The continuing risk of transfusion-transmitted infections

Outpatient versus inpatient total shoulder arthroplasty: A meta-analysis of clinical outcomes and adverse events

BACKGROUND

In recent years, orthopaedic procedures have increasingly shifted from inpatient to outpatient settings. This trend includes total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA), which is being performed more frequently in outpatient facilities and ambulatory surgical centres. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes and rates of adverse events between outpatient and inpatient TSA.

METHODS

PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar (pages 1-20) databases were screened for articles comparing outpatient to inpatient TSA through June 2024, using relevant and holistic search terms. Non-comparative articles and those utilizing national databases were excluded from our study. Data on complications, myocardial infarction (MI), thromboembolic events, anaemia/transfusions, infections, readmissions, emergency department (ED) visits, revision surgery, and patient reported outcome measures at one year (Visual Analog Scale [VAS] and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons [ASES] score) were extracted.

RESULTS

A total of 14 articles were included in our study, involving 1070 outpatient and 1330 inpatient TSA patients. Patients in the inpatient group were older and had a higher ASA compared to the patients in the outpatient group. The outpatient TSA group was found to have significantly lower rates of overall complications (odds ratio [OR] = 0.59, p = 0.001), medical complications (OR = 0.43, p < 0.001), and readmissions (OR = 0.47, p = 0.008), as well as higher mean ASES scores (81.4 vs. 78.5, p = