21 [17-27] days in the quartiles 2 to 4. On logistic regression, RBC age was not associated with the development of KDIGO stage 3 AKI. Patients in the quartile of freshest RBCs had lower crude hospital and 90-day mortality rates compared to those in the quartiles of older blood. After adjustments, older RBC age was associated with significantly increased risk for hospital mortality. Age, Simplified Acute Physiology Score II (SAPS II)-score without age points, maximum Sequental Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score and the total number of transfused RBC units were independently associated with 90-day mortality. Conclusions The age of transfused RBC units was independently associated with hospital mortality but not with 90-day mortality or KDIGO stage 3 AKI. The number of transfused RBC units was an independent risk factor for 90-day mortality. PMID:24093554

  13. Acute dyskinetic reaction in a healthy toddler following methylphenidate ingestion.

    PubMed

    Waugh, Jeff L

    2013-07-01

    Acute dyskinetic or dystonic reactions are a long-recognized complication of medications that alter dopamine signaling. Most reactions occur following exposure to agents that block dopamine receptors (e.g., neuroleptics). However, agents that increase dopaminergic transmission (such as methylphenidate) can also trigger acute dyskinesias. This has been previously reported only in patients also taking dopamine antagonists or, less commonly, in children with developmental abnormalities. The present report describes a previously healthy toddler who developed transient torticollis and orolingual dyskinesias following accidental exposure to methylphenidate. He had no preexisting movement disorder, central nervous system injury, or developmental abnormalities--in short, none of the previously reported risk factors for this side effect. The unique features of this case led to the hypothesis that developmental shifts in dopamine signaling were the basis for his particular sensitivity to methylphenidate. If confirmed, this hypothesis has implications for the treatment of common childhood attentional and behavioral disorders. The article includes a literature review of dyskinetic/dystonic reactions in children and the developmental regulation of dopamine metabolism. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  14. [Automatic pre-transfusion serology].

    PubMed

    Wattar, B; Govaerts, A

    1975-12-01

    This paper describes an automated apparatus combining Rosenfield's and Lalezari's antibody screening and identification basic technics. PVP bromelin and low ionic strength acid polybren channels are used; agglutinates are decanded; the remaining cells are hemolyzed and the optical density is then measured through a colorimeter and recorded on a chart; speed is of 40 samples an hour. This machine was also used for irregular antibody screening and identification. Sensitivity is shown to be equal to that of manual technics for ABO, Lewis, Lutheran as well as K, S, M, Kpb, Xga, U and Vel antibodies detection. Nevertheless, a much greater sensitivity is achieved (titers 3 to 10 times higher) than by manual technics for Rh, -k, S, Fya antibodies detection. Polybren channel is suitable for anti-Rh, Duffy, I and M (human detection; bromelin channel however, has a greater sensitivity for other specificities. Anti-M and anti-N sera from rabbits were shown to be non specific when using this machine. Over almost 15 000 sera tested, no antibody (detected by manual techniques) escaped the automated screening. This antibody detection machine was applied to compatibility tests prior to transfusion. (21 480 units were tested. aimed to be transfused to 5 611 patients). A third, PVP without bromelin, was set in parallel in order not to let escape any anti-M, even a weak one. The sera distributor was slaved to the cells distributor so that the whole procedure was automated. Furthermore, each serum was tested against red cells to be transfused, but also against the patient's own red cells to be transfused, but also against the patient's own red cells and against two selected red cells panels, so as to ensure irregular antibody detection at the same time. Using this machine, 3 to 4% of the cell samples were rejected, i.e. more than with usual techniques. All manually detected antibodies were identified, but also some others, which showed only weak reactions by classical techniques

  15. Efficacy of fresh packed red blood transfusion in organophosphate poisoning.

    PubMed

    Bao, Hang-Xing; Tong, Pei-Jian; Li, Cai-Xia; Du, Jing; Chen, Bing-Yu; Huang, Zhi-Hui; Wang, Ying

    2017-03-01

    The mortality rate caused by organophosphate (OP) poisoning is still high, even the standard treatment such as atropine and oxime improves a lot. To search for alternative therapies, this study was aimed to investigate the effects of packed red blood cell (RBC) transfusion in acute OP poisoning, and compare the therapeutic effects of RBCs at different storage times.Patients diagnosed with OP poisoning were included in this prospective study. Fresh RBCs (packed RBCs stored less than 10 days) and longer-storage RBCs (stored more than 10 days but less than 35 days) were randomly transfused or not into OP poisoning patients. Cholinesterase (ChE) levels in blood, atropine usage and durations, pralidoxime durations were measured.We found that both fresh and longer-storage RBCs (200-400 mL) significantly increased blood ChE levels 6 hours after transfusion, shortened the duration for ChE recovery and length of hospital stay, and reduced the usage of atropine and pralidoxime. In addition, fresh RBCs demonstrated stronger therapeutic effects than longer-storage RBCs.Packed RBCs might be an alternative approach in patients with OP poisoning, especially during early stages.

  16. An approach to transfusion and hemorrhage in trauma: current perspectives on restrictive transfusion strategies

    PubMed Central

    Tien, Homer; Nascimento, Bartolomeu; Callum, Jeannie; Rizoli, Sandro

    2007-01-01

    Hemorrhagic shock is a leading cause of death in trauma patients. Surgical control of bleeding and fluid resuscitation with both crystalloid and blood products remain the mainstay of therapy for injured patients with bleeding. However, there has been a recent re-evaluation of transfusion practice. Both the fear of transmissible disease and the costs of transfusing blood products have led to increasingly restrictive transfusion practices. A small percentage of trauma patients require massive transfusion. These patients are complex and difficult to manage, and clinicians must act quickly to save them. There is little evidence to help guide clinical transfusion decisions in these patients. A rational approach to using blood products requires an understanding of the end points of resuscitation. Resuscitation with fluids and red cells is necessary to improve perfusion and oxygen delivery to tissues. Avoiding overtransfusion is key, however, because transfusion is also associated with significant risks. This trend toward reducing allogenic blood exposure will likely continue. New technologies that have the potential of reducing blood loss and transfusion requirements in trauma patients with massive bleeding are being developed, and similar old technologies are being reapplied. PMID:17568492

  17. Safety and effectiveness of predeposit autologous transfusions in preteen and adolescent children.

    PubMed

    Silvergleid, A J

    1987-06-26

    Although there is documentation in the literature of the safety and effectiveness of predeposit autologous transfusions among adult patients contemplating surgery, there are no comparable data for preteen and teenage children. We report our experience with 180 children between the ages of 8 and 18 years participating in a community blood center-based predeposit autologous transfusion program. Children as young as 8 years old and weighing as little as 27 kg predonated a prescribed amount of blood prior to elective orthopedic (169) or plastic (11) surgery. Only four children experienced a donor reaction; none of them was severe. No child was unable to donate the prescribed number of units. Eighty-eight percent of the children were able to supply their complete blood requirements, thus avoiding exposure to homologous blood. Our experience documents both the safety and effectiveness of predeposit autologous transfusions in preteen and adolescent children and should encourage existing predeposit autologous transfusion programs to extend participation to thousands of children for whom the opportunity to use their own blood is currently denied.

  18. Clinical Practice Guidelines From the AABB: Red Blood Cell Transfusion Thresholds and Storage.

    PubMed

    Carson, Jeffrey L; Guyatt, Gordon; Heddle, Nancy M; Grossman, Brenda J; Cohn, Claudia S; Fung, Mark K; Gernsheimer, Terry; Holcomb, John B; Kaplan, Lewis J; Katz, Louis M; Peterson, Nikki; Ramsey, Glenn; Rao, Sunil V; Roback, John D; Shander, Aryeh; Tobian, Aaron A R

    2016-11-15

    is 10 g/dL (strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence). A restrictive RBC transfusion threshold of 8 g/dL is recommended for patients undergoing orthopedic surgery, cardiac surgery, and those with preexisting cardiovascular disease (strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence). The restrictive transfusion threshold of 7 g/dL is likely comparable with 8 g/dL, but RCT evidence is not available for all patient categories. These recommendations do not apply to patients with acute coronary syndrome, severe thrombocytopenia (patients treated for hematological or oncological reasons who are at risk of bleeding), and chronic transfusion-dependent anemia (not recommended due to insufficient evidence). Recommendation 2: patients, including neonates, should receive RBC units selected at any point within their licensed dating period (standard issue) rather than limiting patients to transfusion of only fresh (storage length: <10 days) RBC units (strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence). Research in RBC transfusion medicine has significantly advanced the science in recent years and provides high-quality evidence to inform guidelines. A restrictive transfusion threshold is safe in most clinical settings and the current blood banking practices of using standard-issue blood should be continued.

  19. Thromboelastometry versus standard coagulation tests versus restrictive protocol to guide blood transfusion prior to central venous catheterization in cirrhosis: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

    PubMed

    Rocha, Leonardo Lima; Pessoa, Camila Menezes Souza; Neto, Ary Serpa; do Prado, Rogerio Ruscitto; Silva, Eliezer; de Almeida, Marcio Dias; Correa, Thiago Domingos

    2017-02-27

    Liver failure patients have traditionally been empirically transfused prior to invasive procedures. Blood transfusion is associated with immunologic and nonimmunologic reactions, increased risk of adverse outcomes and high costs. Scientific evidence supporting empirical transfusion is lacking, and the best approach for blood transfusion prior to invasive procedures in cirrhotic patients has not been established so far. The aim of this study is to compare three transfusion strategies (routine coagulation test-guided - ordinary or restrictive, or thromboelastometry-guided) prior to central venous catheterization in critically ill patients with cirrhosis. Design and setting: a double-blinded, parallel-group, single-center, randomized controlled clinical trial in a tertiary private hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. adults (aged 18 years or older) admitted to the intensive care unit with cirrhosis and an indication for central venous line insertion. Patients will be randomly assigned to three groups for blood transfusion strategy prior to central venous catheterization: standard coagulation tests-based, thromboelastometry-based, or restrictive. The primary efficacy endpoint will be the proportion of patients transfused with any blood product prior to central venous catheterization. The primary safety endpoint will be the incidence of major bleeding. Secondary endpoints will be the proportion of transfusion of fresh frozen plasma, platelets and cryoprecipitate; infused volume of blood products; hemoglobin and hematocrit before and after the procedure; intensive care unit and hospital length of stay; 28-day and hospital mortality; incidence of minor bleeding; transfusion-related adverse reactions; and cost analysis. This study will evaluate three strategies to guide blood transfusion prior to central venous line placement in severely ill patients with cirrhosis. We hypothesized that thromboelastometry-based and/or restrictive protocols are safe and would significantly

  20. Detection of malaria infection in blood transfusion: a comparative study among real-time PCR, rapid diagnostic test and microscopy: sensitivity of Malaria detection methods in blood transfusion.

    PubMed

    Hassanpour, Gholamreza; Mohebali, Mehdi; Raeisi, Ahmad; Abolghasemi, Hassan; Zeraati, Hojjat; Alipour, Mohsen; Azizi, Ebrahim; Keshavarz, Hossein

    2011-06-01

    The transmission of malaria by blood transfusion was one of the first transfusion-transmitted infections recorded in the world. Transfusion-transmitted malaria may lead to serious problems because infection with Plasmodium falciparum may cause rapidly fatal death. This study aimed to compare real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) with rapid diagnostic test (RDT) and light microscopy for the detection of Plasmodium spp. in blood transfusion, both in endemic and non-endemic areas of malaria disease in Iran. Two sets of 50 blood samples were randomly collected. One set was taken from blood samples donated in blood bank of Bandar Abbas, a city located in a malarious-endemic area, and the other set from Tehran, a non-endemic one. Light microscopic examination on both thin and thick smears, RDTs, and real-time PCR were performed on the blood samples and the results were compared. Thin and thick light microscopic examinations of all samples as well as RDT results were negative for Plasmodium spp. Two blood samples from endemic area were positive only with real-time PCR. It seems that real-time PCR as a highly sensitive method can be helpful for the confirmation of malaria infection in different units of blood transfusion organization especially in malaria-endemic areas where the majority of donors may be potentially infected with malaria parasites.

  1. Blood transfusion transmitted infections in multiple blood transfused patients of Beta thalassaemia.

    PubMed

    Vidja, Prakash J; Vachhani, J H; Sheikh, S S; Santwani, P M

    2011-06-01

    Transfusion Transmitted Infection (TTI) continue to be a problem in many parts of world and multi-transfused patients of beta thalassaemia major are at a particularly increased risk of TTI. This study is aimed to estimate the prevalence of blood TTI in multiple blood transfused patients of beta thalassaemia major. Cross-sectional study of 200 multi-transfused patients of beta thalassaemia major, who were interviewed using a structured questionnaire and history was taken regarding sero-status of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), HBV (Hepatitis B Virus), HCV (Hepatitis C Virus) infection from their case papers. This study was conducted at the department of Pathology, M.P. Shah medical college, Jamnagar and Thalassemia ward, G.G. Hospital, Jamnagar (Gujarat, India) from March to May 2010. Out of 200 multiple blood transfused patients 7% patients were infected with TTI. Total 9 male patients and 5 female patients were infected with TTI. The seroreactivity for HIV was 3% (06/200); 1% (02/200) were males and 2% (04/200) were females. The seroreactivity for HBV was 2% (04/200) all were males. The seroreactivity for HCV was 2% (04/200); 1.5% (03/200) were males and 0.5% (01/200) was female. HIV, HBV, HCV infections are most prevalent TTI among multiple blood transfused patients of beta thalassemia major, and remains a major health problem for these patients.

  2. Hydroxyurea for reducing blood transfusion in non-transfusion dependent beta thalassaemias.

    PubMed

    Foong, Wai Cheng; Ho, Jacqueline J; Loh, C Khai; Viprakasit, Vip

    2016-10-18

    Non-transfusion dependent beta thalassaemia is a subset of inherited haemoglobin disorders characterised by reduced production of the beta globin chain of the haemoglobin molecule leading to anaemia of varying severity. Although blood transfusion is not a necessity for survival, it is required when episodes of chronic anaemia occur. This chronic anaemia can impair growth and affect quality of life. People with non-transfusion dependent beta thalassaemia suffer from iron overload due to their body's increased capability of absorbing iron from food sources. Iron overload becomes more pronounced in those requiring blood transfusion. People with a higher foetal haemoglobin level have been found to require fewer blood transfusions. Hydroxyurea has been used to increase foetal haemoglobin level; however, its efficacy in reducing transfusion, chronic anaemia complications and its safety need to be established. To assess the effectiveness, safety and appropriate dose regimen of hydroxyurea in people with non-transfusion dependent beta thalassaemia (haemoglobin E combined with beta thalassaemia and beta thalassaemia intermedia). We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group's Haemoglobinopathies Trials Register, compiled from electronic database searches and handsearching of relevant journals. We also searched ongoing trials registries and the reference lists of relevant articles and reviews.Date of last search: 30 April 2016. Randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials of hydroxyurea in people with non-transfusion dependent beta thalassaemia comparing hydroxyurea with placebo or standard treatment or comparing different doses of hydroxyurea. Two authors independently applied the inclusion criteria in order to select trials for inclusion. Both authors assessed the risk of bias of trials and extracted the data. A third author verified these assessments. No trials comparing hydroxyurea with placebo or standard care were found. However, we included

  3. Outcomes in transfusion.

    PubMed

    Sherman, L A

    1999-07-01

    Outcomes data in medicine can be limited by subjective methodologic issues such as poor selection of end points and use of nonvalidated systems for quality adjustment. Blood transfusion analyses are further complicated by the fact that transfusion seldom is primary therapy but is usually supportive or adjunctive. Thus, much of the outcome data in transfusion medicine are either unavailable or in one of two areas. The first area is prevention of bad sequelae of various cytopenias or factor deficiencies. The second is decreasing adverse effects of transfusion itself. A different useful area for outcome and root cause approaches in individual institutions is examining preanalytical and postanalytical processes of their own. Examples are sample labeling accuracy, quality and timeliness of blood suppliers, internal delivery processes and times, and product wastage. Use review can be changed to real time from retrospective time. By reducing complaints about service to objective data, realistic change can be made in internal and external processes.

  4. 21 CFR 606.170 - Adverse reaction file.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... maintained of any reports of complaints of adverse reactions regarding each unit of blood or blood product arising as a result of blood collection or transfusion. A thorough investigation of each reported adverse... the manufacturer or collecting facility. (b) When a complication of blood collection or transfusion is...

  5. Barcode identification for transfusion safety.

    PubMed

    Murphy, M F; Kay, J D S

    2004-09-01

    Errors related to blood transfusion in hospitals may produce catastrophic consequences. This review addresses potential solutions to prevent patient misidentification including the use of new technology, such as barcoding. A small number of studies using new technology for the transfusion process in hospitals have shown promising results in preventing errors. The studies demonstrated improved transfusion safety and staff preference for new technology such as bedside handheld scanners to carry out pretransfusion bedside checking. They also highlighted the need for considerable efforts in the training of staff in the new procedures before their successful implementation. Improvements in hospital transfusion safety are a top priority for transfusion medicine, and will depend on a combined approach including a better understanding of the causes of errors, a reduction in the complexity of routine procedures taking advantage of new technology, improved staff training, and regular monitoring of practice. The use of new technology to improve the safety of transfusion is very promising. Further development of the systems is needed to enable staff to carry out bedside transfusion procedures quickly and accurately, and to increase their functionality to justify the cost of their wider implementation.

  6. Blood transfusion and coagulopathy in geriatric trauma patients.

    PubMed

    Mador, Brett; Nascimento, Bartolomeu; Hollands, Simon; Rizoli, Sandro

    2017-03-29

    Trauma resuscitation has undergone a paradigm shift with new emphasis on the early use of blood products and increased proportions of plasma and platelets. However, it is unclear how this strategy is applied or how effective it is in the elderly population. The study aim is to identify differences in transfusion practices and the coagulopathy of trauma in the elderly. Data was prospectively collected on all consecutive patients that met trauma activation criteria at a Level I trauma centre. Data fields included patient demographics, co-morbidities, injury and resuscitation data, laboratory values, thromboelastography (TEG) results, and outcome measures. Elderly patients were defined as those 55 and older. Propensity-score matched analysis was completed for patients receiving blood product transfusion. Patients were matched by gender, mechanism, injury severity score (ISS), head injury, and time from injury. Total of 628 patients were included, of which 142 (23%) were elderly. Elderly patients were more likely to be female (41% vs. 24%), suffer blunt mechanism of trauma (96% vs. 80%), have higher ISS scores (mean 25.4 vs. 21.6) and mortality (19% vs. 8%). Elderly patients were significantly more likely to receive a blood transfusion (42% vs. 30%), specifically for red cells and plasma. Propensity-matched analysis resulted in no difference in red cell transfusion or mortality. Despite the broad similarities between the matched cohorts, trauma coagulopathy as measured by TEG was less commonly observed in the elderly. Our results suggest that elderly trauma patients are more likely to receive blood products when admitted to a trauma centre, though this may be attributed to under-triage. The results also suggest an altered coagulopathic response to traumatic injury which is partially influenced by increased anticoagulant and antiplatelet medication use in the geriatric population. It is not clear whether the acute coagulopathy of trauma is equivalent in geriatric

  7. Survey of the information given to patients about blood transfusion and the need for consent before transfusion.

    PubMed

    Murphy, M F; Docherty, S; Greenfield, P

    1997-12-01

    There is no current requirement in the United Kingdom to provide patients with information about blood transfusion or to seek their written consent to transfusion. To study patients' attitudes to these questions, a questionnaire survey was carried out on 51 patients during an admission to hospital in which they received a blood transfusion. The patients in this survey, although mostly satisfied about the information they were given before they were transfused, would have welcomed more general information about transfusion, mainly because of concerns about the risk of viral infections. Nearly 40% of patients thought that written consent should be obtained before transfusion, but the ethical and practical aspects of this issue are complex. Further debate would be required before implementation of written consent to transfusion could be considered as a routine policy.

  8. Clinical analysis of thoracoscopic surgery combined with intraoperative autologous blood transfusion in the treatment of traumatic hemothorax.

    PubMed

    Ma, Hu-Sai; Ma, Ju-Hua; Xue, Feng-Lai; Fu, Xiang-Ning; Zhang, Ni

    2016-12-01

    From January 2013 to January 2015, 19 patients of traumatic hemothorax with hemorrhagic shock were treated in our department by thoracoscopic surgery combined with autologous blood transfusion. This study retrospectively analyzed the therapeutic effect and shared our experience. The average amount of blood transfused back was 662.41 ml ± 269.15 ml. None of the patients developed transfusion reaction and were all discharged uneventfully. Thoracoscopic surgery combined with autologous blood trans- fusion is effective in the rescue of patients with progressive hemothorax and hemorrhagic shock. When corresponding indications are well managed, treatment for these patients is quicker, safer, and more effective.

  9. Determination of health workers’ level of knowledge about blood transfusion

    PubMed Central

    Kavaklioglu, Aysegul Beyazpinar; Dagci, Selma; Oren, Besey

    2017-01-01

    OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to determine the knowledge level of healthcare workers about blood transfusion. METHODS: The study was conducted between October 1, 2015 and November 2, 2015 with 100 healthcare personnel working in a training and research hospital. A survey consisting of 19 questions based on the literature was prepared and administered. In addition to descriptive statistical methods (frequency), Fisher’s exact chi-square test and Yates’ correction for continuity were used to compare qualitative data. Significance was assessed at p<0.05. RESULTS: Of the total, 52% of the participants were ≤29 years of age and 94% were women. In all, 71% were nurses and 42% had been working at the hospital for 2 to 5 years. Seventy-nine percent indicated that they had been trained in blood and blood product transfusion, 86% stated that transfusions were performed to replace deficient blood volume, and 95% responded that blood was to be requested by a physician, and 97% indicated that informed consent of the patient should be obtained for a blood transfusion. In all, 78% of respondents identified crossmatching as the final check for ABO compatibility. With respect to blood unit quality, 90% of the respondents stated that they would return blood if the label could not be read and 98% would reject the product if the integrity of the blood bag was compromised or of the blood had a cloudy or foamy appearance. In the event of a patient experiencing fever and shock, 96% of the survey participants indicated that they would consider that it could be a reaction to a blood transfusion. The need to confirm the patient’s identity and the type of blood products was corroborated by 91%, and 85% agreed that no other medication should be added to the blood to be transfused. Furthermore, 88% of the study participants approved of continuous training regarding the transfusion of blood and blood products. CONCLUSION: According to the results of this research, while the

  10. Determination of health workers' level of knowledge about blood transfusion.

    PubMed

    Kavaklioglu, Aysegul Beyazpinar; Dagci, Selma; Oren, Besey

    2017-01-01

    This study was conducted to determine the knowledge level of healthcare workers about blood transfusion. The study was conducted between October 1, 2015 and November 2, 2015 with 100 healthcare personnel working in a training and research hospital. A survey consisting of 19 questions based on the literature was prepared and administered. In addition to descriptive statistical methods (frequency), Fisher's exact chi-square test and Yates' correction for continuity were used to compare qualitative data. Significance was assessed at p<0.05. Of the total, 52% of the participants were ≤29 years of age and 94% were women. In all, 71% were nurses and 42% had been working at the hospital for 2 to 5 years. Seventy-nine percent indicated that they had been trained in blood and blood product transfusion, 86% stated that transfusions were performed to replace deficient blood volume, and 95% responded that blood was to be requested by a physician, and 97% indicated that informed consent of the patient should be obtained for a blood transfusion. In all, 78% of respondents identified crossmatching as the final check for ABO compatibility. With respect to blood unit quality, 90% of the respondents stated that they would return blood if the label could not be read and 98% would reject the product if the integrity of the blood bag was compromised or of the blood had a cloudy or foamy appearance. In the event of a patient experiencing fever and shock, 96% of the survey participants indicated that they would consider that it could be a reaction to a blood transfusion. The need to confirm the patient's identity and the type of blood products was corroborated by 91%, and 85% agreed that no other medication should be added to the blood to be transfused. Furthermore, 88% of the study participants approved of continuous training regarding the transfusion of blood and blood products. According to the results of this research, while the knowledge of the healthcare professionals surveyed

  11. Transfusion-related transmission of yellow fever vaccine virus--California, 2009.

    PubMed

    2010-01-22

    In the United States, yellow fever (YF) vaccination is recommended for travelers and active duty military members visiting endemic areas of sub-Saharan Africa and Central/South America. The American Red Cross recommends that recipients of YF vaccine defer blood product donation for 2 weeks because of the theoretical risk for transmission from a viremic donor. On April 10, 2009, a hospital blood bank supervisor learned that, on March 27, blood products had been collected from 89 U.S. active duty trainees who had received YF vaccine 4 days before donation. This report summarizes the subsequent investigation by the hospital and CDC to identify lapses in donor deferral and to determine whether transfusion-related transmission of YF vaccine virus occurred. The investigation found that a recent change in the timing of trainee vaccination had occurred and that vaccinees had not reported recent YF vaccination status at time of donation. Despite a prompt recall, six units of blood products were transfused into five patients. No clinical evidence or laboratory abnormalities consistent with a serious adverse reaction were identified in four recipients within the first month after transfusion; the fifth patient, who had prostate cancer and end-stage, transfusion-dependent, B-cell lymphoma, died while in hospice care. Three of the four surviving patients had evidence of serologic response to YF vaccine virus. This report provides evidence that transfusion-related transmission of YF vaccine virus can occur and underscores the need for careful screening and deferral of recently vaccinated blood donors.

  12. [Acute myocardial infarction after wasp sting without anaphylactic reaction].

    PubMed

    Bongo, Angelo Sante; Fornaro, Gianluigi; Sansa, Mara; Macciò, Sergio; Rognoni, Andrea

    2005-03-01

    Bites of hymenopterans (bees, wasps and hornets) are very frequent phenomena that can stir up allergical reactions in venom-susceptible patients but that seldom provoke acute myocardial infarction. In the literature we can find case reports of myocardial infarction after bites of hymenopterans, and preceded by an allergic reaction (sometimes with angiographic evidence of undamaged coronary arteries). The pathophysiological determinant seems to be related to the chemical composition of hymenopterans venom, basically made up by vasoactive and thrombogenic substances able to create vasospasm and coronary thrombosis. Our report refers to a 65-year-old male patient without prior cardiological and allergic events who, bitten by a sharm of three bees, complains of an acute large anterior myocardial infarction with angiographic evidence of thrombotic lesion of the proximal left anterior descending artery treated with direct stenting with procedural success, without showing allergical symptoms. The pathophysiological determinant seems to be related to the release of vasoactive amines and thrombogenic substances contained into the hymenopterans venom, the former able to produce vasospasm, the latter able to create diffuse thrombosis. The use of adrenaline itself to counteract the possible systemic allergic reaction appears to advise against the treatment of patients with cardiological symptoms or coronary artery disease and because of its strong vasoactive activity (it leads, in fact, to vasoconstriction) and thrombogenic effects.

  13. Effects of non-leukocyte-reduced and leukocyte-reduced packed red blood cell transfusions on oxygenation of rat spinotrapezius muscle

    PubMed Central

    Sundararajan, Sripriya; Dodhy, Sami C.; Pittman, Roland N.; Lewis, Stephen J.

    2015-01-01

    Leukoreduction of blood used for transfusion alleviates febrile transfusion reactions, graft versus host disease and alloimmunization to leukocyte antigen. However, the actual clinical benefit of leukoreduction in terms of microcirculatory tissue O2 delivery after packed red blood cell (pRBC) transfusion has not been investigated. As such, the aim of this study was to determine the effects of non-leukoreduced (NLR) and leukoreduced (LR) fresh pRBC transfusion on interstitial oxygenation in anesthetized male Sprague-Dawley rats. Interstitial fluid PO2 and arteriolar diameters in spinotrapezius muscle preparations were monitored before and after transfusion with NLR- or LR-pRBCs. The major findings were that (1) transfusion of NLR-pRBCs significantly decreased interstitial oxygenation whereas transfusion of LR-pRBCs did not, and (2) transfusion with LR-pRBCs elicited a substantially greater increase in arterial blood pressure (ABP) than did transfusion with NLR-pRBCs. These changes in PO2 and ABP were not associated with changes in the diameters of resistance arterioles in the spinotrapezius muscle. These data suggest that transfusion of fresh NLR-pRBCs may negatively affect tissue oxygenation via enhanced leukocyte influx and decreased O2 delivery. They also suggest that leukocytes diminish the capability of transfused pRBCs to increase cardiac output. As such, transfusion of LR-pRBCs may be less deleterious on tissue PO2 levels than NLR-pRBCs although a concomitantly greater increase in ABP may accompany transfusion of LR-pRBCs. PMID:24189119

  14. Non-transfusion-dependent thalassemias

    PubMed Central

    Musallam, Khaled M.; Rivella, Stefano; Vichinsky, Elliott; Rachmilewitz, Eliezer A.

    2013-01-01

    Non-transfusion-dependent thalassemias include a variety of phenotypes that, unlike patients with beta (β)-thalassemia major, do not require regular transfusion therapy for survival. The most commonly investigated forms are β-thalassemia intermedia, hemoglobin E/β-thalassemia, and α-thalassemia intermedia (hemoglobin H disease). However, transfusion-independence in such patients is not without side effects. Ineffective erythropoiesis and peripheral hemolysis, the hallmarks of disease process, lead to a variety of subsequent pathophysiologies including iron overload and hypercoagulability that ultimately lead to a number of serious clinical morbidities. Thus, prompt and accurate diagnosis of non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia is essential to ensure early intervention. Although several management options are currently available, the need to develop more novel therapeutics is justified by recent advances in our understanding of the mechanisms of disease. Such efforts require wide international collaboration, especially since non-transfusion-dependent thalassemias are no longer bound to low- and middle-income countries but have spread to large multiethnic cities in Europe and the Americas due to continued migration. PMID:23729725

  15. Blood transfusion-acquired hemoglobin C.

    PubMed

    Suarez, A A; Polski, J M; Grossman, B J; Johnston, M F

    1999-07-01

    Unexpected and confusing laboratory test results can occur if a blood sample is inadvertently collected following a blood transfusion. A potential for transfusion-acquired hemoglobinopathy exists because heterozygous individuals show no significant abnormalities during the blood donor screening process. Such spurious results are infrequently reported in the medical literature. We report a case of hemoglobin C passively transferred during a red blood cell transfusion. The proper interpretation in our case was assisted by calculations comparing expected hemoglobin C concentration with the measured value. A review of the literature on transfusion-related preanalytic errors is provided.

  16. Operative blood transfusion quality improvement audit.

    PubMed

    Al Sohaibani, Mazen; Al Malki, Assaf; Pogaku, Venumadhav; Al Dossary, Saad; Al Bernawi, Hanan

    2014-01-01

    To determine how current anesthesia team handless the identification of surgical anaesthetized patient (right patient). And the check of blood unit before collecting and immediately before blood administration (right blood) in operating rooms where nurses have minimal duties and responsibility to handle blood for transfusion in anaesthetized patients. To elicit the degree of anesthesia staff compliance with new policies and procedures for anaesthetized surgical patient the blood transfusion administration. A large tertiary care reference and teaching hospital. A prospective quality improvement. Elaboration on steps for administration of transfusion from policies and procedures to anaesthetized patients; and analysis of the audit forms for conducted transfusions. An audit form was used to get key performance indicators (KPIs) observed in all procedures involve blood transfusion and was ticked as item was met, partially met, not met or not applicable. Descriptive statistics as number and percentage Microsoft excel 2003. Central quality improvement committee presented the results in number percentage and graphs. The degree of compliance in performing the phases of blood transfusion by anesthesia staff reached high percentage which let us feel certain that the quality is assured that the internal policy and procedures (IPP) are followed in the great majority of all types of red cells and other blood products transfusion from the start of requesting the blood or blood product to the prescript of checking the patient in the immediate post-transfusion period. Specific problem area of giving blood transfusion to anaesthetized patient was checking KPI concerning the phases of blood transfusion was audited and assured the investigators of high quality performance in procedures of transfusion.

  17. Alternatives to allogeneic platelet transfusion.

    PubMed

    Desborough, Michael J R; Smethurst, Peter A; Estcourt, Lise J; Stanworth, Simon J

    2016-11-01

    Allogeneic platelet transfusions are widely used for the prevention and treatment of bleeding in thrombocytopenia. Recent evidence suggests platelet transfusions have limited efficacy and are associated with uncertain immunomodulatory risks and concerns about viral or bacterial transmission. Alternatives to transfusion are a well-recognised tenet of Patient Blood Management, but there has been less focus on different strategies to reduce bleeding risk by comparison to platelet transfusion. Direct alternatives to platelet transfusion include agents to stimulate endogenous platelet production (thrombopoietin mimetics), optimising platelet adhesion to endothelium by treating anaemia or increasing von Willebrand factor levels (desmopressin), increasing formation of cross-linked fibrinogen (activated recombinant factor VII, fibrinogen concentrate or recombinant factor XIII), decreasing fibrinolysis (tranexamic acid or epsilon aminocaproic acid) or using artificial or modified platelets (cryopreserved platelets, lyophilised platelets, haemostatic particles, liposomes, engineered nanoparticles or infusible platelet membranes). The evidence base to support the use of these alternatives is variable, but an area of active research. Much of the current randomised controlled trial focus is on evaluation of the use of thrombopoietin mimetics and anti-fibrinolytics. It is also recognised that one alternative strategy to platelet transfusion is choosing not to transfuse at all. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  18. The effect of blood transfusion on pulmonary permeability in cardiac surgery patients: a prospective multicenter cohort study.

    PubMed

    Vlaar, Alexander P J; Cornet, Alexander D; Hofstra, Jorrit J; Porcelijn, Leendert; Beishuizen, Albertus; Kulik, Willem; Vroom, Margreeth B; Schultz, Marcus J; Groeneveld, A B Johan; Juffermans, Nicole P

    2012-01-01

    There is an association between blood transfusion and pulmonary complications in cardiac surgery. Mediators of increased pulmonary vascular leakage after transfusion are unknown. We hypothesized that factors may include antibodies or bioactive lipids, which have been implicated in transfusion-related acute lung injury. We performed a prospective cohort study in two university hospital intensive care units in the Netherlands. Pulmonary vascular permeability was measured in cardiac surgery patients after receiving no, restrictive (one or two transfusions), or multiple (five or more transfusions) transfusions (n=20 per group). The pulmonary leak index (PLI), using (67) Ga-labeled transferrin, was determined within 3 hours postoperatively. Blood products were screened for bioactive lipid accumulation and the presence of antibodies. The PLI was elevated in all groups after cardiac surgery. Transfused patients had a higher PLI compared to nontransfused patients (33×10(-3) ± 20×10(-3) vs. 23×10(-3) ± 11×10(-3)/min, p<0.01). The amount of red blood cell (RBC) products, but not of fresh-frozen plasma or platelets, was associated with an increase in PLI (β, 1.6 [0.2-3.0]). Concerning causative factors in the blood product, neither the level of bioactive lipids nor the presence of antibodies was associated with an increase in PLI. Patient factors such as surgery risk and time on cardiopulmonary bypass did not influence the risk of pulmonary leakage after blood transfusion. Transfusion in cardiothoracic surgery patients is associated with an increase in pulmonary capillary permeability, an effect that was dose dependent for RBC products. The level of bioactive lipids or the presence of HLA or HNA antibodies in the transfused products were not associated with increased pulmonary capillary permeability. © 2011 American Association of Blood Banks.

  19. Demographic and epidemiologic characterization of transfusion recipients from four US regions: evidence from the REDS-III recipient database.

    PubMed

    Karafin, Matthew S; Bruhn, Roberta; Westlake, Matt; Sullivan, Marian T; Bialkowski, Walter; Edgren, Gustaf; Roubinian, Nareg H; Hauser, Ronald G; Kor, Daryl J; Fleischmann, Debra; Gottschall, Jerome L; Murphy, Edward L; Triulzi, Darrell J

    2017-12-01

    Blood transfusion is one of the most common medical procedures during hospitalization in the United States. To understand the benefits of transfusion while mitigating potential risks, a multicenter database containing detailed information on transfusion incidence and recipient outcomes would facilitate research. The Recipient Epidemiology and Donor Evaluation Study-III (REDS-III) program has developed a comprehensive transfusion recipient database utilizing data from hospital electronic health records at 12 participating hospitals in four geographic regions. Inpatient and outpatient data on transfusion recipients from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2014 included patient age, sex, ethnicity, primary diagnosis, type of blood product provided, issue location, pretransfusion and post-transfusion hemoglobin (Hgb), and hospital outcomes. Transfusion incidence per encounter was calculated by blood product and various patient characteristics. During the 2-year study period, 80,362 (12.5%) inpatient encounters involved transfusion. Among inpatients, the most commonly transfused blood products were red blood cells (RBCs; 10.9% of encounters), followed by platelets (3.2%) and plasma (2.9%). Among patients who received transfusions, the median number of RBC units was one, the pretransfusion Hgb level was 7.6 g/dL, and the Hgb increment per unit was 1.4 g/dL. Encounter mortality increased with patient age, the number of units transfused, and the use of platelet or plasma products. The most commonly reported transfusion reaction was febrile nonhemolytic. The database contains comprehensive data regarding transfusion use and patient outcomes. The current report describes an evaluation of the first 2 years of a planned, 4-year, linked blood donor-component-recipient database, which represents a critical new resource for transfusion medicine researchers. © 2017 AABB.

  20. Real-time polymerase chain reaction in transfusion medicine: applications for detection of bacterial contamination in blood products.

    PubMed

    Dreier, Jens; Störmer, Melanie; Kleesiek, Knut

    2007-07-01

    Bacterial contamination of blood components, particularly of platelet concentrates (PCs), represents the greatest infectious risk in blood transfusion. Although the incidence of platelet bacterial contamination is approximately 1 per 2,000 U, the urgent need for a method for the routine screening of PCs to improve safety for patients had not been considered for a long time. Besides the culturing systems, which will remain the criterion standard, rapid methods for sterility screening will play a more important role in transfusion medicine in the future. In particular, nucleic acid amplification techniques (NATs) are powerful potential tools for bacterial screening assays. The combination of excellent sensitivity and specificity, reduced contamination risk, ease of performance, and speed has made real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology an appealing alternative to conventional culture-based testing methods. When using real-time PCR for the detection of bacterial contamination, several points have to be considered. The main focus is the choice of the target gene; the assay format; the nucleic acid extraction method, depending on the sample type; and the evaluation of an ideal sampling strategy. However, several factors such as the availability of bacterial-derived nucleic acid amplification reagents, the impracticability, and the cost have limited the use of NATs until now. Attempts to reduce the presence of contaminating nucleic acids from reagents in real-time PCR have been described, but none of these approaches have proven to be very effective or to lower the sensitivity of the assay. Recently, a number of broad-range NAT assays targeting the 16S ribosomal DNA or 23S ribosomal RNA for the detection of bacteria based on real-time technology have been reported. This review will give a short survey of current approaches to and the limitations of the application of real-time PCR for bacterial detection in blood components, with emphasis on the bacterial

  1. Blood Transfusions (For Teens)

    MedlinePlus

    ... person usually gets a blood transfusion through an intravenous line , a tiny tube that is inserted into ... blood cells. So some people getting treatment for cancer might need a transfusion of red blood cells ...

  2. Epidemiology of Transfusion-Transmitted Infections Among Multi-Transfused Patients in Seven Hospitals in Peru

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2005-01-01

    locate jcv Epidemiology of transfusion-transmitted infections among multi-transfused patients in seven hospitals in Peru 1 VA. Laguna-Torres a...and risk factors associated with TTIs among a sample of multi-transfused adult patients in Peru Study design: A cross- sectional multi-center study...was conducted across seven major hospitals in Peru fi’om February 2003 to September 2004 Self-reported behavior lntbrmatlon (medical procedures

  3. Cost-effectiveness analysis of preoperative transfusion in patients with sickle cell disease using evidence from the TAPS trial

    PubMed Central

    Spackman, Eldon; Sculpher, Mark; Howard, Jo; Malfroy, Moira; Llewelyn, Charlotte; Choo, Louise; Hodge, Renate; Johnson, Tony; Rees, David C; Fijnvandraat, Karin; Kirby-Allen, Melanie; Davies, Sally; Williamson, Lorna

    2014-01-01

    The study’s objective was to assess the cost-effectiveness of preoperative transfusion compared with no preoperative transfusion in patients with sickle cell disease undergoing low- or medium-risk surgery. Seventy patients with sickle cell disease (HbSS/Sß0thal genotypes) undergoing elective surgery participated in a multicentre randomised trial, Transfusion Alternatives Preoperatively in Sickle Cell Disease (TAPS). Here, a cost-effectiveness analysis based on evidence from that trial is presented. A decision-analytic model is used to incorporate long-term consequences of transfusions and acute chest syndrome. Costs and health benefits, expressed as quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), are reported from the ‘within-trial’ analysis and for the decision-analytic model. The probability of cost-effectiveness for each form of management is calculated taking into account the small sample size and other sources of uncertainty. In the range of scenarios considered in the analysis, preoperative transfusion was more effective, with the mean improvement in QALYs ranging from 0.018 to 0.206 per patient, and also less costly in all but one scenario, with the mean cost difference ranging from −£813 to £26. All scenarios suggested preoperative transfusion had a probability of cost-effectiveness >0.79 at a cost-effectiveness threshold of £20 000 per QALY. PMID:24329965

  4. Liberal or restrictive transfusion in high-risk patients after hip surgery.

    PubMed

    Carson, Jeffrey L; Terrin, Michael L; Noveck, Helaine; Sanders, David W; Chaitman, Bernard R; Rhoads, George G; Nemo, George; Dragert, Karen; Beaupre, Lauren; Hildebrand, Kevin; Macaulay, William; Lewis, Courtland; Cook, Donald Richard; Dobbin, Gwendolyn; Zakriya, Khwaja J; Apple, Fred S; Horney, Rebecca A; Magaziner, Jay

    2011-12-29

    The hemoglobin threshold at which postoperative red-cell transfusion is warranted is controversial. We conducted a randomized trial to determine whether a higher threshold for blood transfusion would improve recovery in patients who had undergone surgery for hip fracture. We enrolled 2016 patients who were 50 years of age or older, who had either a history of or risk factors for cardiovascular disease, and whose hemoglobin level was below 10 g per deciliter after hip-fracture surgery. We randomly assigned patients to a liberal transfusion strategy (a hemoglobin threshold of 10 g per deciliter) or a restrictive transfusion strategy (symptoms of anemia or at physician discretion for a hemoglobin level of <8 g per deciliter). The primary outcome was death or an inability to walk across a room without human assistance on 60-day follow-up. A median of 2 units of red cells were transfused in the liberal-strategy group and none in the restrictive-strategy group. The rates of the primary outcome were 35.2% in the liberal-strategy group and 34.7% in the restrictive-strategy group (odds ratio in the liberal-strategy group, 1.01; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.84 to 1.22), for an absolute risk difference of 0.5 percentage points (95% CI, -3.7 to 4.7). The rates of in-hospital acute coronary syndrome or death were 4.3% and 5.2%, respectively (absolute risk difference, -0.9%; 99% CI, -3.3 to 1.6), and rates of death on 60-day follow-up were 7.6% and 6.6%, respectively (absolute risk difference, 1.0%; 99% CI, -1.9 to 4.0). The rates of other complications were similar in the two groups. A liberal transfusion strategy, as compared with a restrictive strategy, did not reduce rates of death or inability to walk independently on 60-day follow-up or reduce in-hospital morbidity in elderly patients at high cardiovascular risk. (Funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; FOCUS ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00071032.).

  5. Red blood cell transfusion is associated with further bleeding and fresh-frozen plasma with mortality in nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

    PubMed

    Subramaniam, Kavitha; Spilsbury, Katrina; Ayonrinde, Oyekoya T; Latchmiah, Faye; Mukhtar, Syed A; Semmens, James B; Leahy, Michael F; Olynyk, John K

    2016-04-01

    Blood products are commonly transfused for patients with nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB). While concerns exist about further bleeding and mortality in subsets of patients receiving red blood cell (RBC) transfusion, the impact of non-RBC blood products has not previously been systematically investigated. The aim of the study was to investigate the associations between blood products transfusion, further bleeding, and mortality after acute NVUGIB. A retrospective cohort study examined further bleeding and 30-day and 1-year mortality in adult patients who underwent gastroscopy for suspected acute NVUGIB between 2008 and 2010 in three tertiary hospitals in Western Australia. Survival analysis was performed. A total of 2228 adults (63% male) with 2360 hospital admissions for NVUGIB met the inclusion criteria. Median age at presentation was 70 years (range, 19-99 years). Thirty-day mortality was 4.9% and 1-year mortality was 13.9%. Transfusion of 4 or more units of RBCs was associated with greater than 10 times the odds of further bleeding in patients with a hemoglobin level of more than 90 g/L (odds ratio, 11.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.1-45.7; p ≤ 0.001), but was not associated with mortality. Administration of 5 or more units of fresh-frozen plasma (FFP) was associated with increased 30-day (hazard ratio, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.3-5.9; p = 0.008) and 1-year (hazard ratio, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.3-5.0; p = 0.005) mortality after adjusting for coagulopathy, comorbidity, Rockall score, and other covariates. In this large, multicenter study of NVUGIB, RBC transfusion was associated with further bleeding but not mortality, while FFP transfusion was associated with increased mortality in a subset of patients. © 2015 AABB.

  6. Prehospital blood product transfusion by U.S. army MEDEVAC during combat operations in Afghanistan: a process improvement initiative.

    PubMed

    Malsby, Robert F; Quesada, Jose; Powell-Dunford, Nicole; Kinoshita, Ren; Kurtz, John; Gehlen, William; Adams, Colleen; Martin, Dustin; Shackelford, Stacy

    2013-07-01

    U.S. Army flight medics performed a process improvement initiative of 15 blood product transfusions on select Category A (Urgent) helicopter evacuation casualties meeting approved clinical indications for transfusion. These transfusions were initiated from point of injury locations aboard MEDEVAC aircraft originating from one of two locations in southern Afghanistan. All flight medics executing the transfusions were qualified through a standardized and approved program of instruction, which included day and night skills validation, and a 90% or higher written examination score. There was no adverse reaction or out-of-standard blood product temperature despite hazardous conditions and elevated cabin temperatures. All casualties within a 10-minute flight time who met clinical indications were transfused. Utilization of a standard operating procedure with strict handling and administration parameters, a rigorous training and qualification program, an elaborate cold chain system, and redundant documentation of blood product units ensured that flight medic initiated transfusions were safe and effective. Research study is needed to refine the indications for prehospital blood transfusion and to determine the effect on outcomes in severely injured trauma patients. Reprint & Copyright © 2013 Association of Military Surgeons of the U.S.

  7. Blood Transfusions in Dogs and Cats Receiving Hemodialysis: 230 Cases (June 1997-September 2012).

    PubMed

    Langston, C; Cook, A; Eatroff, A; Mitelberg, E; Chalhoub, S

    2017-03-01

    Multiple factors exist that contribute to anemia in dogs and cats receiving hemodialysis, can necessitate transfusion. To describe blood product usage in dogs and cats with acute and chronic kidney disease that were treated with intermittent hemodialysis to determine risk factors associated with the requirement for blood product transfusion. 83 cats and 147 dogs undergoing renal replacement therapy at the Animal Medical Center for acute or chronic kidney disease. Retrospective medical record review of all dogs and cats receiving renal replacement therapy for kidney disease, from June 1997 through September 2012. Blood products (whole blood, packed RBCs, or stromal-free hemoglobin) were administered to 87% of cats and 32% of dogs. The number of dialysis treatments was associated with the requirement for transfusion in cats (adjusted OR 2.21, 95% CI 1.13, 4.32), but not in dogs (adjusted OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.95, 1.03). Administration of a blood product was associated with a higher likelihood of death in dogs (OR 3.198, 95% CI 1.352, 7.565; P = .0098), but not in cats (OR 1.527, 95% CI 0.5404, 4.317, P = .2). Veterinary hospitals with a hemodialysis unit should have reliable and rapid access to safe blood products in order to meet the needs of dogs and cats receiving dialysis. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

  8. Alloexposed blood donors and transfusion-related acute lung injury: a case-referent study.

    PubMed

    Middelburg, Rutger A; van Stein, Daniëlle; Atsma, Femke; Wiersum-Osselton, Johanna C; Porcelijn, Leendert; Beckers, Erik A M; Briët, Ernest; van der Bom, Johanna G

    2011-10-01

    Donor white blood cell (WBC) antibodies are thought to increase the risk of transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI). WBC antibodies can be present in blood products from donors who have been alloexposed. Alloexposed donors are increasingly excluded from donating plasma, but can still donate plasma-poor products. We aimed to quantify the contribution of alloexposed donors to the occurrence of TRALI for different blood product types. We performed a case-referent study including all reported TRALI patients and all Dutch blood donors. Data on alloexposure status of donors of all TRALI cases reported between January 2004 and October 2008, in the Netherlands, were compared to information on the total donor population. Alloexposure status of all 223 involved donors was compared to the expected status. The overall percentage of TRALI cases that could have been prevented by the deferral of all alloexposed donors (i.e., population-attributable risk [PAR]) was 51% (95% confidence interval [CI], 14%-88%). In 19 recipients of exclusively plasma-poor products (mostly red blood cells [RBCs]), alloexposure of the donors was not associated with TRALI, while in 28 recipients of both plasma-poor and plasma-rich products (>200 mL plasma), the PAR was 94% (95% CI, 34%-100%). Alloexposed donors conferred an increased risk of TRALI in recipients of plasma-rich products, but not in recipients of plasma-poor products. Although WBC antibodies are an important risk factor for TRALI, among RBC recipients another risk factor must be more important. © 2011 American Association of Blood Banks.

  9. Leukoreduced red blood cell transfusions do not induce platelet glycoprotein antibodies in patients with sickle cell disease.

    PubMed

    Nickel, Robert Sheppard; Winkler, Anne M; Horan, John T; Hendrickson, Jeanne E

    2016-09-01

    Alloimmunization to red blood cell (RBC) antigens after transfusion is well described in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). We recently demonstrated that leukocyte-reduced RBC transfusions appeared to induce human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies in some children with SCD; now, we hypothesize that residual platelets contained in transfused RBC products may lead to platelet glycoprotein antibody formation. A cross-sectional study was conducted among never pregnant pediatric patients with SCD who either had received many RBC transfusions or had never received any transfusions. Serum was tested for antibodies to platelet-specific glycoproteins using a commercial enzyme immunoassay. Platelet-specific glycoprotein antibodies were found in 12 of 90 patients (13%) in the transfused group versus 5 of 24 patients (21%) in the never transfused group (p = 0.35). The prevalence of antibodies as well as the median standardized optical density for these two groups was not significantly different for any of the studied platelet glycoprotein antigens. There was no association with the presence of platelet-specific glycoprotein antibodies with either RBC or HLA antibodies. Leukocyte-reduced RBC transfusions do not appear to induce platelet-specific glycoprotein antibodies. The positive platelet-specific glycoprotein antibody results from this study may represent platelet autoantibodies, platelet alloantibodies, or false-positive reactions. A better understanding of the immunobiology of patients with SCD at baseline and after blood product exposure may help improve future transfusion and transplantation. © 2016 AABB.

  10. To err is human nature. Can transfusion errors due to human factors ever be eliminated?

    PubMed

    Lau, F Y; Cheng, G

    2001-11-01

    Fatal hemolytic transfusion reaction due to ABO incompatibility occurs mainly as a result of clerical errors. Blood sample drawn from the wrong patient and labeled as another patient's specimen will not be detected by the blood bank unless there is a previous ABO grouping result. In Hong Kong, we had designed a transfusion wristband system--portable barcode scanner system to detect such clerical errors. The system was well accepted by the house staff and had prevented two BO mismatched transfusion. Other current system of patient's identification may have similar results, but the wristband system has the advantages of being simple, inexpensive and easy to implement. The Hong Kong Government is planning to replace the personal identity card for all citizens with an electronic smart card by 2003. If the new card contains the person's detailed red cell phenotypes in digital code, then the phenotypes of all blood donors and admitted patients will be readily available. It is feasible to issue phenotype-matched blood to patients without any need of pre-transfusion testing, therefore eliminating mismatched transfusions for most patients. Our pilot study of 474 patients showed that the system was safe and up to 98% of admitted patients could be transfused without delays. Patients with rare phenotypes, visitors or illegal immigrants may still need pre-transfusion antibody screen, but if most patients can be issued blood units without testings, the potential savings in health care amount to US$14 million/year.

  11. Parvovirus B19: What Is the Relevance in Transfusion Medicine?

    PubMed Central

    Juhl, David; Hennig, Holger

    2018-01-01

    Parvovirus B19 (B19V) has been discovered in 1975. The association with a disease was unclear in the first time after the discovery of B19V, but meanwhile, the usually droplet transmitted B19V is known as the infectious agent of the “fifth disease,” a rather harmless children’s illness. But B19V infects erythrocyte progenitor cells and thus, acute B19V infection in patients with a high erythrocyte turnover may lead to a life-threatening aplastic crisis, and acutely infected pregnant women can transmit B19V to their unborn child, resulting in a hydrops fetalis and fetal death. However, in many adults, B19V infection goes unnoticed and thus many blood donors donate blood despite the infection. The B19V infection does not impair the blood cell counts in healthy blood donors, but after the acute infection with extremely high DNA concentrations exceeding 1010 IU B19V DNA/ml plasma is resolved, B19V DNA persists in the plasma of blood donors at low levels for several years. That way, many consecutive donations that contain B19V DNA can be taken from a single donor, but the majority of blood products from donors with detectable B19V DNA seem not to be infectious for the recipients from several reasons: first, many recipients had undergone a B19V infection in the past and have formed protective antibodies. Second, B19V DNA concentration in the blood product is often too low to infect the recipient. Third, after the acute infection, the presence of B19V DNA in the donor is accompanied by presumably neutralizing antibodies which are protective also for the recipient of his blood products. Thus, transfusion-transmitted (TT-) B19V infections are very rarely reported. Moreover, in most blood donors, B19V DNA concentration is below 1,000 IU/ml plasma, and no TT-B19V infections have been found by such low-viremic donations. Cutoff for an assay for B19V DNA blood donor screening should, therefore, be approximately 1,000 IU/ml plasma, if a general screening of blood

  12. Indications and organisational methods for autologous blood transfusion procedures in Italy: results of a national survey

    PubMed Central

    Catalano, Liviana; Campolongo, Alessandra; Caponera, Maurizio; Berzuini, Alessandra; Bontadini, Andrea; Furlò, Giuseppe; Pasqualetti, Patrizio; Liumbruno, Giancarlo M.

    2014-01-01

    Introduction Pre-operative donation of autologous blood is a practice that is now being abandoned. Alternative methods of transfusing autologous blood, other than predeposited blood, do however play a role in limiting the need for transfusion of allogeneic blood. This survey of autologous blood transfusion practices, promoted by the Italian Society of Transfusion Medicine and Immunohaematology more than 2 years after the publication of national recommendations on the subject, was intended to acquire information on the indications for predeposit in Italy and on some organisational aspects of the alternative techniques of autotransfusion. Materials and methods A structured questionnaire consisting of 22 questions on the indications and organisational methods of autologous blood transfusion was made available on a web platform from 15 January to 15 March, 2013. The 232 Transfusion Services in Italy were invited by e-mail to complete the online survey. Results Of the 232 transfusion structures contacted, 160 (69%) responded to the survey, with the response rate decreasing from the North towards the South and the Islands. The use of predeposit has decreased considerably in Italy and about 50% of the units collected are discarded because of lack of use. Alternative techniques (acute isovolaemic haemodilution and peri-operative blood salvage) are used at different frequencies across the country. Discussion The data collected in this survey can be considered representative of national practice; they show that the already very limited indications for predeposit autologous blood transfusion must be adhered to even more scrupulously, also to avoid the notable waste of resources due to unused units. Users of alternative autotransfusion techniques must be involved in order to gain a full picture of the degree of use of such techniques; multidisciplinary agreement on the indications for their use is essential in order for these indications to have an effective role in

  13. Indications and organisational methods for autologous blood transfusion procedures in Italy: results of a national survey.

    PubMed

    Catalano, Liviana; Campolongo, Alessandra; Caponera, Maurizio; Berzuini, Alessandra; Bontadini, Andrea; Furlò, Giuseppe; Pasqualetti, Patrizio; Liumbruno, Giancarlo M

    2014-10-01

    Pre-operative donation of autologous blood is a practice that is now being abandoned. Alternative methods of transfusing autologous blood, other than predeposited blood, do however play a role in limiting the need for transfusion of allogeneic blood. This survey of autologous blood transfusion practices, promoted by the Italian Society of Transfusion Medicine and Immunohaematology more than 2 years after the publication of national recommendations on the subject, was intended to acquire information on the indications for predeposit in Italy and on some organisational aspects of the alternative techniques of autotransfusion. A structured questionnaire consisting of 22 questions on the indications and organisational methods of autologous blood transfusion was made available on a web platform from 15 January to 15 March, 2013. The 232 Transfusion Services in Italy were invited by e-mail to complete the online survey. Of the 232 transfusion structures contacted, 160 (69%) responded to the survey, with the response rate decreasing from the North towards the South and the Islands. The use of predeposit has decreased considerably in Italy and about 50% of the units collected are discarded because of lack of use. Alternative techniques (acute isovolaemic haemodilution and peri-operative blood salvage) are used at different frequencies across the country. The data collected in this survey can be considered representative of national practice; they show that the already very limited indications for predeposit autologous blood transfusion must be adhered to even more scrupulously, also to avoid the notable waste of resources due to unused units.Users of alternative autotransfusion techniques must be involved in order to gain a full picture of the degree of use of such techniques; multidisciplinary agreement on the indications for their use is essential in order for these indications to have an effective role in "patient blood management" programmes.

  14. Metabolomics in transfusion medicine.

    PubMed

    Nemkov, Travis; Hansen, Kirk C; Dumont, Larry J; D'Alessandro, Angelo

    2016-04-01

    Biochemical investigations on the regulatory mechanisms of red blood cell (RBC) and platelet (PLT) metabolism have fostered a century of advances in the field of transfusion medicine. Owing to these advances, storage of RBCs and PLT concentrates has become a lifesaving practice in clinical and military settings. There, however, remains room for improvement, especially with regard to the introduction of novel storage and/or rejuvenation solutions, alternative cell processing strategies (e.g., pathogen inactivation technologies), and quality testing (e.g., evaluation of novel containers with alternative plasticizers). Recent advancements in mass spectrometry-based metabolomics and systems biology, the bioinformatics integration of omics data, promise to speed up the design and testing of innovative storage strategies developed to improve the quality, safety, and effectiveness of blood products. Here we review the currently available metabolomics technologies and briefly describe the routine workflow for transfusion medicine-relevant studies. The goal is to provide transfusion medicine experts with adequate tools to navigate through the otherwise overwhelming amount of metabolomics data burgeoning in the field during the past few years. Descriptive metabolomics data have represented the first step omics researchers have taken into the field of transfusion medicine. However, to up the ante, clinical and omics experts will need to merge their expertise to investigate correlative and mechanistic relationships among metabolic variables and transfusion-relevant variables, such as 24-hour in vivo recovery for transfused RBCs. Integration with systems biology models will potentially allow for in silico prediction of metabolic phenotypes, thus streamlining the design and testing of alternative storage strategies and/or solutions. © 2015 AABB.

  15. A multicentre randomised controlled trial of Transfusion Indication Threshold Reduction on transfusion rates, morbidity and health-care resource use following cardiac surgery (TITRe2).

    PubMed

    Reeves, Barnaby C; Pike, Katie; Rogers, Chris A; Brierley, Rachel Cm; Stokes, Elizabeth A; Wordsworth, Sarah; Nash, Rachel L; Miles, Alice; Mumford, Andrew D; Cohen, Alan; Angelini, Gianni D; Murphy, Gavin J

    2016-08-01

    Uncertainty about optimal red blood cell transfusion thresholds in cardiac surgery is reflected in widely varying transfusion rates between surgeons and cardiac centres. To test the hypothesis that a restrictive compared with a liberal threshold for red blood cell transfusion after cardiac surgery reduces post-operative morbidity and health-care costs. Multicentre, parallel randomised controlled trial and within-trial cost-utility analysis from a UK NHS and Personal Social Services perspective. We could not blind health-care staff but tried to blind participants. Random allocations were generated by computer and minimised by centre and operation. Seventeen specialist cardiac surgery centres in UK NHS hospitals. Patients aged > 16 years undergoing non-emergency cardiac surgery with post-operative haemoglobin < 9 g/dl. Exclusion criteria were: unwilling to have transfusion owing to beliefs; platelet, red blood cell or clotting disorder; ongoing or recurrent sepsis; and critical limb ischaemia. Participants in the liberal group were eligible for transfusion immediately after randomisation (post-operative haemoglobin < 9 g/dl); participants in the restrictive group were eligible for transfusion if their post-operative haemoglobin fell to < 7.5 g/dl during the index hospital stay. The primary outcome was a composite outcome of any serious infectious (sepsis or wound infection) or ischaemic event (permanent stroke, myocardial infarction, gut infarction or acute kidney injury) during the 3 months after randomisation. Events were verified or adjudicated by blinded personnel. Secondary outcomes included blood products transfused; infectious events; ischaemic events; quality of life (European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions); duration of intensive care or high-dependency unit stay; duration of hospital stay; significant pulmonary morbidity; all-cause mortality; resource use, costs and cost-effectiveness. We randomised 2007 participants between 15 July 2009 and 18

  16. Transfusion burden in non-dialysis chronic kidney disease patients with persistent anemia treated in routine clinical practice: a retrospective observational study.

    PubMed

    Fox, Kathleen M; Yee, Jerry; Cong, Ze; Brooks, John M; Petersen, Jeffrey; Lamerato, Lois; Gandra, Shravanthi R

    2012-01-24

    Transfusion patterns are not well characterized in non-dialysis (ND) chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. This study describes the proportion of patients transfused, units of blood transfused and trigger-hemoglobin (Hb) levels for transfusions in severe anemic, ND-CKD patients in routine practice. A retrospective cohort study of electronic medical record data from the Henry Ford Health System identified 374 adult, ND-CKD patients with severe anemia (Hb < 10 g/dL and subsequent use of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents [ESA] therapy, blood transfusions, or a second Hb < 10 g/dL) between January 2004 and June 2008. Exclusions included those with prior diagnoses of cancer, renal or liver transplant, end-stage renal disease, acute bleeding, trauma, sickle cell disease, or aplastic anemia. A gap of ≥ 1 days between units of blood transfused was counted as a separate transfusion. At least 1 transfusion (mean of 2 units; range, 1-4) was administered to 20% (75/374) of ND-CKD patients with mean (± SD) follow-up of 459 (± 427) days. The mean (± SD) Hb level closest and prior to a transfusion was 8.8 (± 1.5) g/dL. Patients who were hospitalized in the 6 months prior to their first anemia diagnosis were 6.3 times more likely to receive a blood transfusion than patients who were not hospitalized (p < 0.0001). Patients with peripheral vascular disease (PVD) were twice as likely to have a transfusion as patients without PVD (p = 0.04). Transfusions were prevalent and the trigger hemoglobin concentration was approximately 9 g/dL among ND-CKD patients with anemia. To reduce the transfusion burden, clinicians should consider other anemia treatments including ESA therapy.

  17. Post-transplant blood transfusions and pediatric renal allograft outcomes.

    PubMed

    Verghese, Priya; Gillingham, Kristen; Matas, Arthur; Chinnakotla, Srinath; Chavers, Blanche

    2016-11-01

    The association of blood transfusions with GS after pediatric KTx is unclear. We retrospectively analyzed blood transfusions post-KTx and subsequent outcomes. Between 1984 and 2013, 482 children (<18 years of age) underwent KTx at our center. Recipient demographics, outcomes and transfusion data were collected. Cox regression with post-KTx blood transfusion as a time-dependent covariate was performed to model the impact of blood transfusion on outcomes. Of the 208 (44%) that were transfused, 39% had transfusion <1 month post-KTx; 48% >12 months. Transfused and non-transfused recipients were not significantly different. In univariate and multivariate analyses, there was no difference between transfused and non-transfused recipient patient survival, antibody-mediated and ACR, and DSA free survival. Transfusions <1 month post-KTx did not impact DCGS (P=NS). Patients transfused >12 months post-KTx had significantly lower 12 month eGFR (compared to non-transfused) and worse subsequent DCGS. Post-KTx blood transfusions have increased in pediatric KTx over time but have no negative association with rejection or DSA production. DCGS is unaffected by transfusion within first month. Transfusions after the first year occur in patients with more advanced chronic kidney disease and are associated with significantly worse DCGS. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  18. High Oxygen Partial Pressure Decreases Anemia-Induced Heart Rate Increase Equivalent to Transfusion

    PubMed Central

    Feiner, John R.; Finlay-Morreale, Heather E.; Toy, Pearl; Lieberman, Jeremy A.; Viele, Maurene K.; Hopf, Harriet W.; Weiskopf, Richard B.

    2011-01-01

    Background Anemia is associated with morbidity and mortality and frequently leads to transfusion of erythrocytes. We sought to compare directly the effect of high inspired oxygen fraction vs. transfusion of erythrocytes on the anemia-induced increased heart rate (HR) in humans undergoing experimental acute isovolemic anemia. Methods We combined HR data from healthy subjects undergoing experimental isovolemic anemia in seven studies performed by our group. We examined HR changes associated with breathing 100% oxygen by non-rebreathing face mask vs. transfusion of erythrocytes at their nadir hemoglobin (Hb) concentration of 5 g/dL. Data were analyzed using a mixed-effects model. Results HR had an inverse linear relationship to hemoglobin concentration with a mean increase of 3.9 beats per minute per gram of Hb (beats/min/g Hb) decrease (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.7 – 4.1 beats/min/g Hb), P < 0.0001. Return of autologous erythrocytes significantly decreased HR by 5.3 beats/min/g Hb (95% CI, 3.8 – 6.8 beats/min/g Hb) increase, P < 0.0001. HR at nadir Hb of 5.6 g/dL (95% CI, 5.5 – 5.7 g/dL) when breathing air (91.4 beats/min; 95% CI, 87.6 – 95.2 beats/min) was reduced by breathing 100% oxygen (83.0 beats/min; 95% CI, 79.0 -87.0 beats/min), P < 0.0001. The HR at hemoglobin 5.6 g/dL when breathing oxygen was equivalent to the HR at Hb 8.9 g/dL when breathing air. Conclusions High arterial oxygen partial pressure reverses the heart rate response to anemia, probably owing to its usability, rather than its effect on total oxygen content. The benefit of high arterial oxygen partial pressure has significant potential clinical implications for the acute treatment of anemia and results of transfusion trials. PMID:21768873

  19. Personality and physiological reactions to acute psychological stress.

    PubMed

    Bibbey, Adam; Carroll, Douglas; Roseboom, Tessa J; Phillips, Anna C; de Rooij, Susanne R

    2013-10-01

    Stable personality traits have long been presumed to have biological substrates, although the evidence relating personality to biological stress reactivity is inconclusive. The present study examined, in a large middle aged cohort (N=352), the relationship between key personality traits and both cortisol and cardiovascular reactions to acute psychological stress. Salivary cortisol and cardiovascular activity were measured at rest and in response to a psychological stress protocol comprising 5min each of a Stroop task, mirror tracing, and a speech task. Participants subsequently completed the Big Five Inventory to assess neuroticism, agreeableness, openness to experience, extraversion, and conscientiousness. Those with higher neuroticism scores exhibited smaller cortisol and cardiovascular stress reactions, whereas participants who were less agreeable and less open had smaller cortisol and cardiac reactions to stress. These associations remained statistically significant following adjustment for a range of potential confounding variables. Thus, a negative personality disposition would appear to be linked to diminished stress reactivity. These findings further support a growing body of evidence which suggests that blunted stress reactivity may be maladaptive. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  20. Platelet Transfusion Practices in Critically Ill Children.

    PubMed

    Nellis, Marianne E; Karam, Oliver; Mauer, Elizabeth; Cushing, Melissa M; Davis, Peter J; Steiner, Marie E; Tucci, Marisa; Stanworth, Simon J; Spinella, Philip C

    2018-05-04

    Little is known about platelet transfusions in pediatric critical illness. We sought to describe the epidemiology, indications, and outcomes of platelet transfusions among critically ill children. Prospective cohort study. Multicenter (82 PICUs), international (16 countries) from September 2016 to April 2017. Children ages 3 days to 16 years prescribed a platelet transfusion in the ICU during screening days. None. Over 6 weeks, 16,934 patients were eligible, and 559 received at least one platelet transfusion (prevalence, 3.3%). The indications for transfusion included prophylaxis (67%), minor bleeding (21%), and major bleeding (12%). Thirty-four percent of prophylactic platelet transfusions were prescribed when the platelet count was greater than or equal to 50 × 10 cells/L. The median (interquartile range) change in platelet count post transfusion was 48 × 10 cells/L (17-82 × 10 cells/L) for major bleeding, 42 × 10 cells/L (16-80 × 10 cells/L) for prophylactic transfusions to meet a defined threshold, 38 × 10 cells/L (17-72 × 10 cells/L) for minor bleeding, and 25 × 10 cells/L (10-47 × 10 cells/L) for prophylaxis in patients at risk of bleeding from a device. Overall ICU mortality was 25% but varied from 18% to 35% based on indication for transfusion. Upon adjusted analysis, total administered platelet dose was independently associated with increased ICU mortality (odds ratio for each additional 1 mL/kg platelets transfused, 1.002; 95% CI, 1.001-1.003; p = 0.005). The majority of platelet transfusions are given as prophylaxis to nonbleeding children, and significant variation in platelet thresholds exists. Studies are needed to clarify appropriate indications, with focus on prophylactic transfusions.

  1. Failure mode and effect analysis in blood transfusion: a proactive tool to reduce risks.

    PubMed

    Lu, Yao; Teng, Fang; Zhou, Jie; Wen, Aiqing; Bi, Yutian

    2013-12-01

    The aim of blood transfusion risk management is to improve the quality of blood products and to assure patient safety. We utilize failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA), a tool employed for evaluating risks and identifying preventive measures to reduce the risks in blood transfusion. The failure modes and effects occurring throughout the whole process of blood transfusion were studied. Each failure mode was evaluated using three scores: severity of effect (S), likelihood of occurrence (O), and probability of detection (D). Risk priority numbers (RPNs) were calculated by multiplying the S, O, and D scores. The plan-do-check-act cycle was also used for continuous improvement. Analysis has showed that failure modes with the highest RPNs, and therefore the greatest risk, were insufficient preoperative assessment of the blood product requirement (RPN, 245), preparation time before infusion of more than 30 minutes (RPN, 240), blood transfusion reaction occurring during the transfusion process (RPN, 224), blood plasma abuse (RPN, 180), and insufficient and/or incorrect clinical information on request form (RPN, 126). After implementation of preventative measures and reassessment, a reduction in RPN was detected with each risk. The failure mode with the second highest RPN, namely, preparation time before infusion of more than 30 minutes, was shown in detail to prove the efficiency of this tool. FMEA evaluation model is a useful tool in proactively analyzing and reducing the risks associated with the blood transfusion procedure. © 2013 American Association of Blood Banks.

  2. Predictors of Red Cell Alloimmunization in Kurdish Multi Transfused Patients with Hemoglobinopathies in Iraq.

    PubMed

    Al-Mousawi, Muqdad M N; Al-Allawi, Nasir A S; Alnaqshabandi, Rubad

    2015-01-01

    Hemoglobinopathies are significant health problems in Iraq, including its Northern Kurdistan region. One of the essential components of management of these disorders is regular lifelong blood transfusions. The latter is associated with several complications including red cell alloimmunization. No study has looked at the frequency of alloimmunization and its associations in the country. To address the latter issue, 401 multi transfused patients [311 with β-thalassemia (β-thal) syndrome and 90 with sickle cell disease], registered at a large thalassemia care center in Iraqi Kurdistan had their records reviewed, and their sera tested for atypical antibodies using screening and extended red cell panels. Red cell alloimmunization was detected in 18 patients (4.5%) with a total of 20 alloantibodies, while no autoantibodies were detected. The most frequent alloantibody was anti-E, followed by anti-D, anti-K, anti-C(w), anti-C, anti-c and anti-Le(a). Ethnicity was an important predictor of alloimmunization, while age at start of transfusion (>2 vs. ≤2 years) (p = 0.005), Rhesus D (RhD) negative status (p = 0.0017) and history of previous transfusion reactions (p = 0.007) showed a statistically significant higher rate of alloimmunization. However, patients' age, gender, number of units transfused, underlying diagnosis and splenectomy were not significantly associated with alloimmunization. Based on our observations, measures to reduce alloimmunization rates may include extended matching for Rhesus and Kell antigens and early initiation of blood transfusions.

  3. Understanding recovery in children following traffic-related injuries: exploring acute traumatic stress reactions, child coping, and coping assistance.

    PubMed

    Marsac, Meghan L; Donlon, Katharine A; Hildenbrand, Aimee K; Winston, Flaura K; Kassam-Adams, Nancy

    2014-04-01

    Millions of children incur potentially traumatic physical injuries every year. Most children recover well from their injury but many go on to develop persistent traumatic stress reactions. This study aimed to describe children's coping and coping assistance (i.e., the ways in which parents and peers help children cope) strategies and to explore the association between coping and acute stress reactions following an injury. Children (N = 243) rated their acute traumatic stress reactions within one month of injury and reported on coping and coping assistance six months later. Parents completed a measure of coping assistance at the six-month assessment. Children used an average of five to six coping strategies (out of 10), with wishful thinking, social support, and distraction endorsed most frequently. Child coping was associated with parent and peer coping assistance strategies. Significant acute stress reactions were related to subsequent child use of coping strategies (distraction, social withdrawal, problem-solving, blaming others) and to child report of parent use of distraction (as a coping assistance strategy). Findings suggest that children's acute stress reactions may influence their selection of coping and coping assistance strategies. To best inform interventions, research is needed to examine change in coping behaviors and coping assistance over time, including potential bidirectional relationships between trauma reactions and coping.

  4. A preliminary report of 123 units of placental umbilical cord whole blood transfusion in HIV-positive patients with anemia and emaciation.

    PubMed

    Bhattacharya, N

    2006-01-01

    Cord blood, because of its rich mix of fetal and adult hemoglobin, high platelet and WBC counts, and a plasma filled with cytokine and growth factors, as well as its hypo antigenic nature and altered metabolic profile, has all the potential of a real and safe alternative to adult blood transfusion. Our team's experience (from 1st April 1999 to 1st July 2005) with 123 units of placental umbilical cord whole blood (62 ml-154 ml mean 85 ml +/- 8.4 ml SD, median 82 ml, mean packed cell volume 48.8 +/- 4.2 SD, mean percent hemoglobin concentration 16.3 g/dl +/- 1.6 g/dl SD; after collection the blood was immediately preserved in a refrigerator and transfused within 72 hours of collection) collected after lower uterine cesarean section (LUCS), and the transfusion to 16 consenting HIV-positive patients (12 cases had full blown AIDS) with anemia and emaciation is presented here. On the basis of our preliminary experience of cord blood transfusion, we are of the opinion that umbilical cord whole blood transfusion is safe in HIV-positive patients. This blood has the potential to carry more oxygen than adult blood and it does not trigger any clinical, immunological or non-immunological reaction after its transfusion to an adult host with a HIV-positive status. Apart from the correction of anemia, there was also definite improvement in the energy and fatigue levels in individuals with HIV, i.e., physical functioning, a sense of well-being and weight gain from two to five pounds, within three to ten months of the commencement of transfusion. There was also an immediate rise in CD34 levels of peripheral blood in the HLA-randomized host after transfusion, without any clinical graft vs host reaction.

  5. Infectious mononucleosis complicated by acute haemolytic anaemia with a positive Donath-Landsteiner reaction

    PubMed Central

    Wishart, M. M.; Davey, M. G.

    1973-01-01

    A patient with infectious mononucleosis complicated by acute haemolytic anaemia is described. The patient had, in addition to non-specific cold agglutinins in the serum, a positive Donath-Landsteiner reaction in the absence of syphilis. The association of a positive Donath-Landsteiner reaction with haemolytic anaemia in infectious mononucleosis has been described only once before. PMID:4714957

  6. Is platelet transfusion associated with hospital-acquired infections in critically ill patients?

    PubMed

    Aubron, Cécile; Flint, Andrew W; Bailey, Michael; Pilcher, David; Cheng, Allen C; Hegarty, Colin; Martinelli, Antony; Reade, Michael C; Bellomo, Rinaldo; McQuilten, Zoe

    2017-01-06

    Platelets are commonly transfused to critically ill patients. Reports suggest an association between platelet transfusion and infection. However, there is no large study to have determined whether platelet transfusion in critically ill patients is associated with hospital-acquired infection. We conducted a multi-centre study using prospectively maintained databases of two large academic intensive care units (ICUs) in Australia. Characteristics of patients who received platelets in ICUs between 2008 and 2014 were compared to those of patients who did not receive platelets. Association between platelet administration and infection (bacteraemia and/or bacteriuria) was modelled using multiple logistic regression and Cox regression, with blood components as time-varying covariates. A propensity covariate adjustment was also performed to verify results. Of the 18,965 patients included, 2250 (11.9%) received platelets in ICU with a median number of 1 platelet unit (IQR 1-3) administered. Patients who received platelets were more severely ill at ICU admission (mean Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation III score 65 (SD 29) vs 52 (SD 25), p < 0.01) and had more comorbidities (31% vs 19%, p < 0.01) than patients without platelet transfusion. Invasive mechanical ventilation (87% vs 57%, p < 0.01) and renal replacement therapy (20% vs 4%, p < 0.01) were more frequently administered in patients receiving platelets than in patients without platelets. On univariate analysis, platelet transfusion was associated with hospital-acquired infection in the ICU (7.7% vs 1.4%, p < 0.01). After adjusting for confounders, including other blood components administered, patient severity, centre, year, and diagnosis category, platelet transfusions were independently associated with infection (adjusted OR 2.56 95% CI 1.98-3.31, p < 0.001). This association was also found in survival analysis with blood components as time-varying covariates (adjusted HR 1.85, 95

  7. Transfusion in critically ill children: indications, risks, and challenges.

    PubMed

    Parker, Robert I

    2014-03-01

    To provide a concise review of transfusion-related issues and practices in the pediatric patient population, with a focus on those issues of particular importance to the care of critically ill children. Electronic search of the PubMed database using the search terms "pediatric transfusion," "transfusion practices," "transfusion risks," "packed red blood cell transfusion," "white blood cell transfusion," "platelet transfusion," "plasma transfusion," and "massive transfusion" either singly or in combination. All identified articles published since 2000 were manually reviewed for study design, content, and support for indicated conclusions, and the bibliographies were scrutinized for pertinent references not identified in the PubMed search. Selected studies from this group were then manually reviewed for possible inclusion in this review. Well-designed studies have demonstrated the benefit of "restrictive" transfusion practices across the entire age spectrum of pediatric patients across a wide spectrum of pediatric illness. However, clinician implementation of the more restrictive transfusion practices supported by these studies is variable. Additionally, the utilization of both platelet and plasma transfusions in either a "prophylactic" or "therapeutic" setting appears to be greater than that supported by published data. The preponderance of prospective, randomized trials and retrospective analyses support the use of a restrictive packed RBC transfusion policy in most clinical conditions in children. Neonatal transfusions guidelines rely largely on "expert opinion" rather than experimental data. Current transfusion practices for both platelets and coagulant products (e.g., fresh-frozen plasma and recombinant-activated factor VII) are poorly aligned with recommended transfusion guidelines. As with adults, current transfusion practices in children often do not reflect implementation of our current knowledge on the need for transfusion. Greater efforts to implement

  8. A Newly Recognized Blood Group in Domestic Shorthair Cats: The Mik Red Cell Antigen

    PubMed Central

    Weinstein, Nicole M.; Blais, Marie-Claude; Harris, Kimberly; Oakley, Donna A.; Aronson, Lillian R.; Giger, Urs

    2011-01-01

    Background Naturally occurring alloantibodies produced against A and B red cell antigens in cats can cause acute hemolytic transfusion reactions. Blood incompatibilities, unrelated to the AB blood group system, have also been suspected after blood transfusions through routine crossmatch testing or as a result of hemolytic transfusion reactions. Hypothesis Incompatible crossmatch results among AB compatible cats signify the presence of a naturally occurring alloantibody against a newly identified blood antigen in a group of previously never transfused blood donor cats. The associated alloantibody is clinically important based upon a hemolytic transfusion reaction after inadvertent transfusion of red cells expressing this red cell antigen in a feline renal transplant recipient that lacks this red cell antigen. Methods Blood donor and nonblood donor cats were evaluated for the presence of auto- and alloantibodies using direct antiglobulin and crossmatch tests, respectively, and were blood typed for AB blood group status. Both standard tube and novel gel column techniques were used. Results Plasma from 3 of 65 cats and 1 feline renal transplant recipient caused incompatible crossmatch test results with AB compatible erythrocytes indicating these cats formed an alloantibody against a red cell antigen they lack, termed Mik. The 3 donors and the renal transplant recipient were crossmatch-compatible with one another. Tube and gel column crossmatch test results were similar. Conclusions and Clinical Importance The absence of this novel Mik red cell antigen can be associated with naturally occurring anti-Mik alloantibodies and can elicit an acute hemolytic transfusion reaction after an AB-matched blood transfusion. PMID:17427390

  9. Serum ferritin is a different predictor from transfusion history for allogeneic transplantation outcome in patients with severe aplastic anemia.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Xiaoyu; Shi, Yuanyuan; Huang, Yong; Zhang, Guixin; He, Yi; Jiang, Erlie; Wei, Jialin; Yang, Donglin; Ma, Qiaoling; Zhang, Rongli; Zhai, Weihua; Feng, Sizhou; Han, Mingzhe

    2018-06-01

    Severe aplastic anemia (SAA) patients receive more red blood cell (RBC) transfusions as supportive management. We aim to clarify the associations between transfusion history or pre-transplantation serum ferritin (SF) and the overall survival of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) among SAA patients. We retrospectively investigated 96 SAA patients undergoing allo-HSCT, and grouped them according to pre-transplantation duration. Pre-transplantation SF, transfused units and other iron-related parameters were collected. Comparisons in transplantation outcomes and complications were made in groups with different SF levels and different transfusion histories. Among the 96 SAA patients, 45 patients received transplantation within 2 months after diagnosis (short-term pre-transplantation period), and the rest of the patients had long-term pre-transplantation treatment. Among the patients with short-term pre-transplantation treatment, a higher risk of death was seen in the high-ferritin group (p < 0.05). Elevated SF also predicted a trend in incidence of higher bloodstream infection (p = 0.108). Significant correlations were observed between pre-transplantation SF and infection incidence, as well as transfusion history. However, for patients with longer pre-transplantation duration, transfusion history was associated with worse outcome (p = 0.026), in terms of higher incidence of acute graft versus host disease (p = 0.048). High SF was only significantly associated with prolonged RBC transfusion dependence post-transplantation (p = 0.044). Transfusion history was a stronger predictor of outcome than SF in patients undergoing transplantation more than 2 months after diagnosis.

  10. What is autologous blood transfusion?

    PubMed

    Sansom, A

    1993-07-01

    The word autologous is Greek in origin. The definition is exact 'autos' means self and 'logus' means relation. Thus, the meaning is 'related to self'. Autologous blood transfusion, which also is referred to frequently but incorrectly and imprecisely as auto transfusion, designates the reinfusion of blood or blood components to the same individual from whom they were taken. Homologous blood is blood or blood components, from another human donor, taken and stored for later transfusion as required.

  11. Long-Term follow up after intra-Uterine transfusionS; the LOTUS study

    PubMed Central

    2010-01-01

    Background The Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) is the Dutch national referral centre for pregnancies complicated by haemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) caused by maternal alloimmunization. Yearly, 20-25 affected fetuses with severe anaemia are transfused with intra-uterine blood transfusions (IUT). Mothers of whom their fetus has undergone IUT for HDFN are considered high responders with regard to red blood cell (RBC) antibody formation. Most study groups report high perinatal survival, resulting in a shift in attention towards short- and long-term outcome in surviving children. Methods/Design We set up a large long-term observational follow-up study (LOTUS study), in cooperation with the Sanquin Blood Supply Foundation and the LUMC departments of Obstetrics, Neonatology and ImmunoHematology & Bloodtransfusion. The first part of this study addresses several putative mechanisms associated with blood group alloimmunization in these mothers. The second part of this study determines the incidence of long-term neurodevelopment impairment (NDI) and associated risk factors in children treated with IUT. All women and their life offspring who have been treated with IUT for HDFN in the LUMC from 1987-2008 are invited to participate and after consent, blood or saliva samples are taken. RBC and HLA antigen profile and antibodies are determined by serologic or molecular techniques. Microchimerism populations are tested by real time polymerase chain reaction (RT PCR). All children are tested for their neurological, cognitive and psychosocial development using standardised tests and questionnaires. The primary outcome is neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI), a composite outcome defined as any of the following: cerebral palsy, cognitive or psychomotor development < 2 standard deviation, bilateral blindness and/or bilateral deafness. Discussion The LOTUS study includes the largest cohort of IUT patients ever studied and is the first to investigate post

  12. Recent advances in transfusions in neonates/infants

    PubMed Central

    Goel, Ruchika; Josephson, Cassandra D.

    2018-01-01

    Transfusions of red blood cells (RBCs), platelets, and plasma are critical therapies for infants and neonates (particularly preterm neonates) in the neonatal intensive care unit, who are the most frequently transfused subpopulation across all ages. Although traditionally a significant gap has existed between the blood utilization and the evidence base essential to adequately guide transfusion practices in infants and neonates, pediatric transfusion medicine is evolving from infancy and gradually coming of age. It is entering an exciting era with recognition as an independent discipline, a new and evolving high-quality evidence base for transfusion practices, novel technologies and therapeutics, and national/international collaborative research, educational, and clinical efforts. Triggers and thresholds for red cell transfusion are accumulating evidence with current phase III clinical trials. Ongoing trials and studies of platelet and plasma transfusions in neonates are anticipated to provide high-quality evidence in years to come. This article aims to summarize the most current evidence-based practices regarding blood component therapy in neonates. Data on the use of specific components (RBCs, plasma, and platelets) are provided. We attempt to define thresholds for anemia, thrombocytopenia, and abnormal coagulation profile in neonates to highlight the difficulties in having a specific cutoff value in neonates and preterm infants. Indications for transfusion of specific products, transfusion thresholds, and current practices and guidelines are provided, and possible adverse outcomes and complications are discussed. Finally, the critical research knowledge gaps in these practices as well as ongoing and future research areas are discussed. In an era of personalized medicine, neonatal transfusion decisions guided by a strong evidence base must be the overarching goal, and this underlies all of the strategic initiatives in pediatric and neonatal transfusion research

  13. Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome

    MedlinePlus

    ... this page: //medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001595.htm Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome To use the sharing features on this page, please enable JavaScript. Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome is a rare condition ...

  14. Massive transfusion and nonsurgical hemostatic agents.

    PubMed

    Perkins, Jeremy G; Cap, Andrew P; Weiss, Brendan M; Reid, Thomas J; Bolan, Charles D; Bolan, Charles E

    2008-07-01

    Hemorrhage in trauma is a significant challenge, accounting for 30% to 40% of all fatalities, second only to central nervous system injury as a cause of death. However, hemorrhagic death is the leading preventable cause of mortality in combat casualties and typically occurs within 6 to 24 hrs of injury. In cases of severe hemorrhage, massive transfusion may be required to replace more than the entire blood volume. Early prediction of massive transfusion requirements, using clinical and laboratory parameters, combined with aggressive management of hemorrhage by surgical and nonsurgical means, has significant potential to reduce early mortality. Although the classification of massive transfusion varies, the most frequently used definition is ten or more units of blood in 24 hrs. Transfusion of red blood cells is intended to restore blood volume, tissue perfusion, and oxygen-carrying capacity; platelets, plasma, and cryoprecipitate are intended to facilitate hemostasis through prevention or treatment of coagulopathy. Massive transfusion is uncommon in civilian trauma, occurring in only 1% to 3% of trauma admissions. As a result of a higher proportion of penetrating injury in combat casualties, it has occurred in approximately 8% of Operation Iraqi Freedom admissions and in as many as 16% during the Vietnam conflict. Despite its potential to reduce early mortality, massive transfusion is not without risk. It requires extensive blood-banking resources and is associated with high mortality. This review describes the clinical problems associated with massive transfusion and surveys the nonsurgical management of hemorrhage, including transfusion of blood products, use of hemostatic bandages/agents, and treatment with hemostatic medications.

  15. Incidence of blood transfusion requirement and factors associated with transfusion following liver lobectomy in dogs and cats: 72 cases (2007-2015).

    PubMed

    Hanson, Kayla R; Pigott, Armi M; J Linklater, Andrew K

    2017-10-15

    OBJECTIVE To determine the incidence of blood transfusion, mortality rate, and factors associated with transfusion in dogs and cats undergoing liver lobectomy. DESIGN Retrospective case series. ANIMALS 63 client-owned dogs and 9-client owned cats that underwent liver lobectomy at a specialty veterinary practice from August 2007 through June 2015. PROCEDURES Medical records were reviewed and data extracted regarding dog and cat signalment, hematologic test results before and after surgery, surgical method, number and identity of lobes removed, concurrent surgical procedures, hemoabdomen detected during surgery, incidence of blood transfusion, and survival to hospital discharge (for calculation of mortality rate). Variables were compared between patients that did and did not require transfusion. RESULTS 11 of 63 (17%) dogs and 4 of 9 cats required a blood transfusion. Mortality rate was 8% for dogs and 22% for cats. Pre- and postoperative PCV and plasma total solids concentration were significantly lower and mortality rate significantly higher in dogs requiring transfusion than in dogs not requiring transfusion. Postoperative PCV was significantly lower in cats requiring transfusion than in cats not requiring transfusion. No significant differences in any other variable were identified between dogs and cats requiring versus not requiring transfusion. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Dogs and cats undergoing liver lobectomy had a high requirement for blood transfusion, and a higher requirement for transfusion should be anticipated in dogs with perioperative anemia and cats with postoperative anemia. Veterinarians performing liver lobectomies in dogs and cats should have blood products readily available.

  16. Transfusion-related infectious mononucleosis.

    PubMed

    Tattevin, Pierre; Crémieux, Anne-Claude; Descamps, Diane; Carbon, Claude

    2002-01-01

    Careful donor selection has reduced but not eliminated the risk of transfusion-transmitted infections. We report a case of transfusion-related infectious mononucleosis. Given the pivotal role of Epstein-Barr virus in the development of lymphoproliferative disorders after solid-organ transplantation, its potential transmission by blood products deserves to be considered in this population.

  17. The case for and against initiating either hydroxyurea therapy, blood transfusion therapy or hematopoietic stem cell transplant in asymptomatic children with sickle cell disease.

    PubMed

    Kassim, Adetola A; DeBaun, Michael R

    2014-02-01

    The perception of an asymptomatic sickle cell disease (SCD) state is a misnomer. Children without overt symptoms, likely have subclinical disease beginning in infancy with progression into adulthood. Predictive models of SCD severity are unable to predict a subgroup of asymptomatic children likely to develop severe SCD. The introduction of penicillin prophylaxis, conjugated pneumococcal and Haemophilus influenzae type B vaccines have dramatically decreased the rate of life-threatening infections, while use of hydroxyurea in children has decreased pain and acute chest syndrome events. Use of transcranial Doppler coupled with regular blood transfusion therapy has decreased the rate of overt strokes and premature death associated with strokes. Currently, therapy for asymptomatic children includes hydroxyurea, regular blood transfusion or allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (allo-HSCT). The pros and cons of initiating hydroxyurea, regular blood transfusion or allo-HSCT in asymptomatic children with SCD. Emerging evidence from observational studies indicates that hydroxyurea prolongs survival in children and adults with sickle cell anemia. Regular blood transfusions reduce incidence of strokes, acute chest and pain episodes, but is associated with the burden of monthly visits and excessive iron stores. Although curative, the perceived risk:benefit ratio associated with allo-HSCT limits its use in asymptomatic children.

  18. Blood platelet kinetics and platelet transfusion.

    PubMed

    Aster, Richard H

    2013-11-01

    The discovery of citrate anticoagulant in the 1920s and the development of plastic packs for blood collection in the 1960s laid the groundwork for platelet transfusion therapy on a scale not previously possible. A major limitation, however, was the finding that platelet concentrates prepared from blood anticoagulated with citrate were unsuitable for transfusion because of platelet clumping. We found that this could be prevented by simply reducing the pH of platelet-rich plasma to about 6.5 prior to centrifugation. We used this approach to characterize platelet kinetics and sites of platelet sequestration in normal and pathologic states and to define the influence of variables such as anticoagulant and ABO incompatibility on post-transfusion platelet recovery. The "acidification" approach enabled much wider use of platelet transfusion therapy until alternative means of producing concentrates suitable for transfusion became available.

  19. Blood donors’ positivity for transfusion-transmissible infections: the Serbian Military Medical Academy experience

    PubMed Central

    Vučetić, Dušan; Kecman, Gorica; Ilić, Vesna; Balint, Bela

    2015-01-01

    Background Members of armed forces worldwide are considered to be very susceptible to sexually transmitted infections, thus falling into a high-risk group of blood donors regarding transfusion-transmissible infections. In the Serbian Military Medical Academy a significant number (44% for the period 2005–2013) of blood donations were from members of the Serbian Army. The aim of this study was to determine the significance of military blood donors for the safety of blood transfusion. Material and methods Between January 2005 and December 2013, a total of 155,479 blood donations were tested for hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and syphilis using serological assays (enzyme immunoassays, chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay and western blot) and molecular testing (polymerase chain reaction analysis). Results The percentage of blood donations positive for transfusion-transmissible infections in the estimated period was 0.38%, and the percentage of HBV, HCV, HIV and syphilis positive blood donations was 0.20%, 0.12%, 0.005% and 0.06%, respectively. During that period, the percentage of all transfusion-transmissible infections, and in particular of HBV and HCV, declined significantly. In contrast, the percentage of HIV and syphilis positive blood donations remained unchanged. Higher rates of positivity for transfusion-transmissible infections in blood donations from members of the Serbian Army were not found, especially after mandatory military service was abolished in 2009. Discussion The reported rate of positivity for transfusion-transmissible infections in blood donations from the Military Medical Academy was considered low. This information is of great significance for further implementation of public health measures. PMID:26057495

  20. Evaluating appropriate red blood cell transfusions: a quality audit at 10 Ontario hospitals to determine the optimal measure for assessing appropriateness.

    PubMed

    Spradbrow, Jordan; Cohen, Robert; Lin, Yulia; Armali, Chantal; Collins, Allison; Cserti-Gazdewich, Christine; Lieberman, Lani; Pavenski, Katerina; Pendergrast, Jacob; Webert, Kathryn; Callum, Jeannie

    2016-10-01

    Evaluating the appropriateness of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion requires labor-intensive medical chart audits and expert adjudication. We sought to determine the appropriateness of RBC transfusions at 10 hospitals using retrospective chart review and to determine whether simple metrics (proportion of single-unit transfusions, RBCs/100 acute inpatient days, proportion of transfusions with pretransfusion hemoglobin <80 g/L or posttransfusion hemoglobin <90 g/L) could be used as surrogate markers of appropriateness by comparing their values with the results from the audit. An initial block of 30 RBC units was dually adjudicated for appropriateness followed by additional blocks of 10 units until the difference between the cumulative percentage of appropriate RBC units in the preceding block and final block was <3%. Pearson correlation tests were used to evaluate associations between the metrics and percentages of appropriate transfusions per hospital. Two-by-two tables were used to assess the utility of the metrics to classify transfusions for appropriateness. Of the 498 units audited, 78% were adjudicated as appropriate (κ = 0.9603), with significant variability between institutions (p < 0.0001). Fifty audits or less were required at nine of the institutions. The values of the metrics were not found to have significant correlations with appropriateness, and the metric that misclassified the smallest proportion of transfusions for appropriateness was pretransfusion hemoglobin <80 g/L, at 24%. Our findings suggest that a chart audit of 50 RBC transfusions with adjudication using robust criteria is the optimal means of evaluating RBC transfusion appropriateness at an institution for benchmarking and quality-improvement initiatives. © 2016 AABB.

  1. Red Blood Cell Transfusions at 21 Days of Age or Older in Previously Transfusion-Naive Very Preterm Infants: Association with Neonatal Outcomes.

    PubMed

    Keir, Amy; Aziz, Khalid; McMillan, Douglas; Monterrosa, Luis; Ojah, Cecil; Lee, Shoo; Shah, Prakesh S

    2015-10-01

    This study aims to assess the association of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion in a cohort of preterm infants with mortality, retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), and chronic lung disease (CLD) transfused at ≥21 days of life. This retrospective cohort study included infants born at <30 weeks' gestation who survived ≥21 days, had not received any RBC transfusions before reaching 21 days of age, and were admitted to participating units in the Canadian neonatal network (2003-2009). Out of the 3,799 eligible infants, 3,309 infants did not receive RBC transfusion at  ≥21 days of age, whereas 490 received transfusion at  ≥21 days of age. Infants who did not receive RBC transfusion/s at  ≥21 days of age had higher birth weight (p<0.01) and higher gestational age at the time of birth (p<0.01) as compared with those who received transfusion/s at ≥21 days of age. Receipt of RBC transfusion/s at  ≥21 days of age was not associated with mortality (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.20; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.33-4.34) or severe ROP (AOR 1.02; 95% CI 0.59-1.77) but was associated with increased odds of CLD (AOR 1.78; 95% CI 1.43-2.22). RBC transfusion/s at  ≥21 days of age in previously transfusion-naive preterm infants was associated with increased odds of CLD but not with ROP or mortality. Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

  2. [Results of Training for Personnel Involved in Blood-Transfusion Testing Outside of Regular Work Hours at Saga University Hospital].

    PubMed

    Yamada, Marie; Yamada, Naotomo; Higashitani, Takanori; Ohta, Shoichiro; Sueoka, Eisaburo

    2015-11-01

    Laboratory testing prior to blood transfusion outside of regular hours in many hospitals and clinics is frequently conducted by technicians without sufficient experience in such testing work. To obtain consistent test results regardless of the degree of laboratory experience with blood transfusion testing, the number of facilities introducing automated equipment for testing prior to blood transfusion is increasing. Our hospital's blood transfusion department introduced fully automated test equipment in October of 2010 for use when blood transfusions are conducted outside of regular hours. However, excessive dependence on automated testing can lead to an inability to do manual blood typing or cross-match testing when necessitated by breakdowns in the automated test equipment, in the case of abnormal specimen reactions, or other such case. In addition, even outside of normal working hours there are more than a few instances in which transfusion must take place based on urgent communications from clinical staff, with the need for prompt and flexible timing of blood transfusion test and delivery of blood products. To address this situation, in 2010 we began training after-hours laboratory personnel in blood transfusion testing to provide practice using test tubes manually and to achieve greater understanding of blood transfusion test work (especially in cases of critical blood loss). Results of the training and difficulties in its implementation for such after-hours laboratory personnel at our hospital are presented and discussed in this paper. [Original

  3. Spine tumor resection among patients who refuse blood product transfusion: a retrospective case series.

    PubMed

    Kisilevsky, Alexandra E; Stobart, Liam; Roland, Kristine; Flexman, Alana M

    2016-12-01

    To describe the perioperative blood conservation strategies and postoperative outcomes in patients who undergo complex spinal surgery for tumor resection and who also refuse blood product transfusion. A retrospective case series. A single-center, tertiary care and academic teaching hospital in Canada. All adult patients undergoing elective major spine tumor resection and refusing blood product transfusion who were referred to our institutional Blood Utilization Program between June 1, 2004, and May 9, 2014. Data on the use of iron, erythropoietin, preoperative autologous blood donation, acute normovolemic hemodilution, antifibrinolytic therapy, cell salvage, intraoperative hypotension, and active warming techniques were collected. Data on perioperative hemoglobin nadir, adverse outcomes, and hospital length of stay were also collected. Four patients who refused blood transfusion (self-identified as Jehovah's Witnesses) underwent non-emergent complex spine surgery for recurrent chondrosarcoma, meningioma, metastatic adenocarcinoma, and metastatic malignant melanoma. All patients received 1 or more perioperative blood conservation strategy including preoperative iron and/or erythropoietin, intraoperative antifibrinolytic therapy, and cell salvage. No patients experienced severe perioperative anemia (average hemoglobin nadir, 124 g/L) or anemia-related postoperative complications. Patients who decline blood product transfusion can successfully undergo major spine tumor resection. Careful patient selection and timely referral for perioperative optimization such that the risk of severe anemia is minimized are important for success. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  4. Is group A thawed plasma suitable as the first option for emergency release transfusion? (CME).

    PubMed

    Chhibber, Vishesh; Greene, Mindy; Vauthrin, Michelle; Bailey, Jeff; Weinstein, Robert

    2014-07-01

    Group AB plasma, which lacks anti-A and anti-B isohemagglutinins, is issued for emergency transfusion when a patient's ABO group is unknown, but the relative scarcity of group AB blood donors limits its availability. We sought to establish a thawed plasma inventory to improve the rapid availability of plasma in the emergency release setting but were concerned about potential wastage of group AB plasma. Recognizing that plasma-incompatible apheresis platelets are routinely transfused and only rarely result in hemolytic reactions if the donor is blood group O, and considering that group A plasma would be compatible with approximately 85% of our patient population, we instituted an emergency release policy whereby thawed group A plasma is issued to all patients of unknown blood group or if compatible plasma is not available. ABO-compatible plasma is then issued, if needed, once the patient's blood group is determined. We prospectively assessed the outcomes of all patients who received incompatible plasma under our policy. During the first 5 years under this policy, 385 emergency release requests for plasma were received by our blood bank. Among them, 23 group B or AB patients met criteria for receiving a median of 2 units of incompatible group A plasma. No hemolytic transfusion reactions or other adverse events related to transfusion were seen in any of these 23 patients. We propose that group A plasma may be an acceptable alternative to AB plasma as the first option in the emergency release setting. © 2014 AABB.

  5. Improving platelet transfusion safety: biomedical and technical considerations

    PubMed Central

    Garraud, Olivier; Cognasse, Fabrice; Tissot, Jean-Daniel; Chavarin, Patricia; Laperche, Syria; Morel, Pascal; Lefrère, Jean-Jacques; Pozzetto, Bruno; Lozano, Miguel; Blumberg, Neil; Osselaer, Jean-Claude

    2016-01-01

    Platelet concentrates account for near 10% of all labile blood components but are responsible for more than 25% of the reported adverse events. Besides factors related to patients themselves, who may be particularly at risk of side effects because of their underlying illness, there are aspects of platelet collection and storage that predispose to adverse events. Platelets for transfusion are strongly activated by collection through disposal equipment, which can stress the cells, and by preservation at 22 °C with rotation or rocking, which likewise leads to platelet activation, perhaps more so than storage at 4 °C. Lastly, platelets constitutively possess a very large number of bioactive components that may elicit pro-inflammatory reactions when infused into a patient. This review aims to describe approaches that may be crucial to minimising side effects while optimising safety and quality. We suggest that platelet transfusion is complex, in part because of the complexity of the “material” itself: platelets are highly versatile cells and the transfusion process adds a myriad of variables that present many challenges for preserving basal platelet function and preventing dysfunctional activation of the platelets. The review also presents information showing - after years of exhaustive haemovigilance - that whole blood buffy coat pooled platelet components are extremely safe compared to the gold standard (i.e. apheresis platelet components), both in terms of acquired infections and of immunological/inflammatory hazards. PMID:26674828

  6. Investigation of the status quo of massive blood transfusion in China and a synopsis of the proposed guidelines for massive blood transfusion

    PubMed Central

    Yang, Jiang-Cun; Wang, Qiu-Shi; Dang, Qian-Li; Sun, Yang; Xu, Cui-Xiang; Jin, Zhan-Kui; Ma, Ting; Liu, Jing

    2017-01-01

    Abstract The aim of this study was to provide an overview of massive transfusion in Chinese hospitals, identify the important indications for massive transfusion and corrective therapies based on clinical evidence and supporting experimental studies, and propose guidelines for the management of massive transfusion. This multiregion, multicenter retrospective study involved a Massive Blood Transfusion Coordination Group composed of 50 clinical experts specializing in blood transfusion, cardiac surgery, anesthesiology, obstetrics, general surgery, and medical statistics from 20 tertiary general hospitals across 5 regions in China. Data were collected for all patients who received ≥10 U red blood cell transfusion within 24 hours in the participating hospitals from January 1 2009 to December 31 2010, including patient demographics, pre-, peri-, and post-operative clinical characteristics, laboratory test results before, during, and after transfusion, and patient mortality at post-transfusion and discharge. We also designed an in vitro hemodilution model to investigate the changes of blood coagulation indices during massive transfusion and the correction of coagulopathy through supplement blood components under different hemodilutions. The experimental data in combination with the clinical evidence were used to determine the optimal proportion and timing for blood component supplementation during massive transfusion. Based on the findings from the present study, together with an extensive review of domestic and international transfusion-related literature and consensus feedback from the 50 experts, we drafted the guidelines on massive blood transfusion that will help Chinese hospitals to develop standardized protocols for massive blood transfusion. PMID:28767599

  7. Quantifying risk of transfusion in children undergoing spine surgery.

    PubMed

    Vitale, Michael G; Levy, Douglas E; Park, Maxwell C; Choi, Hyunok; Choe, Julie C; Roye, David P

    2002-01-01

    The risks and costs of transfusion are a great concern in the area of pediatric spine surgery, because it is a blood-intensive procedure with a high risk for transfusion. Therefore, determining the predictors of transfusion in this patient population is an important first step and has the potential to improve upon the current approaches to reducing transfusion rates. In this study, we reveal several predictors of transfusion in a pediatric patient population undergoing spine surgery. In turn, we present a general rule of thumb ("rule of two's") for gauging transfusion risk, thus enhancing the surgeon's approach to avoiding transfusion in certain clinical scenarios. This study was conducted to determine the main factors of transfusion in a population of pediatric patients undergoing scoliosis surgery. The goal was to present an algorithm for quantifying the true risk of transfusion for various patient groups that would highlight patients "at high risk" for transfusion. This is especially important in light of the various risks associated with undergoing a transfusion, as well as the costs involved in maintaining and disposing of exogenous blood materials. This is a retrospective review of a group of children who underwent scoliosis surgery between 1988 and 1995 at an academic institution. A total of 290 patients were analyzed in this study, of which 63 were transfused and 227 were not. No outcomes measures were used in this study. A retrospective review of 290 patients presenting to our institution for scoliosis surgery was conducted, with a focus on socioclinical data related to transfusion risk. Univariate analysis and logistic regression were used to quantify the determinants of transfusion risk. Univariate analysis identified many factors that were associated with the risk of transfusion. However, it is clear that several of these factors are dependent on each other, obscuring the true issues driving transfusion need. We used multivariate analysis to control for

  8. Anaemia and blood transfusion in African children presenting to hospital with severe febrile illness.

    PubMed

    Kiguli, Sarah; Maitland, Kathryn; George, Elizabeth C; Olupot-Olupot, Peter; Opoka, Robert O; Engoru, Charles; Akech, Samuel O; Nyeko, Richard; Mtove, George; Reyburn, Hugh; Levin, Michael; Babiker, Abdel G; Gibb, Diana M; Crawley, Jane

    2015-02-02

    Severe anaemia in children is a leading cause of hospital admission and a major cause of mortality in sub-Saharan Africa, yet there are limited published data on blood transfusion in this vulnerable group. We present data from a large controlled trial of fluid resuscitation (Fluid Expansion As Supportive Therapy (FEAST) trial) on the prevalence, clinical features, and transfusion management of anaemia in children presenting to hospitals in three East African countries with serious febrile illness (predominantly malaria and/or sepsis) and impaired peripheral perfusion. Of 3,170 children in the FEAST trial, 3,082 (97%) had baseline haemoglobin (Hb) measurement, 2,346/3,082 (76%) were anaemic (Hb <10 g/dL), and 33% severely anaemic (Hb <5 g/dL). Prevalence of severe anaemia varied from 12% in Kenya to 41% in eastern Uganda. 1,387/3,082 (45%) children were transfused (81% within 8 hours). Adherence to WHO transfusion guidelines was poor. Among severely anaemic children who were not transfused, 52% (54/103) died within 8 hours, and 90% of these deaths occurred within 2.5 hours of randomisation. By 24 hours, 128/1,002 (13%) severely anaemic children had died, compared to 36/501 (7%) and 71/843 (8%) of those with moderate and mild anaemia, respectively. Among children without severe hypotension who were randomised to receive fluid boluses of 0.9% saline or albumin, mortality was increased (10.6% and 10.5%, respectively) compared to controls (7.2%), regardless of admission Hb level. Repeat transfusion varied from ≤2% in Kenya/Tanzania to 6 to 13% at the four Ugandan centres. Adverse reactions to blood were rare (0.4%). Severe anaemia complicates one third of childhood admissions with serious febrile illness to hospitals in East Africa, and is associated with increased mortality. A high proportion of deaths occurred within 2.5 hours of admission, emphasizing the need for rapid recognition and prompt blood transfusion. Adherence to current WHO transfusion guidelines was

  9. Transfusions of blood products and cancer outcomes.

    PubMed

    Velásquez, J F; Cata, J P

    2015-10-01

    Approximately half of cancer patients scheduled for major surgery are anemic. Also, a significant number of patients will present to the operating room with low platelet counts and coagulopathic disorders. Unfortunately, administration of red blood cells, platelets concentrates and fresh-frozen plasma is associated with unwanted adverse effects including fever, hemolytic reactions and transfusion-related immunomodulation (TRIM). TRIM is a multifactorial immunologic phenomenon in the recipient mediated by donor leukocytes, microparticles such as ectosomes, and growth factors. As some of these molecules are secreted in a time-dependent manner, blood storage time may play an important in TRIM, although the evidence is limited. Perioperative administration of red blood cells and associated TRIM has also been associated with increased recurrence of certain solid tumors, such as colorectal, lung, and hepatobiliary tumors. In this continuing education article, we review the available evidence on how perioperative blood product transfusions can affect oncological outcomes, such as cancer recurrence. Copyright © 2014 Sociedad Española de Anestesiología, Reanimación y Terapéutica del Dolor. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

  10. [Yes, we should keep ABO agglutination test within bedside transfusion checks].

    PubMed

    Daurat, G

    2008-11-01

    ABO incompatible transfusions are still a frequent cause of serious adverse transfusion reactions. Bedside check is intended to detect patient errors and prevent ABO mismatch. France is one of the few countries that includes ABO agglutination test for red blood cells in bedside checks. Evaluation of this ABO agglutination test, performed with a special card, shows that, on the field, despite frequent users' mishandling, it can detect up to 93% of ABO incompatibilities. This is not enough to rely on this sole test for bedside checks. But, linking it with an another test, currently, checks that the right blood is given to the right patient, rises the sensitivity of the whole bedside procedure up to an estimated 99.65%, for detection of ABO incompatibilities. This linkage has been introduced in the French regulation in 2003. Since then, the incidence of ABO incompatible transfusions has decreased dramatically and faster than in any other country, so France has now, probably, the lowest rate of ABO incompatible transfusions. The investigation of the few ABO accidents that still occur, shows that professionals have always bypassed this linkage. On the other hand, introducing bedside recipient and blood products barcode or radio-chip checks in all the 1500 French hospitals, though technically possible, would provide very little enhancement and lead to major difficulties and expenses. Linkage of ABO agglutination test to patient and blood checks within the bedside procedure has proved to be efficient and should be kept.

  11. Human erythrovirus B19 and blood transfusion - an update.

    PubMed

    Parsyan, A; Candotti, D

    2007-08-01

    Erythrovirus (parvovirus) B19 (B19) is a common human pathogen. It is a non-enveloped single-strand DNA virus packaging its genome in small tight capsids consisting of viral VP1 and VP2 proteins. It is now accepted that B19 is a relatively quickly evolving virus having diverged in several genetic variants recently identified. The main route of B19 transmission is respiratory, with a majority of infections occurring during childhood and manifesting as erythema infectiousum. B19 can also be transmitted vertically and via blood transfusion and organ transplantation. The majority of adult populations show immunological evidence of previous exposure to B19. Although the immune response is able to clear infection and provide life-long protection against B19, recent data suggest that in some, if not the majority, of individuals the acute phase of infection is followed by viral persistence in the blood or other tissues regardless of the host's immunocompetence. Transmission of B19 by blood and blood products and its resistance to common viral inactivation methods raises several blood safety questions, still unanswered. The diversity of B19 strains and the ability of the virus to persist in the presence of specific antibodies raise the issue of transmissibility by transfusion not so much to immunocompetent recipients but rather to the large proportion of recipients in whom there is some degree of immunodeficiency. The ability of the virus to reactivate in immunodeficient recipients may create difficulties in differentiating between transfusion transmission and reactivation.

  12. Preoperative platelet transfusions to reverse antiplatelet therapy for urgent non-cardiac surgery: an observational cohort study.

    PubMed

    Baschin, M; Selleng, S; Hummel, A; Diedrich, S; Schroeder, H W; Kohlmann, T; Westphal, A; Greinacher, A; Thiele, T

    2018-04-01

    Essentials An increasing number of patients requiring surgery receive antiplatelet therapy (APT). We analyzed 181 patients receiving presurgery platelet transfusions to reverse APT. No coronary thrombosis occurred after platelet transfusion. This justifies a prospective trial to test preoperative platelet transfusions to reverse APT. Background Patients receiving antiplatelet therapy (APT) have an increased risk of perioperative bleeding and cardiac adverse events (CAE). Preoperative platelet transfusions may reduce the bleeding risk but may also increase the risk of CAE, particularly coronary thrombosis in patients after recent stent implantation. Objectives To analyze the incidence of perioperative CAE and bleeding in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery using a standardized management of transfusing two platelet concentrates preoperatively and restart of APT within 24-72 h after surgery. Methods A cohort of consecutive patients on APT treated with two platelet concentrates before non-cardiac surgery between January 2012 and December 2014 was retrospectively identified. Patients were stratified by the risk of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE). The primary objective was the incidence of CAE (myocardial infarction, acute heart failure and cardiac troponine T increase). Secondary objectives were incidences of other thromboembolic events, bleedings, transfusions and mortality. Results Among 181 patients, 88 received aspirin, 21 clopidogrel and 72 dual APT. MACCE risk was high in 63, moderate in 103 and low in 15 patients; 67 had cardiac stents. Ten patients (5.5%; 95% CI, 3.0-9.9%) developed a CAE (three myocardial infarctions, four cardiac failures and three troponin T increases). None was caused by coronary thrombosis. Surgery-related bleeding occurred in 22 patients (12.2%; 95% CI, 8.2-17.7%), making 12 re-interventions necessary (6.6%; 95% CI, 3.8-11.2%). Conclusion Preoperative platelet transfusions and early restart of APT allowed

  13. Status of Transfusion Medicine Education in Iran.

    PubMed

    Javadzadeh Shahshahani, Hayedeh

    2016-06-01

    Optimal use of blood and blood components requires theoretical and practical knowledge in transfusion medicine. While the importance of education in transfusion medicine has long been recognized, a vacancy is widely felt in this regard in Iran. In this study, the current status of transfusion medicine education in Iran is evaluated using a review of studies conducted in this field. To access articles related to transfusion medicine education in Iran, an electronic search was performed in databases, including Magiran, SID, IranMedex, Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus and the related articles were evaluated. Knowledge of transfusion medicine was not optimal in various medical groups and there was no effective theoretical and practical education and training for transfusion medicine in medical universities. Almost all the studies concluded that transfusion medicine curricula should be implemented for both undergraduate and postgraduate students, because of its great importance in clinical practice. Educational program of transfusion medicine is a basic need of medical education for medical students, interns, residents, nursing, and midwifery students in Iran. Considering our status and capacities and by using educational programs in the world, curricula are suggested for different educational levels. Implementation of these training programs plays a vital role in improving patients' safety and also reduces the high costs of treatment with blood products.

  14. NO supplementation for transfusion medicine and cardiovascular applications.

    PubMed

    Cabrales, Pedro; Ortiz, Daniel; Friedman, Joel M

    Blood transfusions are used to treat reduced O 2 -carrying capacity consequent to anemia. In many cases anemia is caused by a major blood loss, which also creates a state of hypovolemia. Whereas O 2 transport capacity is restored by increasing levels of circulating Hb, transfusion does not resolve the hypoperfusion, the hypoxia and the inflammatory cascades initiated during the anemia and hypovolemia. This explains why blood transfusion is not always an effective treatment and why transfusion of stored blood has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality, especially in patient populations receiving multiple transfusions. Epidemiologic data indicate that adverse events after transfusion are relatively common, having a great impact on the patients outcome and on the costs of public health. In this chapter, we explain why classical transfusion strategies target the reversal of hypoxia only, but do not address the inflammatory cascades initiated during anemic states and the importance of the flow and vascular endothelium interactions. We also establish the relation between red blood cells storage lesions, limited NO bioavailability and transfusion-associated adverse events. Lastly, we explain the potential use of long-lived sources of bioactive NO to reverse the hypoxic inflammatory cascades, promote a sustained increase in tissue perfusion and thereby allow transfusions to achieve their intended goal. The underlying premise is that adverse effects associated with transfusions are intimately linked to vascular dysfunction. Understanding of these mechanisms would lead to novel transfusion medicine strategies to preserve red cell function and to correct for functional changes induced by hemoglobinopathies that affect cell structure and function.

  15. [Blood transfusion, an investigation on its brief history].

    PubMed

    Wang, B; Peng, X

    2000-07-01

    Transfusion has developed as a practical clinical technique. Its development has experienced from ignorance to science and from cruelty to civilization for hundreds of year. Transfusion has made great contribution for saving lives and expanding operation coverage. To understand the history of transfusion, we can have reference to promote again the development of transfusion technique.

  16. Perception of blood transfusion risk.

    PubMed

    Lee, David

    2006-04-01

    Perceptions of risk ultimately drive the responses of individuals and society to risk issues, and transfusion risk is no exception. Surveys of lay people over the past decade indicate that public concern about transfusion safety has remained prevalent, dominated by the ongoing fear of contracting HIV infection. Such perceptions persist despite the acknowledgment that blood transfusion is safer now than in years past. Judgements by the lay public that may, at first glance, seem irrational can often be understood when the heuristics, biases, and models of human judgements of risk are considered. Risk perception research suggests that how lay people perceive risk has less to do with the unidimensional view of risk as a probabilistic expression and more to do with a complex multidimensional construct in which affect, reason, worldviews, trust, and other factors are intertwined. This review summarizes some of the principles of risk perception as applicable to transfusion medicine.

  17. A study report of 174 units of placental umbilical cord whole blood transfusion in 62 patients as a rich source of fetal hemoglobin supply in different indications of blood transfusion.

    PubMed

    Bhattacharya, N; Mukherijee, K; Chettri, M K; Banerjee, T; Mani, U; Bhattacharya, S

    2001-01-01

    In the animal kingdom, even herbivorous animals swallow the placenta after the birth of the baby (for example, the cow). In the human system, we do not know about the proper utilization of the placenta and membranes although there are suggestions regarding this on the basis of research on placental umbilical cord blood stem cells as an alternative to bone marrow transplantation. In this present series of placental umbilical cord whole blood transfusions, we wanted to examine the safety aspect of other components of cord blood transfusion, e.g., fetal RBC, growth factors and cytokine filled plasma, etc., in different indications of blood transfusion, from the pediatric to the geriatric age group, in malignant and non-malignant disorders affecting our patients. One hundred and seventy-four units of umbilical cord whole blood were collected aseptically from the umbilical vein after caesarean section in standard pediatric blood transfusion bags, after the removal of the baby from the operative field and after confirming the stable condition of the mother. The volume of cord blood varied from 50 ml to 140 ml with a mean of 86 ml+/-16 ml. The cord blood was transfused immediately (within three days of collection) to 62 patients from nine years to 78 years of age, of whom 32 were suffering from varying stages and grades of malignancy from 1 April 1999 till date i.e., 11 Aug 2000, after obtaining adequate consent and following the precautions of standard blood transfusion protocol. The remaining 30 patients included patients suffering from thalassemia major, aplastic anemia, systemic lupus erythematosus, chronic renal failure, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and a geriatric group of patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy. All have tolerated the procedure without any immunological or non-immunological reactions. On the basis of our experience with 174 units of placental umbilical cord whole blood transfusion in malignant and non-malignant conditions (within

  18. Introduction of universal prestorage leukodepletion of blood components, and outcomes in transfused cardiac surgery patients.

    PubMed

    McQuilten, Zoe K; Andrianopoulos, Nick; van de Watering, Leo; Aubron, Cecile; Phillips, Louise; Bellomo, Rinaldo; Pilcher, David; Cameron, Peter; Reid, Christopher M; Cole-Sinclair, Merrole F; Newcomb, Andrew; Smith, Julian; McNeil, John J; Wood, Erica M

    2015-07-01

    To assess whether introduction of universal leukodepletion (ULD) of red blood cells (RBCs) for transfusion was associated with improvements in cardiac surgery patient outcomes. Retrospective study (2005-2010) conducted at 6 institutions. Associations between leukodepletion and outcomes of mortality, infection, and acute kidney injury (AKI) were modeled by logistic regression, and intensive care unit length of stay (LOS) in survivors was explored using linear regression. To examine trends over time, odds ratios (ORs) for outcomes of transfused were compared with nontransfused patients, including a comparison with nontransfused patients who were selected based on propensity score for RBC transfusion. We studied 14,980 patients, of whom 8857 (59%) had surgery pre-ULD. Transfusions of RBCs were made in 3799 (43%) pre-ULD, and 2525 (41%) post-ULD. Administration of exclusively leukodepleted, versus exclusively nonleukodepleted, RBCs was associated with lower incidence of AKI (adjusted OR 0.80, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.65-0.98, P = .035), but no difference in mortality or infection. For post-ULD patients, no difference was found in mortality (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.76-1.22, P = .76) or infection (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.79-1.03, P = .161); however, AKI was reduced (OR 0.79 95% CI 0.68-0.92, P = .003). However, ORs for post-ULD outcomes were not significantly different in nontransfused, versus transfused, patients. Furthermore, those who received exclusively nonleukodepleted RBCs were more likely to have surgery post-ULD. Universal leukodepletion was not associated with reduced mortality or infection in transfused cardiac surgery patients. An association was found between ULD and reduced AKI; however, this reduction was not significantly different from that seen in nontransfused patients, and other changes in care most likely explain such changes in renal outcomes. Copyright © 2015 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  19. Benchmarking: applications to transfusion medicine.

    PubMed

    Apelseth, Torunn Oveland; Molnar, Laura; Arnold, Emmy; Heddle, Nancy M

    2012-10-01

    Benchmarking is as a structured continuous collaborative process in which comparisons for selected indicators are used to identify factors that, when implemented, will improve transfusion practices. This study aimed to identify transfusion medicine studies reporting on benchmarking, summarize the benchmarking approaches used, and identify important considerations to move the concept of benchmarking forward in the field of transfusion medicine. A systematic review of published literature was performed to identify transfusion medicine-related studies that compared at least 2 separate institutions or regions with the intention of benchmarking focusing on 4 areas: blood utilization, safety, operational aspects, and blood donation. Forty-five studies were included: blood utilization (n = 35), safety (n = 5), operational aspects of transfusion medicine (n = 5), and blood donation (n = 0). Based on predefined criteria, 7 publications were classified as benchmarking, 2 as trending, and 36 as single-event studies. Three models of benchmarking are described: (1) a regional benchmarking program that collects and links relevant data from existing electronic sources, (2) a sentinel site model where data from a limited number of sites are collected, and (3) an institutional-initiated model where a site identifies indicators of interest and approaches other institutions. Benchmarking approaches are needed in the field of transfusion medicine. Major challenges include defining best practices and developing cost-effective methods of data collection. For those interested in initiating a benchmarking program, the sentinel site model may be most effective and sustainable as a starting point, although the regional model would be the ideal goal. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  20. Plasma Transfusion: History, Current Realities, and Novel Improvements.

    PubMed

    Watson, Justin J J; Pati, Shibani; Schreiber, Martin A

    2016-11-01

    Traumatic hemorrhage is the leading cause of preventable death after trauma. Early transfusion of plasma and balanced transfusion have been shown to optimize survival, mitigate the acute coagulopathy of trauma, and restore the endothelial glycocalyx. There are a myriad of plasma formulations available worldwide, including fresh frozen plasma, thawed plasma, liquid plasma, plasma frozen within 24 h, and lyophilized plasma (LP). Significant equipoise exists in the literature regarding the optimal plasma formulation. LP is a freeze-dried formulation that was originally developed in the 1930s and used by the American and British military in World War II. It was subsequently discontinued due to risk of disease transmission from pooled donors. Recently, there has been a significant amount of research focusing on optimizing reconstitution of LP. Findings show that sterile water buffered with ascorbic acid results in decreased blood loss with suppression of systemic inflammation. We are now beginning to realize the creation of a plasma-derived formulation that rapidly produces the associated benefits without logistical or safety constraints. This review will highlight the history of plasma, detail the various types of plasma formulations currently available, their pathophysiological effects, impacts of storage on coagulation factors in vitro and in vivo, novel concepts, and future directions.

  1. Understanding Perioperative Transfusion Practices in Gastrointestinal Surgery-a Practice Survey of General Surgeons.

    PubMed

    Yohanathan, Lavanya; Coburn, Natalie G; McLeod, Robin S; Kagedan, Daniel J; Pearsall, Emily; Zih, Francis S W; Callum, Jeannie; Lin, Yulia; McCluskey, Stuart; Hallet, Julie

    2016-06-01

    Despite guidelines recommending restrictive red blood cell transfusion (RBCT) strategies, perioperative transfusion practices still vary significantly. To understand the underlying mechanisms that lead to gaps in practice, we sought to assess the attitudes of surgeons regarding the perioperative management of anemia and use of RBCT in patients having gastrointestinal surgery. We conducted a self-administered Web-based survey of general surgery staff and residents, in a network of eight academic institutions at the University of Toronto. We developed a questionnaire using a systematic approach of items generation and reduction. We tested face and content validity and test-retest reliability. We administered the survey via emails, with planned reminders. Total response rate was 48.1 % (62/125). Half (51.0 %) of respondents stated that they were unlikely to conduct a preoperative anemia work-up. About 54.0 % reported ordering preoperative oral iron supplementation for anemia. Most respondents indicated using a 70 g/L hemoglobin trigger (92.0 %) for transfusion. Factors increasing thresholds above 70 g/L included cardiac comorbidity (58.0 %), acute cardiac disease (94.0 %), symptomatic anemia (68.0 %), and suspected bleeding (58.0 %). With those factors, the transfusion threshold often increased above 90 g/L. Respondents perceived RBCTs to increase the postoperative morbidity (62 %), but not to impact the mortality (48 %) and cancer recurrence (52 %). Institutional protocols (68.0 %), blood conservation clinics (44.0 %), and clinical practice guidelines (84.0 %) were believed to encourage restrictive use of RBCTs. Self-reported perioperative transfusion practices for GI surgery are heterogeneous. Few respondents investigated preoperative anemia. Stated use of RBCT indications varied from recommendations in published guidelines for patients with symptomatic anemia. Establishing team consensus and implementing local blood management guidelines appear

  2. [Recipients adverse reactions in the Ibn Sina Hospital of Rabat: State 1999-2013].

    PubMed

    Ouadghiri, S; Brick, C; Benseffaj, N; Atouf, O; Essakalli, M

    2017-02-01

    The declaration of the recipients adverse reactions (RAR) is one of the field haemovigilance activities. It provides an evaluation of transfusion side effects and thus prevents their appearance. The aim of this study is to analyze, over 14 years, the RAR supports reported in Rabat Ibn Sina hospital. All of the RAR supports sending to the blood transfusion service were analyzed. The data collected from these supports are: clinical characteristics of the patient, type of incident observed and type of labile blood products (LBP) transfused. A total of 353 RAR were declared with a mean cumulative incidence of 1.7/1000 LBP delivered. Febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reactions represent 72.8% of the RAR declared. The RAR were classified as grade 1 in 87.1% of cases and were secondary to a transfusion of the red cell concentrates in 81.9%. ABO incompatibility was found in four cases (0.02/1000 LBP delivered). The number of RAR reported by Rabat Ibn Sina hospital remains underestimated. Management and traceability RAR and rigorous investigation, under the responsibility of the corresponding haemovigilance contribute to the improvement of transfusion safety. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  3. Granulocyte transfusions in neutropenic patients.

    PubMed

    Menitove, J E; Abrams, R A

    1987-01-01

    Patients with severe neutropenia are at increased risk for systemic infection with bacteria or fungi. This risk is in proportion to both the degree and duration of the neutropenic process. Although granulocyte transfusion as a means of augmenting host defenses would appear to be a logical therapeutic intervention in clinical contexts involving severe and prolonged neutropenia, several features of granulocyte physiology and collection complicate such considerations. These include the large numbers of granulocytes normally produced by healthy hosts, the short survival of the granulocyte in the circulation after transfusion, the relatively small number of granulocytes which can be collected using currently available pheresis techniques, problems associated with alloimmunization, and the possibility of transferring disease (CMV, toxoplasmosis, hepatitis) by means of these transfusions. In the mid-1970s, well-designed clinical studies strongly suggested that patients with documented Gram-negative sepsis or tissue infection that failed to respond to appropriate antibiotics were significantly benefited by granulocyte transfusions. With recent advances in potent, broad-spectrum antibiotic availability, some have questioned whether these observations remain valid. Several studies regarding the prophylactic use of granulocyte transfusions in patients undergoing allogeneic bone marrow transplantation and/or induction therapy for leukemia have failed to reveal therapeutic benefits and suggested the possibility of significant side effects. These studies are reviewed.

  4. Impact of antigenic exposures and role of molecular blood grouping in enhancing transfusion safety in chronically transfused thalassemics.

    PubMed

    Makroo, Raj Nath; Agrawal, Soma; Bhatia, Aakanksha; Chowdhry, Mohit; Thakur, Uday Kumar

    2016-01-01

    Red cell alloimmunization is an acknowledged complication of blood transfusion. Current transfusion practices for thalassemia do not cater to this risk. Serological phenotyping is usually not reliable in these cases unless performed before the first transfusion. Under such circumstances, molecular blood grouping is an effective alternative. To perform molecular blood group genotyping in chronically transfused thalassemia patients and assess the risk of antigenic exposure and incidence of alloimmunization with current transfusion protocols. Molecular blood group genotyping was performed for 47 chronically transfused thalassemia patients. Their 1-year transfusion records were retrieved to assess the antigenic exposure and the frequency thereof. Of 47 patients, 6 were already alloimmunized (3 with anti-E and 3 with anti-K) and were receiving the corresponding antigen negative units. We observed that random selection of ABO and Rh D matched units resulted in 57.7% ±8.26% chance of Rh and Kell phenotype matching also. Forty-four patients had received one or more antigenic exposures at least once. The 6 already alloimmunized patients were further exposed to antigens other than the ones they were immunized to. During the study period, only one patient developed an alloantibody, anti-E with exposure to antigens C (92%) and/or E (32%) at each transfusion. Several factors apart from mere antigen exposure may influence the development of alloimmunization as most of our patients received antigenic exposures but not alloimmunized. Our data provide an impetus for future large-scale studies to understand the development of alloimmunization in such patients.

  5. Cutaneous absorption of trivalent chromium: tissue levels and treatment by exchange transfusion

    PubMed Central

    Kelly, W F; Ackrill, P; Day, J P; O'Hara, Maureen; Tye, C T; Burton, I; Orton, C; Harris, M

    1982-01-01

    ABSTRACT A man was accidentally immersed in hot acidic trivalent chromium sulphate solution but none was swallowed. The clinical course was dominated by burns, intravascular haemolysis, and acute renal failure. Blood concentrations of chromium were measured during treatment and tissue concentrations were measured at death. Exchange transfusion reduced blood chromium concentrations by two-thirds. The total quantities of chromium absorbed and removed by various routes were calculated. In-vitro studies showed that the chromium solution did not directly cause haemolysis. Images PMID:7138799

  6. Comparison between qualitative and real-time polymerase chain reaction to evaluate minimal residual disease in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

    PubMed

    Paula, Francisco Danilo Ferreira; Elói-Santos, Silvana Maria; Xavier, Sandra Guerra; Ganazza, Mônica Aparecida; Jotta, Patricia Yoshioka; Yunes, José Andrés; Viana, Marcos Borato; Assumpção, Juliana Godoy

    2015-01-01

    Minimal residual disease is an important independent prognostic factor that can identify poor responders among patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The aim of this study was to analyze minimal residual disease using immunoglobulin (Ig) and T-cell receptor (TCR) gene rearrangements by conventional polymerase chain reaction followed by homo-heteroduplex analysis and to compare this with real-time polymerase chain reaction at the end of the induction period in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Seventy-four patients diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia were enrolled. Minimal residual disease was evaluated by qualitative polymerase chain reaction in 57 and by both tests in 44. The Kaplan-Meier and multivariate Cox methods and the log-rank test were used for statistical analysis. Nine patients (15.8%) were positive for minimal residual disease by qualitative polymerase chain reaction and 11 (25%) by real-time polymerase chain reaction considering a cut-off point of 1×10(-3) for precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and 1×10(-2) for T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Using the qualitative method, the 3.5-year leukemia-free survival was significantly higher in children negative for minimal residual disease compared to those with positive results (84.1%±5.6% versus 41.7%±17.3%, respectively; p-value=0.004). There was no significant association between leukemia-free survival and minimal residual disease by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Minimal residual disease by qualitative polymerase chain reaction was the only variable significantly correlated to leukemia-free survival. Given the difficulties in the implementation of minimal residual disease monitoring by real-time polymerase chain reaction in most treatment centers in Brazil, the qualitative polymerase chain reaction strategy may be a cost-effective alternative. Copyright © 2015 Associação Brasileira de Hematologia, Hemoterapia e Terapia Celular. Published by Elsevier

  7. Hospital-based transfusion error tracking from 2005 to 2010: identifying the key errors threatening patient transfusion safety.

    PubMed

    Maskens, Carolyn; Downie, Helen; Wendt, Alison; Lima, Ana; Merkley, Lisa; Lin, Yulia; Callum, Jeannie

    2014-01-01

    This report provides a comprehensive analysis of transfusion errors occurring at a large teaching hospital and aims to determine key errors that are threatening transfusion safety, despite implementation of safety measures. Errors were prospectively identified from 2005 to 2010. Error data were coded on a secure online database called the Transfusion Error Surveillance System. Errors were defined as any deviation from established standard operating procedures. Errors were identified by clinical and laboratory staff. Denominator data for volume of activity were used to calculate rates. A total of 15,134 errors were reported with a median number of 215 errors per month (range, 85-334). Overall, 9083 (60%) errors occurred on the transfusion service and 6051 (40%) on the clinical services. In total, 23 errors resulted in patient harm: 21 of these errors occurred on the clinical services and two in the transfusion service. Of the 23 harm events, 21 involved inappropriate use of blood. Errors with no harm were 657 times more common than events that caused harm. The most common high-severity clinical errors were sample labeling (37.5%) and inappropriate ordering of blood (28.8%). The most common high-severity error in the transfusion service was sample accepted despite not meeting acceptance criteria (18.3%). The cost of product and component loss due to errors was $593,337. Errors occurred at every point in the transfusion process, with the greatest potential risk of patient harm resulting from inappropriate ordering of blood products and errors in sample labeling. © 2013 American Association of Blood Banks (CME).

  8. Microchimerism decades after transfusion among combat-injured US veterans from the Vietnam, Korean, and World War II conflicts.

    PubMed

    Utter, Garth H; Lee, Tzong-Hae; Rivers, Ryan M; Montalvo, Lani; Wen, Li; Chafets, Daniel M; Reed, William F; Busch, Michael P

    2008-08-01

    Blood transfusion after traumatic injury can result in microchimerism (MC) of donor white cells (WBCs) in the recipient as late as 2 to 3 years postinjury, the longest prospective follow-up to date. The purpose of this study was to determine how long transfusion-associated MC lasts after traumatic injury. A group of US combat veterans who received transfusions who responded to a recruitment notice was retrospectively evaluated. Their blood was sampled, and MC was assessed by quantitative allele-specific polymerase chain reaction detection of differences at the HLA-DR locus or a panel of insertion-deletion polymorphism loci. Results of veterans were compared to those from an age- and gender-matched blood donor control group, from whom WBCs were retrieved from leukoreduction filters. Among 163 combat veterans who received transfusion and 150 control subjects who did not receive transfusions, 16 (9.8%) of the veterans and 1 (0.7%) control subject had evidence of MC (relative risk, 14.7; 95% confidence interval, 2.0-110). The veterans with MC included 3 who served in WWII (7% of subjects from that conflict), 5 in Korea (18%), and 6 in Vietnam (7%). Transfusion for combat-related injury can result in MC that lasts for 60 years, suggesting that it may involve permanent engraftment. MC is rare among male blood donors who did not receive transfusions, who are probably representative of individuals who have not had postnatal allogeneic exposures.

  9. Critical Value Reporting in Transfusion Medicine: A Survey of Communication Practices in US Facilities.

    PubMed

    Reese, Erika M; Nelson, Randin C; Flegel, Willy A; Byrne, Karen M; Booth, Garrett S

    2017-05-01

    While critical value procedures have been adopted in most areas of the clinical laboratory, their use in transfusion medicine has not been reviewed in detail. The results of this study present a comprehensive overview of critical value reporting and communication practices in transfusion medicine in the United States. A web-based survey was developed to collect data on the prevalence of critical value procedures and practices of communicating results. The survey was distributed via email to US hospital-based blood banks. Of 123 facilities surveyed, 84 (68.3%) blood banks had a critical value procedure. From a panel of 23 common blood bank results, nine results were selected by more than 70% of facilities as either a critical value or requiring rapid communication as defined by an alternate procedure. There was overlap among results communicated by facilities with and without a critical value procedure. The most frequently communicated results, such as incompatible crossmatch for RBC units issued uncrossmatched, delay in finding compatible blood due to a clinically significant antibody, and transfusion reaction evaluation suggestive of a serious adverse event, addressed scenarios associated with the leading reported causes of transfusion-related fatalities. American Society for Clinical Pathology, 2017. This work is written by US Government employees and is in the public domain in the US.

  10. Anemia, red blood cell transfusions, and necrotizing enterocolitis.

    PubMed

    Maheshwari, Akhil; Patel, Ravi M; Christensen, Robert D

    2018-02-01

    In the past 15 years, multiple clinical studies have identified a temporal association between red blood cell (RBC) transfusions and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). With some variability, most of these studies indicate that up to one-third of all cases of NEC involving very low-birth weight infants may occur within 24-48h after receiving a RBC transfusion. There is also evidence that the risk of such transfusion-associated NEC may be higher in infants transfused with the greatest severity of anemia. In this article, we summarize the clinical evidence pertaining to these issues; specifically, the contribution of RBC transfusions, and the contribution of severity of underlying anemia, to the pathogenesis of a type of NEC potentially termed, "transfusion/anemia-associated NEC." Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  11. The role of molecular typing and perfect match transfusion in sickle cell disease and thalassaemia: An innovative transfusion strategy.

    PubMed

    Putzulu, Rossana; Piccirillo, Nicola; Orlando, Nicoletta; Massini, Giuseppina; Maresca, Maddalena; Scavone, Fernando; Ricerca, Bianca Maria; Zini, Gina

    2017-04-01

    Chronic red blood cell transfusions remain an essential part of supportive treatment in patients with thalassaemia and sickle cell disease (SCD). Red blood cell (RBC) transfusions expose patients to the risk of developing antibodies: RBC alloimmunization occurs when the immune system meets foreign antigens. We created a register of extensively genotyped donors to achieve a better matched transfusion in order to reduce transfusion alloimmunization. Extended RBC antigen typing was determined and confirmed by molecular biology techniques using Human Erythrocyte Antigen (HEA) BeadChip (BioArray Solutions Ltd., Warren, NJ) in periodic blood donors and in patients with thalassaemia and SCD. During 3 years, we typed extensively 1220 periodic blood donors, 898 male and 322 female. We also studied 10 hematologic patients affected by thalassaemia and sickle cell disease referred to our institution as candidate to periodic transfusions. Our patients (8 females and 2 males with a median age of 48 years, range 24-76 years), extensively typed using molecular techniques and screened for RBC alloantibodies, were transfused with a median of 33.5 RBC units. After three years of molecular typing, the "perfect match" transfusion strategy avoided new alloantibodies development in all studied patients. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  12. Evolution in a centralized transfusion service.

    PubMed

    AuBuchon, James P; Linauts, Sandra; Vaughan, Mimi; Wagner, Jeffrey; Delaney, Meghan; Nester, Theresa

    2011-12-01

    The metropolitan Seattle area has utilized a centralized transfusion service model throughout the modern era of blood banking. This approach has used four laboratories to serve over 20 hospitals and clinics, providing greater capabilities for all at a lower consumption of resources than if each depended on its own laboratory and staff for these functions. In addition, this centralized model has facilitated wider use of the medical capabilities of the blood center's physicians, and a county-wide network of transfusion safety officers is now being developed to increase the impact of the blood center's transfusion expertise at the patient's bedside. Medical expectations and traffic have led the blood center to evolve the centralized model to include on-site laboratories at facilities with complex transfusion requirements (e.g., a children's hospital) and to implement in all the others a system of remote allocation. This new capability places a refrigerator stocked with uncrossmatched units in the hospital but retains control over the dispensing of these through the blood center's computer system; the correct unit can be electronically cross-matched and released on demand, obviating the need for transportation to the hospital and thus speeding transfusion. This centralized transfusion model has withstood the test of time and continues to evolve to meet new situations and ensure optimal patient care. © 2011 American Association of Blood Banks.

  13. The Ratio of Blood Products Transfused Affects Mortality in Patients Receiving Massive Transfusions at a Combat Support Hospital

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2007-10-01

    therapy resuscitation, and exacer- bated by hemorrhagic shock, metabolic acidosis, hypother- mia, hyperfibrinolysis, hypocalcemia , and anemia.11,14–19...outcome studies examining the effect of blood product transfusion ratios for trauma patients requiring massive transfusion. Most deaths (80% to 85%) that...calculation of apheresis platelet units transfused, though FWB has previously been shown to be as effective as 10 units of platelet concentrate.33 The

  14. Blood transfusion in pediatric cardiac surgery.

    PubMed

    Durandy, Yves

    2010-11-01

    The aim of the study is to measure the volume of homologous blood needed for one pediatric patient during his hospital stay. Over a 4-month period, all the patients operated upon with a blood prime or requiring blood transfusion during their hospital stay were included in this study.The cardiopulmonary bypass protocol associates a miniaturized bypass circuit, vacuum-assisted venous drainage, and microplegia. The volume of each blood product opened is known and the volume of blood product remaining, following the last transfusion, is measured. Data collected areas follows: patient weight; hemoglobin level before surgery,during bypass, and in intensive care after the last transfusion;time to extubation; and degree of inotropic support.Forty-six patients weighing 5.1 1.5 kg were included in this study. Cardiopulmonary bypass priming volume was 100 mL for patients up to 3.5 kg, 120 mL for patients between 3.6 and 7.5 kg, and 160 mL for patients between 7.6 and 8.6 kg. The volume of blood transfusion was 271 112 mL, hemoglobin level before surgery was 10.3 1.7 g/dL, hemoglobin level during surgery was 11.0 1.5 g/dL, and hemoglobin level after the last transfusion was 12.3 2.4 g/dL. Time to extubation was 12 3.3 h, and inotropic support was enoximone in 37 patients,whereas 6 patients needed enoximone and epinephrine.No patient needed reexploration for bleeding and one patient received a platelet transfusion.The mean blood transfusion volume was equivalent to 60% of the patient’s total blood volume (estimated to be 80 mL/kg).

  15. Transfusion Requirement in Burn Care Evaluation (TRIBE): A Multicenter Randomized Prospective Trial of Blood Transfusion in Major Burn Injury.

    PubMed

    Palmieri, Tina L; Holmes, James H; Arnoldo, Brett; Peck, Michael; Potenza, Bruce; Cochran, Amalia; King, Booker T; Dominic, William; Cartotto, Robert; Bhavsar, Dhaval; Kemalyan, Nathan; Tredget, Edward; Stapelberg, Francois; Mozingo, David; Friedman, Bruce; Greenhalgh, David G; Taylor, Sandra L; Pollock, Brad H

    2017-10-01

    Our objective was to compare outcomes of a restrictive to a liberal red cell transfusion strategy in 20% or more total body surface area (TBSA) burn patients. We hypothesized that the restrictive group would have less blood stream infection (BSI), organ dysfunction, and mortality. Patients with major burns have major (>1 blood volume) transfusion requirements. Studies suggest that a restrictive blood transfusion strategy is equivalent to a liberal strategy. However, major burn injury is precluded from these studies. The optimal transfusion strategy in major burn injury is thus needed but remains unknown. This prospective randomized multicenter trial block randomized patients to a restrictive (hemoglobin 7-8 g/dL) or liberal (hemoglobin 10-11 g/dL) transfusion strategy throughout hospitalization. Data collected included demographics, infections, transfusions, and outcomes. Eighteen burn centers enrolled 345 patients with 20% or more TBSA burn similar in age, TBSA burn, and inhalation injury. A total of 7054 units blood were transfused. The restrictive group received fewer blood transfusions: mean 20.3 ± 32.7 units, median = 8 (interquartile range: 3, 24) versus mean 31.8 ± 44.3 units, median = 16 (interquartile range: 7, 40) in the liberal group (P < 0.0001, Wilcoxon rank sum). BSI incidence, organ dysfunction, ventilator days, and time to wound healing (P > 0.05) were similar. In addition, there was no 30-day mortality difference: 9.5% restrictive versus 8.5% liberal (P = 0.892, χ test). A restrictive transfusion strategy halved blood product utilization. Although the restrictive strategy did not decrease BSI, mortality, or organ dysfunction in major burn injury, these outcomes were no worse than the liberal strategy (Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT01079247).

  16. [Beginning Knowledge of Transfusion in Japan].

    PubMed

    Mazda, Toshio; Shimizu, Masaru

    2015-01-01

    Blood components and plasma derivatives are two of the most useful tools in modern medicine. When the Portuguese opened the maritime routes to the Far East in the 16th century. Western medicine traveled to Japan on the trading vessels that carried physicians and barber-surgeons to care for the body and Christian missionaries to care for the soul. Skilled interpreters such as Kōgyū Yoshio translated and studied Dutch editions of early medical books, like Lorenz Heister's "Chirurgie" (Nürnberg, 1719), that illustrate the concept of transfusion. The oldest description of transfusion originating in Japan is a handwritten manuscript entitled "Bansui Sensi Chojutsu Shomoku" by Masamichi Nishijima, a student of Bansui Otsuki. It is a list of Otsuki's translated works. He described book names and chapter names in the manuscript, and when he finished translation of a chapter, he marked a circle on the chapter name. The transfusion chapter had a circle. That dates the earliest writing on transfusion in Japanese to 1804, shortly after the death of Kōgyū. Unfortunately, the manuscript translation no longer exists. In 1814, Shunzō Yoshio, grandson of Kōgyū, and in 1820, Tokki Koshimura, translated the figure legends of "Chirurgie." Soon afterwards, after the first report of transfusion from human-to-human by James Blundell in London in 1818, Western medical books published on the subject began to arrive. The works of Christoph Wilhelm Hufeland, Georg Friedrich Most and Carl Canstatt all mentioning transfusion, albeit without details, were translated by Kōan Ogata and Shinryō Tsuboi. During the Edo period, Japan was a closed country; only open to the Dutch through a tiny island in Nagasaki. But Japanese doctors in the Edo period learned about blood transfusion through Dutch-translated versions of Western medical Books. Transfusion began being practiced in Japan in 1919, almost exactly 100 years after the concept was introduced

  17. Blood transfusion during pregnancy, birth, and the postnatal period.

    PubMed

    Patterson, Jillian A; Roberts, Christine L; Bowen, Jennifer R; Irving, David O; Isbister, James P; Morris, Jonathan M; Ford, Jane B

    2014-01-01

    To identify risk factors for transfusion and trends in transfusion rates across pregnancy and the postnatal period. Linked hospital and birth data on all births in hospitals in New South Wales, Australia, between 2001 and 2010 were used to identify blood transfusions for women during pregnancy, at birth, and in the 6 weeks postpartum. Poisson regression was used to identify risk factors for red cell transfusion in the birth admission. Separate models were fitted for cesarean and vaginal births. Between 2001 and 2010, there were 12,147 transfusions across 891,914 pregnancies, with a transfusion rate of 1.4%. The transfusion rate increased steadily from 1.2% in 2001 to 1.6% in 2010. The majority of transfusions (91%) occurred during the birth admission, and 81% of these transfusions were associated with a diagnosis of hemorrhage. Women with bleeding or platelet disorders (vaginal: number transfused 529, relative risk [RR] 7.8, 99% confidence interval [CI] 6.9-8.7, cesarean: n=592, RR 8.7, CI 7.7-9.7) and placenta previa: (vaginal n=73, RR 4.6, CI 3.4-6.3, cesarean: n=875, RR 5.7, CI 5.1-6.4) were at highest risk of transfusion. Among vaginal births, increased risk was evident for forceps (n=1,036, RR 2.8, CI 2.5-3.0) or vacuum births (n=1,073, RR 1.9, CI 1.7-2.0) compared with nonoperative births. Rates of obstetric blood product transfusion have increased by 33% since 2001, with the majority of this associated with hemorrhage. Women with bleeding or platelet disorders and placenta previa are at increased risk of transfusion and should be treated accordingly. II.

  18. Promoting safer blood transfusion practice in hospital.

    PubMed

    Parris, E; Grant-Casey, J

    Results from a national comparative audit of bedside transfusion practice show that patients in the UK are at risk of misidentification and poor monitoring when undergoing a blood transfusion. A commonly identified reason for poor compliance with guidelines from the British Committee for Standards in Haematology (BCSH et al 1999) is a lack of awareness of good transfusion practice (National Blood Service (NBS) 2005). This article discusses the implications of the audit findings for the administration of blood at the bedside and examines initiatives to support hospital staff in their efforts to improve blood transfusion safety.

  19. Blood Donation and Transfusion: A Primer for Health Educators.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Felts, W. Michael; Glascoff, Mary A.

    1991-01-01

    Presents a primer for health educators about blood donation and transfusion, examining the nature of human blood, the background of blood transfusion, blood donation criteria, risks related to homologous blood transfusion, directed blood donation, potential alternatives to homologous transfusion, and resources for education on the subject. (SM)

  20. Transfusion audit of fresh-frozen plasma in southern Taiwan.

    PubMed

    Yeh, C-J; Wu, C-F; Hsu, W-T; Hsieh, L-L; Lin, S-F; Liu, T-C

    2006-10-01

    The demand for transfusions has increased rapidly in southern Taiwan. Between 1993 and 2003, requests for fresh-frozen plasma (FFP) in particular rose dramatically at Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital (KMUH). Transfusion orders were not tightly regulated, and inappropriate use of blood products was common. We carried out a prospective analysis of transfusion requests from October 2003 to January 2004 at KMUH, and then repeated the audit for another 3-month period after the clinical faculty had undergone five sessions of education on transfusion guidelines. Later, our consultant haematologist applied computerized guidelines to periodic audits. A 5.2% decrease in inappropriate FFP usage followed the educational programme and a further 30% reduction took place after the application of computerized transfusion guidelines. With the guidelines and periodic audits, FFP transfusions decreased by 74.6% and inappropriate requests from 65.2% to 30%. Hospital policy, computerized transfusion guidelines and periodic audits greatly reduced inappropriate FFP transfusions. An educational campaign had a more limited effect.

  1. Blood Transfusion

    MedlinePlus

    ... cells) Plasma and cryoprecipitate Gamma globulin Albumin Blood Irradiation A rare but potentially life-threatening complication of ... who are considered to have impaired immune system. Irradiation prevents white cells from attacking. Red Cell Transfusion ...

  2. Design of a Mobile Application for Transfusion Medicine.

    PubMed

    Albornoz, M A; Márquez, S; Rubin, L; Luna, D

    2017-01-01

    One of the most frequent error in transfusion medicine is the failure in verifying the patient's identity prior to transfusion. This paper describes the design and development of a Mobile Application (MA) for transfusion medicine. The app uses barcode and QR reading technology for the verification of the patient's identity and the administration of blood components when making a blood transfusion. Physicians, developers, technicians of transfusion medicine and a User Centered Design team participated in the design. The inclusion of end users was fundamental to get full representativeness of their workflow. The project was based on agile methodologies of project management and software development.

  3. Blood transfusion for preventing primary and secondary stroke in people with sickle cell disease.

    PubMed

    Wang, Winfred C; Dwan, Kerry

    2013-11-14

    terminated early. The transfusion group had a high complications rate, including iron overload, alloimmunisation, and transfusion reactions. The second trial (STOP II) investigated risk of stroke when transfusion was stopped after at least 30 months in this population. The trial closed early due to a significant difference in risk of stroke between participants who stopped transfusion and those who continued as measured by reoccurrence of abnormal velocities on Doppler examination or the occurrence of overt stroke in the group that stopped transfusion. The third trial (SWiTCH) was a non-inferiority trial comparing transfusion and iron chelation (standard management) with hydroxyurea and phlebotomy (alternative treatment) with the combination endpoint of prevention of stroke recurrence and reduction of iron overload. This trial was stopped early after enrolment and follow up of 133 children because of analysis showing futility in reaching the composite primary endpoint. The stroke rate (seven strokes on hydroxyurea and phlebotomy, none on transfusion and chelation, odds ratio 16.49 (95% confidence interval 0.92 to 294.84)) was within the non-inferiority margin, but the liver iron content was not better in the alternative arm. The STOP trial demonstrated a significantly reduced risk of stroke in participants with abnormal transcranial Doppler ultrasonography velocities receiving regular blood transfusions. The follow-up trial (STOP 2) indicated that individuals may revert to former risk status if transfusion is discontinued. The degree of risk must be balanced against the burden of chronic transfusions. The combination of hydroxyurea and phlebotomy is not as effective as "standard" transfusion and chelation in preventing secondary stroke and iron overload. Ongoing multicentre trials are investigating the use of chronic transfusion to prevent silent infarcts, the use of hydroxyurea as an alternative to transfusion in children with abnormal transcranial Doppler ultrasonography

  4. Blood Transfusion

    MedlinePlus

    ... attacks the transfused red blood cells because the donor blood type is not a good match. The attacked ... see how your body is responding to the donor blood and to check your blood counts. Some conditions ...

  5. Transfusion Medicine and Molecular Genetic Methods

    PubMed Central

    Saleh, Rozieyati Mohamed; Zefarina, Zulkafli; Che Mat, Nor Fazila; Chambers, Geoffrey Keith; Edinur, Hisham Atan

    2018-01-01

    Transfusion procedures are always complicated by potential genetic mismatching between donor and recipient. Compatibility is determined by several major antigens, such as the ABO and Rhesus blood groups. Matching for other blood groups (Kell, Kidd, Duffy, and MNS), human platelet antigens, and human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) also contributes toward the successful transfusion outcomes, especially in multitransfused or highly immunized patients. All these antigens of tissue identity are highly polymorphic and thus present great challenges for finding suitable donors for transfusion patients. The ABO blood group and HLA markers are also the determinants of transplant compatibility, and mismatched antigens will cause graft rejection or graft-versus-host disease. Thus, a single and comprehensive registry covering all of the significant transfusion and transplantation antigens is expected to become an important tool in providing an efficient service capable of delivering safe blood and quickly locating matching organs/stem cells. This review article is intended as an accessible guide for physicians who care for transfusion-dependent patients. In particular, it serves to introduce the new molecular screening methods together with the biology of these systems, which underlies the tests. PMID:29899883

  6. A linked donor-recipient study to evaluate parvovirus B19 transmission by blood component transfusion.

    PubMed

    Kleinman, Steven H; Glynn, Simone A; Lee, Tzong-Hae; Tobler, Leslie H; Schlumpf, Karen S; Todd, Deborah S; Qiao, Hannah; Yu, Mei-Ying W; Busch, Michael P

    2009-10-22

    Parvovirus B19V infection can be a serious infection for hematology patients with underlying hemolysis or compromised erythropoiesis syndromes. Although case reports of B19V transmission by blood component transfusion (as contrasted to manufactured plasma derivatives) are rare, no studies have systematically determined a rate of transmission to recipients transfused with B19V DNA-positive components. We used a linked donor and recipient repository and a sensitive, quantitative B19V DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay to assess such transmission in B19V-susceptible (ie, anti-B19V immunoglobulin G [IgG] negative) recipients. We assessed 112 B19V DNA-positive components from 105 donors (of 12 529 tested donations) transfused into a population of surgical patients with a pretransfusion B19V IgG seroprevalence of 78%. We found no transmission to 24 susceptible recipients from transfusion of components with B19V DNA at concentrations less than 10(6) IU/mL (upper 95% confidence interval, 11.7%). We found an anamnestic IgG response in one pretransfusion seropositive recipient transfused with a component containing greater than 10(10) IU/mL B19V DNA. These findings show either that transmission from components with less than 10(6) IU/mL does not occur, or, if it does, it is an uncommon event. These data do not support the need to routinely screen blood donations with a sensitive B19V DNA nucleic acid assay.

  7. [Secondary immune blood transfusion shock in calves due to the donor immune erythrocyte isoantibodies].

    PubMed

    Golemanov, D

    1980-01-01

    Experiments were carried out on 2 cows, used as donors and 10 calves at the age from 1 to 6 months, taken in the experiment as recipients. The calves were made a blood-transfusion in a dose of 9 cm(3)/kg T. from donors whose serum contained immune erythroantibodies with a titer of 1:4--1:64, directed against their erythrocytes. The recipients had not had antibodies, directed against the donors' erythrocytes. For the purposes of the investigations were used a hemalitic test and an agglutination in a vidal test-tube. The post-transfusional immune reactions and complications observed were related to the hematransfusional shock as a result of a collision between the donor's immune isoerythroantibodies and their corresponding erythrocytic antigens in the recipients. This shock is of great practical value for transfusional hematology in calves. The immune isoerythroantibodies, built up after blood transfusion of immunized, in advance, donors, were formed in 60% of the cases on the 7th--9th days afer the blood-transfusion and disappeared from peripheral blood on the 30ieth day afterwards.

  8. Potential Harm of Prophylactic Platelet Transfusion in Adult Dengue Patients.

    PubMed

    Lee, Tau-Hong; Wong, Joshua G X; Leo, Yee-Sin; Thein, Tun-Linn; Ng, Ee-Ling; Lee, Linda K; Lye, David C

    2016-03-01

    Thrombocytopenia is a hallmark of dengue infection, and bleeding is a dreaded complication of dengue fever. Prophylactic platelet transfusion has been used to prevent bleeding in the management of dengue fever, although the evidence for its benefit is lacking. In adult dengue patients with platelet count <20,000/mm3 without bleeding, we aimed to assess if prophylactic platelet transfusion was effective in reducing clinical bleeding and other outcomes. We conducted a retrospective non-randomised observational study of dengue patients with platelet count < 20,000/mm3 without bleeding (except petechiae) admitted to Tan Tock Seng Hospital from January 2005 to December 2008. Baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes were compared between the non-transfused vs. transfused groups. Outcomes studied were clinical bleeding, platelet increment, hospital length of stay, intensive care unit admission and death. Of the 788 patients included, 486 received prophylactic platelet transfusion. There was no significant difference in the presence of clinical bleeding in the two groups (18.2% in non-transfused group vs. 23.5% in transfused group; P = 0.08). Patients in the transfused group took a median of 1 day longer than the non-transfused group to increase their platelet count to 50,000/mm3 or more (3 days vs. 2 days, P <0.0001). The median duration of hospital stay in the non-transfused group was 5 days vs. 6 days in the transfused group (P< 0.0001). There was no significant difference in the proportion requiring ICU admission (non-transfused 0.66% vs. transfused 1.23%, P = 0.44) and death (non-transfused 0% vs. transfused 0.2%, P = 0.43). Platelet transfusion in absence of bleeding in adult dengue with platelet count <20,000/mm3 did not reduce bleeding or expedite platelet recovery. There was potential harm by slowing recovery of platelet count to >50,000/mm3 and increasing length of hospitalization.

  9. Economic Impact of Blood Transfusions: Balancing Cost and Benefits

    PubMed Central

    Oge, Tufan; Kilic, Cemil Hakan; Kilic, Gokhan Sami

    2014-01-01

    Blood transfusions may be lifesaving, but they inherit their own risks. Risk of transfusion to benefit is a delicate balance. In addition, blood product transfusions purchases are one of the largest line items among the hospital and laboratory charges. In this review, we aimed to discuss the transfusion strategies and share our transfusion protocol as well as the steps for hospitals to build-up a blood management program while all these factors weight in. Moreover, we evaluate the financial burden to the health care system. PMID:25610294

  10. Association of Blood Transfusion From Female Donors With and Without a History of Pregnancy With Mortality Among Male and Female Transfusion Recipients.

    PubMed

    Caram-Deelder, Camila; Kreuger, Aukje L; Evers, Dorothea; de Vooght, Karen M K; van de Kerkhof, Daan; Visser, Otto; Péquériaux, Nathalie C V; Hudig, Francisca; Zwaginga, Jaap Jan; van der Bom, Johanna G; Middelburg, Rutger A

    2017-10-17

    Transfusion of red blood cells from female donors has been associated with increased mortality in male recipients. To quantify the association between red blood cell transfusion from female donors with and without a history of pregnancy and mortality of red blood cell recipients. Retrospective cohort study of first-time transfusion recipients at 6 major Dutch hospitals enrolled from May 30, 2005, to September 1, 2015; the final follow-up date was September 1, 2015. The primary analysis was the no-donor-mixture cohort (ie, either all red blood cell transfusions exclusively from male donors, or all exclusively from female donors without a history of pregnancy, or all exclusively from female donors with a history of pregnancy). The association between mortality and exposure to transfusions from ever-pregnant or never-pregnant female donors was analyzed using life tables and time-varying Cox proportional hazards models. Red blood cell transfusions from ever-pregnant or never-pregnant female donors, compared with red blood cell transfusions from male donors. All-cause mortality during follow-up. The cohort for the primary analyses consisted of 31 118 patients (median age, 65 [interquartile range, 42-77] years; 52% female) who received 59 320 red blood cell transfusions exclusively from 1 of 3 types of donors (88% male; 6% ever-pregnant female; and 6% never-pregnant female). The number of deaths in this cohort was 3969 (13% mortality). For male recipients of red blood cell transfusions, all-cause mortality rates after a red blood cell transfusion from an ever-pregnant female donor vs male donor were 101 vs 80 deaths per 1000 person-years (time-dependent "per transfusion" hazard ratio [HR] for death, 1.13 [95% CI, 1.01-1.26]). For receipt of transfusion from a never-pregnant female donor vs male donor, mortality rates were 78 vs 80 deaths per 1000 person-years (HR, 0.93 [95% CI, 0.81-1.06]). Among female recipients of red blood cell transfusions, mortality rates for

  11. Indications and Effects of Plasma Transfusions in Critically Ill Children.

    PubMed

    Karam, Oliver; Demaret, Pierre; Shefler, Alison; Leteurtre, Stéphane; Spinella, Philip C; Stanworth, Simon J; Tucci, Marisa

    2015-06-15

    Plasma transfusions are frequently prescribed for critically ill children, although their indications lack a strong evidence base. Plasma transfusions are largely driven by physician conceptions of need, and these are poorly documented in pediatric intensive care patients. To identify patient characteristics and to characterize indications leading to plasma transfusions in critically ill children, and to assess the effect of plasma transfusions on coagulation tests. Point-prevalence study in 101 pediatric intensive care units in 21 countries, on 6 predefined weeks. All critically ill children admitted to a participating unit were included if they received at least one plasma transfusion. During the 6 study weeks, 13,192 children were eligible. Among these, 443 (3.4%) received at least one plasma transfusion and were included. The primary indications for plasma transfusion were critical bleeding in 22.3%, minor bleeding in 21.2%, planned surgery or procedure in 11.7%, and high risk of postoperative bleeding in 10.6%. No bleeding or planned procedures were reported in 34.1%. Before plasma transfusion, the median international normalized ratio (INR) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) values were 1.5 and 48, respectively. After plasma transfusion, the median INR and aPTT changes were -0.2 and -5, respectively. Plasma transfusion significantly improved INR only in patients with a baseline INR greater than 2.5. One-third of transfused patients were not bleeding and had no planned procedure. In addition, in most patients, coagulation tests are not sensitive to increases in coagulation factors resulting from plasma transfusion. Studies assessing appropriate plasma transfusion strategies are urgently needed.

  12. Infection after injury: association with blood transfusion.

    PubMed

    Rosemurgy, A S; Hart, M B; Murphy, C G; Albrink, M H; Piazza, A; Leparc, G F; Harris, R E

    1992-02-01

    This study was undertaken to evaluate the association between red blood cell transfusions and infections in an easily stratified, homogenous group of injured adults. All received their initial transfusions upon arrival to the emergency department. Over 5 years, 390 uncross-matched trauma patients received type "O" red blood cells (RBCs) during initial resuscitation. One hundred fifty-four (39%) died within 7 days because of injuries sustained: 236 (61%) survived at least 7 days. Of these 236, clear differences could be seen between those receiving 6 or fewer or 7 or more units of RBCs. When adjusted for age, sex, and severity of injury (Champion Trauma Score, Injury Severity Score, TRISS), the risk of infection was higher in those receiving 7 or more units of RBCs. Similarly, risk of infection was related to units of RBCs transfused in a dose-related fashion. Blood transfusions should be avoided, if possible. Arbitrary "trigger points" for transfusions should be abandoned.

  13. Seroprevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi in blood donors at the National Blood Transfusion Services--Guyana.

    PubMed

    Bwititi, P T; Browne, J

    2012-09-01

    Blood transfusion is an important transmission route of Trypanosoma cruzi (T cruzi), a major parasitic infection in Central and South America. The limited treatment options are most effective in acute Chagas' infection. At present, there is no current data on the prevalence of T cruzi in the blood donor population of Guyana. This information is necessary to protect the supply of the blood donation programme. This study sought to determine the prevalence of T cruzi in the blood supply at the National Blood Transfusion Services of Guyana with the hope of providing knowledge to the on-going surveillance for Chagas' disease worldwide and therefore address the risk of its spread by blood transfusion. Two commercialized ELISAs utilizing crude or recombinant T cruzi antigens were used to study 2000 blood samples voluntarily donated for the purpose of altruistic or family replacement donation retrospectively. The results showed that approximately 1 in 286 donations tested positive for antibodies to T cruzi. These results indicate that T cruzi continues to be a risk in Guyana and there is a need to continue screening donated blood. Trypanosoma cruzi is a life-long infection and infected persons may be asymptomatic chronic carriers of the disease. Education, housing improvement, and controlled use of insecticides should be introduced to contain Chagas' disease.

  14. Age of platelet concentrates and time to the next transfusion.

    PubMed

    Caram-Deelder, Camila; van der Bom, Johanna G; Putter, Hein; Leyte, Anja; Kerkhof, Daan van de; Evers, Dorothea; Beckers, Erik A; Weerkamp, Floor; Hudig, Francisca; Zwaginga, Jaap Jan; Rondeel, Jan M M; de Vooght, Karen M K; Péquériaux, Nathalie C V; Visser, Otto; Wallis, Jonathan P; Middelburg, Rutger A

    2018-01-01

    Storage time of platelet (PLT) concentrates has been negatively associated with clinical efficacy outcomes. The aim of this study was to quantify the association between storage time of PLT concentrates and interval to the next PLT transfusion for different types of PLT components, stored for up to 7 days and transfused to transfusion-dependent hematooncology patients with thrombocytopenia. From a cohort of patients from 10 major Dutch hospitals, patients were selected whose transfusion patterns were compatible with PLT transfusion dependency due to hematooncologic disease. Mean time to the next transfusion and mean differences in time to the next transfusion for different storage time categories (i.e., fresh, <4 days; intermediate, 4-5 days; and old, >5 days) were estimated, per component type, using multilevel mixed-effects linear models. Among a cohort of 29,761 patients who received 140,896 PLT transfusions we selected 4441 hematooncology patients who had received 12,724 PLT transfusions during periods of PLT transfusion dependency. Transfusion of fresh, compared to old, buffy coat-derived PLTs in plasma was associated with a delay to the next transfusion of 6.2 hours (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.5-8.0 hr). For buffy coat-derived PLTs in PAS-B and -C this difference was 7.7 hours (95% CI, 2.2-13.3 hr) and 3.9 hours (95% CI, -2.1 to 9.9 hr) while for apheresis PLTs in plasma it was only 1.8 hours (95% CI, -3.5 to 7.1 hr). Our results indicate that the time to the next transfusion shortens with increasing age of transfused buffy coat-derived PLT concentrates. This association was not observed for apheresis PLTs. © 2017 AABB.

  15. Survival of blood transfusion recipients identified by a look-back investigation.

    PubMed

    Dorsey, Kerri A; Moritz, Erin D; Notari, Edward P; Schonberger, Lawrence B; Dodd, Roger Y

    2014-01-01

    Survival of blood transfusion recipients is a critical consideration in assessing the outcomes of transfusion. Data from the USA on the short- and long-term survival of recipients are limited. Blood product recipients were identified through a look-back study of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Survival data were obtained from searches of the National Death Index or the Social Security Death Master File. Short- and long-term survival of recipients was analysed through descriptive statistics, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, and stratified Cox proportional hazard modelling. This study includes data from 575 blood product recipients. One half of the recipients died within the first year of transfusion and the median time to death was 1.1 years. Survival rates at 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 years after transfusion were 32%, 22%, 15%, 12%, and 9%, respectively. Survival rates varied with age at transfusion and type of component received, but not by gender. Survival after transfusion varied by year of transfusion, with recipients transfused in 1980-1989 having longer post-transfusion survival than those transfused in 2000-2010 (p=0.049). In multivariate models, the type of component transfused, but not the year of transfusion, was a significant predictor of survival among recipients; this effect varied by age. We provide an estimate of survival time from a geographically diverse sample of blood product recipients in the USA. Predictors of post-transfusion survival are numerous and complex, and may include year of transfusion and type of component transfused.

  16. Long-Term Survival and Quality of Life After Transfusion-Associated Pulmonary Edema in Critically III Medical Patients

    PubMed Central

    Kojicic, Marija; Reriani, Martin K.; Fernández Pérez, Evans R.; Thakur, Lokendra; Kashyap, Rahul; Van Buskirk, Camille M.; Gajic, Ognjen

    2010-01-01

    Background: Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) and transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO) commonly complicate transfusion in critically ill patients. Prior outcome studies of TACO and TRALI have focused on short-term morbidity and mortality, but the long-term survival and quality of life (QOL) of these patients remain unknown. Methods: In a nested case-control study, we compared survival and QOL between critically ill medical patients who developed pulmonary edema after transfusion (TRALI or TACO) and medical critically ill transfused controls, matched by age, gender, and admission diagnostic group. QOL in survivors was assessed with a 36-item short form health survey 1 year after initial hospitalization. Results: Hospital, 1-year, and 2-year mortality among the 74 TRALI cases and 74 matched controls were 43.2% vs 24.3% (P = .020), 63.8% vs 46.4% (P = .037) and 74.3% vs 54.3% (P = .031), whereas among the 51 TACO cases and 51 matched controls these values were 7.8% vs 11.8% (P = .727), 38.0% vs 28.0% (P = .371), and 44.9% vs 38.8% (P = .512). When adjusted for age and baseline severity of illness in a Cox proportional hazard analysis, the development of TRALI remained associated with decreased survival (hazard ratio 1.86; 95% CI, 1.19-2.93; P = .006). Both TRALI (P = .006, P = .03) and TACO (P = .03, P = .049) were associated with prolonged ICU and hospital lengths of stay. Conclusions: In critically ill medical patients, development of TRALI, but not TACO, is independently associated with decreased long-term survival. PMID:19837827

  17. Transfusion Associated Microchimerism: The Hybrid Within

    PubMed Central

    Bloch, Evan M; Jackman, Rachael P; Lee, Tzong-Hae; Busch, Michael P

    2012-01-01

    Microchimerism, the coexistence of genetically disparate populations of cells in a receptive host, is well described in both clinical and physiological settings, including transplantation and pregnancy. Microchimerism can also occur following allogeneic blood transfusion in traumatically injured patients, where donor cells have been observed decades after transfusion. To date, transfusion-associated microchimerism (TA-MC) appears confined to this clinical subset, most likely due to the immune perturbations that occur following severe trauma that allow foreign donor cells to survive. TA-MC appears to be unaffected by leukoreduction and has been documented following transfusion with an array of blood products. The only significant predictor of TA-MC to date is the age of red cells, with fresher units associated with higher risk. Thus far, no adverse clinical effect has been observed in limited studies of TA-MC. There are, however, hypothesized links to transfusion-associated graft vs. host disease (TA-GvHD) that may be unrecognized and consequently under-reported. Microchimerism in other settings has gained increasing attention due to a plausible link to autoimmune diseases, as well as its diagnostic and therapeutic potential vis-a-vis ante-natal testing and adoptive immunotherapy, respectively. Furthermore, microchimerism provides a tool to further our understanding of immune tolerance and regulation. PMID:23102759

  18. Perceived blood transfusion safety: a cross-European comparison.

    PubMed

    Merz, E-M; Zijlstra, B J H; de Kort, W L A M

    2016-04-01

    During the past decades, blood transfusions have become an ever safer clinical procedure in developed countries. Extensive donor screening together with improved infectious disease testing has led to a minimization of risks for transfusion recipients. Still, the general public perceives the process of blood transfusion as risky. This study tested variation in perceived transfusion safety across countries and explained it with individual and country factors. We examined whether individual demographic and macro-level factors (i.e. Human Development Index and Power Distance Index) explain variation within and across European countries. We applied multilevel models to 2009 Eurobarometer data collected in 26 countries (N = 20 874). Results were largely in line with expectations derived from risk perception and power and status difference theories. Generally, women, older adults, the lower educated and those earning lower incomes perceived heightened risk. Most of the variation across Europe was explained by the Human Development Index. Risk perception regarding blood transfusions was lower in countries with higher Human Development Indices, that is countries with higher average education, life expectancy and Gross Domestic Product. This study provides new insights of how risk perception regarding blood transfusions is shaped within and across Europe. Both individual demographic factors and country characteristics play a role. © 2015 International Society of Blood Transfusion.

  19. Autologous blood transfusion in total knee replacement surgery.

    PubMed

    Sarkanović, Mirka Lukić; Gvozdenović, Ljiljana; Savić, Dragan; Ilić, Miroslav P; Jovanović, Gordana

    2013-03-01

    Total knee replacement (TKR) surgery is one of the most frequent and the most extensive procedures in orthopedic surgery, accompanied with some serious complications. Perioperative blood loss is one of the most serious losses, so it is vital to recognize and treat such losses properly. Autologous blood transfusion is the only true alternative for the allogeneic blood. The aim of this study was to to examine if autologous blood transfusion reduces usage of allogenic blood in total knee replacement surgery, as well as to examine possible effect of autologous blood transfusion on postoperative complications, recovery and hospital stay of patients after total knee replacement surgery. During the controlled, prospective, randomised study we compared two groups of patients (n = 112) with total prosthesis implanted in their knee. The group I consisted of the patients who received the transfusion of other people's (allogeneic) blood (n = 57) and the group II of the patients whose blood was collected postoperatively and then given them [their own (autologous) blood] (n = 55). The transfusion trigger for both groups was hemoglobin level of 85 g/L. In the group of patients whose blood was collected perioperatively only 9 (0.9%) of the patients received transfusion of allogeneic blood, as opposed to the control group in which 98.24% of the patients received the transfusion of allogeneic blood (p < or = 0.01). The patients whose blood was collected stayed in hospital for 6.18 days, while the patients of the control group stayed 7.67 days (p < 0.01). Autologous blood transfusion is a very effective method for reducing consumption of allogenic blood and thus, indirectly for reducing all complications related to allogenic blood transfusion. There is also a positive influence on postoperative recovery after total knee replacement surgery due to the reduction of hospital stay, and indirectly on the reduction of hospital costs.

  20. Hypersensitivity reaction with deferasirox

    PubMed Central

    Sharma, Atul; Arora, Ekta; Singh, Harmanjit

    2015-01-01

    Thalassemias comprise a group of hereditary blood disorders. Thalassemia major presents with anemia within the first 2 years of life requiring frequent blood transfusions for sustaining life. Regular blood transfusions lead to iron overload-related complications. Prognosis of thalassemia has improved because of the availability of iron-chelating agents. Oral iron chelators are the mainstay of chelation therapy. Deferasirox is a new-generation oral iron chelator for once daily usage. We herein describe a patient of beta thalassemia major who developed an allergic manifestation in the form of erythematous pruritic skin rashes to the oral iron chelator deferasirox. This is a rare adverse reaction reported with deferasirox that led to a therapeutic dilemma in this particular case. PMID:25969661

  1. Blood transfusions in severe burn patients: Epidemiology and predictive factors.

    PubMed

    Wu, Guosheng; Zhuang, Mingzhu; Fan, Xiaoming; Hong, Xudong; Wang, Kangan; Wang, He; Chen, Zhengli; Sun, Yu; Xia, Zhaofan

    2016-12-01

    Blood is a vital resource commonly used in burn patients; however, description of blood transfusions in severe burns is limited. The purpose of this study was to describe the epidemiology of blood transfusions and determine factors associated with increased transfusion quantity. This is a retrospective study of total 133 patients with >40% total body surface area (TBSA) burns admitted to the burn center of Changhai hospital from January 2008 to December 2013. The study characterized blood transfusions in severe burn patients. Univariate and Multivariate regression analyses were used to evaluate the association of clinical variables with blood transfusions. The overall transfusion rate was 97.7% (130 of 133). The median amount of total blood (RBC and plasma), RBC and plasma transfusions was 54 units (Interquartile range (IQR), 20-84), 19 units (IQR, 4-37.8) and 28.5 units (IQR, 14.8-51.8), respectively. The number of RBC transfusion in and outside operation room was 7 (0, 14) and 11 (2, 20) units, and the number of plasma was 6 (0.5, 12) and 21 (11.5, 39.3) units. A median of one unit of blood was transfused per TBSA and an average of 4 units per operation was given in the series. The consumption of plasma is higher than that of RBC. On multivariate regression analysis, age, full-thickness TBSA and number of operations were significant independent predictors associated with the number of RBC transfusion, and coagulopathy and ICU length showed a trend toward RBC consumption. Predictors for increased plasma transfusion were female, high full-thickness TBSA burn and more operations. Severe burn patients received an ample volume of blood transfusions. Fully understanding of predictors of blood transfusions will allow physicians to better optimize burn patients during hospitalization in an effort to use blood appropriately. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

  2. Analysis of economic and social costs of adverse events associated with blood transfusions in Spain.

    PubMed

    Ribed-Sánchez, Borja; González-Gaya, Cristina; Varea-Díaz, Sara; Corbacho-Fabregat, Carlos; Bule-Farto, Isabel; Pérez de-Oteyza, Jaime

    To calculate, for the first time, the direct and social costs of transfusion-related adverse events in order to include them in the National Healthcare System's budget, calculation and studies. In Spain more than 1,500 patients yearly are diagnosed with such adverse events. Blood transfusion-related adverse events recorded yearly in Spanish haemovigilance reports were studied retrospectively (2010-2015). The adverse events were coded according to the classification of Diagnosis-Related Groups. The direct healthcare costs were obtained from public information sources. The productivity loss (social cost) associated with adverse events was calculated using the human capital and hedonic salary methodologies. In 2015, 1,588 patients had adverse events that resulted in direct health care costs (4,568,914€) and social costs due to hospitalization (200,724€). Three adverse reactions resulted in patient death (at a social cost of 1,364,805€). In total, the cost of blood transfusion-related adverse events was 6,134,443€ in Spain. For the period 2010-2015: the trends show a reduction in the total amount of transfusions (2 vs. 1.91M€; -4.4%). The number of adverse events increased (822 vs. 1,588; +93%), as well as their related direct healthcare cost (3.22 vs. 4.57M€; +42%) and the social cost of hospitalization (110 vs 200M€; +83%). Mortality costs decreased (2.65 vs. 1.36M€; -48%). This is the first time that the costs of post-transfusion adverse events have been calculated in Spain. These new figures and trends should be taken into consideration in any cost-effectiveness study or trial of new surgical techniques or sanitary policies that influence blood transfusion activities. Copyright © 2018 SESPAS. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

  3. Restrictive versus liberal red blood cell transfusion strategies for people with haematological malignancies treated with intensive chemotherapy or radiotherapy, or both, with or without haematopoietic stem cell support

    PubMed Central

    Estcourt, Lise J; Malouf, Reem; Trivella, Marialena; Fergusson, Dean A; Hopewell, Sally; Murphy, Michael F

    2017-01-01

    , 89 participants, fatigue score: restrictive median 4.8 (IQR 4 to 5.2); liberal median 4.5 (IQR 3.6 to 5) (very low-quality evidence); or reduces the risk of developing any serious infection (one study, 89 participants, RR: 1.23, 95% CI 0.74 to 2.04, very low-quality evidence). A restrictive RBC transfusion policy may reduce the number of RBC transfusions per participant (two trials; 95 participants; mean difference (MD) -3.58, 95% CI -5.66 to -1.49, low-quality evidence). Evidence from NRS We are uncertain whether the restrictive RBC transfusion strategy: reduces the risk of death within 100 days (one study, 84 participants, restrictive 1 death; liberal 1 death; very low-quality evidence); decreases the risk of clinically significant bleeding (one study, 84 participants, restrictive 3; liberal 8; very low-quality evidence); or decreases the number of RBC transfusions (adjusted for age, sex and acute myeloid leukaemia type geometric mean 1.25; 95% CI 1.07 to 1.47 - data analysis performed by the study authors) No NRS were found that looked at: quality of life; number of participants with any bleeding; serious infection; or length of hospital stay. No studies were found that looked at: adverse transfusion reactions; arterial or venous thromboembolic events; length of intensive care admission; or readmission to hospital. Authors’ conclusions Findings from this review were based on four studies and 240 participants. There is low-quality evidence that a restrictive RBC transfusion policy reduces the number of RBC transfusions per participant. There is low-quality evidence that a restrictive RBC transfusion policy has little or no effect on: mortality at 30 to 100 days, bleeding, or hospital stay. This evidence is mainly based on adults with acute leukaemia who are having chemotherapy. Although, the two ongoing studies (530 participants) are due to be completed by January 2018 and will provide additional information for adults with haematological malignancies, we will

  4. The safety of early fresh, whole blood transfusion among severely battle injured at US Marine Corps forward surgical care facilities in Afghanistan.

    PubMed

    Auten, Jonathan D; Lunceford, Nicole L; Horton, Jaime L; Galarneau, Mike R; Galindo, Roger M; Shepps, Craig D; Zieber, Tara J; Dewing, Chris B

    2015-11-01

    In Afghanistan, care of the acutely injured trauma patient commonly occurred in facilities with limited blood banking capabilities. Apheresis platelets were often not available. Component therapy consisted of 1:1 packed red blood cells and fresh frozen plasma. Fresh, whole blood transfusion often augmented therapy in the severely injured patient. This study analyzed the safety of fresh, whole blood use in a resource-limited setting. A retrospective analysis was performed on a prospectively collected data set of US battle injuries presenting to three US Marine Corps (USMC) expeditionary surgical care facilities in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, between January 2010 and July 2012. Included in the review were patients with Injury Severity Scores (ISSs) of 15 or higher receiving blood transfusions. Univariate analyses were performed, followed by multivariable logistic regression to describe the relationship between the treatment group and posttreatment complications such as trauma-induced coagulopathy, infection, mortality, venous thromboembolism, and transfusion reaction. Propensity scores were calculated and included in multivariable models to adjust for potential bias in treatment selection. A total of 61 patients were identified; all were male marines with a mean (SD) age of 23.5 (3.6) years. The group receiving fresh, whole blood was noted to have higher ISSs and lower blood pressure, pH, and base deficits on arrival. Traumatic coagulopathy was significantly less common in the group receiving fresh, whole blood (odds ratio, 0.01; 95% confidence interval, 0.00-0.18). Multivariable models found no other significant differences between the treatment groups. The early use of fresh, whole blood in a resource-limited setting seems to confer a benefit in reducing traumatic coagulopathy. This study's small sample size precludes further statement on the overall safety of fresh, whole blood use. Therapy study, level IV.

  5. Worldwide audit of blood transfusion practice in critically ill patients.

    PubMed

    Vincent, Jean-Louis; Jaschinski, Ulrich; Wittebole, Xavier; Lefrant, Jean-Yves; Jakob, Stephan M; Almekhlafi, Ghaleb A; Pellis, Tommaso; Tripathy, Swagata; Rubatto Birri, Paolo N; Sakr, Yasser

    2018-04-19

    The aim was to describe transfusion practice in critically ill patients at an international level and evaluate the effects of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion on outcomes in these patients. This was a pre-planned sub-study of the Intensive Care Over Nations audit, which involved 730 ICUs in 84 countries and included all adult patients admitted between 8 May and 18 May 2012, except admissions for routine postoperative surveillance. ICU and hospital outcomes were recorded. Among the 10,069 patients included in the audit, data related to transfusion had been completed for 9553 (mean age 60 ± 18 years, 60% male); 2511 (26.3%) of these had received a transfusion, with considerable variation among geographic regions. The mean lowest hemoglobin on the day of transfusion was 8.3 ± 1.7 g/dL, but varied from 7.8 ± 1.4 g/dL in the Middle East to 8.9 ± 1.9 g/dL in Eastern Europe. Hospital mortality rates were higher in transfused than in non-transfused patients (30.0% vs. 19.6%, p < 0.001) and increased with increasing numbers of transfused units. In an extended Cox proportional hazard analysis, the relative risk of in-hospital death was slightly lower after transfusion in the whole cohort (hazard ratio 0.98, confidence interval 0.96-1.00, p = 0.048). There was a stepwise decrease in the hazard ratio for mortality after transfusion with increasing admission severity scores. More than one fourth of critically ill patients are transfused during their ICU stay, with considerable variations in transfusion practice among geographic regions. After adjustment for confounders, RBC transfusions were associated with a slightly lower relative risk of in-hospital death, especially in the most severely ill patients, highlighting the importance of taking the severity of illness into account when making transfusion decisions.

  6. Randomized Controlled Study on Safety and Feasibility of Transfusion Trigger Score of Emergency Operations.

    PubMed

    Liu, De-Xing; Liu, Jin; Zhang, Fan; Zhang, Qiu-Ying; Xie, Mian; Zhu, Zhao-Qiong

    2015-07-05

    Due to the floating of the guideline, there is no evidence-based evaluation index on when to start the blood transfusion for patients with hemoglobin (Hb) level between 7 and 10 g/dl. As a result, the trigger point of blood transfusion may be different in the emergency use of the existing transfusion guidelines. The present study was designed to evaluate whether the scheme can be safely and effectively used for emergency patients, so as to be supported by multicenter and large sample data in the future. From June 2013 to June 2014, patients were randomly divided into the experimental group (Peri-operative Transfusion Trigger Score of Emergency [POTTS-E] group) and the control group (control group). The between-group differences in the patients' demography and baseline information, mortality and blood transfusion-related complications, heart rate, resting arterial pressure, body temperature, and Hb values were compared. The consistency of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion standards of the two groups of patients with the current blood transfusion guideline, namely the compliance of the guidelines, utilization rate, and per-capita consumption of autologous RBC were analyzed. During the study period, a total of 72 patients were recorded, and 65 of them met the inclusion criteria, which included 33 males and 32 females with a mean age of (34.8 ± 14.6) years. 50 underwent abdomen surgery, 4 underwent chest surgery, 11 underwent arms and legs surgery. There was no statistical difference between the two groups for demography and baseline information. There was also no statistical differences between the two groups in anesthesia time, intraoperative rehydration, staying time in postanesthetic care unit, emergency hospitalization, postoperative 72 h Acute Physiologic Assessment and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores, blood transfusion-related complications and mortality. Only the POTTS-E group on the 1 st postoperative day Hb was lower than group control, P < 0.05. POTTS

  7. [Surgical risk of transfusion in a French Universitary Hospital].

    PubMed

    Puel, C; Ducharne, T; Mialon, A; Augey, L; Repellin, L; Corond, P; Magaud, J-P; Piriou, V

    2012-02-01

    Immunohaematology examinations are usually prescribed preoperatively according to more or less standardized protocols. We wanted to assess the relevance of these protocols on the basis of factual data: an overview of the rate of transfusions carried out as part of surgery within the HCL in 2009. The list of patients operated in 2009 in the HCL (IPOP by Cristalnet) has been combined with the list of patients transfused in the same time period (CTS server, Inlog). The percentage of patients transfused during the stay, and the percentage of patients transfused on the day of the intervention itself were determined for each type of surgery. The study focused on 13,571 patients affected by 44 surgeries. Six hundred and thirty-three patients were transfused, 45% of them the day of the intervention. The risk of needing to carry out a transfusion depends on the risk to the patient and surgery. For example, the total hip arthroplasty transfusion risk is 11.9% when it's programmed against 37.8% in emergency surgery. The transfusion risk of knee arthroscopies, osteosynthesis of wrist fracture, carpal canal surgeries and of appendectomies, thyroidectomies, herna repair surgeries are below 0.5%. The transfusion risk of colectomy is 18.1%. Thus, new recommendations for good clinical practices on the relevance of settled surgery-preoperative immunohematologic exams can be established. The emergency degree of the transfusion must be taken into account for such recommendation. Each hospital should perform its own cartography to justify its own protocols. Copyright © 2011 Société française d'anesthésie et de réanimation (Sfar). Published by Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved.

  8. Research Opportunities to Improve Neonatal Red Blood Cell Transfusion

    PubMed Central

    Patel, Ravi M.; Meyer, Erin K.; Widness, John A.

    2016-01-01

    Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion is a common and lifesaving therapy for anemic neonates and infants, particularly among those born prematurely or undergoing surgery. However, evidence-based indications for when to administer RBCs and adverse effects of RBC transfusion on important outcomes including necrotizing enterocolitis, survival and long-term neurodevelopmental impairment remain uncertain. In addition, blood-banking practices for preterm and term neonates and infants have been largely developed using studies from older children and adults. Use of and refinements in emerging technologies and advances in biomarker discovery and neonatal-specific RBC transfusion databases may allow clinicians to better define and tailor RBC transfusion needs and practices to individual neonates. Decreasing the need for RBC transfusion and developing neonatal-specific approaches in the preparation of donor RBCs has potential for reducing resource utilization and cost, improving outcomes, and assuring blood safety. Finally, large donor-recipient linked cohort studies can provide data to better understand the balance of the risks and benefits of RBC transfusion in neonates. These studies may also guide the translation of new research into best practices that can rapidly be integrated into routine care. This review highlights key opportunities in transfusion medicine and neonatology for improving the preparation and transfusion of RBCs into neonates and infants. We focus on timely, currently addressable knowledge gaps that can increase the safety and efficacy of preterm and term neonatal and infant RBC transfusion practices. PMID:27424006

  9. The National Blood Service. Supporting better blood transfusion.

    PubMed

    Gerrard, Rebecca

    2004-05-01

    The National Blood Service (NBS) is an integral part of the National Health Service that provides blood, blood components, blood products and tissues from fifteen blood centres to England and North Wales. Each year, the NBS collects tests, processes, stores and issues approximately 2.3 million blood donations. The service also undertakes research into blood safety, provides clinical advice to hospital staff and supports hospital transfusion practitioners. Rebecca Gerrard describes some of the initiatives to improve blood transfusion practices, including monitoring of the serious hazards of transfusion, bench marking schemes and the roles of blood transfusion liaison (BTL) nurses.

  10. Blood transfusion indications in neurosurgical patients: A systematic review.

    PubMed

    Bagwe, Shefali; Chung, Lawrance K; Lagman, Carlito; Voth, Brittany L; Barnette, Natalie E; Elhajjmoussa, Lekaa; Yang, Isaac

    2017-04-01

    Neurosurgical procedures can be complicated by significant blood losses that have the potential to decrease tissue perfusion to critical brain tissue. Red blood cell transfusion is used in a variety of capacities both inside, and outside, of the operating room to prevent untoward neurologic damage. However, evidence-based guidelines concerning thresholds and indications for transfusion in neurosurgery remain limited. Consequently, transfusion practices in neurosurgical patients are highly variable and based on institutional experiences. Recently, a paradigm shift has occurred in neurocritical intensive care units, whereby restrictive transfusion is increasingly favored over liberal transfusion but the ideal strategy remains in clinical equipoise. The authors of this study perform a systematic review of the literature with the objective of capturing the changing landscape of blood transfusion indications in neurosurgical patients. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  11. Blood use in patients receiving intensive chemotherapy for acute leukemia or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: the impact of a health system-wide patient blood management program.

    PubMed

    Leahy, Michael F; Trentino, Kevin M; May, Colleen; Swain, Stuart G; Chuah, Hun; Farmer, Shannon L

    2017-09-01

    Little is published on patient blood management (PBM) programs in hematology. In 2008 Western Australia announced a health system-wide PBM program with PBM staff appointments commencing in November 2009. Our aim was to assess the impact this program had on blood utilization and patient outcomes in intensive chemotherapy for acute leukemia or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. A retrospective study of 695 admissions at two tertiary hospitals receiving intensive chemotherapy for acute leukemia or undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation between July 2010 and December 2014 was conducted. Main outcomes included pre-red blood cell (RBC) transfusion hemoglobin (Hb) levels, single-unit RBC transfusions, number of RBC and platelet (PLT) units transfused per admission, subsequent day case transfusions, length of stay, serious bleeding, and in-hospital mortality. Over the study period, the mean RBC units transfused per admission decreased 39% from 6.1 to 3.7 (p < 0.001), and the mean PLT units transfused decreased 35% from 6.3 to 4.1 (p < 0.001), with mean RBC and PLT units transfused for follow-up day cases decreasing from 0.6 to 0.4 units (p < 0.001). Mean pre-RBC transfusion Hb level decreased from 8.0 to 6.8 g/dL (p < 0.001), and single-unit RBC transfusions increased 39% to 67% (p < 0.001). This reduction represents blood product cost savings of AU$694,886 (US$654,007). There were no significant changes in unadjusted or adjusted length of stay, serious bleeding events, or in-hospital mortality over the study. The health system-wide PBM program had a significant impact, reducing blood product use and costs without increased morbidity or mortality in patients receiving intensive chemotherapy for acute leukemia or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. © 2017 AABB.

  12. Association of Blood Transfusion From Female Donors With and Without a History of Pregnancy With Mortality Among Male and Female Transfusion Recipients

    PubMed Central

    Caram-Deelder, Camila; Kreuger, Aukje L.; Evers, Dorothea; de Vooght, Karen M. K.; van de Kerkhof, Daan; Visser, Otto; Péquériaux, Nathalie C. V.; Hudig, Francisca; Zwaginga, Jaap Jan; van der Bom, Johanna G.

    2017-01-01

    Importance Transfusion of red blood cells from female donors has been associated with increased mortality in male recipients. Objective To quantify the association between red blood cell transfusion from female donors with and without a history of pregnancy and mortality of red blood cell recipients. Design, Setting, and Participants Retrospective cohort study of first-time transfusion recipients at 6 major Dutch hospitals enrolled from May 30, 2005, to September 1, 2015; the final follow-up date was September 1, 2015. The primary analysis was the no-donor-mixture cohort (ie, either all red blood cell transfusions exclusively from male donors, or all exclusively from female donors without a history of pregnancy, or all exclusively from female donors with a history of pregnancy). The association between mortality and exposure to transfusions from ever-pregnant or never-pregnant female donors was analyzed using life tables and time-varying Cox proportional hazards models. Exposures Red blood cell transfusions from ever-pregnant or never-pregnant female donors, compared with red blood cell transfusions from male donors. Main Outcomes and Measures All-cause mortality during follow-up. Results The cohort for the primary analyses consisted of 31 118 patients (median age, 65 [interquartile range, 42-77] years; 52% female) who received 59 320 red blood cell transfusions exclusively from 1 of 3 types of donors (88% male; 6% ever-pregnant female; and 6% never-pregnant female). The number of deaths in this cohort was 3969 (13% mortality). For male recipients of red blood cell transfusions, all-cause mortality rates after a red blood cell transfusion from an ever-pregnant female donor vs male donor were 101 vs 80 deaths per 1000 person-years (time-dependent “per transfusion” hazard ratio [HR] for death, 1.13 [95% CI, 1.01-1.26]). For receipt of transfusion from a never-pregnant female donor vs male donor, mortality rates were 78 vs 80 deaths per 1000 person-years (HR

  13. Iron overload across the spectrum of non-transfusion-dependent thalassaemias: role of erythropoiesis, splenectomy and transfusions.

    PubMed

    Porter, John B; Cappellini, Maria Domenica; Kattamis, Antonis; Viprakasit, Vip; Musallam, Khaled M; Zhu, Zewen; Taher, Ali T

    2017-01-01

    Non-transfusion-dependent thalassaemias (NTDT) encompass a spectrum of anaemias rarely requiring blood transfusions. Increased iron absorption, driven by hepcidin suppression secondary to erythron expansion, initially causes intrahepatic iron overload. We examined iron metabolism biomarkers in 166 NTDT patients with β thalassaemia intermedia (n = 95), haemoglobin (Hb) E/β thalassaemia (n = 49) and Hb H syndromes (n = 22). Liver iron concentration (LIC), serum ferritin (SF), transferrin saturation (TfSat) and non-transferrin-bound iron (NTBI) were elevated and correlated across diagnostic subgroups. NTBI correlated with soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), labile plasma iron (LPI) and nucleated red blood cells (NRBCs), with elevations generally confined to previously transfused patients. Splenectomised patients had higher NTBI, TfSat, NRBCs and SF relative to LIC, than non-splenectomised patients. LPI elevations were confined to patients with saturated transferrin. Erythron expansion biomarkers (sTfR, growth differentiation factor-15, NRBCs) correlated with each other and with iron overload biomarkers, particularly in Hb H patients. Plasma hepcidin was similar across subgroups, increased with >20 prior transfusions, and correlated inversely with TfSat, NTBI, LPI and NRBCs. Hepcidin/SF ratios were low, consistent with hepcidin suppression relative to iron overload. Increased NTBI and, by implication, risk of extra-hepatic iron distribution are more likely in previously transfused, splenectomised and iron-overloaded NTDT patients with TfSat >70%. © 2016 The Authors. British Journal of Haematology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  14. Blood transfusion safety: a new philosophy.

    PubMed

    Franklin, I M

    2012-12-01

    Blood transfusion safety has had a chequered history, and there are current and future challenges. Internationally, there is no clear consensus for many aspects of the provision of safe blood, although pan-national legislation does provide a baseline framework in the European Union. Costs are rising, and new safety measures can appear expensive, especially when tested against some other medical interventions, such as cancer treatment and vaccination programmes. In this article, it is proposed that a comprehensive approach is taken to the issue of blood transfusion safety that considers all aspects of the process rather than considering only new measures. The need for an agreed level of safety for specified and unknown risks is also suggested. The importance of providing care and support for those inadvertently injured as a result of transfusion problems is also made. Given that the current blood safety decision process often uses a utilitarian principle for decision making--through the calculation of Quality Adjusted Life Years--an alternative philosophy is proposed. A social contract for blood safety, based on the principles of 'justice as fairness' developed by John Rawls, is recommended as a means of providing an agreed level of safety, containing costs and providing support for any adverse outcomes. © 2012 The Author. Transfusion Medicine © 2012 British Blood Transfusion Society.

  15. Blood transfusion practice: a survey in Sichuan, China.

    PubMed

    Liu, Yu; Lin, Jia; Zhong, Ling; He, Yi; Yang, Jia; Wu, Yanhong; Yang, Jing; Li, Qian; Wang, Jingxing; Rao, Shaoqin

    2015-02-01

    To get full knowledge of current conditions and development in the past seven years of clinical transfusion practice in Sichuan, China. This survey was performed by means of a questionnaire which consisted of three parts of questions including basic conditions of blood banks in the hospitals, procedures for clinical blood transfusion and the utilization of different types of blood products. Thirty-five representative hospitals from different geographic locations in Sichuan province participated in this survey. All of the 35 hospitals returned the questionnaires and 33 hospitals (94.3%) answered the questions completely. The blood bank information system began to be used by more hospitals from 2006 (21.21%, 7/33) to 2012 (48.48%, 16/33). Automated grouping and cross-matching systems have not been used in level 2 hospitals and only 3 level 3 hospitals used automated systems in 2012. Still less common were procedures for evaluation of blood order forms for appropriateness (2/33, 6.06%) and evaluation of appropriateness and effect of blood component transfusion (8/33, 24.2%), and all the hospitals having these procedures are level 3 hospitals. The percentage of whole blood usage in the volume of all types of blood products used decreased a lot from 7.45% in 2006 to 0.16% in 2010. Technological instruments for bedside checking are not used by any of the hospitals. The transfusion service degree of the hospitals in Sichuan, China, has developed a lot in the past seven years; however, there are still some problems including whole blood still being used, albeit decreasing; lack of independent blood banks within the hospitals; lack of dedicated personnel for the transfusion services; lack of education; lack of blood bank information systems and automation; lack of screening for appropriateness for blood orders. Thus, the quality control center of clinical blood transfusion (QCCCBT) of Sichuan province should help the transfusion departments to attract more investment in

  16. Massive periosteal reaction a presenting feature of acute megakaryocytic leukemia.

    PubMed

    Ueda, Takahiro; Ito, Yasuhiko; Maeda, Miho; Fukunaga, Yoshitaka

    2007-12-01

    Acute megakaryoblastic leukemia (AML M7) is a biologically heterogeneous form of acute myeloid leukemia accounting for 14.6% of cases. In many instances in the past, AML M7 has been classified as undifferentiated leukemia, myelodysplasia, myelofibrosis or some other disease because of its complex clinical presentation or the difficulty of obtaining and interpreting bone marrow samples. However, with currently available morphological, cytochemical, cytogenetic and immunophenotypic methods, AML M7 can now be reliably diagnosed. Although the radiographic spectrum of bony changes in leukemia have been well characterized, skeletal X-ray abnormalities in the setting of AML M7 in pediatric patients have been described in few reports that were associated with bone marrow fibrosis. Here we report on a 14-month-old girl who presented with a massive periosteal reaction of the extremities and clavicles associated with myelofibrosis, a presenting feature of AML M7. The bone changes were very unusual in this case.

  17. Update on massive transfusion.

    PubMed

    Pham, H P; Shaz, B H

    2013-12-01

    Massive haemorrhage requires massive transfusion (MT) to maintain adequate circulation and haemostasis. For optimal management of massively bleeding patients, regardless of aetiology (trauma, obstetrical, surgical), effective preparation and communication between transfusion and other laboratory services and clinical teams are essential. A well-defined MT protocol is a valuable tool to delineate how blood products are ordered, prepared, and delivered; determine laboratory algorithms to use as transfusion guidelines; and outline duties and facilitate communication between involved personnel. In MT patients, it is crucial to practice damage control resuscitation and to administer blood products early in the resuscitation. Trauma patients are often admitted with early trauma-induced coagulopathy (ETIC), which is associated with mortality; the aetiology of ETIC is likely multifactorial. Current data support that trauma patients treated with higher ratios of plasma and platelet to red blood cell transfusions have improved outcomes, but further clinical investigation is needed. Additionally, tranexamic acid has been shown to decrease the mortality in trauma patients requiring MT. Greater use of cryoprecipitate or fibrinogen concentrate might be beneficial in MT patients from obstetrical causes. The risks and benefits for other therapies (prothrombin complex concentrate, recombinant activated factor VII, or whole blood) are not clearly defined in MT patients. Throughout the resuscitation, the patient should be closely monitored and both metabolic and coagulation abnormalities corrected. Further studies are needed to clarify the optimal ratios of blood products, treatment based on underlying clinical disorder, use of alternative therapies, and integration of laboratory testing results in the management of massively bleeding patients.

  18. Risk Factors for Blood Transfusion With Primary Posterior Lumbar Fusion.

    PubMed

    Basques, Bryce A; Anandasivam, Nidharshan S; Webb, Matthew L; Samuel, Andre M; Lukasiewicz, Adam M; Bohl, Daniel D; Grauer, Jonathan N

    2015-11-01

    Retrospective cohort study. To identify factors associated with blood transfusion for primary posterior lumbar fusion surgery, and to identify associations between blood transfusion and other postoperative complications. Blood transfusion is a relatively common occurrence for patients undergoing primary posterior lumbar fusion. There is limited information available describing which patients are at increased risk for blood transfusion, and the relationship between blood transfusion and short-term postoperative outcomes is poorly characterized. The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database was used to identify patients undergoing primary posterior lumbar fusion from 2011 to 2013. Multivariate analysis was used to find associations between patient characteristics and blood transfusion, along with associations between blood transfusion and postoperative outcomes. Out of 4223 patients, 704 (16.7%) had a blood transfusion. Age 60 to 69 (relative risk [RR] 1.6), age greater than equal to 70 (RR 1.7), American Society of Anesthesiologists class greater than equal to 3 (RR 1.1), female sex (RR 1.1), pulmonary disease (RR 1.2), preoperative hematocrit less than 36.0 (RR 2.0), operative time greater than equal to 310 minutes (RR 2.9), 2 levels (RR 1.6), and 3 or more levels (RR 2.1) were independently associated with blood transfusion. Interbody fusion (RR 0.9) was associated with decreased rates of blood transfusion. Receiving a blood transfusion was significantly associated with any complication (RR 1.7), sepsis (RR 2.6), return to the operating room (RR 1.7), deep surgical site infection (RR 2.6), and pulmonary embolism (RR 5.1). Blood transfusion was also associated with an increase in postoperative length of stay of 1.4 days (P < 0.001). 1 in 6 patients received a blood transfusion while undergoing primary posterior lumbar fusion, and risk factors for these occurrences were characterized. Strategies to minimize

  19. Successful implementation of strategies to transform Emergency Department transfusion practice.

    PubMed Central

    Reed, Matthew J; Kelly, Sarah-Louise; Beckwith, Hannah; Innes, Catherine J; Manson, Lynn

    2013-01-01

    Blood component transfusion is an important and lifesaving Emergency Department (ED) procedure. It is not however risk-free and careful consideration of its clinical benefit for each individual patient is therefore essential. In 2008, we audited the patterns of blood component usage in 2007 within our ED. This work revealed that whilst 3209 units of blood component were ordered only 39.5% were transfused, and 9.5% were unaccounted for. This was the first and only published detailed look at ED blood transfusion practices. We had to address our poor traceability (i.e. unaccounted for units), our high blood usage, and our ordering of units which were then not transfused as this can lead to wastage. Firstly, better links between the ED and the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) were established. A set of improvement measures were then implemented including better ED medical and nursing staff education, monthly traceability reports sent to the ED clinical management teams, the introduction of an ED transfusion guideline, moving our blood fridge into the resuscitation room, having a named ED transfusion consultant and ED transfusion link nurse, ED consultant representation on the Hospital Transfusion Group and finally increasing awareness of ED emergency transfusion with a rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) research programme. In 2012, we re-audited our practice looking at our blood component usage in 2011. There was a 64% reduction in blood component ordering (3209 vs. 1034 units), a 39% reduction in blood component transfusion (1131 vs. 687 units), a 68% increase in the proportion of ordered units that were transfused and a 96% reduction in unaccounted units (289 vs. 9 units) between 2007 and 2011. In attempting to cost the savings resulting from our changes we showed that SNBTS spent £306,437 less in 2011 compared to 2007 on handling and issuing ED transfusion requests. Our improvements are immediately generalizable across the UK and the potential

  20. Monitoring compliance with transfusion guidelines in hospital departments by electronic data capture

    PubMed Central

    Norgaard, Astrid; de Lichtenberg, Trine Honnens; Nielsen, Jens; Johansson, Pär I.

    2014-01-01

    Background The practice of transfusing red blood cells is still liberal in some centres suggesting a lack of compliance with guidelines recommending transfusion of red blood cells at haemoglobin levels of 6–8 g/dL in the non-bleeding patient. Few databases provide ongoing feedback of data on pre-transfusion haemoglobin levels at the departmental level. In a tertiary care hospital, no such data were produced before this study. Our aim was to establish a Patient Blood Management database based on electronic data capture in order to monitor compliance with transfusion guidelines at departmental and hospital levels. Materials and methods Hospital data on admissions, diagnoses and surgical procedures were used to define the populations of patients. Data on haemoglobin measurements and red blood cell transfusions were used to calculate pre-transfusion haemoglobin, percentage of transfused patients and transfusion volumes. Results The model dataset include 33,587 admissions, of which 10% had received at least one unit of red blood cells. Haemoglobin measurements preceded 96.7% of the units transfused. The median pre-transfusion haemoglobin was 8.9 g/dL (interquartile range 8.2–9.7) at the hospital level. In only 6.5% of the cases, transfusion was initiated at 7.3 g/dL or lower as recommended by the Danish national transfusion guideline. In 27% of the cases, transfusion was initiated when the haemoglobin level was 9.3 g/dL or higher, which is not recommended. A median of two units was transfused per transfusion episode and per hospital admission. Transfusion practice was more liberal in surgical and intensive care units than in medical departments. Discussion We described pre-transfusion haemoglobin levels, transfusion rates and volumes at hospital and departmental levels, and in surgical subpopulations. Initial data revealed an extensive liberal practice and low compliance with national transfusion guidelines, and identified wards in need of intervention. PMID

  1. Characteristics and Outcomes of Blood Product Transfusion During Critical Care Transport.

    PubMed

    Mena-Munoz, Jorge; Srivastava, Udayan; Martin-Gill, Christian; Suffoletto, Brian; Callaway, Clifton W; Guyette, Francis X

    2016-01-01

    Civilian out-of-hospital transfusions have not been adequately studied. This study seeks to characterize patients receiving out-of-hospital blood product transfusion during critical care transport. We studied patients transported by a regional critical care air-medical service who received blood products during transport. This service carries two units of uncrossmatched packed Red Blood Cells (pRBCs) on every transport in addition to blood obtained from referring facilities. The pRBC are administered according to a protocol for the treatment of hemorrhagic shock or based on medical command physician order. Transfusion amount was categorized into three groups based on the volume transfused (<350 mL, 350-700 mL, >700 mL). The association between prehospital transfusion and in-hospital outcomes (mortality, subsequent blood transfusion and emergent surgery) was estimated using logistic regression models, controlling for age, first systolic blood pressure, first heart rate, Glasgow Coma Score, time of transfer, and length of hospital admission. Among the 1,440 critical care transports with transfusions examined, 81% were for medical patients, being gastrointestinal hemorrhage the most common indication (26%, CI 24-28%). pRBC transfusions were associated with emergent surgery (OR = 1.81, 95% CI = 1.31-2.52) and in-hospital transfusions (OR = 2.00, 95% CI = 1.46-2.76). Those with transfusions >700 mL were associated with emergent surgery (OR = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.10-2.92) and mortality (OR = 2.11; 95% CI = 1.21-3.69). In this sample, the majority of patients receiving blood products during air-medical transport were transfused for medic conditions; gastrointestinal hemorrhage was the most common chief complaint. The pRBC transfusions were associated with emergent surgery and in-hospital transfusion. Transfusions of >700 mL were associated with mortality.

  2. Anemia, transfusion, and phlebotomy practices in critically ill patients with prolonged ICU length of stay: a cohort study

    PubMed Central

    Chant, Clarence; Wilson, Gail; Friedrich, Jan O

    2006-01-01

    Introduction Anemia among the critically ill has been described in patients with short to medium length of stay (LOS) in the intensive care unit (ICU), but it has not been described in long-stay ICU patients. This study was performed to characterize anemia, transfusion, and phlebotomy practices in patients with prolonged ICU LOS. Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review of consecutive patients admitted to a medical-surgical ICU in a tertiary care university hospital over three years; patients included had a continuous LOS in the ICU of 30 days or longer. Information on transfusion, phlebotomy, and outcomes were collected daily from days 22 to 112 of the ICU stay. Results A total of 155 patients were enrolled. The mean age, admission Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, and median ICU LOS were 62.3 ± 16.3 years, 23 ± 8, and 49 days (interquartile range 36–70 days), respectively. Mean hemoglobin remained stable at 9.4 ± 1.4 g/dl from day 7 onward. Mean daily phlebotomy volume was 13.3 ± 7.3 ml, and 62% of patients received a mean of 3.4 ± 5.3 units of packed red blood cells at a mean hemoglobin trigger of 7.7 ± 0.9 g/dl after day 21. Transfused patients had significantly greater acuity of illness, phlebotomy volumes, ICU LOS and mortality, and had a lower hemoglobin than did those who were not transfused. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified the following as independently associated with the likelihood of requiring transfusion in nonbleeding patients: baseline hemoglobin, daily phlebotomy volume, ICU LOS, and erythropoietin therapy (used almost exclusively in dialysis dependent renal failure in this cohort of patients). Small increases in average phlebotomy (3.5 ml/day, 95% confidence interval 2.4–6.8 ml/day) were associated with a doubling in the odds of being transfused after day 21. Conclusion Anemia, phlebotomy, and transfusions, despite low hemoglobin triggers, are common in ICU patients long after admission

  3. Blood transfusion and resuscitation using penile corpora: an experimental study.

    PubMed

    Abolyosr, Ahmad; Sayed, M A; Elanany, Fathy; Smeika, M A; Shaker, S E

    2005-10-01

    To test the feasibility of using the penile corpora cavernosa for blood transfusion and resuscitation purposes. Three male donkeys were used for autologous blood transfusion into the corpus cavernosum during three sessions with a 1-week interval between each. Two blood units (450 mL each) were transfused per session to each donkey. Moreover, three dogs were bled up until a state of shock was produced. The mean arterial blood pressure decreased to 60 mm Hg. The withdrawn blood (mean volume 396.3 mL) was transfused back into their corpora cavernosa under 150 mm Hg pressure. Different transfusion parameters were assessed. The Assiut faculty of medicine ethical committee approved the study before its initiation. For the donkey model, the mean time of blood collection was 12 minutes. The mean time needed to establish corporal access was 22 seconds. The mean time of blood transfusion was 14.2 minutes. The mean rate of blood transfusion was 31.7 mL/min. Mild penile elongation with or without mild penile tumescence was observed on four occasions. All penile shafts returned spontaneously to their pretransfusion state at a maximum of 5 minutes after cessation of blood transfusion. No extravasation, hematoma formation, or color changes occurred. Regarding the dog model, the mean rate of transfusion was 35.2 mL/min. All dogs were resuscitated at the end of the transfusion. The corpus cavernosum is a feasible, simple, rapid, and effective alternative route for blood transfusion and venous access. It can be resorted to whenever necessary. It is a reliable means for volume replacement and resuscitation in males.

  4. [Case of Rh (-) patient's right lobectomy of the liver with massive hemorrhage evading allogeneic blood transfusion by hemodilutional autologous blood transfusion].

    PubMed

    Nishimura, Masayuki; Takada, Norikazu; Hashiba, Eiji; Kimura, Futoshi; Kitayama, Masatou; Hashimoto, Hiroshi

    2014-01-01

    A 44-year-old man (ASA-PS 1) underwent right lobectomy of the liver under total intravenous anesthesia with propofol, remifentanil, ketamine and rocuronium. In order to evade allogeneic blood transfusion, 1,200 g of the patient's blood was taken and hemodilution was induced for autologous blood transfusion (HAT) after the induction of anesthesia. As intraoperative blood loss amounted to about 4,000 g, Hb level decreased from 13.6 to 6.2 g x dl(-1). However, as intraoperative hemodynamics was relatively stable with crystalloidal and colloidal transfusion with no ischemic change on ECG and no metabolic acidosis, autologous blood transfusion was withheld. After returning the autologous blood, Hb increased to 9.8 g x dl(-1). Any postoperative complications related to the low Hb level were not recognized. HAT is a useful method to evade or at least decrease the amount of allogeneic blood transfusion by anesthesiologists.

  5. Incidence of incompatible crossmatch results in dogs admitted to a veterinary teaching hospital with no history of prior red blood cell transfusion.

    PubMed

    Odunayo, Adesola; Garraway, Kayode; Rohrbach, Barton W; Rainey, Amanda; Stokes, Jennifer

    2017-02-01

    OBJECTIVE To determine the incidence of incompatible crossmatch results in dogs without a history of prior RBC transfusion and to evaluate changes in Hct following RBC administration for transfusion-naïve dogs that did and did not have crossmatching performed. DESIGN Retrospective study. ANIMALS 169 client-owned dogs. PROCEDURES Information obtained from the medical records included signalment, pretransfusion Hct or PCV, and crossmatching results where applicable. Dogs that underwent major crossmatching (n = 149) as part of pretransfusion screening were each crossmatched with 3 potential donors. Donor blood was obtained from a commercial source and tested negative for dog erythrocyte antigens (DEAs) 1.1, 1.2, and 7 but positive for DEA 4. Mean change in Hct after transfusion was compared between crossmatch-tested dogs (57/91 that subsequently underwent RBC transfusion) and 20 other dogs that underwent RBC transfusion without prior crossmatching by statistical methods. RESULTS 25 of 149 (17%) dogs evaluated by crossmatching were incompatible with 1 or 2 of the 3 potential donors. All 149 dogs were compatible with ≥ 1 potential donor. Mean ± SD change in Hct after transfusion was significantly higher in dogs that had crossmatching performed (12.5 ± 8.6%) than in dogs that did not undergo crossmatching (9.0 ± 4.3%). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated immunologic incompatibility can exist between first-time transfusion recipients and potential blood donor dogs. The clinical importance of these findings could not be evaluated, but considering the potential for immediate or delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions or shortened RBC life span, the authors suggest veterinarians consider crossmatching all dogs prior to transfusion when possible.

  6. Prevalence of transfusion-transmitted Chagas disease among multitransfused patients in Brazil

    PubMed Central

    De Paula, Erich V; Goncales, Neiva SL; Xueref, Serge; Addas-Carvalho, Marcelo; Gilli, Simone CO; Angerami, Rodrigo N; Goncales, Fernando L

    2008-01-01

    Background Blood transfusion has always been an important route for Chagas Disease (CD) transmission. The high prevalence of CD in Latin America and its lifelong asymptomatic clinical picture pose a threat for the safety of the blood supply. The outcome of measures designed to improve transfusion safety can be assessed by evaluating the prevalence of CD among multitransfused patients Methods In order to assess the impact of CD control measures on the safety of the blood supply, an observational cross-sectional study was designed to determine the prevalence of CD in 351 highly transfused patients, in which vectorial transmission was excluded. This study compared patients that received transfusion products before (n = 230) and after (n = 121) 1997, when measures to control transfusion-transmitted CD were fully implemented in Brazil. Results The study group consisted of 351 patients exposed to high numbers of blood products during their lifetime (median number of units transfused = 51, range 10–2086). A higher prevalence of transfusion-transmitted CD (1.30%) was observed among multitransfused patients that received their first transfusion before 1997, compared with no cases of transfusion-transmitted CD among multitransfused patients transfused after that year. The magnitude of the exposure to blood products was similar among both groups (mean number of units transfused per year of exposure = 25.00 ± 26.46 and 23.99 ± 30.58 respectively; P = 0.75, Mann-Whitney test). Conclusion Multiple initiatives aimed to control vector and parental transmission of CD can significantly decrease transfusion-transmitted CD in Brazil. Our data suggest that mandatory donor screening for CD represents the most important measure to interrupt transmission of CD by blood transfusions. PMID:18199334

  7. Prevalence of transfusion-transmitted Chagas Disease among multitransfused patients in Brazil.

    PubMed

    De Paula, Erich V; Goncales, Neiva S L; Xueref, Serge; Addas-Carvalho, Marcelo; Gilli, Simone C O; Angerami, Rodrigo N; Goncales, Fernando L

    2008-01-16

    Blood transfusion has always been an important route for Chagas Disease (CD) transmission. The high prevalence of CD in Latin America and its lifelong asymptomatic clinical picture pose a threat for the safety of the blood supply. The outcome of measures designed to improve transfusion safety can be assessed by evaluating the prevalence of CD among multitransfused patients In order to assess the impact of CD control measures on the safety of the blood supply, an observational cross-sectional study was designed to determine the prevalence of CD in 351 highly transfused patients, in which vectorial transmission was excluded. This study compared patients that received transfusion products before (n = 230) and after (n = 121) 1997, when measures to control transfusion-transmitted CD were fully implemented in Brazil. The study group consisted of 351 patients exposed to high numbers of blood products during their lifetime (median number of units transfused = 51, range 10-2086). A higher prevalence of transfusion-transmitted CD (1.30%) was observed among multitransfused patients that received their first transfusion before 1997, compared with no cases of transfusion-transmitted CD among multitransfused patients transfused after that year. The magnitude of the exposure to blood products was similar among both groups (mean number of units transfused per year of exposure = 25.00 +/- 26.46 and 23.99 +/- 30.58 respectively; P = 0.75, Mann-Whitney test). Multiple initiatives aimed to control vector and parental transmission of CD can significantly decrease transfusion-transmitted CD in Brazil. Our data suggest that mandatory donor screening for CD represents the most important measure to interrupt transmission of CD by blood transfusions.

  8. Blood transfusion at the time of the First World War--practice and promise at the birth of transfusion medicine.

    PubMed

    Boulton, F; Roberts, D J

    2014-12-01

    The centenary of the start of the First World War has stirred considerable interest in the political, social, military and human factors of the time and how they interacted to produce and sustain the material and human destruction in the 4 years of the war and beyond. Medical practice may appear distant and static and perhaps seems to have been somewhat ineffectual in the face of so much trauma and in the light of the enormous advances in medicine and surgery over the last century. However, this is an illusion of time and of course medical, surgical and psychiatric knowledge and procedures were developing rapidly at the time and the war years accelerated implementation of many important advances. Transfusion practice lay at the heart of resuscitation, and although direct transfusion from donor to recipient was still used, Geoffrey Keynes from Britain, Oswald Robertson from America and his namesake Lawrence Bruce Robertson from Canada, developed methods for indirect transfusion from donor to recipient by storing blood in bottles and also blood-banking that laid the foundation of modern transfusion medicine. This review explores the historical setting behind the development of blood transfusion up to the start of the First World War and on how they progressed during the war and afterwards. A fresh look may renew interest in how a novel medical speciality responded to the needs of war and of post-war society. © 2015 British Blood Transfusion Society.

  9. Toward a patient-based paradigm for blood transfusion.

    PubMed

    Farrugia, Albert; Vamvakas, Eleftherios

    2014-01-01

    The current "manufacturing paradigm" of transfusion practice has detached transfusion from the clinical environment. As an example, fresh whole blood in large-volume hemorrhage may be superior to whole blood reconstituted from multiple components. Multicomponent apheresis can overcome logistical difficulties in matching patient needs with fresh component availability and can deliver the benefits of fresh whole blood. Because of the different transfusion needs of patients in emerging economies and the vulnerability of these blood systems to emerging infections, fresh whole blood and multicomponent apheresis can better meet patient needs when compared with transplants of the "manufacturing paradigm". We propose that patient blood management, along with panels of repeat, paid, accredited apheresis and fresh whole-blood donors can be used in emerging economies to support decentralized blood services. This alternative transfusion-medicine paradigm could eventually also be adopted by established economies to focus transfusion medicine on local patient needs and to alleviate the problem of the aging volunteer donor base.

  10. [Transmission of parasites by blood transfusions and organ transplantation].

    PubMed

    Burchard, G D

    1994-08-01

    The purpose of the present study consists in an updated review concerning the transmission of protozoa and worms by blood transfusion and organ transplantation. Prophylactic regimens and possible modifications will be discussed. The literature devoted to tropical medicine in recent years was screened and a search on Medline was performed. Relevant review articles were selected. Transfusion induced malaria and--especially in Latin America--transfusion associated Chagas' disease are the most important of these diseases. Prophylaxis of transfusion malaria is different in different countries, it is based primarily on donor selection and immunodiagnostic examinations. It is recommended that the German guidelines for prevention of transfusion malaria should be modified and that a donor selection should also take place concerning Chagas' disease.

  11. Transfusion monitoring: care practice analysis in a public teaching hospital

    PubMed Central

    dos Reis, Valesca Nunes; Paixão, Isabella Bertolin; Perrone, Ana Carolina Amaral de São José; Monteiro, Maria Inês; dos Santos, Kelli Borges

    2016-01-01

    ABSTRACT Objective To analyze the process of recording transfusion monitoring at a public teaching hospital. Methods A descriptive and retrospective study with a quantitative approach, analyzing the instruments to record transfusion monitoring at a public hospital in a city in the State of Minas Gerais (MG). Data were collected on the correct completion of the instrument, time elapsed from transfusions, records of vital signs, type of blood component more frequently transfused, and hospital unit where transfusion was performed. Results A total of 1,012 records were analyzed, and 53.4% of them had errors in filling in the instruments, 6% of transfusions started after the recommended time, and 9.3% of patients had no vital signs registered. Conclusion Failures were identified in the process of recording transfusion monitoring, and they could result in more adverse events related to the administration of blood components. Planning and implementing strategies to enhance recording and to improve care delivered are challenging. PMID:27074233

  12. Hemovigilance monitoring of platelet septic reactions with effective bacterial protection systems.

    PubMed

    Benjamin, Richard J; Braschler, Thomas; Weingand, Tina; Corash, Laurence M

    2017-12-01

    Delayed, large-volume bacterial culture and amotosalen/ultraviolet-A light pathogen reduction are effective at reducing the risk of bacterial proliferation in platelet concentrates (PCs). Hemovigilance programs continue to receive reports of suspected septic transfusion reactions, most with low imputability. Here, we compile national hemovigilance data to determine the relative efficacy of these interventions. Annual reports from the United Kingdom, France, Switzerland, and Belgium were reviewed between 2005 and 2016 to assess the risk of bacterial contamination and septic reactions. Approximately 1.65 million delayed, large-volume bacterial culture-screened PCs in the United Kingdom and 2.3 million amotosalen/ultraviolet-A-treated PCs worldwide were issued with no reported septic fatalities. One definite, one possible, and 12 undetermined/indeterminate septic reactions and eight contaminated "near misses" were reported with delayed, large-volume bacterial cultures between 2011 and 2016, for a lower false-negative culture rate than that in the previous 5 years (5.4 vs. 16.3 per million: odds ratio, 3.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.4-6.5). Together, the Belgian, Swiss, and French hemovigilance programs documented zero probable or definite/certain septic reactions with 609,290 amotosalen/ultraviolet-A-treated PCs (<1.6 per million). The rates were significantly lower than those reported with concurrently transfused, nonpathogen-reduced PCs in Belgium (<4.4 vs. 35.6 per million: odds ratio, 8.1; 95% confidence interval,1.1-353.3) and with historic septic reaction rates in Switzerland (<6.0 vs. 82.9 per million: odds ratio, 13.9; 95% confidence interval, 2.1-589.2), and the rates tended to be lower than those from concurrently transfused, nonpathogen-reduced PCs in France (<4.7 vs. 19.0 per million: odds ratio, 4.1; 95% confidence interval, 0.7-164.3). Pathogen reduction and bacterial culture both reduced the incidence of septic reactions, although under-reporting and

  13. Cell salvage for minimising perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion

    PubMed Central

    Carless, Paul A; Henry, David A; Moxey, Annette J; O’Connell, Dianne; Brown, Tamara; Fergusson, Dean A

    2014-01-01

    Background Concerns regarding the safety of transfused blood have prompted reconsideration of the use of allogeneic (from an unrelated donor) red blood cell (RBC) transfusion, and a range of techniques to minimise transfusion requirements. Objectives To examine the evidence for the efficacy of cell salvage in reducing allogeneic blood transfusion and the evidence for any effect on clinical outcomes. Search methods We identified studies by searching CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library 2009, Issue 2), MEDLINE (1950 to June 2009), EMBASE (1980 to June 2009), the internet (to August 2009) and bibliographies of published articles. Selection criteria Randomised controlled trials with a concurrent control group in which adult patients, scheduled for non-urgent surgery, were randomised to cell salvage (autotransfusion) or to a control group who did not receive the intervention. Data collection and analysis Data were independently extracted and the risk of bias assessed. Relative risks (RR) and weighted mean differences (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Data were pooled using a random-effects model. The primary outcomes were the number of patients exposed to allogeneic red cell transfusion and the amount of blood transfused. Other clinical outcomes are detailed in the review. Main results A total of 75 trials were included. Overall, the use of cell salvage reduced the rate of exposure to allogeneic RBC transfusion by a relative 38% (RR 0.62; 95% CI 0.55 to 0.70). The absolute reduction in risk (ARR) of receiving an allogeneic RBC transfusion was 21% (95% CI 15% to 26%). In orthopaedic procedures the RR of exposure to RBC transfusion was 0.46 (95% CI 0.37 to 0.57) compared to 0.77 (95% CI 0.69 to 0.86) for cardiac procedures. The use of cell salvage resulted in an average saving of 0.68 units of allogeneic RBC per patient (WMD −0.68; 95% CI −0.88 to −0.49). Cell salvage did not appear to impact adversely on clinical outcomes. Authors’ conclusions

  14. Prevalence of Dog Erythrocyte Antigens 1, 4, and 7 in Podenco Ibicenco (Ibizan Hounds) from Ibiza Island

    PubMed Central

    Proverbio, Daniela; Viñals Flórez, Luis Miguel; Serra Gómez de la Serna, Blanca; del Rosario Perlado Chamizo, Maria; Baggiani, Luciana; Perego, Roberta

    2016-01-01

    The aims of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of Dog Erythrocyte Antigens (DEA) 1, 4, and 7 in Ibizan hounds, to compare the results with the prevalence of DEA in Spanish greyhounds, and to determine the risk of sensitization following the first transfusion of blood not typed for DEA 1 and the probability of an acute hemolytic reaction following a second incompatible transfusion using untyped DEA 1 blood. DEA 1, 4, and 7 status was determined in 92 Ibizan hounds. Results were compared with the previously reported prevalence in Spanish greyhounds. The risks of sensitization and of a hemolytic transfusion reaction were determined amongst Ibizan hounds and between Ibizan hounds and Spanish greyhounds. The prevalence of DEA 1, 4, and 7 was 75%, 98.9%, and 25%, respectively. There was a significantly higher expression of DEA 1 and 7 in Ibizan hounds than in Spanish greyhounds. The probability of sensitization of a recipient dog to DEA 1 with transfusions amongst Ibizan hounds was 18.5% and between Ibizan hounds and Spanish greyhounds was 13.7%. The probability of an acute hemolytic reaction in each group was 3.5% and 1.9%, respectively. There is a higher prevalence of DEA 1 and 7 in Ibizan hounds than in other sighthounds. PMID:27034890

  15. Risk of Erectile Dysfunction in Transfusion-naive Thalassemia Men

    PubMed Central

    Chen, Yu-Guang; Lin, Te-Yu; Lin, Cheng-Li; Dai, Ming-Shen; Ho, Ching-Liang; Kao, Chia-Hung

    2015-01-01

    Abstract Based on the mechanism of pathophysiology, thalassemia major or transfusion-dependent thalassemia patients may have an increased risk of developing organic erectile dysfunction resulting from hypogonadism. However, there have been few studies investigating the association between erectile dysfunction and transfusion-naive thalassemia populations. We constructed a population-based cohort study to elucidate the association between transfusion-naive thalassemia populations and organic erectile dysfunction This nationwide population-based cohort study involved analyzing data from 1998 to 2010 obtained from the Taiwanese National Health Insurance Research Database, with a follow-up period extending to the end of 2011. We identified men with transfusion-naive thalassemia and selected a comparison cohort that was frequency-matched with these according to age, and year of diagnosis thalassemia at a ratio of 1 thalassemia man to 4 control men. We analyzed the risks for transfusion-naive thalassemia men and organic erectile dysfunction by using Cox proportional hazards regression models. In this study, 588 transfusion-naive thalassemia men and 2337 controls were included. Total 12 patients were identified within the thalassaemia group and 10 within the control group. The overall risks for developing organic erectile dysfunction were 4.56-fold in patients with transfusion-naive thalassemia men compared with the comparison cohort after we adjusted for age and comorbidities. Our long-term cohort study results showed that in transfusion-naive thalassemia men, there was a higher risk for the development of organic erectile dysfunction, particularly in those patients with comorbidities. PMID:25837766

  16. Advances and controversies in neonatal ICU platelet transfusion practice.

    PubMed

    Christensen, Robert D

    2008-01-01

    Some of the platelet transfusions currently given to NICU patients are unnecessary and convey no benefits. Although ordered with good intentions, unnecessary platelet transfusions carry known and unknown risks. Identifying and eliminating any unnecessary platelet transfusions in NICUs would be a step toward better care, lower costs, and more careful preservation of blood component resources. A renewed interest in platelet transfusion studies is needed, if essential data is to be gathered to improve NICU platelet transfusion practice. Retrospective studies can be of value: for instance, seeking associations between bleeding events and platelet counts can suggest the possibility of cause and effect relationships. Such studies might identify approximate platelet count levels that convey high hemorrhagic risk and might help focus future prospective trials. Prospective indirect studies also can be of value, for instance, measuring the template bleeding time and the PFA-100 closure time as a function of platelet count and perhaps as a function of circulating platelet mass, and would provide new information with relevance to platelet transfusion benefits. Such studies might give a better awareness of how low the platelet count can fall before platelet plug formation is impaired. It seems inescapable, however, that new, multicentered, randomized, prospective studies are needed, where NICU patients are assigned different platelet transfusion triggers and then carefully tracked for bleeding events and long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes. Only that type of study is likely to generate the evidence base needed for widespread implementation of improvements in NICU platelet transfusion practice.

  17. Transfusion-acquired AIDS in Taiwan.

    PubMed

    Yao, C; Wang, W W; Chung, Y M; Su, Y L; Liu, C Y; Chen, Y M

    1996-01-01

    Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) can be transmitted through blood transfusion. The first transfusion-acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patient in Taiwan was a 46-year-old woman who received two units of whole blood during a hysterectomy at a provincial hospital in 1985. In 1991, she experienced a herpes zoster infection. In March 1993, she had extensive herpetic gingivostomatitis and another herpes zoster attack, and was treated at the same hospital. Two months later, she had oral candidiasis and was treated at a medical center. She was not tested for HIV-1 infection until she developed Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in June 1993. In February 1994, and developed cytomegalovirus retinitis and died 6 months later. Donor blood given to the patients during the hysterectomy was HIV-1 positive. The donor's HIV infection was discovered in 1991 and he died of AIDS in 1993. As blood centers in Taiwan did not start screening for HIV-1 until January 1988, it is urgently recommended that any individual who received a blood transfusion between 1984 and 1987 in Taiwan and who currently experiences repeated episodes of opportunistic infections have an HIV-1 blood test. The receipt of a blood transfusion between 1984 and 1987 should be listed by the Department of Health as an indication for HIV-1 screening.

  18. West Nile virus blood transfusion-related infection despite nucleic acid testing.

    PubMed

    Macedo de Oliveira, Alexandre; Beecham, Brady D; Montgomery, Susan P; Lanciotti, Robert S; Linnen, Jeffrey M; Giachetti, Cristina; Pietrelli, Larry A; Stramer, Susan L; Safranek, Thomas J

    2004-12-01

    A case of West Nile virus (WNV) encephalitis associated with transfusion of blood that did not react when tested for WNV by minipool (MP) nucleic acid testing (NAT) is described. A Nebraska man developed clinical encephalitis 13 days after surgery and transfusion of 26 blood components. Antibody testing confirmed WNV infection. An investigation was initiated to determine the source of this infection. The patient's family members were interviewed to identify risk factors for WNV infection. Residual samples were retested for WNV RNA using transcription-mediated amplification (TMA) assay and two polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays. Blood donors' follow-up serum samples were collected. All samples were tested for WNV-specific immunoglobulin M antibodies. The patient's family denied recent mosquito exposure. The 20 blood components collected after July 2003 did not react when tested for WNV in a six-member MP-NAT at the time of donation. Retrospective individual testing identified one sample as WNV-reactive by the TMA assay and one of the PCR assays. Seroconversion was demonstrated in the donor associated with this sample. WNV RNA detection by individual donation NAT demonstrates viremic blood escaping MP-NAT and supports transfusion-related WNV transmission. MP-NAT may not detect all WNV-infected blood donors, allowing WNV transmission to continue at low levels. WNV NAT assays might vary in sensitivity and pooling donations could further impact test performance. Understanding MP NAT limitations can improve strategies to maintain safety of the blood supply in the United States.

  19. Blood transfusion for preventing primary and secondary stroke in people with sickle cell disease.

    PubMed

    Estcourt, Lise J; Fortin, Patricia M; Hopewell, Sally; Trivella, Marialena; Wang, Winfred C

    2017-01-17

    primary prevention (children); and one in secondary prevention (children and adolescents).The quality of the evidence was very low to moderate across different outcomes according to GRADE methodology. This was due to the trials being at a high risk of bias due to lack of blinding, indirectness and imprecise outcome estimates. Red cell transfusions versus standard care Children with no previous long-term transfusionsLong-term transfusions probably reduce the incidence of clinical stroke in children with a higher risk of stroke (abnormal transcranial doppler velocities or previous history of silent cerebral infarct), risk ratio 0.12 (95% confidence interval 0.03 to 0.49) (two trials, 326 participants), moderate quality evidence.Long-term transfusions may: reduce the incidence of other sickle cell disease-related complications (acute chest syndrome, risk ratio 0.24 (95% confidence interval 0.12 to 0.48)) (two trials, 326 participants); increase quality of life (difference estimate -0.54, 95% confidence interval -0.92 to -0.17) (one trial, 166 participants); but make little or no difference to IQ scores (least square mean: 1.7, standard error 95% confidence interval -1.1 to 4.4) (one trial, 166 participants), low quality evidence.We are very uncertain whether long-term transfusions: reduce the risk of transient ischaemic attacks, Peto odds ratio 0.13 (95% confidence interval 0.01 to 2.11) (two trials, 323 participants); have any effect on all-cause mortality, no deaths reported (two trials, 326 participants); or increase the risk of alloimmunisation, risk ratio 3.16 (95% confidence interval 0.18 to 57.17) (one trial, 121 participants), very low quality evidence. Children and adolescents with previous long-term transfusions (one trial, 79 participants)We are very uncertain whether continuing long-term transfusions reduces the incidence of: stroke, risk ratio 0.22 (95% confidence interval 0.01 to 4.35); or all-cause mortality, Peto odds ratio 8.00 (95% confidence interval 0

  20. Blood transfusion for preventing primary and secondary stroke in people with sickle cell disease

    PubMed Central

    Estcourt, Lise J; Fortin, Patricia M; Hopewell, Sally; Trivella, Marialena; Wang, Winfred C

    2017-01-01

    hydroxyurea (hydroxycarbamide) and phlebotomy to long-term transfusions and iron chelation therapy: one in primary prevention (children); and one in secondary prevention (children and adolescents). The quality of the evidence was very low to moderate across different outcomes according to GRADE methodology. This was due to the trials being at a high risk of bias due to lack of blinding, indirectness and imprecise outcome estimates. Red cell transfusions versus standard care Children with no previous long-term transfusions Long-term transfusions probably reduce the incidence of clinical stroke in children with a higher risk of stroke (abnormal transcranial doppler velocities or previous history of silent cerebral infarct), risk ratio 0.12 (95% confidence interval 0.03 to 0.49) (two trials, 326 participants), moderate quality evidence. Long-term transfusions may: reduce the incidence of other sickle cell disease-related complications (acute chest syndrome, risk ratio 0.24 (95% confidence interval 0.12 to 0.48)) (two trials, 326 participants); increase quality of life (difference estimate -0.54, 95% confidence interval -0.92 to -0.17) (one trial, 166 participants); but make little or no difference to IQ scores (least square mean: 1.7, standard error 95% confidence interval -1.1 to 4.4) (one trial, 166 participants), low quality evidence. We are very uncertain whether long-term transfusions: reduce the risk of transient ischaemic attacks, Peto odds ratio 0.13 (95% confidence interval 0.01 to 2.11) (two trials, 323 participants); have any effect on all-cause mortality, no deaths reported (two trials, 326 participants); or increase the risk of alloimmunisation, risk ratio 3.16 (95% confidence interval 0.18 to 57.17) (one trial, 121 participants), very low quality evidence. Children and adolescents with previous long-term transfusions (one trial, 79 participants) We are very uncertain whether continuing long-term transfusions reduces the incidence of: stroke, risk ratio 0.22 (95

  1. Effects of Storage-Aged RBC Transfusions on Endothelial Function in Hospitalized Patients

    PubMed Central

    Neuman, Robert; Hayek, Salim; Rahman, Ayaz; Poole, Joseph C.; Menon, Vivek; Sher, Salman; Newman, James L.; Karatela, Sulaiman; Polhemus, David; Lefer, David J.; De Staercke, Christine; Hooper, Craig; Quyyumi, Arshed A.; Roback, John D.

    2014-01-01

    Background Clinical and animal studies indicate that transfusions of older stored RBCs impair clinical outcomes as compared to fresh RBC transfusions. It has been suggested that this effect is due to inhibition of NO-mediated vasodilation following transfusion of older RBC units. However, to date this effect has not been identified in human transfusion recipients. Study Design and Methods Forty-three hospitalized patients with transfusion orders were randomized to receive either fresh (< 14 days) or older stored (> 21 days) RBC units. Prior to transfusion, and at selected time points after the start of transfusion, endothelial function was assessed using non-invasive flow-mediated dilation assays. Results Following transfusion of older RBC units, there was a significant reduction in NO-mediated vasodilation at 24 hours after transfusion (p=0.045), while fresh RBC transfusions had no effect (p=0.231). Conclusions The present study suggests for the first time a significant inhibitory effect of transfused RBC units stored > 21 days on NO-mediated vasodilation in anemic hospitalized patients. This finding lends further support to the hypothesis that deranged NO signaling mediates adverse clinical effects of older RBC transfusions. Future investigations will be necessary to address possible confounding factors and confirm these results. PMID:25393772

  2. SHOT conference report 2016: serious hazards of transfusion - human factors continue to cause most transfusion-related incidents.

    PubMed

    Bolton-Maggs, P H B

    2016-12-01

    The Annual SHOT Report for incidents reported in 2015 was published on 7 July at the SHOT symposium. Once again, the majority of reports (77·7%) were associated with mistakes ('human factors'). Pressures and stress in the hospital environment contributed to several error reports. There were 26 deaths where transfusion played a part, one due to haemolysis from anti-Wr a (units issued electronically). The incidence of haemolysis due to this antibody has increased in recent years. Transfusion-associated circulatory overload is the most common contributor to death and major morbidity. Reports of delays to transfusion have increased, some caused by the failure of correct patient identification. There were seven ABO-incompatible red cell transfusions (one death) with an additional six to allogeneic stem cell transplant recipients. Near-miss reporting and analysis is useful and demonstrated nearly 300 instances of wrong blood in tube, which could have resulted in ABO-incompatible transfusion had the error not been detected. Errors with anti-D immunoglobulin continue, and preliminary data from the new survey of new anti-D found in pregnancy has shown that sensitisation occurs in some women even with apparently 'ideal' care. For the first time, the SHOT report now incorporates a chapter on donor events. © 2016 British Blood Transfusion Society.

  3. [Significance of the complement fixation reaction in the diagnosis of the acute phase of lymphatic toxoplasmosis].

    PubMed

    Sýkora, J; Pokorný, J; Zástĕra, M

    1992-03-27

    In a group of 300 sera of subjects with clinically suspect nodular toxoplasmosis the authors tested by the IgM ELISA reaction in the reverse order the importance of the complement-fixation reaction for assessment of the acute stage of the infection. In view of the revealed prolonged detection of IgM antibodies the authors used quantitative evaluation of the reaction; they consider based on a probability pattern of antibody response coefficients of 10 and above important for differentiation of a recent infection. For the suggested method of evaluation it was confirmed that low CFR titres (1:8, 1:16, 1:32) imply usually (89.5%) latent infection, titres of 1:64 chronic (42.8%) and latent infection (57.2%); in no instance onset of the disease was involved. From the titre of 1:128 onwards there is a proportional increase of the probable detection of acute infections (titre 1:1024 as much as 72.7%. However, even high titres are not unequivocal evidence of recent infection. In view of the equivocal interpretation of results of the CFR the authors recommend for assessment of the acute stage of the nodular form of toxoplasmosis examination of the suspect subject by the CFR and in case of a medium or high level assessment of IgM by the ELISA method focused on the level and dynamics of the coefficient.

  4. Transfusion and blood donation on the screen.

    PubMed

    Danic, Bruno; Lefrère, Jean-Jacques

    2008-05-01

    In the 20th century, blood transfusion has become an indispensable therapy in carrying out and improving many medical and surgical applications. Its scope of influence goes well beyond that of medicine, because blood donation, an action with high social significance, is completely connected to progress in the field. The purpose of this research was to study, through films that show transfusion or blood donation, the impression that has been given to the public in the course of the 20th century and its sociologic impact. To accomplish this, we have used various sources from Histories of Cinema and from the Internet to identify films from different countries and from different epochs that touch on this theme. With these two components, the act of donation and the act of transfusion, the relatively short history of blood transfusion is distinguished by upheavals in both the medical and the sociopolitical fields of the past century. Movies, the most commonly shared cultural event and mirror of society, have simultaneously gone through their first century by showing the diversity of our feelings and the human condition. Through various cinematographic references, the authors offer an analysis of the use, by the Seventh Art, of values and illustrations that use blood donation and transfusion.

  5. Relevance of blood groups in transfusion of sickle cell disease patients.

    PubMed

    Noizat-Pirenne, France

    2013-03-01

    Blood groups are clinically significant in sickle cell disease (SCD) as transfusion remains a key treatment in this pathology. The occurrence of a delayed haemolytic transfusion reaction (DHTR) is not rare and is a life-threatening event. The main cause of DHTR is the production of alloantibodies against red blood cell antigens. The high rate of alloimmunization in SCD patients is mainly due to the differences of red blood groups between patients of African descent, and the frequently Caucasian donors. From an immuno-haematological point of view, DHTR in SCD patients has specific features: classical antibodies known to be haemolytic can be encountered, but otherwise non significant antibodies, autoantibodies and antibodies related to partial and rare blood groups are also frequently found in individuals of African descent. In some cases, there are no detectable antibodies. As alloimmunization remains the main cause of DHTR, it is extremely important to promote blood donation by individuals of African ancestry to make appropriate blood available. Copyright © 2012 Académie des sciences. Published by Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved.

  6. Improved survival of newborns receiving leukocyte transfusions for sepsis

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Cairo, M.S.; Rucker, R.; Bennetts, G.A.

    To determine the role of polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocyte transfusions in neonates with sepsis, 23 consecutive newborns were prospectively randomly selected during an 18-month period in a treatment plan to receive polymorphonuclear leukocyte transfusions with supportive care or supportive care alone. Thirteen neonates received transfusions every 12 hours for a total of five transfusions. Each transfusion consisting of 15 mL/kg of polymorphonuclear leukocytes was subjected to 1,500 rads of radiation. The polymorphonuclear leukocytes were obtained by continuous-flow centrifugation leukapheresis and contained 0.5 to 1.0 X 10(9) granulocytes per 15 mL with less than 10% lymphocytes. Positive findings on blood cultures weremore » obtained in 14/23 patients and seven were randomly selected for each treatment group. Absolute granulocyte counts were less than 1,500/microL in 13 patients but tibial bone marrow examinations revealed that the neutrophil supply pool was depleted in only three patients. The survival was significantly greater in the treatment group compared with the group that did not receive transfusions.« less

  7. Factors influencing plasma transfusion practices in paediatric intensive care units around the world.

    PubMed

    Karam, O; Demaret, P; Duhamel, A; Shefler, A; Spinella, P C; Tucci, M; Leteurtre, S; Stanworth, S J

    2017-02-01

    Plasma transfusions are a frequent treatment worldwide, but many studies have reported a wide variation in the indications to transfuse. Recently, an international paediatric study also showed wide variation in frequency in the use of plasma transfusions: 25% of the centres transfused plasma to >5% of their patients, whereas another 25% transfused plasma to <1% of their patients. The objective of this study was to explore the factors associated with different plasma transfusion practices in these centres. Online survey sent to the local investigators of the 101 participating centres, in February 2016. Four areas were explored: beliefs regarding plasma transfusion, patients' case-mix in each unit, unit's characteristics, and local blood product transfusion policies and processes. The response rate was 82% (83/101). 43% of the respondents believed that plasma transfusions can arrest bleeding, whereas 27% believe that plasma transfusion can prevent bleeding. Centres with the highest plasma transfusion rate were more likely to think that hypovolaemia and mildly abnormal coagulation tests are appropriate indications for plasma transfusions (P = 0·02 and P = 0·04, respectively). Case-mix, centre characteristics or local transfusion services were not identified as significant relevant factors. Factors influencing plasma transfusion practices reflect beliefs about indications and the efficacy of transfusion in the prevention and management of bleeding as well as effects on coagulation tests. Educational and other initiatives to target these beliefs should be the focus of research. © 2017 International Society of Blood Transfusion.

  8. Utilization of red blood cell transfusion in an obstetric setting.

    PubMed

    Kamani, A A; McMorland, G H; Wadsworth, L D

    1988-11-01

    The transfusion experience for a 1-year period (September 1985 to August 1986) at a tertiary referral obstetric hospital was reviewed retrospectively. During the review period 7731 mothers were delivered and 6003 patients (83%) underwent type-and-screen procedures. A total of 1057 units of red blood cells were crossmatched, and 362 of these 1057 units were transfused to 100 parturient women so that the overall crossmatch/transfusion ratio was 2.9:1. Five percent of transfused patients received 1 unit; 52% of patients received 2 units, 19% received 3 units and 24% received greater than or equal to 4 units of packed red blood cells. Major indications for transfusion were uterine atony, 27%; retained placenta, 17%; trauma, 17%, placenta previa, 7%; and abruptio placentae, 5%. In 12% of patients transfusions were done because of anemia. This study shows the value of audit and confirms that the type-and-screen procedure is an effective way of reducing the crossmatch/transfusion ratio without compromising patient care, even in high-risk patients.

  9. Neonatal Plasma Transfusion: An Evidence-Based Review.

    PubMed

    Keir, Amy K; Stanworth, Simon J

    2016-10-01

    Several clinical scenarios for plasma transfusion are repeatedly identified in audits, including treatment of bleeding in association with laboratory evidence of coagulopathy, correction of disseminated intravascular coagulation, prevention of intraventricular hemorrhage, management of critically ill neonates (eg, during sepsis or as a volume expander), or correction of markers of prolonged coagulation in the absence of bleeding. The findings of at least one national audit of transfusion practice indicated that almost half of plasma transfusions are given to neonates with abnormal coagulation values with no evidence of active bleeding, despite the limited evidence base to support the effectiveness of this practice. Plasma transfusions to neonates should be considered in the clinical context of bleeding (eg, vitamin K dependent), disseminated intravascular coagulation, and very rare inherited deficiencies of coagulation factors. There seems to be no role for prophylactic plasma to prevent intraventricular hemorrhage or for use as a volume expander. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  10. Detection of transfusion-associated hepatitis caused by non-A, non-B, non-C flavivirus.

    PubMed

    Takács, M; Berencsi, G; Mezey, I; Brojnás, J; Barcsay, E; Garamvölgyi, E; Hütter, E; Ferenczi, E; Pipirász, E; Hollós, I

    1994-01-01

    Sera of patients suffering from acute hepatitis, and different forms of chronic hepatitis were found to be reactive to reagents prepared from the yellow fever virus (YF) vaccine strain. Serum samples of 1974 patients were tested, and 133 of them were positive. Hepatitis C virus specific antibodies were absent from the majority of them. The frequency of antibodies to other flaviviruses (tick-borne encephalitis, West Nile) and hepatitis B virus markers was similar to that measured among the population in Hungary positive for any of the surrogate markers of hepatitis infections. Results of both immunofluorescence tests, and Western blots suggest that there is a non-A, non-B, non-C hepatitis virus circulating among the Hungarian population, which possesses antigenic cross-reactivity with the yellow fever virus, but the identity to any of the known flaviviruses could not be verified yet. No history of yellow fever vaccination could be revealed in any of the patients included into this study. The anamnestic data on previous transfusions or surgical operations can be verified only in the case of the half of YFV-positive patients, nevertheless, the sexual transmission seems to be very infrequent. Attempts are continued in order to detect the viral RNA using polymerase chain reaction, and clone cDNA sequences for sequence analysis.

  11. Gaining informed consent for blood transfusion.

    PubMed

    Whitmore, Emma; Gerrard, Rebecca; Coffey, Kairen

    Transfusion of blood and blood products is a common procedure that has significant benefits but is also associated with serious risks. Patients needing blood transfusion require full information on these benefits and risks in order to make informed consent. This article, the first in a five-part series, discusses the process of gaining consent and resources available to support patients and health professionals in this.

  12. Why an alternative to blood transfusion?

    PubMed

    Shander, Aryeh; Goodnough, Lawrence Tim

    2009-04-01

    Allogeneic blood transfusions have been associated with several risks and complications and with worse outcomes in a substantial number of patient populations and clinical scenarios. Allogeneic blood is costly and difficult to procure, transport, and store. Global and local shortages are imminent. Alternatives to transfusion provide many advantages, and their use is likely to improve outcomes as safer and more effective agents are developed.

  13. Significant reduction in red blood cell transfusions in a general hospital after successful implementation of a restrictive transfusion policy supported by prospective computerized order auditing.

    PubMed

    Yerrabothala, Swaroopa; Desrosiers, Kevin P; Szczepiorkowski, Zbigniew M; Dunbar, Nancy M

    2014-10-01

    Our hospital transfusion policy was recently revised to recommend single-unit red blood cell transfusion (RBC TXN) for nonbleeding inpatients when the hemoglobin (Hb) level is not more than 7 g/dL. Our computerized provider order entry system was reconfigured to provide real-time decision support using prospective computerized order auditing based on the most recent Hb level and to remove the single-click ordering option for 2-unit RBC TXNs to enhance compliance. This study was undertaken to assess the impact of these changes on hospital transfusion practice. This study analyzed the total number of transfusion events, proportion of single and 2-unit transfusions and the Hb transfusion trigger in the preimplementation period (October 2011-March 2012) compared to the postimplementation period (October 2012-March 2013). In the postimplementation period the total number of RBC units transfused/1000 patient-days decreased from 60.8 to 44.2 (p < 0.0001). The proportion of 2-unit TXNs decreased from 47% to 15% (p < 0.0001). We also observed significant decreases in pretransfusion Hb triggers. Implementation of restrictive transfusion policy supported by prospective computerized order auditing has resulted in significantly decreased RBC utilization at our institution. © 2014 AABB.

  14. Transfusion: -80°C Frozen Blood Products Are Safe and Effective in Military Casualty Care.

    PubMed

    Noorman, Femke; van Dongen, Thijs T C F; Plat, Marie-Christine J; Badloe, John F; Hess, John R; Hoencamp, Rigo

    2016-01-01

    The Netherlands Armed Forces use -80°C frozen red blood cells (RBCs), plasma and platelets combined with regular liquid stored RBCs, for the treatment of (military) casualties in Medical Treatment Facilities abroad. Our objective was to assess and compare the use of -80°C frozen blood products in combination with the different transfusion protocols and their effect on the outcome of trauma casualties. Hemovigilance and combat casualties data from Afghanistan 2006-2010 for 272 (military) trauma casualties with or without massive transfusions (MT: ≥6 RBC/24hr, N = 82 and non-MT: 1-5 RBC/24hr, N = 190) were analyzed retrospectively. In November 2007, a massive transfusion protocol (MTP; 4:3:1 RBC:Plasma:Platelets) for ATLS® class III/IV hemorrhage was introduced in military theatre. Blood product use, injury severity and mortality were assessed pre- and post-introduction of the MTP. Data were compared to civilian and military trauma studies to assess effectiveness of the frozen blood products and MTP. No ABO incompatible blood products were transfused and only 1 mild transfusion reaction was observed with 3,060 transfused products. In hospital mortality decreased post-MTP for MT patients from 44% to 14% (P = 0.005) and for non-MT patients from 12.7% to 5.9% (P = 0.139). Average 24-hour RBC, plasma and platelet ratios were comparable and accompanying 24-hour mortality rates were low compared to studies that used similar numbers of liquid stored (and on site donated) blood products. This report describes for the first time that the combination of -80°C frozen platelets, plasma and red cells is safe and at least as effective as standard blood products in the treatment of (military) trauma casualties. Frozen blood can save the lives of casualties of armed conflict without the need for in-theatre blood collection. These results may also contribute to solutions for logistic problems in civilian blood supply in remote areas.

  15. Rationale and design of platelet transfusions in haematopoietic stem cell transplantation: the PATH pilot study.

    PubMed

    Tay, Jason; Allan, David; Beattie, Sara; Bredeson, Christopher; Fergusson, Dean; Maze, Dawn; Sabloff, Mitchell; Thavorn, Kednapa; Tinmouth, Alan

    2016-10-24

    In patients with transient thrombocytopenia being treated with high-dose chemotherapy followed by stem cell rescue-haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), prophylactic transfusions are standard therapy to prevent bleeding. However, a recent multicentre trial suggests that prophylactic platelet transfusions in HSCT may not be necessary. Additionally, the potential overuse of platelet products places a burden on a scarce healthcare resource. Moreover, the benefit of prophylactic platelet transfusions to prevent clinically relevant haemorrhage is debatable. Current randomised data compare different thresholds for administering prophylactic platelets or prophylactic versus therapeutic platelet transfusions. An alternative strategy involves prescribing prophylactic antifibrinolytic agents such as tranexamic acid to prevent bleeding. This report describes the design of an open-labelled randomised pilot study comparing the prophylactic use of oral tranexamic acid with platelet transfusions in the setting of autologous HSCT. In 3-5 centres, 100 patients undergoing autologous HSCT will be randomly assigned to either a prophylactic tranexamic acid or prophylactic platelets bleeding prevention strategy-based daily platelet values up to 30 days post-transplant. The study will be stratified by centre and type of transplant. The primary goal is to demonstrate study feasibility while collecting clinical outcomes on (1) WHO and Bleeding Severity Measurement Scale (BSMS), (2) transplant-related mortality, (3) quality of life, (4) length of hospital stay, (5) intensive care unit admission rates, (6) Bearman toxicity scores, (7) incidence of infections, (8) transfusion requirements, (9) adverse reactions and (10) economic analyses. This study is funded by a peer-reviewed grant from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (201 503) and is registered on Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02650791. It has been approved by the Ottawa Health Science Network Research Ethics Board. Study

  16. Blood transfusions in children: a multi-institutional analysis of practices and complications.

    PubMed

    Slonim, Anthony D; Joseph, Jill G; Turenne, Wendy M; Sharangpani, Aditi; Luban, Naomi L C

    2008-01-01

    Blood product transfusions are a valuable health-care resource. Guidelines for transfusion exist, but variability in their application, particularly in children, remains. The risk factors that threaten transfusion safety are well established, but because their occurrence in children is rare, single-institution studies have limited utility in determining the rates of occurrence. An epidemiologic approach that investigates blood transfusions in hospitalized children may help improve our understanding of transfused blood products in this vulnerable population. This was a nonconcurrent cohort study of pediatric patients not more than 18 years of age hospitalized from 2001 to 2003 at 35 academic children's hospitals that are members of the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS). A total of 51,720 (4.8%) pediatric patients received blood product transfusions during the study period. Red blood cells (n = 44,632) and platelets (n = 14,274) were the two most frequently transfused products. The rate of transfusions was highest among children with neutropenia, agranulocytosis, and sickle cell crisis. Asian and American Indian patients had important differences in the rate of blood transfusions and their complications. Resource use in terms of length of stay and costs were higher in patients who received transfusion. Of those patients who received transfusions, 492 (0.95%) experienced a complication from the administered blood product. This accounted for a rate of complications of 10.7 per 1,000 units transfused. The administration of blood products to children is a common practice in academic children's hospitals. Complications associated with these transfused products are rare.

  17. Liquid plasma use during "super" massive transfusion protocol.

    PubMed

    Allen, Casey J; Shariatmadar, Sherry; Meizoso, Jonathan P; Hanna, Mena M; Mora, Jose L; Ray, Juliet J; Namias, Nicholas; Dudaryk, Roman; Proctor, Kenneth G

    2015-12-01

    A massive transfusion protocol (MTP) presents a logistical challenge for most blood banks and trauma centers. We compare the ratio of packed red blood cells (PRBC) and plasma transfused over serial time points in those requiring MTP (10-30 U PRBC/24 h) to those requiring "super" MTP (S-MTP; >30 U PRBC/24 h) and test the hypothesis that changes in allocation of blood products with use of readily transfusable liquid plasma (LP) improves the ratio of PRBC and plasma during S-MTP. All transfused trauma patients (n = 1305) from January 01, 2009-April, 03, 2015 were reviewed. PRBC:plasma ratio was compared for MTP (n = 277) and S-MTP (n = 61) patients, before and after the availability of LP at our institution. Data are reported as mean ± standard deviation or median (interquartile range). Age was 41 ± 19 y, 52% blunt mechanism, injury severity score 32 ± 16, and 46.3% mortality. In 24 h, requirements were 17 (14) U PRBC and 10 (11) U plasma, with a PRBC:plasma of 1.6 (0.8). Within the first hour, PRBC:plasma for S-MTP versus MTP was 2.1:1 versus 1.7:1 (P = 0.017). With LP, S-MTP patients received significantly lower PRBC:plasma at the first hour (P < 0.001). Before institutional changes, PRBC:plasma positively correlated with PRBC transfused at hour 1 (r = 0.410, R(2) = 0.168, P < 0.001); after institutional changes and the advent of LP, there was no correlation (r = 0.177, R(2) = 0.031, P = 0.219). Within the first hour of transfusion, units of PRBC transfused positively correlated with PRBC:plasma, and patients receiving S-MTP had higher PRBC:plasma than those receiving MTP. Changes in our institution's MTP protocol to include LP improved the early PRBC:plasma transfused in patients requiring S-MTP. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  18. Comparison of Platelet Transfusion as Fresh Whole Blood Versus Apheresis Platelets for Massively Transfused Combat Trauma patients

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2011-02-01

    transfusion (10 units in 24 hr) were divided into two groups: those receiving FWB (n = 85) or aPLT (n = 284) during their resuscitation . Admission...characteristics, resuscitation , and survival were compared between groups. Multivari- ate regression analyses were performed comparing sur- vival of patients at...days. CONCLUSIONS: Survival for massively transfused trauma patients receiving FWB appears to be similar to patients resuscitated with aPLT

  19. A preliminary study of placental umbilical cord whole blood transfusion in under resourced patients with malaria in the background of anaemia.

    PubMed

    Bhattacharya, Niranjan

    2006-03-23

    transfusion was 0.5 gm/dl to 1.6 gm/dl. Each patient received two to six units of freshly collected cord blood transfusion (two units at a time), depending on availability and compatibility. No clinical immunological or non-immunological reaction has been encountered in this series. Properly screened cord blood is safe for transfusion, in victims of severe malarial anaemia who need transfusion support.

  20. Canadian surgeons and the introduction of blood transfusion in war surgery.

    PubMed

    Pinkerton, Peter H

    2008-01-01

    Canadian surgeons serving in the Canadian Army Medical Corps in the First World War were responsible for introducing transfusion in the management of war casualties to the British Army. They were uniquely placed to do so by a coincidence of circumstances. They were aware of developments occurring in the field of blood transfusion in the United States, which was at the time leading the research and development of transfusion as a therapeutic measure. The ties between Britain and Canada in 1914 were such that Canada entered the war immediately, and Canadians served closely with the British, volunteering promptly and in large numbers. Britain, by contrast with the United States, had little interest in or expertise with blood transfusion. Thus, Canadian surgeons went to war aware of the value of blood transfusion and with some who had actually learned how to use transfusion. They arrived to find no interest or expertise on the part of their British colleagues and had to work hard to convince them of the merits of blood transfusion in the management of hemorrhage. Their efforts were reinforced by the arrival in 1917 of American surgeons bringing their experience with transfusion. By war's end, blood transfusion was generally accepted as the treatment of choice for severe blood loss.

  1. Profiles of blood and blood component transfusion recipients in Zimbabwe

    PubMed Central

    Mafirakureva, Nyashadzaishe; Khoza, Star; Hassall, Oliver; Faragher, Brian E.; Kajja, Isaac; Mvere, David A.; Emmanuel, Jean C.; Postma, Maarten J.; van Hulst, Marinus

    2015-01-01

    Background There are limited published data on the characteristics of blood transfusion recipients in sub-Saharan Africa. This study describes the demographic characteristics of blood transfusion recipients and patterns of blood and blood component use in Zimbabwe. Materials and methods Data on the characteristics of the blood transfusion recipients (age, sex, blood group), blood components received (type, quantity), discharge diagnoses and outcomes following transfusion (discharge status, duration of stay in hospital), were retrospectively collected from four major hospitals for the period from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012. Diagnoses were grouped into broad categories according to the disease headings of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10). Surgical procedures were grouped into broad categories according to organ system using ICD-9. Results Most of the 1,793 transfusion recipients studied were female (63.2%) and in the reproductive age group, i.e. 15–49 years (65.3%). The median age of the recipients was 33 years (range, 0–93). The majority of these recipients (n=1,642; 91.6%) received a red blood cell transfusion. The majority of the patients were diagnosed with conditions related to pregnancy and childbirth (22.3%), and diseases of blood and blood-forming organs (17.7%). The median time spent in hospital was 8 days (range, 0–214) and in-hospital mortality was 15.4%. Discussion Our sample of blood transfusion recipients were fairly young and most of them received red blood cell transfusions. The majority of patients in the reproductive age group received blood transfusions for pregnancy and childbirth-related diagnoses. PMID:26192782

  2. What factors contribute to hospital variation in obstetric transfusion rates?

    PubMed Central

    Patterson, J A; Roberts, C L; Isbister, J P; Irving, D O; Nicholl, M C; Morris, J M; Ford, J B

    2015-01-01

    Background and Objectives To explore variation in red blood cell transfusion rates between hospitals, and the extent to which this can be explained. A secondary objective was to assess whether hospital transfusion rates are associated with maternal morbidity. Materials and Methods Linked hospital discharge and birth data were used to identify births (n = 279 145) in hospitals with at least 10 deliveries per annum between 2008 and 2010 in New South Wales, Australia. To investigate transfusion rates, a series of random-effects multilevel logistic regression models were fitted, progressively adjusting for maternal, obstetric and hospital factors. Correlations between hospital transfusion and maternal, neonatal morbidity and readmission rates were assessed. Results Overall, the transfusion rate was 1·4% (hospital range 0·6–2·9) across 89 hospitals. Adjusting for maternal casemix reduced the variation between hospitals by 26%. Adjustment for obstetric interventions further reduced variation by 8% and a further 39% after adjustment for hospital type (range 1·1–2·0%). At a hospital level, high transfusion rates were moderately correlated with maternal morbidity (0·59, P = 0·01), but not with low Apgar scores (0·39, P = 0·08), or readmission rates (0·18, P = 0·29). Conclusion Both casemix and practice differences contributed to the variation in transfusion rates between hospitals. The relationship between outcomes and transfusion rates was variable; however, low transfusion rates were not associated with worse outcomes. PMID:25092527

  3. What is the role of autologous blood transfusion in major spine surgery?

    PubMed

    Kumar, Naresh; Chen, Yongsheng; Nath, Chinmoy; Liu, Eugene Hern Choon

    2012-06-01

    Major spine surgery is associated with significant blood loss, which has numerous complications. Blood loss is therefore an important concern when undertaking any major spine surgery. Blood loss can be addressed by reducing intraoperative blood loss and replenishing perioperative blood loss. Reducing intraoperative blood loss helps maintain hemodynamic equilibrium and provides a clearer operative field during surgery. Homologous blood transfusion is still the mainstay for replenishing blood loss in major spine surgery across the world, despite its known adverse effects. These significant adverse effects can be seen in up to 20% of patients. Autologous blood transfusion avoids the risks associated with homologous blood transfusion and has been shown to be cost-effective. This article reviews the different methods of autologous transfusion and focuses on the use of intraoperative cell salvage in major spine surgery. Autologous blood transfusion is a proven alternative to homologous transfusion in major spine surgery, avoiding most, if not all of these adverse effects. However, autologous blood transfusion rates in major spine surgery remain low across the world. Autologous blood transfusion may obviate the need for homologous transfusion completely. We encourage spine surgeons to consider autologous blood transfusion wherever feasible.

  4. Detection of putative oral pathogens in acute periradicular abscesses by 16S rDNA-directed polymerase chain reaction.

    PubMed

    Siqueira, J F; Rôças, I N; Oliveira, J C; Santos, K R

    2001-03-01

    A 16S rDNA-directed polymerase chain reaction method was used to assess the occurrence of four black-pigmented anaerobic rods, Treponema denticola, and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans in acute periradicular abscesses. Pus was collected by aspiration from 10 cases diagnosed as acute abscesses of endodontic origin. DNA was extracted from the samples and analyzed using a polymerase chain reaction-based identification assay. The method allowed detecting black-pigmented anaerobes in 80% of the examined abscesses. Porphyromonas endodontalis was found in 70%, T. denticola in 50%, Porphyromonas gingivalis in 40%, and Prevotella intermedia in 10% of the cases. P. gingivalis was always found associated with P. endodontalis. Prevotella nigrescens and A. actinomycetemcomitans were not found in any pus sample. The high prevalence of P. endodontalis, T. denticola, and P. gingivalis suggests that they can play an important role in the etiology of acute periradicular abscesses.

  5. Autologous blood donation in a small general acute-care hospital.

    PubMed Central

    Mott, L. S.; Jones, M. J.

    1995-01-01

    Increased public concerns about infectious risk associated with homologous blood transfusions have led to a significant increase in autologous blood collections. In response, blood banks and large hospitals have implemented autologous blood donation programs (ABDPs). Small hospitals lack the technical resources and patient case loads to effectively institute ABDPs. A preoperative ABDP designed to increase availability and patient convenience--and, therefore, utilization--is described. The program created in a rural 90-bed general acute-care hospital processed 105 donors and collected 197 units over a 38-month period. The percentage of the collected units that were transfused was 44.7%, and only 6.1% of participating patients required homologous transfusions. Comparisons of hematological and clinical data with previously published results indicate that small-scale preoperative ABDPs are clinically effective, safe, and provide cost-efficient utilization of the safest blood supply available. PMID:7674344

  6. Aneurysmal SubArachnoid Hemorrhage—Red Blood Cell Transfusion And Outcome (SAHaRA): a pilot randomised controlled trial protocol

    PubMed Central

    English, Shane W; Fergusson, D; Chassé, M; Lauzier, F; Griesdale, D; Algird, A; Kramer, A; Tinmouth, A; Lum, C; Sinclair, J; Marshall, S; Dowlatshahi, D; Boutin, A; Pagliarello, G; McIntyre, L A

    2016-01-01

    Introduction Anaemia is common in aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH) and is a potential critical modifiable factor affecting secondary injury. Despite physiological evidence and management guidelines that support maintaining a higher haemoglobin level in patients with aSAH, current practice is one of a more restrictive approach to transfusion. The goal of this multicentre pilot trial is to determine the feasibility of successfully conducting a red blood cell (RBC) transfusion trial in adult patients with acute aSAH and anaemia (Hb ≤100 g/L), comparing a liberal transfusion strategy (Hb ≤100 g/L) with a restrictive strategy (Hb ≤80 g/L) on the combined rate of death and severe disability at 12 months. Methods Design This is a multicentre open-label randomised controlled pilot trial at 5 academic tertiary care centres. Population We are targeting adult aSAH patients within 14 days of their initial bleed and with anaemia (Hb ≤110 g/L). Randomisation Central computer-generated randomisation, stratified by centre, will be undertaken from the host centre. Randomisation into 1 of the 2 treatment arms will occur when the haemoglobin levels of eligible patients fall to ≤100 g/L. Intervention Patients will be randomly assigned to either a liberal (threshold: Hb ≤100 g/L) or a restrictive transfusion strategy (threshold: Hb ≤80 g/L). Outcome Primary: Centre randomisation rate over the study period. Secondary: (1) transfusion threshold adherence; (2) study RBC transfusion protocol adherence; and (3) outcome assessment including vital status at hospital discharge, modified Rankin Score at 6 and 12 months and Functional Independence Measure and EuroQOL Quality of Life Scale scores at 12 months. Outcome measures will be reported in aggregate. Ethics and dissemination The study protocol has been approved by the host centre (OHSN-REB 20150433-01H). This study will determine the feasibility of conducting the large pragmatic RCT comparing 2

  7. Preventing blood transfusion failures: FMEA, an effective assessment method.

    PubMed

    Najafpour, Zhila; Hasoumi, Mojtaba; Behzadi, Faranak; Mohamadi, Efat; Jafary, Mohamadreza; Saeedi, Morteza

    2017-06-30

    Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) is a method used to assess the risk of failures and harms to patients during the medical process and to identify the associated clinical issues. The aim of this study was to conduct an assessment of blood transfusion process in a teaching general hospital, using FMEA as the method. A structured FMEA was recruited in our study performed in 2014, and corrective actions were implemented and re-evaluated after 6 months. Sixteen 2-h sessions were held to perform FMEA in the blood transfusion process, including five steps: establishing the context, selecting team members, analysis of the processes, hazard analysis, and developing a risk reduction protocol for blood transfusion. Failure modes with the highest risk priority numbers (RPNs) were identified. The overall RPN scores ranged from 5 to 100 among which, four failure modes were associated with RPNs over 75. The data analysis indicated that failures with the highest RPNs were: labelling (RPN: 100), transfusion of blood or the component (RPN: 100), patient identification (RPN: 80) and sampling (RPN: 75). The results demonstrated that mis-transfusion of blood or blood component is the most important error, which can lead to serious morbidity or mortality. Provision of training to the personnel on blood transfusion, knowledge raising on hazards and appropriate preventative measures, as well as developing standard safety guidelines are essential, and must be implemented during all steps of blood and blood component transfusion.

  8. Principles of blood transfusion service audit.

    PubMed

    Dosunmu, A O; Dada, M O

    2005-12-01

    Blood transfusion is still an important procedure in modern medical practice despite efforts to avoid it. This is due to it's association with infections especially HIV. It is therefore necessary to have proper quality control of its production, storage and usage [1]. A way of controlling usage is to do regular clinical audit. To effect this, there has to be an agreed standard for appropriate use of blood. The aim of this paper is to briefly highlight the importance of audit, audit procedures and tools i.e. required records, development of audit criteria and audit parameters. Every hospital/blood transfusion center is expected to develop a system of audit that is appropriate to its needs. The suggestions are mainly based on the experience at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital and the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service.

  9. Opiates or cocaine: mortality from acute reactions in six major Spanish cities. State Information System on Drug Abuse (SEIT) Working Group.

    PubMed Central

    Sánchez, J; Rodríguez, B; de la Fuente, L; Barrio, G; Vicente, J; Roca, J; Royuela, L

    1995-01-01

    STUDY OBJECTIVE--To describe temporal and geographical variations in mortality from acute reactions to opiates or cocaine and the demographic and toxicological characteristics of persons who died from these in major Spanish cities between 1983 and 1991. DESIGN--Descriptive study. Data were obtained retrospectively from pathologists' reports. SETTING--Cities of Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Zaragoza, and Bilbao. SUBJECTS--Deaths from acute reactions to opiates or cocaine were defined as those in which pathologists' reports did not indicate any other cause of death and in which evidence was found of recent consumption of these drugs. MAIN RESULTS--The mortality rate from acute reactions to opiate/cocaine per 100,000 population in the six cities as a whole rose from 1.2 in 1983 to 8.2 in 1991. Average annual rates for the whole period ranged from 1.7 in Seville to 4.9 in Barcelona. The male/female rates ratio was 5.9:1. The mean age of persons who died rose from 25.1 years in 1983 to 28 years in 1991. In more than 90% of the cases in whom toxicological tests were undertaken opiates were detected, and the proportion in which benzodiazepines or cocaine were detected increased during the period studied. CONCLUSIONS--Between 1983 and 1991 mortality from acute reactions to opiates/cocaine rose dramatically in major Spanish cities and significant differences in mortality between cities were found. Deaths were concentrated among men and young people. Acute drug reactions became one of the leading causes of death in persons 15-39 years of age, representing 11.1% of mortality from all causes in 1988 for this age group. Future studies should examine the relationship between the temporal and geographical variations in this type of mortality and various personal, environmental and social factors. PMID:7707007

  10. Risk factors for platelet transfusion in glioblastoma surgery.

    PubMed

    Lagman, Carlito; Sheppard, John P; Romiyo, Prasanth; Nguyen, Thien; Prashant, Giyarpuram N; Nagasawa, Daniel T; Liau, Linda M; Yang, Isaac

    2018-04-01

    The objectives of this study are to identify risk factors for and to evaluate clinical outcomes of platelet transfusion in glioblastoma surgery. The medical records of adult patients who underwent craniotomy for glioblastoma resection at a single academic medical center were retrospectively reviewed. We stratified patients into 2 groups: those who were transfused at least 1 unit of platelets intraoperatively or postoperatively (no more than 7 days after surgery), and those who were not transfused with platelets. Through the use of a 1:3 matched cohort analysis, we compared complications, length of stay, discharge disposition, and mortality, across groups. One hundred and five consecutive adult patients were included in this study. Thirteen patients (12.38%) received platelet transfusions. Prior antiplatelet therapy (odds ratio [OR] 8.21, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.36-28.58), preoperative platelet count less than 200,000 cells/µL (OR 8.46, 95% CI: 2.16-33.22), and longer operative times (OR 1.73, 95% CI: 1.10-2.72) were significant risk factors for platelet transfusion. There were no significant differences in the outcomes of interest in the matched cohort analysis. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  11. Blood donations from previously transfused or pregnant donors: a multicenter study to determine the frequency of alloexposure.

    PubMed

    Rios, Jorge A; Schlumpf, Karen S; Kakaiya, Ram M; Triulzi, Darrell J; Roback, John D; Kleinman, Steve H; Murphy, Edward L; Gottschall, Jerome L; Carey, Patricia M

    2011-06-01

    Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) mitigation strategies include the deferral of female donors from apheresis platelet (PLT) donations and the distribution of plasma for transfusion from male donors only. We studied the implications of these policies in terms of component loss at six blood centers in the United States. We collected data from allogeneic blood donors making whole blood and blood component donations during calendar years 2006 through 2008. We analyzed the distribution of donations in terms of the sex, transfusion and pregnancy histories, and blood type. A TRALI mitigation policy that would not allow plasma from female whole blood donors to be prepared into transfusable plasma components would result in nearly a 50% reduction in the units of whole blood available for plasma manufacturing and would decrease the number of type AB plasma units that could be made from whole blood donations by the same amount. Deferral of all female apheresis PLT donors, all female apheresis PLT donors with histories of prior pregnancies, or all female apheresis PLT donors with histories of prior pregnancies and positive screening test results for antibodies to human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) will result in a loss of 37.1, 22.5, and 5.4% of all apheresis PLT donations, respectively. A TRALI mitigation policy that only defers female apheresis PLT donors with previous pregnancies and HLAs would result in an approximately 5% decrease in the inventory of apheresis PLTs, but would eliminate a large proportion of components that are associated with TRALI. © 2010 American Association of Blood Banks.

  12. Hemoglobin and 2,3-diphosphoglycerate levels in transfused dialysis patients with myocardial infarction.

    PubMed

    Crowley, J P; Valeri, C R; Metzger, J B; Pono, L; Chazan, J

    1992-01-01

    Thirty frequently transfused patients on long term hemodialysis were studied and a similar number of age and sex-matched patients who were infrequently transfused were used as a control group to ascertain the influence of a previous myocardial infarction (MI) on transfusion requirements. The frequency of previous MI on electrocardiogram (ECG) in the transfused and control groups was similar (40 percent and 37 percent, respectively). In frequently transfused dialysis patients with MI, the hemoglobin level (transfusion trigger) at which these patients were transfused was higher than that of frequently transfused patients without MI (8.3 +/- 1.5 g per dl vs. 6.9 +/- 1 g per dl, p less than 0.01) which indicated that patients without MI tolerated a greater degree of anemia than those with MI. The 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG) levels were significantly elevated in all transfused patients when compared to matched controls. However, levels of 2,3-DPG were significantly higher in MI patients receiving frequent transfusions than in other transfused patients, suggesting oxygen demands may not have been fully met despite the frequent transfusions. The results suggest levels of 2,3-DPG deserve further study in relation to the adequacy of tissue oxygenation in anemic dialysis patients.

  13. Characterizing the Epidemiology of Perioperative Transfusion-associated Circulatory Overload

    PubMed Central

    Clifford, Leanne; Jia, Qing; Yadav, Hemang; Subramanian, Arun; Wilson, Gregory A.; Murphy, Sean P.; Pathak, Jyotishman; Schroeder, Darrell R.; Ereth, Mark H.; Kor, Daryl J.

    2016-01-01

    Background Transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO) is a leading cause of transfusion-related fatalities, but its incidence and associated patient and transfusion characteristics are poorly understood. To inform surgical transfusion practice and to begin mitigating perioperative TACO, the authors aimed to define its epidemiology. Methods In this retrospective cohort study, the medical records of adult patients undergoing noncardiac surgery with general anesthesia during 2004 or 2011 and receiving intraoperative transfusions were screened using an electronic algorithm for identification of TACO. Those patients who were screened as high probability for TACO underwent rigorous manual review. Univariate and multivariate analyses evaluated associations between patient and transfusion characteristics with TACO rates in a before-and-after study design. Results A total of 2,162 and 1,908 patients met study criteria for 2004 and 2011, respectively. The incidence of TACO was 5.5% (119 of 2,162) in 2004 versus 3.0% (57 of 1,908) in 2011 (P < 0.001), with comparable rates for men (4.8% [98 of 2,023]) and women (3.8% [78 of 2,047]) (P = 0.09). Overall, vascular (12.1% [60 of 497]), transplant (8.8% [17 of 193]), and thoracic surgeries (7.2% [10 of 138]) carried the highest TACO rates. Obstetric and gynecologic patients had the lowest rate (1.4% [4 of 295]). The incidence of TACO increased with volume transfused, advancing age, and total intraoperative fluid balance (all P < 0.001). Conclusions The incidence of perioperative TACO is similar to previous estimates in nonsurgical populations. There was a reduction in TACO rate between 2004 and 2011, with incidence patterns remaining comparable in subgroup analyses. Future efforts exploring risk factors for TACO may guide preventive or therapeutic interventions, helping to further mitigate this transfusion complication. PMID:25611653

  14. [Blood transfusion and supply chain management safety].

    PubMed

    Quaranta, Jean-François; Caldani, Cyril; Cabaud, Jean-Jacques; Chavarin, Patricia; Rochette-Eribon, Sandrine

    2015-02-01

    The level of safety attained in blood transfusion now makes this a discipline better managed care activities. This was achieved both by scientific advances and policy decisions regulating and supervising the activity, as well as by the quality system, which we recall that affects the entire organizational structure, responsibilities, procedures, processes and resources in place to achieve quality management. So, an effective quality system provides a framework within which activities are established, performed in a quality-focused way and continuously monitored to improve outcomes. This system quality has to irrigate all the actors of the transfusion, just as much the establishments of blood transfusion than the health establishments. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  15. Economic evaluation of pooled solvent/detergent treated plasma versus single donor fresh-frozen plasma in patients receiving plasma transfusions in the United States.

    PubMed

    Huisman, Eline L; de Silva, Shamika U; de Peuter, Maria A

    2014-08-01

    This study assessed the cost-effectiveness of Octaplas™ versus fresh frozen plasma (FFP) in patients receiving plasma transfusions in the United States (US). Acute and long-term complications of plasma transfusions were modelled in a decision tree followed by a Markov model, using a healthcare payer perspective. Over a lifetime time horizon, patients receiving Octaplas™ accumulate slightly more life years (0.00613 [95% uncertainty interval (95%UI): 0.00166-0.01561]) and quality-adjusted life years (QALY) (0.023 [95%UI: 0.012-0.044]) at lower cost compared with those treated with FFP. Octaplas™ demonstrated to be the dominant treatment option over FFP (95%UI: Dominant-US$ 15,764/QALY). Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  16. Acute hyperkalemia as a complication of intravenous therapy with epsilon-aminocaproic acid.

    PubMed

    Banerjee, Arna; Stoica, Cristina; Walia, Ann

    2011-11-01

    Epsilon-aminocaproic acid (EACA) is used frequently during surgery as prophylaxis to decrease blood loss and transfusion requirements. A rare complication of EACA induced acute hyperkalemia in a patient undergoing total hip replacement is presented. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  17. Management of twin anemia-polycythemia sequence using intrauterine blood transfusion for the donor and partial exchange transfusion for the recipient.

    PubMed

    Genova, L; Slaghekke, F; Klumper, F J; Middeldorp, J M; Steggerda, S J; Oepkes, D; Lopriore, E

    2013-01-01

    Twin anemia-polycythemia sequence (TAPS) is a rare condition which may occur either spontaneously in uncomplicated monochorionic twin pregnancies or may develop after laser treatment in twin-twin transfusion syndrome. TAPS is characterized by a large intertwin discordance in hemoglobin levels without discordance in amniotic fluid levels, and may lead to severe complications including fetal hydrops, hematological morbidity and perinatal mortality. Several treatments have been proposed including intrauterine transfusion, laser surgery, elective delivery and expectant management. The optimal treatment remains unclear. In this case series we report 3 TAPS cases managed recently at our center with a combination of intrauterine blood transfusion for the anemic twin and intrauterine partial exchange transfusion for the polycythemic twin. In 1 case, the donor was found to have severe cerebral injury on neuroimaging examination. We propose etiologic mechanisms for cerebral injury in TAPS, discuss the rationale behind this treatment alternative, and evaluate the pros and cons of the various management options. Copyright © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  18. Transfusion and blood donation in comic strips.

    PubMed

    Lefrère, Jean-Jacques; Danic, Bruno

    2013-07-01

    The representation of blood transfusion and donation of blood in the comic strip has never been studied. The comic strip, which is a relatively recent art, emerged in the 19th century before becoming a mass medium during the 20th century. We have sought, by calling on collectors and using the resources of Internet, comic strips devoted, wholly or in part, to the themes of transfusion and blood donation. We present some of them here in chronologic order, indicating the title, country of origin, year of publication, and names of authors. The theme of the superhero using transfusion to transmit his virtues or his powers is repeated throughout the 20th century in North American comic strips. More recently, comic strips have been conceived from the outset with a promotional aim. They perpetuate positive images and are directed toward a young readership, wielding humor to reduce the fear of venipuncture. Few comic strips denounce the abuse of the commercialization of products derived from the human body. The image of transfusion and blood donation given by the comic strips is not to be underestimated because their readership is primarily children, some of whom will become blood donors. Furthermore, if some readers are transfused during their lives, the impact of a memory more or less conscious of these childhood readings may resurface, both in hopes and in fears. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  19. Therapeutic transfusions of granulocytes collected by simple bag method for children with cancer and neutropenic infections: results of a single-centre pilot study.

    PubMed

    Kikuta, A; Ohto, H; Nemoto, K; Mochizuki, K; Sano, H; Ito, M; Suzuki, H

    2006-07-01

    Granulocyte transfusion therapy (GTX) can be effective for life-threatening infections unresponsive to conventional antimicrobial therapies in severely neutropenic children with cancer. We developed a new granulocyte collection method, named the 'bag method', in which apheresis, hydroxyethyl starch (HES) or dexamethasone are not used. We undertook a pilot study to determine the feasibility and the safety of GTX collected by the bag method for children with cancer and life-threatening infections. A total of 25 GTX were administered to 13 patients (median age 3 years, range: 0.3-17; median weight 10.6 kg, range: 4.5-49.8) with neutropenia-related infections. Thirteen blood-relative donors received granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) (5-10 microg/kg), subcutaneously, 14 h before collection. Major end-points were granulocyte yields, post-transfusion absolute neutrophil counts (ANC) in patients, donor and patient safety, and clinical outcome on day 30. The median yield of ANC per 400 ml of processed whole blood was 6.2 x 10(9) (range: 2.5-15.0 x 10(9)). Patients received a mean of 6.4 +/- 0.8 x 10(8) granulocytes per kg of body weight per transfusion. The 1-h and 24-h post-transfusion ANC rose to 607 +/- 124/microl and 704 +/- 300/microl, respectively, from the baseline of 21/microl before the first GTX. Adverse reactions were observed in five of 13 donors (bone pain, headache, vasovagal reaction; all < or = grade 2) and in two of 25 transfusions of 13 patients (transient hypoxia; grade 3). Ten patients had favourable responses, and infection resolved in nine patients. The bag method without apheresis relieves the physical load of donors and enables patients with a low body weight to provide an adequate dose of granulocytes.

  20. Clinical factors and the decision to transfuse chronic dialysis patients.

    PubMed

    Whitman, Cynthia B; Shreay, Sanatan; Gitlin, Matthew; van Oijen, Martijn G H; Spiegel, Brennan M R

    2013-11-01

    Red blood cell transfusion was previously the principle therapy for anemia in CKD but became less prevalent after the introduction of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents. This study used adaptive choice-based conjoint analysis to identify preferences and predictors of transfusion decision-making in CKD. A computerized adaptive choice-based conjoint survey was administered between June and August of 2012 to nephrologists, internists, and hospitalists listed in the American Medical Association Masterfile. The survey quantified the relative importance of 10 patient attributes, including hemoglobin levels, age, occult blood in stool, severity of illness, eligibility for transplant, iron indices, erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, cardiovascular disease, and functional status. Triggers of transfusions in common dialysis scenarios were studied, and based on adaptive choice-based conjoint-derived preferences, relative importance by performing multivariable regression to identify predictors of transfusion preferences was assessed. A total of 350 providers completed the survey (n=305 nephrologists; mean age=46 years; 21% women). Of 10 attributes assessed, absolute hemoglobin level was the most important driver of transfusions, accounting for 29% of decision-making, followed by functional status (16%) and cardiovascular comorbidities (12%); 92% of providers transfused when hemoglobin was 7.5 g/dl, independent of other factors. In multivariable regression, Veterans Administration providers were more likely to transfuse at 8.0 g/dl (odds ratio, 5.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.9 to 18.4). Although transplant eligibility explained only 5% of decision-making, nephrologists were five times more likely to value it as important compared with non-nephrologists (odds ratio, 5.2; 95% confidence interval, 2.4 to 11.1). Adaptive choice-based conjoint analysis was useful in predicting influences on transfusion decisions. Hemoglobin level, functional status, and cardiovascular comorbidities

  1. Clinical Factors and the Decision to Transfuse Chronic Dialysis Patients

    PubMed Central

    Whitman, Cynthia B.; Shreay, Sanatan; Gitlin, Matthew; van Oijen, Martijn G. H.

    2013-01-01

    Summary Background and objectives Red blood cell transfusion was previously the principle therapy for anemia in CKD but became less prevalent after the introduction of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents. This study used adaptive choice-based conjoint analysis to identify preferences and predictors of transfusion decision-making in CKD. Design, setting, participants, & measurements A computerized adaptive choice-based conjoint survey was administered between June and August of 2012 to nephrologists, internists, and hospitalists listed in the American Medical Association Masterfile. The survey quantified the relative importance of 10 patient attributes, including hemoglobin levels, age, occult blood in stool, severity of illness, eligibility for transplant, iron indices, erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, cardiovascular disease, and functional status. Triggers of transfusions in common dialysis scenarios were studied, and based on adaptive choice-based conjoint-derived preferences, relative importance by performing multivariable regression to identify predictors of transfusion preferences was assessed. Results A total of 350 providers completed the survey (n=305 nephrologists; mean age=46 years; 21% women). Of 10 attributes assessed, absolute hemoglobin level was the most important driver of transfusions, accounting for 29% of decision-making, followed by functional status (16%) and cardiovascular comorbidities (12%); 92% of providers transfused when hemoglobin was 7.5 g/dl, independent of other factors. In multivariable regression, Veterans Administration providers were more likely to transfuse at 8.0 g/dl (odds ratio, 5.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.9 to 18.4). Although transplant eligibility explained only 5% of decision-making, nephrologists were five times more likely to value it as important compared with non-nephrologists (odds ratio, 5.2; 95% confidence interval, 2.4 to11.1). Conclusions Adaptive choice-based conjoint analysis was useful in predicting

  2. Restrictive versus liberal transfusion strategies for older mechanically ventilated critically ill patients: a randomized pilot trial.

    PubMed

    Walsh, Timothy S; Boyd, Julia A; Watson, Douglas; Hope, David; Lewis, Steff; Krishan, Ashma; Forbes, John F; Ramsay, Pamela; Pearse, Rupert; Wallis, Charles; Cairns, Christopher; Cole, Stephen; Wyncoll, Duncan

    2013-10-01

    To compare hemoglobin concentration (Hb), RBC use, and patient outcomes when restrictive or liberal blood transfusion strategies are used to treat anemic (Hb≤90 g/L) critically ill patients of age≥55 years requiring≥4 days of mechanical ventilation in ICU. Parallel-group randomized multicenter pilot trial. Six ICUs in the United Kingdom participated between August 2009 and December 2010. One hundred patients (51 restrictive and 49 liberal groups). Patients were randomized to a restrictive (Hb trigger, 70 g/L; target, 71-90 g/L) or liberal (90 g/L; target, 91-110 g/L) transfusion strategy for 14 days or the remainder of ICU stay, whichever was longest. Baseline comorbidity rates and illness severity were high, notably for ischemic heart disease (32%). The Hb difference among groups was 13.8 g/L (95% CI, 11.5-16.0 g/L); p<0.0001); mean Hb during intervention was 81.9 (SD, 5.1) versus 95.7 (6.3) g/L; 21.6% fewer patients in the restrictive group were transfused postrandomization (p<0.001) and received a median 1 (95% CI, 1-2; p=0.002) fewer RBC units. Protocol compliance was high. No major differences in organ dysfunction, duration of ventilation, infections, or cardiovascular complications were observed during intensive care and hospital follow-up. Mortality at 180 days postrandomization trended toward higher rates in the liberal group (55%) than in the restrictive group (37%); relative risk was 0.68 (95% CI, 0.44-1.05; p=0.073). This trend remained in a survival model adjusted for age, gender, ischemic heart disease, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, and total non-neurologic Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score at baseline (hazard ratio, 0.54 [95% CI, 0.28-1.03]; p=0.061). A large trial of transfusion strategies in older mechanically ventilated patients is feasible. This pilot trial found a nonsignificant trend toward lower mortality with restrictive transfusion practice.

  3. Increased monocytes and bands following a red blood cell transfusion.

    PubMed

    Ellefson, A M; Locke, R G; Zhao, Y; Mackley, A B; Paul, D A

    2016-01-01

    The objective of this study is to analyze the white blood cell changes that occur after a transfusion of red blood cells in order to identify a subclinical inflammatory response in neonates. Retrospective analysis of infants who received a red blood cell transfusion in an intensive care nursery. White blood cell results within 24 h pre- to 48 h post-transfusion were collected and analyzed. Statistical analysis included ANOVA, T-test, Mann-Whitney U test, Pearson's correlation and multivariable linear regression. Monocytes (P=0.02) and bands (P=0.035) were increased post-transfusion. There were no differences in monocytes (P=0.46) or bands (P=0.56) between groups who did or did not have blood cultures obtained. There was no difference in monocytes between groups who did or did not have sepsis (P=0.88). We identified an elevation in monocytes and bands in the 48 h following a transfusion in premature infants. Our findings support a possible pro-inflammatory response related to transfusion of red blood cells.

  4. Red blood cell distribution width and haemoglobin are associated with hospital admission in patients with acute allergic reactions.

    PubMed

    Lippi, Giuseppe; Buonocore, Ruggero; Picanza, Alessandra; Schirosa, Fabio; Cervellin, Gianfranco

    2016-01-01

    Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is significantly associated with a variety of human disorders. This study aimed to investigate whether RDW value at admission may predict the need of hospitalisation in patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with acute allergic reactions. The study population consisted of adult patients (aged > 17) admitted to the ED for acute allergic reactions. One hundred and thirty-two subjects were included, 12 of whom (9%) required hospital admission for severity of symptoms. Patients who needed hospital admission displayed significantly lower values of haemoglobin and significantly higher values of RDW-coefficient of variation (RDW-CV). In multivariate analysis, haemoglobin and RDW-CV were found to be independent predictors of hospital admission. The area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity and specificity for predicting hospital admission were 0.72, 0.88 and 0.42 for haemoglobin and 0.73, 0.88 and 0.50 for RDW-CV, respectively. The combination of these tests (both positive) was characterised by 0.76 AUC, 0.83 sensitivity, 0.67 specificity, 0.96 negative predictive value and 0.30 positive predictive. The results of this study suggest that two common and inexpensive parameters such as haemoglobin and RDW are independent predictors of hospital admission in patients presenting to the ED with acute allergic reactions.

  5. Chronic transfusion practice for children with sickle cell anaemia and stroke.

    PubMed

    Aygun, Banu; McMurray, Marsha A; Schultz, William H; Kwiatkowski, Janet L; Hilliard, Lee; Alvarez, Ofelia; Heeney, Matthew; Kalinyak, Karen; Lee, Margaret T; Miller, Scott; Helms, Ronald W; Ware, Russell E

    2009-05-01

    Chronic transfusions to maintain haemoglobin S (HbS) < or =30% are the mainstay of treatment for children with sickle cell anaemia (SCA) and previous stroke. This HbS target is often hard to maintain, however, and values achieved in current practice are unknown. In preparation for the Phase III Stroke With Transfusions Changing to Hydroxyurea (SWiTCH) trial, we collected data on 295 children with SCA and stroke who received transfusions at 23 institutions. The overall average pre-transfusion %HbS was 35 +/- 11% (institutional range 22-51%). Receiving scheduled transfusions on time was the most predictive variable for maintaining HbS at the < or =30% goal.

  6. Variation in transfusion rates within a single institution: exploring the effect of differing practice patterns on the likelihood of blood product transfusion in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

    PubMed

    Cote, Claudia; MacLeod, Jeffrey B; Yip, Alexandra M; Ouzounian, Maral; Brown, Craig D; Forgie, Rand; Pelletier, Marc P; Hassan, Ansar

    2015-01-01

    Rates of perioperative transfusion vary widely among patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Few studies have examined factors beyond the clinical characteristics of the patients that may be responsible for such variation. The purpose of this study was to determine whether differing practice patterns had an impact on variation in perioperative transfusion at a single center. Patients who underwent cardiac surgery at a single center between 2004 and 2011 were considered. Comparisons were made between patients who had received a perioperative transfusion and those who had not from the clinical factors at baseline, intraoperative variables, and differing practice patterns, as defined by the surgeon, anesthesiologist, perfusionist, and the year in which the procedure was performed. The risk-adjusted effect of these factors on perioperative transfusion rates was determined using multivariable regression modeling techniques. The study population comprised 4823 patients, of whom 1929 (40.0%) received a perioperative transfusion. Significant variation in perioperative transfusion rates was noted between surgeons (from 32.4% to 51.5%, P < .0001), anesthesiologists (from 34.4% to 51.9%, P < .0001) and across year (from 28.2% in 2004 to 48.8% in 2008, P < .0001). After adjustment for baseline and intraoperative variables, surgeon, anesthesiologist, and year of procedure were each found to be independent predictors of perioperative transfusion. Differing practice patterns contribute to significant variation in rates of perioperative transfusion within a single center. Strategies aimed at reducing overall transfusion rates must take into account such variability in practice patterns and account for nonclinical factors as well as known clinical predictors of blood transfusions. Copyright © 2015 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  7. The restoration in vivo of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG) in stored red cells, after transfusion. The levels of red cells 2,3-DPG.

    PubMed

    Stan, Ana; Zsigmond, Eva

    2009-01-01

    Since the main reason for transfusing preserved red cells is to increase the oxygen carrying capacity of the recipient, the circulating preserved red cells should have at the time of transfusion normal oxygen uptake and normal oxyhemoglobin dissociation characteristics. We evaluated the effectiveness of transfused red cells, through periodical determination of erythrocyte components, during 72 hours after transfusions of large quantities (3,000 mL) of blood. Three patients with massive hemorrhages, two after amputation and one after nephrectomy were given each 3,000 mL preserved blood (in ACD, 10 days, at 4 degrees C). Red cell 2,3-DPG and serum inorganic phosphorus were determined prior to transfusion and after, periodically, for three days. Red cell 2,3-DPG was determined by Krimsky's method and inorganic phosphorus by Kuttner and Lichtenstein's method. The in vivo restoration of 2,3-DPG--of transfused red cells is shown as a percentage of recipient's final 2,3-DPG level, and was calculated in each of the three patients. The level of erythrocyte 2,3-DPG was greater than 60% of the final level within 24 hours, after the end of transfusion. The in vivo rates of restoration of 2,3-DPG in transfused red cells for periods of 0-6, 6-24, 24-48 and 48-72 hours are 0.251, 0.238, 0.133, 0.120 mM/L cells/hour. The therapeutic significance of the increased oxygen affinity of stored blood becomes very important in clinical conditions, when large volumes of red cells are urgently needed. After massive transfusions, the restoration of 2,3-DPG in red cells produces a decrease of serum inorganic phosphorus through its consumption. The stored blood with low values of erythrocyte 2,3-DPG can be used without hesitation when correcting a chronic anemia for instance, but in acute situation, when the organism needs restoration of the oxygen releasing capacity within minutes, the resynthesis is obviously insufficient. In such situations, fresh blood or blood with a near normal 2,3-DPG

  8. Association Between Allogeneic Blood Transfusion and Postoperative Infection in Major Spine Surgery.

    PubMed

    Fisahn, Christian; Jeyamohan, Shiveindra; Norvell, Daniel C; Tubbs, Richard S; Moisi, Marc; Chapman, Jens R; Page, Jeni; Oskouian, Rod J

    2017-08-01

    Retrospective cohort study. The objective of this study is to compare the incidence of infection in patients who do and do not receive blood transfusions in major deformity surgery (>8 levels). Postoperative infections increase morbidity and mortality rates in spine surgery and generate additional costs for the health care system. It has been proposed that blood transfusions increase the risk of wound infection, urinary tract infection, pneumonia, and sepsis. A total of 56 patients met the study criteria, receiving spine surgery involving the fusion of 8 levels or more. Patient-specific characteristics, starting and ending hematocrits, number of units transfused and infections including urinary tract infection, wound infection, pneumonia, and sepsis were documented. Differences in infection risk between those who did and did not undergo a transfusion and their 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Groups were similar with respect to baseline and surgical characteristics except for smoking status, operative time, estimated blood loss, and ending hematocrit. The overall infection rate was greater in patients who underwent transfusion than those who did not (36% vs. 10%; P=0.03). Wound infections (n=5) were only observed in those who underwent a transfusion. Smokers were more likely to receive a transfusion and more likely to experience infection. A stratified analysis demonstrated an increased risk of infection associated with transfusion; however, the risk was greater in smokers, suggesting the effect of transfusion on infection could be modified by smoking. Patients undergoing transfusion experienced a significantly longer hospital stay (P=0.01). Allogeneic red blood cell transfusion in major spine surgery could be a risk factor for postoperative infection. This increased risk seems to be magnified in those who smoke. Further studies are warranted, and risks of blood loss and transfusion-related complications in smokers also potentially merit exploration. Level

  9. Quality indicators for the hospital transfusion chain: a national survey conducted in 100 dutch hospitals.

    PubMed

    Zijlker-Jansen, P Y; Janssen, M P; van Tilborgh-de Jong, A J W; Schipperus, M R; Wiersum-Osselton, J C

    2015-10-01

    The 2011 Dutch Blood Transfusion Guideline for hospitals incorporates seven internal quality indicators for evaluation of the hospital transfusion chain. The indicators aim to measure guideline compliance as shown by the instatement of a hospital transfusion committee and transfusion safety officer (structural indicators), observance of transfusion triggers and mandatory traceability of labile blood components (process indicators). Two voluntary online surveys were sent to all Dutch hospitals for operational years 2011 and 2012 to assess compliance with the guideline recommendations. Most hospitals had a hospital transfusion committee and had appointed a transfusion safety officer (TSO). In 2012, only 23% of hospitals complied with the recommended minimum of four annual transfusion committee meetings and 8 h/week for the TSO. Compliance with the recommended pretransfusion haemoglobin threshold for RBC transfusion was achieved by 90% of hospitals in over 80% of transfusions; 58% of hospitals measured the pretransfusion platelet count in over 80% of platelet transfusions and 87% of hospitals complied with the legally mandatory traceability of blood components in over 95% of transfusions. With the current blood transfusion indicators, it is feasible to monitor aspects of the quality of the hospital transfusion chain and blood transfusion practice and to assess guideline compliance. The results from this study suggest that there are opportunities for significant improvement in blood transfusion practice in the Netherlands. These indicators could potentially be used for national and international benchmarking of blood transfusion practice. © 2015 International Society of Blood Transfusion.

  10. [Blood representations associated to chronic transfused patients: Symbolic interpretations and ethical perspectives].

    PubMed

    Petermann, R; Pêchard, M; Gesbert, C; Assez, N

    2016-09-01

    Since the beginning of the 20th century, major technological developments have been made in blood transfusion. Although numerous sociological studies have been conducted on donors, few have highlighted transfused patients, and in this case, the attention has almost exclusively been focused on transfusion risks in patients. Conversely, blood representations associated with the chronically transfused patients have not really been explored in the literature. Based on interviews conducted among chronically transfused patients (patients with hemoglobinopathy, malignant hemopathy or cancer), this present study enables to understand their needs and their expectations through their symbolic representations and their interpretations of blood transfusion, raising tensions as well ethical perspectives. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  11. Acute dissociative reaction to spontaneous delivery in a case of total denial of pregnancy: Diagnostic and forensic aspects.

    PubMed

    Şar, Vedat; Aydın, Nazan; van der Hart, Onno; Steven Frankel, A; Şar, Meriç; Omay, Oğuz

    2017-01-01

    This article presents the history of a 21-year-old female college student with total denial of pregnancy who experienced an acute dissociative reaction during the spontaneous delivery at home without medical assistance where the newborn died immediately. Psychiatric examination, self-report questionnaires, legal documents, and witness reports have been reviewed in evaluation of the case. Evidence pointed to total denial of pregnancy, that is, until delivery. The diagnoses of an acute dissociative reaction to stress (remitted) and a subsequent PTSD were established in a follow-up examination conducted 7 months after the delivery. Notwithstanding the inherently dissociative nature of total denial of pregnancy, no other evidence has been found about pre-existing psychopathology. For causing the newborn's death, the patient faced charges for "aggravated murder," which were later on reduced into "involuntary manslaughter." Given the physical incapacity to perform voluntary acts due to the loss of control over her actions during the delivery, and the presence of an acute dissociative reaction to unexpected delivery, the legal case represents an intricate overlap between "insanity" and "incapacitation" defenses. The rather broad severity spectrum of acute dissociative conditions requires evaluation of the limits and conditions of appropriate legal defenses by mental health experts and lawyers. Denial of pregnancy as a source of potential stress has attracted little interest in psychiatric literature although solid research exists which documented that it is not infrequent. Arguments are presented to introduce this condition as a diagnostic category of female reproductive psychiatry with a more neutral label: "unperceived pregnancy."

  12. Interaction between peri-operative blood transfusion, tidal volume, airway pressure and postoperative ARDS: an individual patient data meta-analysis.

    PubMed

    Serpa Neto, Ary; Juffermans, Nicole P; Hemmes, Sabrine N T; Barbas, Carmen S V; Beiderlinden, Martin; Biehl, Michelle; Fernandez-Bustamante, Ana; Futier, Emmanuel; Gajic, Ognjen; Jaber, Samir; Kozian, Alf; Licker, Marc; Lin, Wen-Qian; Memtsoudis, Stavros G; Miranda, Dinis Reis; Moine, Pierre; Paparella, Domenico; Ranieri, Marco; Scavonetto, Federica; Schilling, Thomas; Selmo, Gabriele; Severgnini, Paolo; Sprung, Juraj; Sundar, Sugantha; Talmor, Daniel; Treschan, Tanja; Unzueta, Carmen; Weingarten, Toby N; Wolthuis, Esther K; Wrigge, Hermann; de Abreu, Marcelo Gama; Pelosi, Paolo; Schultz, Marcus J

    2018-01-01

    Transfusion of blood products and mechanical ventilation with injurious settings are considered risk factors for postoperative lung injury in surgical Patients. A systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis was done to determine the independent effects of peri-operative transfusion of blood products, intra-operative tidal volume and airway pressure in adult patients undergoing mechanical ventilation for general surgery, as well as their interactions on the occurrence of postoperative acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Observational studies and randomized trials were identified by a systematic search of MEDLINE, CINAHL, Web of Science, and CENTRAL and screened for inclusion into a meta-analysis. Individual patient data were obtained from the corresponding authors. Patients were stratified according to whether they received transfusion in the peri-operative period [red blood cell concentrates (RBC) and/or fresh frozen plasma (FFP)], tidal volume size [≤7 mL/kg predicted body weight (PBW), 7-10 and >10 mL/kg PBW] and airway pressure level used during surgery (≤15, 15-20 and >20 cmH 2 O). The primary outcome was development of postoperative ARDS. Seventeen investigations were included (3,659 patients). Postoperative ARDS occurred in 40 (7.2%) patients who received at least one blood product compared to 40 patients (2.5%) who did not [adjusted hazard ratio (HR), 2.32; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.25-4.33; P=0.008]. Incidence of postoperative ARDS was highest in patients ventilated with tidal volumes of >10 mL/kg PBW and having airway pressures of >20 cmH 2 O receiving both RBC and FFP, and lowest in patients ventilated with tidal volume of ≤7 mL/kg PBW and having airway pressures of ≤15 cmH 2 O with no transfusion. There was a significant interaction between transfusion and airway pressure level (P=0.002) on the risk of postoperative ARDS. Peri-operative transfusion of blood products is associated with an increased risk of

  13. Identification errors in the blood transfusion laboratory: a still relevant issue for patient safety.

    PubMed

    Lippi, Giuseppe; Plebani, Mario

    2011-04-01

    Remarkable technological advances and increased awareness have both contributed to decrease substantially the uncertainty of the analytical phase, so that the manually intensive preanalytical activities currently represent the leading sources of errors in laboratory and transfusion medicine. Among preanalytical errors, misidentification and mistransfusion are still regarded as a considerable problem, posing serious risks for patient health and carrying huge expenses for the healthcare system. As such, a reliable policy of risk management should be readily implemented, developing through a multifaceted approach to prevent or limit the adverse outcomes related to transfusion reactions from blood incompatibility. This strategy encompasses root cause analysis, compliance with accreditation requirements, strict adherence to standard operating procedures, guidelines and recommendations for specimen collection, use of positive identification devices, rejection of potentially misidentified specimens, informatics data entry, query host communication, automated systems for patient identification and sample labeling and an adequate and safe environment. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  14. Blood Transfusion (For Parents)

    MedlinePlus

    ... child to have the blood transfusion. If the situation is not a life-threatening emergency, two tests ... feeling extreme tiredness and help give them enough energy for the activities of daily life. Benefits like ...

  15. Blood Transfusion and Donation

    MedlinePlus

    ... the blood transfusion. To keep blood safe, blood banks carefully screen donated blood. The risk of catching ... or more times before the surgery. A blood bank will store your blood for your use. NIH: ...

  16. Manual exchange transfusion for severe imported falciparum malaria: a retrospective study.

    PubMed

    Lin, Jinfeng; Huang, Xiaoying; Qin, Gang; Zhang, Suyan; Sun, Weiwei; Wang, Yadong; Ren, Ke; Xu, Junxian; Han, Xudong

    2018-01-16

    This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of exchange transfusion in patients with severe imported falciparum malaria. Twelve patients who met the diagnostic criteria for severe malaria were treated with exchange transfusion 14 times according to a conventional anti-malarial treatment. This study evaluated the efficacy of exchange transfusion for severe imported falciparum malaria. Clinical data of severe imported falciparum malaria patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of Nantong Third People's Hospital from January 2007 to December 2016 were investigated in this retrospective study. Patients were divided into the intervention group, which received exchange transfusion, and the control group. This study assessed parasite clearance and outcomes of the two groups, and levels of erythrocytes, haemoglobin, platelets, coagulation, liver function, lactate, C-reactive protein, and procalcitonin, before and after exchange transfusion in the intervention group. There was no significant difference in the severity of admitted patients. Exchange transfusion was successfully applied 14 times in the intervention group. Differences in the levels of erythrocytes, haemoglobin and platelets did not reach statistical significance. Exchange transfusion improved coagulation, liver function, lactic acid, C-reactive protein, and procalcitonin. No differences were observed in parasite clearance, ICU and hospital length of stay, in-hospital mortality, and costs of hospitalization between the two groups. Exchange transfusion as adjunctive therapy for severe malaria was observed to be safe in this setting. Exchange transfusion can improve liver function and coagulation and reduce inflammation, but it failed to improve parasite clearance and the outcomes of severe imported falciparum malaria in this case series.

  17. Effects of plasma transfusions on antithrombin levels after paediatric liver transplantation.

    PubMed

    Arni, D; Wildhaber, B E; McLin, V; Rimensberger, P C; Ansari, M; Fontana, P; Karam, O

    2018-05-15

    Thrombotic complications affect 3-10% of patients after liver transplantation (LT), leading to potentially life-threatening complications. In the days following LT, antithrombin (AT) is decreased longer than pro-coagulant factors, thus favouring a pro-thrombotic profile. Plasma transfusions are given empirically in some centres to correct AT levels following LT. We assessed the effect of plasma transfusion on AT levels after paediatric LT. Prospective single-centre observational study in 20 consecutive paediatric LT recipients over a 24-month period. Plasma was administered twice daily (10 ml/kg/dose) according to an existing protocol. AT levels were measured once daily, immediately prior to and one hour after the morning plasma transfusion. Sample size was calculated based on a non-inferiority hypothesis. The median age and weight were 11.6 years (IQR 2.8; 14.7) and 40 kg (IQR 12.75; 44.8), respectively. We collected 85-paired blood samples. The median AT level prior to plasma transfusion was 58%. The median difference in AT levels before and after plasma transfusion was 4.2% (P = 0.001). Changes in AT levels after plasma transfusion were not correlated with baseline AT levels (R = 0.19) or patient weight (R = 0.18). Plasma transfusions only marginally increase AT levels in children after LT. Therefore, prophylactic plasma transfusions probably do not seem to confer an advantage in the routine management of paediatric LT patients. Randomized controlled trials are needed to identify the optimal anticoagulation strategy in this specific population. © 2018 International Society of Blood Transfusion.

  18. Discharge hemoglobin and outcome in patients with acute nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding

    PubMed Central

    Lee, Jae Min; Kim, Eun Sun; Chun, Hoon Jai; Hwang, Young-Jae; Lee, Jae Hyung; Kang, Seung Hun; Yoo, In Kyung; Kim, Seung Han; Choi, Hyuk Soon; Keum, Bora; Seo, Yeon Seok; Jeen, Yoon Tae; Lee, Hong Sik; Um, Soon Ho; Kim, Chang Duck

    2016-01-01

    Background and study aims: Many patients with acute gastrointestinal bleeding present with anemia and frequently require red blood cell (RBC) transfusion. A restrictive transfusion strategy and a low hemoglobin (Hb) threshold for transfusion had been shown to produce acceptable outcomes in patients with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding. However, most patients are discharged with mild anemia owing to the restricted volume of packed RBCs (pRBCs). We investigated whether discharge Hb influences the outcome in patients with acute nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Patients and methods: We retrospectively analyzed patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding who had received pRBCs during hospitalization between January 2012 and January 2014. Patients with variceal bleeding, malignant lesion, stroke, or cardiovascular disease were excluded. We divided the patients into 2 groups, low (8 g/dL ≤ Hb < 10 g/dL) and high (Hb ≥ 10 [g/dL]) discharge Hb, and compared the clinical course and Hb changes between these groups. Results: A total of 102 patients met the inclusion criteria. Fifty patients were discharged with Hb levels < 10 g/dL, whereas 52 were discharged with Hb levels > 10 g/dL. Patients in the low Hb group had a lower consumption of pRBCs and shorter hospital stay than did those in the high Hb group. The Hb levels were not fully recovered at outpatient follow-up until 7 days after discharge; however, most patients showed Hb recovery at 45 days after discharge. The rate of rebleeding after discharge was not significantly different between the 2 groups. Conclusions: In patients with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding, a discharge Hb between 8 and 10 g/dL was linked to favorable outcomes on outpatient follow-up. Most patients recovered from anemia without any critical complication within 45 days after discharge. PMID:27540574

  19. Emergency department blood transfusion: the first two units are free.

    PubMed

    Ley, Eric J; Liou, Douglas Z; Singer, Matthew B; Mirocha, James; Melo, Nicolas; Chung, Rex; Bukur, Marko; Salim, Ali

    2013-09-01

    Studies on blood product transfusions after trauma recommend targeting specific ratios to reduce mortality. Although crystalloid volumes as little as 1.5 L predict increased mortality after trauma, little data is available regarding the threshold of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion volume that predicts increased mortality. Data from a level I trauma center between January 2000 and December 2008 were reviewed. Trauma patients who received at least 100 mL RBC in the emergency department (ED) were included. Each unit of RBC was defined as 300 mL. Demographics, RBC transfusion volume, and mortality were analyzed in the nonelderly (<70 y) and elderly (≥70 y). Multivariate logistic regression was performed at various volume cutoffs to determine whether there was a threshold transfusion volume that independently predicted mortality. A total of 560 patients received ≥100 mL RBC in the ED. Overall mortality was 24.3%, with 22.5% (104 deaths) in the nonelderly and 32.7% (32 deaths) in the elderly. Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that RBC transfusion of ≥900 mL was associated with increased mortality in both the nonelderly (adjusted odds ratio 2.06, P = 0.008) and elderly (adjusted odds ratio 5.08, P = 0.006). Although transfusion of greater than 2 units in the ED was an independent predictor of mortality, transfusion of 2 units or less was not. Interestingly, unlike crystalloid volume, stepwise increases in blood volume were not associated with stepwise increases in mortality. The underlying etiology for mortality discrepancies, such as transfusion ratios, hypothermia, or immunosuppression, needs to be better delineated. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  20. Blood transfusion: implications of treating a Jehovah's Witness patient.

    PubMed

    Effa-Heap, Gladys

    Jehovah's Witnesses believe that an individual's life is contained within blood, and that accepting transfusion of blood and blood products is sinful. The administration of blood to a Jehovah's Witness who has refused to accept transfusion may lead to criminal or civil proceedings. From an ethical viewpoint, if a rational adult who has been fully apprised of the consequences of not receiving this treatment persists in a refusal, the decision should be respected. Medical and nursing staff faced with such a problem should explore fully with the patient any transfusion alternatives that the patient might find acceptable, such as cell salvage, volume expanders, antifibrinolytics and pharmaceutical options, such as erythropoietin. This article examines the legal and consent issues around blood transfusion in Jehovah's Witness patients and their implications for medical and surgical management.

  1. Timing of Re-Transfusion Drain Removal Following Total Knee Replacement

    PubMed Central

    Leeman, MF; Costa, ML; Costello, E; Edwards, D

    2006-01-01

    INTRODUCTION The use of postoperative drains following total knee replacement (TKR) has recently been modified by the use of re-transfusion drains. The aim of our study was to investigate the optimal time for removal of re-transfusion drains following TKR. PATIENTS AND METHODS The medical records of 66 patients who had a TKR performed between October 2003 and October 2004 were reviewed; blood drained before 6 h and the total volume of blood drained was recorded. RESULTS A total of 56 patients had complete records of postoperative drainage. The mean volume of blood collected in the drain in the first 6 h was 442 ml. The mean total volume of blood in the drain was 595 ml. Therefore, of the blood drained, 78% was available for transfusion. CONCLUSION Re-transfusion drains should be removed after 6 h, when no further re-transfusion is permissible. PMID:16551400

  2. Low-shear red blood cell oxygen transport effectiveness is adversely affected by transfusion and further worsened by deoxygenation in sickle cell disease patients on chronic transfusion therapy.

    PubMed

    Detterich, Jon; Alexy, Tamas; Rabai, Miklos; Wenby, Rosalinda; Dongelyan, Ani; Coates, Thomas; Wood, John; Meiselman, Herbert

    2013-02-01

    Simple chronic transfusion therapy (CTT) is a mainstay for stroke prophylaxis in sickle cell anemia, but its effects on hemodynamics are poorly characterized. Transfusion improves oxygen-carrying capacity, reducing demands for high cardiac output. While transfusion decreases factors associated with vasoocclusion, including percent hemoglobin (Hb)S, reticulocyte count, and circulating cell-free Hb, it increases blood viscosity, which reduces microvascular flow. The hematocrit-to-viscosity ratio (HVR) is an index of red blood cell oxygen transport effectiveness that varies with shear stress and balances the benefits of improved oxygen capacity to viscosity-mediated impairment of microvascular flow. We hypothesized that transfusion would improve HVR at high shear despite increased blood viscosity, but would decrease HVR at low shear. To test this hypothesis, we examined oxygenated and deoxygenated blood samples from 15 sickle cell patients on CTT immediately before transfusion and again 12 to 120 hours after transfusion. Comparable changes in Hb, hematocrit (Hct), reticulocyte count, and HbS with transfusion were observed in all subjects. Viscosity, Hct, and high-shear HVR increased with transfusion while low-shear HVR decreased significantly. Decreased low-shear HVR suggests impaired oxygen transport to low-flow regions and may explain why some complications of sickle cell anemia are ameliorated by CTT and others may be made worse. © 2012 American Association of Blood Banks.

  3. Exchange transfusion - series (image)

    MedlinePlus

    ... of the infant's blood and replacement with fresh donor blood or plasma. Guidelines for an exchange transfusion include: ... from a waste container and a pack of donor blood. These are connected by means of a four- ...

  4. Protocol for a national blood transfusion data warehouse from donor to recipient

    PubMed Central

    van Hoeven, Loan R; Hooftman, Babette H; Janssen, Mart P; de Bruijne, Martine C; de Vooght, Karen M K; Kemper, Peter; Koopman, Maria M W

    2016-01-01

    Introduction Blood transfusion has health-related, economical and safety implications. In order to optimise the transfusion chain, comprehensive research data are needed. The Dutch Transfusion Data warehouse (DTD) project aims to establish a data warehouse where data from donors and transfusion recipients are linked. This paper describes the design of the data warehouse, challenges and illustrative applications. Study design and methods Quantitative data on blood donors (eg, age, blood group, antibodies) and products (type of product, processing, storage time) are obtained from the national blood bank. These are linked to data on the transfusion recipients (eg, transfusions administered, patient diagnosis, surgical procedures, laboratory parameters), which are extracted from hospital electronic health records. Applications Expected scientific contributions are illustrated for 4 applications: determine risk factors, predict blood use, benchmark blood use and optimise process efficiency. For each application, examples of research questions are given and analyses planned. Conclusions The DTD project aims to build a national, continuously updated transfusion data warehouse. These data have a wide range of applications, on the donor/production side, recipient studies on blood usage and benchmarking and donor–recipient studies, which ultimately can contribute to the efficiency and safety of blood transfusion. PMID:27491665

  5. The PPARdelta agonist GW501516 suppresses interleukin-6-mediated hepatocyte acute phase reaction via STAT3 inhibition.

    PubMed

    Kino, T; Rice, K C; Chrousos, G P

    2007-05-01

    Interleukin-6 and downstream liver effectors acute phase reactants are implicated in the systemic inflammatory reaction. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta (PPARdelta), which binds to and is activated by a variety of fatty acids, was recently shown to have anti-inflammatory actions. We examined the ability of the synthetic PPARdelta agonist GW501516 to suppress interleukin-6-induced expression of acute phase proteins in human hepatoma HepG2 cells and rat primary hepatocytes. Results GW501516 dose-dependently suppressed interleukin-6-induced mRNA expression of the acute phase protein alpha1-antichymotrypsin in HepG2 cells. The compound also suppressed interleukin-6-induced mRNA expression of alpha2-acid glycoprotein, beta-fibrinogen and alpha2-macroglobulin in and the secretion of C-reactive protein by rat primary hepatocytes. Depletion of the PPARdelta receptor, but not of PPARalpha or gamma, attenuated the suppressive effect of GW501516 on interleukin-6-induced alpha1-antichymotrypsin mRNA expression, indicating that PPARdelta specifically mediated this effect. Since interleukin-6 stimulates the transcriptional activity of the alpha1-antichymotrypsin promoter by activating the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3, we examined functional interaction of this transcription factor and PPARdelta on this promoter. Overexpression of PPARdelta enhanced the suppressive effect of GW501516 on STAT3-activated transcriptional activity of the alpha1-antichymotrypsin promoter, while GW501516 suppressed interleukin-6-induced binding of this transcription factor to this promoter. These findings indicate that agonist-activated PPARdelta interferes with interleukin-6-induced acute phase reaction in the liver by inhibiting the transcriptional activity of STAT3. PPARdelta agonists might be useful for the suppression of systemic inflammatory reactions in which IL-6 plays a central role.

  6. Severe Human Granulocytic Anaplasmosis Transmitted by Blood Transfusion

    PubMed Central

    Pecaver, Blaz; Tomazic, Janez; Muzlovic, Igor; Avsic-Zupanc, Tatjana; Premru-Srsen, Tanja; Levicnik-Stezinar, Snezna; Karner, Primoz; Strle, Franc

    2012-01-01

    A 36-year-old woman acquired severe human granulocytic anaplasmosis after blood transfusion following a cesarean section. Although intensive treatment with mechanical ventilation was needed, the patient had an excellent recovery. Disease caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection was confirmed in 1 blood donor and in the transfusion recipient. PMID:22841007

  7. Transfusions in autologous breast reconstructions: an analysis of risk factors, complications, and cost.

    PubMed

    Fischer, John P; Nelson, Jonas A; Sieber, Brady; Stransky, Carrie; Kovach, Stephen J; Serletti, Joseph M; Wu, Liza C

    2014-05-01

    Free tissue transfer requires lengthy operative times and can be associated with significant blood loss. The goal of our study was to determine independent risk factors for blood transfusions and transfusion-related complications and costs. We reviewed our prospectively maintained free flap database and identified all patients undergoing breast reconstruction receiving blood transfusions. These patients were compared with those not receiving a postoperative transfusion. We examined baseline patient comorbidities, preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin (HgB) levels, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and blood transfusions. Factors associated with transfusion were identified using univariate analyses, and multivariate logistic regression was used to determine independently associated factors. A total of 70 (8.2%) patients received postoperative blood transfusions. Multivariate analysis revealed associations between length of surgery (P=0.01), intraoperative arterial thrombosis [odds ratio (OR), 6.75; P=0.01], major surgical complications (OR, 25.9; P<0.001), medical complications (OR, 7.2; P=0.002), and postoperative HgB levels (OR, 0.2; P<0.001). Transfusions were independently associated with higher rates of medical complications (OR, 2.7; P=0.03). A significantly lower rate of medical complications was observed when a restrictive transfusion (HgB level, <7 g/dL) was administered (P=0.04). A cost analysis demonstrated that each blood transfusion was independently associated with an added $1,500 in total cost. Several key perioperative factors are associated with allogenic transfusion, including intraoperative complications, operative time, HgB level, and postoperative medical and surgical complications. Blood transfusions were independently associated with greater morbidity and added hospital costs. Overall, a restrictive transfusion strategy (HgB level, <7 g/dL or clinically symptomatic) may help minimize medical complications. Prognostic

  8. Transfusion medicine during the summer of 2006: lessons learned in northern Israel.

    PubMed

    Dann, Eldad J; Michaelson, Moshe; Barzelay, Mirit; Hoffman, Ron; Bonstein, Lilach

    2008-01-01

    In July 2006 a Hizballah attack erupted at the Lebanon-Israel border. Reported here is the experience of the Rambam Health Care Campus--a level I trauma center--during 33 days of warfare. Two hundred ninety-five soldiers and 209 civilians were admitted to the emergency department (ED). Forty-eight wounded soldiers (16%) and 12 civilians (6%) had transfusion. Twenty soldiers and 1 civilian had massive transfusions. The ratio between packed red blood cells and fresh frozen plasma (FFP) used for patients who had massive transfusion was 3:2. In these patients, the median prothrombin time international normalized ratio and partial thromboplastin time increased during the first 2 hours after admission from 1.29 to 1.51 and from 33.6 to 39 seconds, respectively. Twenty patients who had massive transfusion survived. Patients with an injury severity score of at least 16 had a higher need for blood products than others, with a lower severity score, with a mean packed red blood cells unit transfusion of 7 vs 4 (P = .03) and FFP transfusion of 13 vs 1.5 (P = .002), respectively. In conclusion, we observed that early transfusion of FFP to casualties with penetrating wounds requiring massive transfusion is needed to overcome the coagulopathy present. The presence of a transfusion service representative on-site in the ED is recommended to ensure proper identification and labeling of blood samples. Real-time consultations provided by a transfusion medicine physician in the operation theater was also found to be essential.

  9. [Estimating the microcosts of blood transfusion for hemato-oncological patients].

    PubMed

    Brilhante, Dialina; Macedo, Ana; Santos, Ana

    2008-01-01

    There are several ways of treating and preventing chemotherapy-associated anaemia, namely with erythropoiesis stimulating agents and blood transfusion, that remains an option. Since erythropoiesis stimulating agents have a high unitary cost, it is crucial to evaluate their cost-effectiveness, namely versus transfusion. The objective of this study is to calculate the cost of a blood transfusion, carried out at the Immunohemotherapy Outward of Instituto Português de Oncologia, Francisco Gentil, in Lisbon as treatment for neoplasia-associated anaemia. Cross sectional, observational study from the perspective of the Hospital and the National Health Service, which evaluates the resources and direct costs, associated with a blood transfusion of two erythrocyte concentrate (EC) units in hemato-oncology patients. Data regarding consumables, human resources, laboratory analysis and occupation of facilities was collected for a period of seven consecutive days, regarding both blood donation and transfusion procedures in the Immunohemotherapy Outward of Instituto Português de Oncologia, Francisco Gentil, in Lisbon. The total cost of a two EC unit transfusion was estimated at euro 676.2, with the greatest part of this cost being attributed to blood preparation, analysis and storage. Determining reliable costs in relation to medical actions and procedures is essential in analysing the cost-effectiveness of new drugs. This study evaluated the cost for the transfusion of two EC units and the results presented are similar to those obtained in other European countries by several authors.

  10. Quality of Evidence-Based Guidelines for Transfusion of Red Blood Cells and Plasma: A Systematic Review.

    PubMed

    Pavenski, Katerina; Stanworth, Simon; Fung, Mark; Wood, Erica M; Pink, Joanne; Murphy, Michael F; Hume, Heather; Nahirniak, Susan; Webert, Kathryn E; Tanael, Susano; Landry, Denise; Shehata, Nadine

    2018-06-01

    Many transfusion guidelines are available, but little appraisal of their quality has been undertaken. The quality of guidelines may potentially influence adoption. Our aim was to determine the quality of evidence-based transfusion guidelines (EBG) for red cells and plasma, using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE II) instrument, and assess duplication and consistency of recommendations. MEDLINE and EMBASE were systematically searched for EBG from 2005 to June 3, 2016. Citations were reviewed for inclusion in duplicate. A guideline was included if it had a specified clinical question, described a systematic search strategy, included critical appraisal of the literature and a description of how recommendations were developed. Four to six physicians used AGREE II to appraise each guideline. Median and scaled scores were calculated, with each item scored on a scale of one to seven, seven representing the highest score. Of 6174 citations, 30 guidelines met inclusion criteria. Twenty six guidelines had recommendations for red cells and 18 included recommendations for plasma use. The median score, the scaled score and the interquartile range of the scaled score were: scope and purpose: median score 5, scaled score 60%, IQR (49-74%); stakeholder involvement 4, 43%, (33-49%); rigor of development 4, 41%, (19-59%); clarity of presentation 5, 69%, (52-81%); applicability 1, 16%, (9-23%); editorial independence 3, 43%, (20-58%). Sixteen guidelines were evaluated to have a scaled domain score of 50% or less. Variations in recommendations were found for the use of hemoglobin triggers for red cell transfusion in patients with acute coronary syndromes and for plasma use for patients with bleeding. Our findings document, limited rigor in guideline development and duplication and inconsistencies in recommendations for the same topic. The process of developing guidelines for red cells and plasma transfusion can be enhanced to improve implementation

  11. Gene Therapy in Patients with Transfusion-Dependent β-Thalassemia.

    PubMed

    Thompson, Alexis A; Walters, Mark C; Kwiatkowski, Janet; Rasko, John E J; Ribeil, Jean-Antoine; Hongeng, Suradej; Magrin, Elisa; Schiller, Gary J; Payen, Emmanuel; Semeraro, Michaela; Moshous, Despina; Lefrere, Francois; Puy, Hervé; Bourget, Philippe; Magnani, Alessandra; Caccavelli, Laure; Diana, Jean-Sébastien; Suarez, Felipe; Monpoux, Fabrice; Brousse, Valentine; Poirot, Catherine; Brouzes, Chantal; Meritet, Jean-François; Pondarré, Corinne; Beuzard, Yves; Chrétien, Stany; Lefebvre, Thibaud; Teachey, David T; Anurathapan, Usanarat; Ho, P Joy; von Kalle, Christof; Kletzel, Morris; Vichinsky, Elliott; Soni, Sandeep; Veres, Gabor; Negre, Olivier; Ross, Robert W; Davidson, David; Petrusich, Alexandria; Sandler, Laura; Asmal, Mohammed; Hermine, Olivier; De Montalembert, Mariane; Hacein-Bey-Abina, Salima; Blanche, Stéphane; Leboulch, Philippe; Cavazzana, Marina

    2018-04-19

    Donor availability and transplantation-related risks limit the broad use of allogeneic hematopoietic-cell transplantation in patients with transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia. After previously establishing that lentiviral transfer of a marked β-globin (β A-T87Q ) gene could substitute for long-term red-cell transfusions in a patient with β-thalassemia, we wanted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of such gene therapy in patients with transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia. In two phase 1-2 studies, we obtained mobilized autologous CD34+ cells from 22 patients (12 to 35 years of age) with transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia and transduced the cells ex vivo with LentiGlobin BB305 vector, which encodes adult hemoglobin (HbA) with a T87Q amino acid substitution (HbA T87Q ). The cells were then reinfused after the patients had undergone myeloablative busulfan conditioning. We subsequently monitored adverse events, vector integration, and levels of replication-competent lentivirus. Efficacy assessments included levels of total hemoglobin and HbA T87Q , transfusion requirements, and average vector copy number. At a median of 26 months (range, 15 to 42) after infusion of the gene-modified cells, all but 1 of the 13 patients who had a non-β 0 /β 0 genotype had stopped receiving red-cell transfusions; the levels of HbA T87Q ranged from 3.4 to 10.0 g per deciliter, and the levels of total hemoglobin ranged from 8.2 to 13.7 g per deciliter. Correction of biologic markers of dyserythropoiesis was achieved in evaluated patients with hemoglobin levels near normal ranges. In 9 patients with a β 0 /β 0 genotype or two copies of the IVS1-110 mutation, the median annualized transfusion volume was decreased by 73%, and red-cell transfusions were discontinued in 3 patients. Treatment-related adverse events were typical of those associated with autologous stem-cell transplantation. No clonal dominance related to vector integration was observed. Gene therapy with autologous CD34

  12. Restrictive or Liberal Red-Cell Transfusion for Cardiac Surgery.

    PubMed

    Mazer, C David; Whitlock, Richard P; Fergusson, Dean A; Hall, Judith; Belley-Cote, Emilie; Connolly, Katherine; Khanykin, Boris; Gregory, Alexander J; de Médicis, Étienne; McGuinness, Shay; Royse, Alistair; Carrier, François M; Young, Paul J; Villar, Juan C; Grocott, Hilary P; Seeberger, Manfred D; Fremes, Stephen; Lellouche, François; Syed, Summer; Byrne, Kelly; Bagshaw, Sean M; Hwang, Nian C; Mehta, Chirag; Painter, Thomas W; Royse, Colin; Verma, Subodh; Hare, Gregory M T; Cohen, Ashley; Thorpe, Kevin E; Jüni, Peter; Shehata, Nadine

    2017-11-30

    The effect of a restrictive versus liberal red-cell transfusion strategy on clinical outcomes in patients undergoing cardiac surgery remains unclear. In this multicenter, open-label, noninferiority trial, we randomly assigned 5243 adults undergoing cardiac surgery who had a European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE) I of 6 or more (on a scale from 0 to 47, with higher scores indicating a higher risk of death after cardiac surgery) to a restrictive red-cell transfusion threshold (transfuse if hemoglobin level was <7.5 g per deciliter, starting from induction of anesthesia) or a liberal red-cell transfusion threshold (transfuse if hemoglobin level was <9.5 g per deciliter in the operating room or intensive care unit [ICU] or was <8.5 g per deciliter in the non-ICU ward). The primary composite outcome was death from any cause, myocardial infarction, stroke, or new-onset renal failure with dialysis by hospital discharge or by day 28, whichever came first. Secondary outcomes included red-cell transfusion and other clinical outcomes. The primary outcome occurred in 11.4% of the patients in the restrictive-threshold group, as compared with 12.5% of those in the liberal-threshold group (absolute risk difference, -1.11 percentage points; 95% confidence interval [CI], -2.93 to 0.72; odds ratio, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.76 to 1.07; P<0.001 for noninferiority). Mortality was 3.0% in the restrictive-threshold group and 3.6% in the liberal-threshold group (odds ratio, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.62 to 1.16). Red-cell transfusion occurred in 52.3% of the patients in the restrictive-threshold group, as compared with 72.6% of those in the liberal-threshold group (odds ratio, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.37 to 0.47). There were no significant between-group differences with regard to the other secondary outcomes. In patients undergoing cardiac surgery who were at moderate-to-high risk for death, a restrictive strategy regarding red-cell transfusion was noninferior to a liberal strategy with

  13. Dose of Prophylactic Platelet Transfusions and Prevention of Hemorrhage

    PubMed Central

    Slichter, Sherrill J.; Kaufman, Richard M.; Assmann, Susan F.; McCullough, Jeffrey; Triulzi, Darrell J.; Strauss, Ronald G.; Gernsheimer, Terry B.; Ness, Paul M.; Brecher, Mark E.; Josephson, Cassandra D.; Konkle, Barbara A.; Woodson, Robert D.; Ortel, Thomas L.; Hillyer, Christopher D.; Skerrett, Donna L.; McCrae, Keith R.; Sloan, Steven R.; Uhl, Lynne; George, James N.; Aquino, Victor M.; Manno, Catherine S.; McFarland, Janice G.; Hess, John R.; Leissinger, Cindy; Granger, Suzanne

    2010-01-01

    BACKGROUND We conducted a trial of prophylactic platelet transfusions to evaluate the effect of platelet dose on bleeding in patients with hypoproliferative thrombocytopenia. METHODS We randomly assigned hospitalized patients undergoing hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation or chemotherapy for hematologic cancers or solid tumors to receive prophylactic platelet transfusions at a low dose, a medium dose, or a high dose (1.1×1011, 2.2×1011, or 4.4×1011 platelets per square meter of body-surface area, respectively), when morning platelet counts were 10,000 per cubic millimeter or lower. Clinical signs of bleeding were assessed daily. The primary end point was bleeding of grade 2 or higher (as defined on the basis of World Health Organization criteria). RESULTS In the 1272 patients who received at least one platelet transfusion, the primary end point was observed in 71%, 69%, and 70% of the patients in the low-dose group, the medium-dose group, and the high-dose group, respectively (differences were not significant). The incidences of higher grades of bleeding, and other adverse events, were similar among the three groups. The median number of platelets transfused was significantly lower in the low-dose group (9.25×1011) than in the medium-dose group (11.25×1011) or the high-dose group (19.63×1011) (P = 0.002 for low vs. medium, P<0.001 for high vs. low and high vs. medium), but the median number of platelet transfusions given was significantly higher in the low-dose group (five, vs. three in the medium-dose and three in the high-dose group; P<0.001 for low vs. medium and low vs. high). Bleeding occurred on 25% of the study days on which morning platelet counts were 5000 per cubic millimeter or lower, as compared with 17% of study days on which platelet counts were 6000 to 80,000 per cubic millimeter (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Low doses of platelets administered as a prophylactic transfusion led to a decreased number of platelets transfused per patient but an

  14. Efficiency and cost analysis of cell saver auto transfusion system in total knee arthroplasty.

    PubMed

    Bilgili, Mustafa Gökhan; Erçin, Ersin; Peker, Gökhan; Kural, Cemal; Başaran, Serdar Hakan; Duramaz, Altuğ; Avkan, Cevdet

    2014-06-01

    Blood loss and replacement is still a controversial issue in major orthopaedic surgery. Allogenic blood transfusion may cause legal problems and concerns regarding the transmission of transfusion-related diseases. Cellsaver Systems (CSS) were developed as an alternative to allogenic transfusion but CSS transfusion may cause coagulation, infection and haemodynamic instability. Our aim was to analyse the efficiency and cost analysis of a cell saver auto-transfusion system in the total knee arthroplasty procedure. Retrospective comparative study. Those patients who were operated on by unilateral, cemented total knee arthroplasty (TKA) were retrospectively evaluated. Group 1 included 37 patients who were treated using the cell saver system, and Group 2 involved 39 patients who were treated by allogenic blood transfusion. The groups were compared in terms of preoperative haemoglobin and haematocrit levels, blood loss and transfusion amount, whether allogenic transfusion was made, degree of deformity, body mass index and cost. No significant results could be obtained in the statistical comparisons made in terms of the demographic properties, deformity properties, preoperative laboratory values, transfusion amount and length of hospital stay of the groups. Average blood loss was calculated to be less in Group 1 (p<0.05) and cost was higher in Group 1 (p<0.05). Cell saver systems do not decrease the amount of allogenic blood transfusion and costs more. Therefore, the routine usage of the auto-transfusion systems is a controversial issue. Cell saver system usage does not affect allogenic blood transfusion incidence or allogenic blood transfusion volume. It was found that preoperative haemoglobin and body mass index rates may affect allogenic blood transfusion. Therefore, it is foreseen that auto-transfusion systems could be useful in patients with low haemoglobin level and body mass index.

  15. Prolonged red cell storage before transfusion increases extravascular hemolysis

    PubMed Central

    Rapido, Francesca; Brittenham, Gary M.; Bandyopadhyay, Sheila; La Carpia, Francesca; L’Acqua, Camilla; McMahon, Donald J.; Rebbaa, Abdelhadi; Wojczyk, Boguslaw S.; Netterwald, Jane; Wang, Hangli; Schwartz, Joseph; Eisenberger, Andrew; Soffing, Mark; Yeh, Randy; Divgi, Chaitanya; Ginzburg, Yelena Z.; Shaz, Beth H.; Sheth, Sujit; Francis, Richard O.; Spitalnik, Steven L.; Hod, Eldad A.

    2016-01-01

    BACKGROUND. Some countries have limited the maximum allowable storage duration for red cells to 5 weeks before transfusion. In the US, red blood cells can be stored for up to 6 weeks, but randomized trials have not assessed the effects of this final week of storage on clinical outcomes. METHODS. Sixty healthy adult volunteers were randomized to a single standard, autologous, leukoreduced, packed red cell transfusion after 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 weeks of storage (n = 10 per group). 51-Chromium posttransfusion red cell recovery studies were performed and laboratory parameters measured before and at defined times after transfusion. RESULTS. Extravascular hemolysis after transfusion progressively increased with increasing storage time (P < 0.001 for linear trend in the AUC of serum indirect bilirubin and iron levels). Longer storage duration was associated with decreasing posttransfusion red cell recovery (P = 0.002), decreasing elevations in hematocrit (P = 0.02), and increasing serum ferritin (P < 0.0001). After 6 weeks of refrigerated storage, transfusion was followed by increases in AUC for serum iron (P < 0.01), transferrin saturation (P < 0.001), and nontransferrin-bound iron (P < 0.001) as compared with transfusion after 1 to 5 weeks of storage. CONCLUSIONS. After 6 weeks of refrigerated storage, transfusion of autologous red cells to healthy human volunteers increased extravascular hemolysis, saturated serum transferrin, and produced circulating nontransferrin-bound iron. These outcomes, associated with increased risks of harm, provide evidence that the maximal allowable red cell storage duration should be reduced to the minimum sustainable by the blood supply, with 35 days as an attainable goal. REGISTRATION. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02087514. FUNDING. NIH grant HL115557 and UL1 TR000040. PMID:27941245

  16. Oral Tranexamic Acid Reduces Transfusions in Total Knee Arthroplasty.

    PubMed

    Perreault, Roger E; Fournier, Christine A; Mattingly, David A; Junghans, Richard P; Talmo, Carl T

    2017-10-01

    Tranexamic acid (TXA) reduces intraoperative blood loss and transfusions in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty. Although numerous studies demonstrate the efficacy of intravenous and topical TXA in these patients, few demonstrate the effectiveness and appropriate dosing recommendations of oral formulations. A retrospective cohort study was performed to evaluate differences in transfusion requirements in patients undergoing primary unilateral total knee arthroplasty with either no TXA (n = 866), a single-dose of oral TXA (n = 157), or both preoperative and postoperative oral TXA (n = 1049). Secondary outcomes included postoperative hemoglobin drop, total units transfused, length of stay, drain output, and cell salvage volume. Transfusion rates decreased from 15.4% in the no-oral tranexamic acid (OTA) group to 9.6% in the single-dose OTA group (P < .001) and 7% in the 2-dose group (P < .001), with no difference in transfusion rates between the single- and 2-dose groups (P = .390). In addition, postoperative hemoglobin drop was reduced from 4.2 g/dL in the no-OTA group to 3.5 g/dL in the single-dose group (P < .01) and to 3.4 g/dL in the 2-dose group (P < .01), without a difference between the single- and 2-dose groups (P = .233). OTA reduces transfusions, with greater ease of administration and improved cost-effectiveness relative to other forms of delivery. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  17. Reduction in blood transfusion in a cohort of infants having cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass after instituting a goal-directed transfusion policy.

    PubMed

    Machovec, Kelly A; Smigla, Gregory; Ames, Warwick A; Schwimer, Courtney; Homi, H Mayumi; Dhakal, Ishwori B; Jaquiss, Robert D B; Lodge, Andrew J; Jooste, Edmund H

    2016-10-01

    Current trends in pediatric cardiac surgery and anesthesiology include goal-directed allogeneic blood transfusion, but few studies address the transfusion of platelets and cryoprecipitate. We report a quality improvement initiative to reduce the transfusion of platelets and cryoprecipitate in infants having cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Data from 50 consecutive patients weighing four to ten kilograms having cardiac surgery with CPB were prospectively collected after the institution of a policy to obtain each patient's platelet and fibrinogen levels during the rewarming phase of CPB. Data from 48 consecutive patients weighing four to ten kilograms having cardiac surgery with CPB prior to the implementation of the policy change were retrospectively collected. Demographics, laboratory values and blood product transfusion data were compared between the groups, using the Chi-square/Fisher's exact test or the T-Test/Wilcoxon Rank-Sum test, as appropriate. The results showed more total blood product exposures in the control group during the time from bypass through the first twenty-four post-operative hours (median of 2 units versus 1 unit in study group, p=0.012). During the time period from CPB separation through the first post-operative day, 67% of patients in the control group received cryoprecipitate compared to 32% in the study group (p=0.0006). There was no difference in platelet exposures between the groups. Checking laboratory results during the rewarming phase of CPB reduced cryoprecipitate transfusion by 50%. This reproducible strategy avoids empiric and potentially unnecessary transfusion in this vulnerable population. © The Author(s) 2016.

  18. A rare case of anti-jk3 antibody detected on pre-transfusion investigation.

    PubMed

    Yousuf, Rabeya; Abdul Aziz, Suria; Yusof, Nurasyikin; Leong, Chooi-Fun

    2014-09-01

    We report a 47-year-old Malay lady, para 4 + 1, with known medical history of hypertension whom presented at Emergency Department with severe anaemia, most likely secondary to menorrhagia caused by uterine fibroids. Her haemoglobin was 5.5 g/dl and she was transfused with three units of packed cell without any adverse reaction, her haemoglobin level increased to 9.8 g/dl. She was then planned for total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy later. Four months later when she came for the elective surgery, her pre transfusion investigations showed blood group as B Rh D positive, with a probable R1R1 phenotype. Her antibody screening was positive in all the three panel cells. Further testings showed a negative Direct Coomb's test and negative autocontrol, antibody identification showed pan-agglutination reaction on all 11 panel cells with enzyme enhancement. Patient's red cell phenotype was Jk(a-b-). Anti-Jk3 was suspected and further confirmed in the reference laboratory by phenotyping as well as negative urea lysis test. This case report highlights an extremely rare but clinically significant anti-JK3 antibody detected during pretransfusion testing. This phenotype is rare in the white population, more commonly seen in various polynesians. Increased awareness among the blood bank personnel regarding the variability of the blood group phenotype and the capricious nature of the Kidd antibodies may contribute to the better management of these patients.

  19. Acute variceal haemorrhage in the United Kingdom: patient characteristics, management and outcomes in a nationwide audit.

    PubMed

    Jairath, Vipul; Rehal, Sunita; Logan, Richard; Kahan, Brennan; Hearnshaw, Sarah; Stanworth, Simon; Travis, Simon; Murphy, Michael; Palmer, Kelvin; Burroughs, Andrew

    2014-05-01

    Despite advances in treatment, acute variceal haemorrhage remains life-threatening. To describe contemporary characteristics, management and outcomes of patients with cirrhosis and acute variceal haemorrhage and risk factors for rebleeding and mortality. Multi-centre clinical audit conducted in 212 UK hospitals. In 526 cases of acute variceal haemorrhage, 66% underwent endoscopy within 24h with 64% (n=339) receiving endoscopic therapy. Prior to endoscopy, 57% (n=299) received proton pump inhibitors, 44% (n=232) vasopressors and 27% (n=144) antibiotics. 73% (n=386) received red cell transfusion, 35% (n=184) fresh frozen plasma and 14% (n=76) platelets, with widely varying transfusion thresholds. 26% (n=135) experienced further bleeding and 15% (n=80) died by day 30. The Model for End Stage Liver Disease score was the best predictor of mortality (area under the receiver operating curve=0.74, P<0.001). Neither the clinical nor full Rockall scores were useful predictors of outcome. Coagulopathy was strongly associated with rebleeding (odds ratio 2.23, 95% CI 1.22-4.07, P=0.01, up to day 30) and mortality (odds ratio 3.06, 95% CI 1.29-7.26, P=0.01). Although mortality has improved following acute variceal haemorrhage, rebleeding rates remain appreciably high. There are notable deficiencies in the use of vasopressors and endoscopic therapy. More work is needed to understand the optimum transfusion strategies. Better risk stratification tools are required to identify patients needing more intensive support. Copyright © 2013 Editrice Gastroenterologica Italiana S.r.l. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  20. Red blood cell transfusion for people undergoing hip fracture surgery.

    PubMed

    Brunskill, Susan J; Millette, Sarah L; Shokoohi, Ali; Pulford, E C; Doree, Carolyn; Murphy, Michael F; Stanworth, Simon

    2015-04-21

    The incidence of hip fracture is increasing and it is more common with increasing age. Surgery is used for almost all hip fractures. Blood loss occurs as a consequence of both the fracture and the surgery and thus red blood cell transfusion is frequently used. However, red blood cell transfusion is not without risks. Therefore, it is important to identify the evidence for the effective and safe use of red blood cell transfusion in people with hip fracture. To assess the effects (benefits and harms) of red blood cell transfusion in people undergoing surgery for hip fracture. We searched the Cochrane Bone, Joint and Muscle Trauma Group Specialised Register (31 October 2014), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library, 2014, Issue 10), MEDLINE (January 1946 to 20 November 2014), EMBASE (January 1974 to 20 November 2014), CINAHL (January 1982 to 20 November 2014), British Nursing Index Database (January 1992 to 20 November 2014), the Systematic Review Initiative's Transfusion Evidence Library, PubMed for e-publications, various other databases and ongoing trial registers. Randomised controlled trials comparing red blood cell transfusion versus no transfusion or an alternative to transfusion, different transfusion protocols or different transfusion thresholds in people undergoing surgery for hip fracture. Three review authors independently assessed each study's risk of bias and extracted data using a study-specific form. We pooled data where there was homogeneity in the trial comparisons and the timing of outcome measurement. We used GRADE criteria to assess the quality (low, moderate or high) of the evidence for each outcome. We included six trials (2722 participants): all compared two thresholds for red blood cell transfusion: a 'liberal' strategy to maintain a haemoglobin concentration of usually 10 g/dL versus a more 'restrictive' strategy based on symptoms of anaemia or a lower haemoglobin concentration, usually 8 g/dL. The exact

  1. The acute gastrointestinal subsyndrome of the acute radiation syndrome: a rhesus macaque model.

    PubMed

    MacVittie, Thomas J; Farese, Ann M; Bennett, Alexander; Gelfond, Daniel; Shea-Donohue, Terez; Tudor, Gregory; Booth, Catherine; McFarland, Emylee; Jackson, William

    2012-10-01

    The development of medical countermeasures against the acute gastrointestinal subsyndrome of the acute radiation syndrome in humans requires well characterized and validated animal models. These models must adhere to the criteria of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Animal Rule and consider the natural history and clinical context of the human radiation response and treatment in the nuclear terrorist scenario. The models must define the radiation dose- and time-dependent relationships for mortality and major signs of morbidity, including concurrent damage in other organs, such as the bone marrow, that may contribute to the overall mortality and morbidity. There are no such models of the gastrointestinal syndrome in response to total-body irradiation in the nonhuman primate. Herein, these parameters are defined for the rhesus macaque exposed to potentially lethal doses of radiation and administered medical management. Rhesus macaques (n = 69) were exposed bilaterally to 6 MV linear accelerator-derived photon total body irradiation to midline tissue (thorax) doses ranging from 10.0 to 14.0 Gy at 0.80 Gy min(-1). Following irradiation, all animals were administered supportive care consisting of fluids, anti-emetics, anti-diarrheal medication, antibiotics, blood transfusions, analgesics, and nutrition. The primary endpoint was survival at 15 d post-irradiation. Secondary endpoints included indices of dehydration, diarrhea, weight loss, hematological parameters, cellular histology of the small and large intestine, and mean survival time of decedents. Mortality within the 15-d in vivo study defined the acute gastrointestinal syndrome and provided an LD30/15 of 10.76 Gy, LD50/15 of 11.33 Gy, and an LD70/15 of 11.90 Gy. Intestinal crypt and villus loss were dose- and time-dependent with an apparent nadir 7 d post-irradiation and recovery noted thereafter. Severe myelosuppression and thrombocytopenia were noted in all animals, requiring the administration of

  2. Promoting High-Value Practice by Reducing Unnecessary Transfusions With a Patient Blood Management Program.

    PubMed

    Sadana, Divyajot; Pratzer, Ariella; Scher, Lauren J; Saag, Harry S; Adler, Nicole; Volpicelli, Frank M; Auron, Moises; Frank, Steven M

    2018-01-01

    Although blood transfusion is a lifesaving therapy for some patients, transfusion has been named 1 of the top 5 overused procedures in US hospitals. As unnecessary transfusions only increase risk and cost without providing benefit, improving transfusion practice is an effective way of promoting high-value care. Most high-quality clinical trials supporting a restrictive transfusion strategy have been published in the past 5 to 10 years, so the value of a successful patient blood management program has only recently been recognized. We review the most recent transfusion practice guidelines and the evidence supporting these guidelines. We also discuss several medical societies' Choosing Wisely campaigns to reduce or eliminate overuse of transfusions. A blueprint is presented for developing a patient blood management program, which includes discussion of specific methods for optimizing transfusion practice.

  3. Blood transfusion services in Delhi.

    PubMed

    Makroo, R N; Kumar, N D

    1993-04-01

    In 1991, approximately 40% of total blood requirement in Delhi was collected from commercial blood donors. The rest was supplied by voluntary and replacement donations in hospital-based blood banks and by voluntary blood recruiting agency (Indian Red Cross Society). This study analyses the standards of working and quality assurance in 26 blood transfusion centers in Delhi. The majority of these centers are ill-equipped and lack trained manpower. Most of these do not have adequate testing facilities and any standardized procedure for blood collection. Quality assurance scheme is not being followed and documentation and record maintenance is grossly inadequate. This reports also gives the recommendations for improvements of blood transfusion services in Delhi.

  4. Designing and Implementing a 5-Year Transfusion Medicine Diploma Program in China.

    PubMed

    Li, Tingting; Wang, Wenjing; Zhang, Ling; Zhou, Ye; Lai, Fucai; Fu, Yongshui; Wang, Chuanxi; Yang, Baocheng; Zhu, Weigang; Wu, Yanyun; Allain, Jean-Pierre; Stevens, Lori; Li, Chengyao

    2017-04-01

    The need for physicians and technical consultants specialized in transfusion medicine is urgent in China, as there are 20 000 hospitals and 500 blood centers in need of staff with this expertise. The progress made in transfusion medicine as a specialty has been relatively slow in China. Current Chinese medical education and service systems have not developed transfusion medicine as a stand-alone medical specialty. Most physicians receive only minimal training in transfusion medicine in medical school. This training is usually integrated into surgical training and addresses the most common technologies. In 2008, a 5-year bachelor's diploma program in transfusion medicine was established as an undergraduate specialty in Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China. This article intends to summarize the 8 years of experience educating undergraduates in the specialty of transfusion medicine. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  5. Predictive factors for red blood cell transfusion in children undergoing noncomplex cardiac surgery.

    PubMed

    Mulaj, Muj; Faraoni, David; Willems, Ariane; Sanchez Torres, Cristel; Van der Linden, Philippe

    2014-08-01

    Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion is frequently required in pediatric cardiac surgery and is associated with altered outcome and increased costs. Determining which factors predict transfusion in this context will enable clinicians to adopt strategies that will reduce the risk of RBC transfusion. This study aimed to assess predictive factors associated with RBC transfusion in children undergoing low-risk cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Children undergoing surgery to repair ventricular septal defect or atrioventricular septal defect from 2006 to 2011 were included in this retrospective study. Demography, preoperative laboratory testing, intraoperative data, and RBC transfusion were reviewed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to define factors that were able to predict RBC transfusion. Then, we employed receiver operating characteristic analysis to design a predictive score. Among the 334 children included, 261 (78%) were transfused. Age (<18 months), priming volume of the CPB (>43 mL/kg), type of oxygenator used, minimal temperature reached during CPB (<32°C), and preoperative hematocrit (<34%) were independently associated with RBC transfusion in the studied population. A predictive score 2 or greater was the best predictor of RBC transfusion. The present study identified several factors that were significantly associated with perioperative RBC transfusion. Based on these factors, we designed a predictive score that can be used to develop a patient-based blood management program with the aim of reducing the incidence of RBC transfusion. Copyright © 2014 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  6. Bar code-based pre-transfusion check in pre-operative autologous blood donation.

    PubMed

    Ohsaka, Akimichi; Furuta, Yoshiaki; Ohsawa, Toshiya; Kobayashi, Mitsue; Abe, Katsumi; Inada, Eiichi

    2010-10-01

    The objective of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of a bar code-based identification system for the pre-transfusion check at the bedside in the setting of pre-operative autologous blood donation (PABD). Between July 2003 and December 2008 we determined the compliance rate and causes of failure of electronic bedside checking for PABD transfusion. A total of 5627 (9% of all transfusions) PABD units were administered without a single mistransfusion. The overall rate of compliance with electronic checking was 99%. The bar code-based identification system was applicable to the pre-transfusion check for PABD transfusion. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  7. [To inadequate indication of blood transfusion in a reference hospital in Lima, Peru].

    PubMed

    Flores-Paredes, Wilfredo

    2011-12-01

    To determine frequency and clinical criteria associated to the inadequate indication of blood products. A cross-sectional study was performed between June and October 2002. Clinical charts and the laboratory tests from patients receiving blood transfusions were examined. A blood transfusion guideline was elaborated based on published consensus, and used to determine whether the indications for blood products transfusion was adequate or inadequate. A total of 311 blood transfusions were evaluated. The global prevalence of inappropriate indication was of 33.8 %. Red blood cells (RBC) were used inappropriately in 25 %, fresh frozen plasma (FFP) in 59 %, platelets in 13 % and cryoprecipitate in 88 %. From surgery related transfusions half of the indications were inadequate. In internal medicine, ICU and emergency related transfusions, approximately one third of the indications were inadequate. The FFP is the worst used blood product. We found a high frequency of inadequate blood transfusion. The identification of the specific clinical criteria used in inadequate indications transfusions will help in designing a better educational strategy towards a more rational use of the blood products.

  8. Prophylactic Plasma Transfusion Before Interventional Radiology Procedures Is Not Associated With Reduced Bleeding Complications.

    PubMed

    Warner, Matthew A; Woodrum, David A; Hanson, Andrew C; Schroeder, Darrell R; Wilson, Gregory A; Kor, Daryl J

    2016-08-01

    To determine the association between prophylactic plasma transfusion and periprocedural red blood cell (RBC) transfusion rates in patients with elevated international normalized ratio (INR) values undergoing interventional radiology procedures. In this retrospective cohort study, adult patients undergoing interventional radiology procedures with a preprocedural INR available within 30 days of the procedure during a study period of January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2013, were eligible for inclusion. Baseline characteristics, coagulation parameters, transfusion requirements, and procedural details were extracted. Univariate and multivariable propensity-matched analyses were used to assess the relationships between prophylactic plasma transfusion and the outcomes of interest, with a primary outcome assessed a priori of RBC transfusion occurring during the procedure or within the first 24 hours postprocedurally. A total of 18,204 study participants met inclusion criteria for this study, and 1803 (9.9%) had an INR of 1.5 or greater before their procedure. Of these 1803 patients, 196 patients (10.9%) received prophylactic plasma transfusion with a median time of 1.9 hours (interquartile range [IQR], 1.1-3.2 hours) between plasma transfusion initiation and procedure initiation. In multivariable propensity-matched analysis, plasma administration was associated with increased periprocedural RBC transfusions (odds ratio, 2.20; 95% CI, 1.38-3.50; P<.001) and postprocedural intensive care unit admission rates (odds ratio, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.41-3.14; P<.001) as compared with those who were not transfused preprocedurally. Similar relationships were seen at higher INR thresholds for plasma transfusion. In patients undergoing interventional radiology procedures, preprocedural plasma transfusions given in the setting of elevated INR values were associated with increased periprocedural RBC transfusions. Additional research is needed to clarify this potential association between

  9. Perioperative transfusion management in patients with sickle cell anaemia undergoing a total hip arthroplasty. Is there a role of red-cell exchange transfusion? A retrospective study in the CHU of Fort-de-France Martinique.

    PubMed

    Ould Amar, K; Rouvillain, J-L; Loko, G

    2013-03-01

    We conducted a retrospective study to examine the optimal regimen of transfusion and whether preoperative transfusion is needed in patients with Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) undergoing a Total hip arthroplasty (THA). Then, we assessed the incidence of perioperative complications rates among patients assigned to different transfusion regimens to propose finally the safety transfusion protocol. Preoperative transfusions are usually given to reduce or prevent perioperative complications to SCA patients undergoing THA. There is no consensus however on the best regimen of transfusion. During the period of 2000 to 2010, 14 patients with SCA (sex-ratio 0.4) with a mean age of 36 years underwent 16 THA (primary or revision). Three groups were differentiated according preoperatively protocol transfusion. Group 1: exchange transfusion (EXT), group 2: simple transfusion (ST), group 3: no transfusion (NT). Overall, preoperative transfusion was performed in 43.7% of cases and complications rate was 50%. In the group 1 (EXT) including five patients (31%), severe complications occurred in four patients (80%). in the group 2, including two patients (12.5%), no complications were observed. In the group 3, including nine patients (56%), complications occurred in four procedures (44.5%), the half of them were haemolytic complications. Our results support the decision to transfuse, ST, preoperatively only if the patient is significantly below their steady-state haemoglobin (Hb) level. Transfusion can be used intraoperatively according Hb level and/or the blood loss volume. Exchange transfusion appeared mostly to be related to postoperative morbidity rates. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  10. Transfusion of cell saver salvaged blood in neonates and infants undergoing open heart surgery significantly reduces RBC and coagulant product transfusions and donor exposures: results of a prospective, randomized, clinical trial.

    PubMed

    Cholette, Jill M; Powers, Karen S; Alfieris, George M; Angona, Ronald; Henrichs, Kelly F; Masel, Debra; Swartz, Michael F; Daugherty, L Eugene; Belmont, Kevin; Blumberg, Neil

    2013-02-01

    To evaluate whether transfusion of cell saver salvaged, stored at the bedside for up to 24 hrs, would decrease the number of postoperative allogeneic RBC transfusions and donor exposures, and possibly improve clinical outcomes. Prospective, randomized, controlled, clinical trial. Pediatric cardiac intensive care unit. Infants weighing less than 20 kg (n = 106) presenting for cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. Subjects were randomized to a cell saver transfusion group where cell saver blood was available for transfusion up to 24 hrs after collection, or to a control group. Cell saver subjects received cell saver blood for volume replacement and/or RBC transfusions. Control subjects received crystalloid or albumin for volume replacement and RBCs for anemia. Blood product transfusions, donor exposures, and clinical outcomes were compared between groups. Children randomized to the cell saver group had significantly fewer RBC transfusions (cell saver: 0.19 ± 0.44 vs. control: 0.75 ± 1.2; p = 0.003) and coagulant product transfusions in the first 48 hrs post-op (cell saver: 0.09 ± 0.45 vs. control: 0.62 ± 1.4; p = 0.013), and significantly fewer donor exposures (cell saver: 0.60 ± 1.4 vs. control: 2.3 ± 4.8; p = 0.019). This difference persisted over the first week post-op, but did not reach statistical significance (cell saver: 0.64 ± 1.24 vs. control: 1.1 ± 1.4; p = 0.07). There were no significant clinical outcome differences. Cell saver blood can be safely stored at the bedside for immediate transfusion for 24 hrs after collection. Administration of cell saver blood significantly reduces the number of RBC and coagulant product transfusions and donor exposures in the immediate postoperative period. Reduction of blood product transfusions has the potential to reduce transfusion-associated complications and decrease postoperative morbidity. Larger studies are needed to determine whether this transfusion strategy will improve clinical outcomes.

  11. Treating iron overload in patients with non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia

    PubMed Central

    Taher, Ali T; Viprakasit, Vip; Musallam, Khaled M; Cappellini, M Domenica

    2013-01-01

    Despite receiving no or only occasional blood transfusions, patients with non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia (NTDT) have increased intestinal iron absorption and can accumulate iron to levels comparable with transfusion-dependent patients. This iron accumulation occurs more slowly in NTDT patients compared to transfusion-dependent thalassemia patients, and complications do not arise until later in life. It remains crucial for these patients' health to monitor and appropriately treat their iron burden. Based on recent data, including a randomized clinical trial on iron chelation in NTDT, a simple iron chelation treatment algorithm is presented to assist physicians with monitoring iron burden and initiating chelation therapy in this group of patients. Am. J. Hematol. 88:409–415, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. PMID:23475638

  12. Hyperkalemia caused by rapid red cell transfusion and the potassium absorption filter

    PubMed Central

    Imashuku, Yasuhiko; Kitagawa, Hirotoshi; Mizuno, Takayoshi; Fukushima, Yutaka

    2017-01-01

    We report a case of transient hyperkalemia during hysterectomy after cesarean section, due to preoperatively undiagnosed placenta accreta that caused unforeseen massive hemorrhage and required rapid red cell transfusion. Hyperkalemia-induced by rapid red cell transfusion is a well-known severe complication of transfusion; however, in patients with sudden massive hemorrhage, rapid red cell transfusion is necessary to save their life. In such cases, it is extremely important to monitor serum potassium levels. For an emergency situation, a system should be developed to ensure sufficient preparation for immediate transfusion and laboratory tests. Furthermore, sufficient stock of preparations to treat hyperkalemia, such as calcium preparations, diuretics, glucose, and insulin is required. Moreover, a transfusion filter that absorbs potassium has been developed and is now available for clinical use in Japan. The filter is easy to use and beneficial, and should be prepared when it is available. PMID:28217070

  13. Risk factors for post-ICU red blood cell transfusion: a prospective study

    PubMed Central

    Marque, Sophie; Cariou, Alain; Chiche, Jean-Daniel; Mallet, Vincent Olivier; Pene, Frédéric; Mira, Jean-Paul; Dhainaut, Jean-François; Claessens, Yann-Erick

    2006-01-01

    Introduction Factors predictive of the need for red blood cell (RBC) transfusion in the intensive care unit (ICU) have been identified, but risk factors for transfusion after ICU discharge are unknown. This study aims identifies risk factors for RBC transfusion after discharge from the ICU. Methods A prospective, monocentric observational study was conducted over a 6-month period in a 24-bed medical ICU in a French university hospital. Between June and December 2003, 550 critically ill patients were consecutively enrolled in the study. Results A total of 428 patients survived after treatment in the ICU; 47 (11% of the survivors, 8.5% of the whole population) required RBC transfusion within 7 days after ICU discharge. Admission for sepsis (odds ratio [OR] 341.60, 95% confidence interval [CI] 20.35–5734.51), presence of an underlying malignancy (OR 32.6, 95%CI 3.8–280.1), female sex (OR 5.4, 95% CI 1.2–24.9), Logistic Organ Dysfunction score at ICU discharge (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.1–1.9) and age (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.02–1.12) were independently associated with RBC transfusion after ICU stay. Haemoglobin level at discharge predicted the need for delayed RBC transfusion. Use of vasopressors (OR 0.01, 95%CI 0.001–0.17) and haemoglobin level at discharge from the ICU (OR 0.02, 95% CI 0.007–0.09; P < 0.001) were strong independent predictors of transfusion of RBC 1 week after ICU discharge. Conclusion Sepsis, underlying conditions, unresolved organ failures and haemoglobin level at discharge were related to an increased risk for RBC transfusion after ICU stay. We suggest that strategies to prevent transfusion should focus on homogeneous subgroups of patients and take into account post-ICU needs for RBC transfusion. PMID:16965637

  14. Prophylactic platelet transfusion plus supportive care versus supportive care alone in adults with dengue and thrombocytopenia: a multicentre, open-label, randomised, superiority trial.

    PubMed

    Lye, David C; Archuleta, Sophia; Syed-Omar, Sharifah F; Low, Jenny G; Oh, Helen M; Wei, Yuan; Fisher, Dale; Ponnampalavanar, Sasheela S L; Wijaya, Limin; Lee, Linda K; Ooi, Eng-Eong; Kamarulzaman, Adeeba; Lum, Lucy C; Tambyah, Paul A; Leo, Yee-Sin

    2017-04-22

    5·34]; relative risk 0·81 [95% CI 0·56 to 1·17]; p=0·16). 13 adverse events occurred in the transfusion group and two occurred in the control group (5·81% [-4·42 to 16·01]; 6·26 [1·43 to 27·34]; p=0·0064). Adverse events that were possibly, probably, or definitely related to transfusion included three cases of urticaria, one maculopapular rash, one pruritus, and one chest pain, as well as one case each of anaphylaxis, transfusion-related acute lung injury, and fluid overload that resulted in serious adverse events. No death was reported. In adult patients with dengue and thrombocytopenia, prophylactic platelet transfusion was not superior to supportive care in preventing bleeding, and might be associated with adverse events. National Medical Research Council, Singapore. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  15. Emergency Blood Transfusion in Children in a Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria: Indications, Frequency and Outcome.

    PubMed

    Abhulimhen-Iyoha, B I; Israel-Aina, Y T

    2018-01-01

    Blood transfusion is a life-saving procedure in paediatric practice. It is important in replacing blood volume in cases of haemorrhage or providing specific blood components as required. However, the procedure carries some risks and complications. The decision to transfuse, frequency of transfusion and the availability of safe blood and blood products are essential determinants of the success of the procedure. Hence, knowledge of the indications and rate of transfusion is important to ensure that blood for transfusion is safe and made available as at when due. To determine the common indications for blood transfusion, the frequency of transfusion and outcome of transfused patients. Transfusion records of children admitted into the Children Emergency Room (CHER) of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Nigeria from January 2010 to December 2011 were retrieved. Information on the patients' biodata, indications for transfusion, type of blood product and outcome were documented. Within the 24 months under review, a total of 4133 patients were admitted, out of which 655 (15.8%) were transfused. The age of the children ranged between one month and 17 years (median and modal age was 2 years). Commonest indications for transfusion were severe malaria (55.4%), sepsis (11.5%) and sickle cell anaemia [SCA] (4.0%). Whole blood constituted the highest type of blood product utilized (99.7%). Of the 655 patients transfused, 226 (34.5%) had multiple transfusions. The frequency of blood transfusion was 1.2 transfusions per day. Ninety two percent (605) of the patients were discharged from CHER while nine (1.4%) discharged against medical advice. Mortality amongst them was 6.2% (41 patients). The ages of the patients (p = 0.56, C.I. = 0.99, 1.01) and the number of blood transfusions (p = 0.66, C.I.= 0.48, 1.60) were not significant predictors of mortality. Majority of the patients were transfused following preventable disease conditions. Reduction of the

  16. Transfusion medicine's role in hospital performance improvement. An administrator's view.

    PubMed

    Krempel, G; Jarosz, C

    1999-06-01

    Historically, hospital administrators have viewed all laboratory sections as cost centers. The major expenses in the transfusion service are those associated with labor and blood products. However, few administrators take the time to look past this cost to see the impact of an active transfusion medicine section in other areas of the hospital. This article examines the impact of inventory management, blood component utilization and waste, group purchasing, and new program implementation on transfusion service expense and revenue.

  17. Bilirubin levels and phototherapy use before and after neonatal red blood cell transfusions.

    PubMed

    Carroll, Patrick D; Christensen, Robert D; Baer, Vickie L; Sheffield, Mark J; Gerday, Erick; Ilstrup, Sarah J

    2016-11-01

    Our previous retrospective study suggested that red blood cell (RBC) transfusion of preterm neonates can be associated with an increase in bilirubin, but this has not been tested prospectively. We studied neonates before and after RBC transfusions, recording serial bilirubin levels and whether they qualified for phototherapy. Because lysed RBCs release plasma-free hemoglobin (Hb), a precursor to bilirubin, we also measured plasma free Hb and bilirubin from the donor blood. We studied 50 transfusions given to 39 neonates. Gestation ages of transfused neonates, at birth, were 26 (24-29) weeks (median [interquartile range]); birthweights were 750 (620-1070) g. The study transfusion was given on Day of Life 9.9 (3.4-19.2). In 20% (10/50) phototherapy was being administered at the beginning of and during the transfusion. In these patients neither the 4- to 6- nor the 24- to 36-hour-posttransfusion bilirubin levels were significantly higher than before transfusion. However, in 30% of the others (12/40) phototherapy was started (or restarted) after the transfusion and 15% had a posttransfusion bilirubin increase of at least 2.5 mg/dL. These neonates received donor blood with a higher plasma-free Hb (p < 0.05). Neonates commonly qualify for phototherapy after transfusion. A minority (15% in this series) have a posttransfusion bilirubin increase of at least 2.5 mg/dL. We speculate that neonates qualifying for a RBC transfusion, who are judged to be at high risk for bilirubin-induced neurotoxicity, might benefit from checking their serum bilirubin level after the transfusion and providing donor blood with low plasma-free Hb levels. © 2016 AABB.

  18. Protocol for a national blood transfusion data warehouse from donor to recipient.

    PubMed

    van Hoeven, Loan R; Hooftman, Babette H; Janssen, Mart P; de Bruijne, Martine C; de Vooght, Karen M K; Kemper, Peter; Koopman, Maria M W

    2016-08-04

    Blood transfusion has health-related, economical and safety implications. In order to optimise the transfusion chain, comprehensive research data are needed. The Dutch Transfusion Data warehouse (DTD) project aims to establish a data warehouse where data from donors and transfusion recipients are linked. This paper describes the design of the data warehouse, challenges and illustrative applications. Quantitative data on blood donors (eg, age, blood group, antibodies) and products (type of product, processing, storage time) are obtained from the national blood bank. These are linked to data on the transfusion recipients (eg, transfusions administered, patient diagnosis, surgical procedures, laboratory parameters), which are extracted from hospital electronic health records. Expected scientific contributions are illustrated for 4 applications: determine risk factors, predict blood use, benchmark blood use and optimise process efficiency. For each application, examples of research questions are given and analyses planned. The DTD project aims to build a national, continuously updated transfusion data warehouse. These data have a wide range of applications, on the donor/production side, recipient studies on blood usage and benchmarking and donor-recipient studies, which ultimately can contribute to the efficiency and safety of blood transfusion. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

  19. A Rare Case of Transfusion Transmission of Hepatitis A Virus to Two Patients with Haematological Disease

    PubMed Central

    da Silva, Suely Gonçalves Cordeiro; Leon, Luciane Almeida Amado; Alves, Gilda; Brito, Selma Magalhães; Sandes, Valcieny de Souza; Lima, Magda Maria Adorno Ferreira; Nogueira, Marta Colares; Tavares, Rita de Cássia Barbosa da Silva; Dobbin, Jane; Apa, Alexandre; de Paula, Vanessa Salete; Oliveira, Jaqueline Mendes de Oliveira; Pinto, Marcelo Alves; Ferreira Jr, Orlando da Costa; Motta, Iara de Jesus Ferreira

    2016-01-01

    Summary Background This paper describes the transmission of hepatitis A virus (HAV) to two blood recipients from a healthy donor that later presented to the blood bank with jaundice. Methods The RNA of HAV was detected by qualitative nested reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (nested RT-PCR) and quantified by real-time RT-PCR. HAV RNA samples were genotyped by direct sequencing of PCR products. A sequence from a fragment of 168 bp from the VP1/2A HAV region was used to construct a phylogenetic tree. Case Report A 31-year-old male donor accepted for donation of a whole blood unit returned to the blood bank with clinical jaundice 20 days after donation. His serological and NAT tests were negative for HBV and HCV. Serological tests for HAV IgM and IgG were negative on donation sample but positive on follow-up sample, confirming donor's HAV acute infection. Both recipients of red blood cells (R1) and platelet concentrate (R2) from the same implicated donation were HAV IgM-negative and IgG-positive. Qualitative PCR was positive on samples from all three individuals and phylogenetic analysis of viruses proved HAV transmission to the two recipients of blood products. HAV viral load on donor follow-up sample and the platelet recipient was 1.3 and 1.5 × 103 IU/ml, respectively. The RBC recipient, also infected by HCV, was undergoing bone marrow transplantation and died from fulminant hepatitis, 26 days after the implicated HAV transfusion. Conclusion The blood donor, a garbage collector, spontaneously returned to the blood bank when developing jaundice. This highlights the importance of donor education to immediately report to blood banks of any signs and symptoms related to infectious disease developed after blood donation. The fact that one immunocompromised patient with HCV infection died from fulminant hepatitis after receiving a HAV-contaminated platelet transfusion underpins the importance of a HAV vaccination program for these group of patients. PMID

  20. Cost-effectiveness of cell salvage and alternative methods of minimising perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion: a systematic review and economic model.

    PubMed

    Davies, L; Brown, T J; Haynes, S; Payne, K; Elliott, R A; McCollum, C

    2006-11-01

    To compare patient outcomes, resource use and costs to the NHS and NHS Blood Transfusion Authority (BTA) associated with cell salvage and alternative methods of minimising perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion. Electronic databases covering the period 1996-2004 for systematic reviews and 1994-2004 for economic evidence. Existing systematic reviews were updated with data from selected randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that involved adults scheduled for elective non-urgent surgery. Any resource use or cost data were extracted for potential use in populating an economic model. Relative risks or weighted mean difference of each outcome for each intervention were assessed, taking into account the number of RCTs included in each outcome and intervention and the presence of any heterogeneity. This allowed indirect comparison of the relative effectiveness of each intervention when the intervention is compared with allogeneic blood transfusion. A decision analytic model synthesised clinical and economic data from several sources, to estimate the relative cost-effectiveness of cell salvage for people undergoing elective surgery with moderate to major expected blood loss. The perspective of the NHS and patients and a time horizon of 1 month were used. The economic model was developed from reviews of effectiveness and cost-effectiveness and clinical experts. Secondary analysis explored the robustness of the results to changes in the timing and costs of cell salvage equipment, surgical procedure, use of transfusion protocols and time horizon of analysis. Overall, 668 studies were identified electronically for the update of the two systematic reviews. This included five RCTs, of which two were cell salvage and three preoperative autologous donation (PAD). Five published systematic reviews were identified for antifibrinolytics, fibrin sealants and restrictive transfusion triggers, PAD plus erythropoietin, erythropoietin alone and acute normovolaemic haemodilution (ANH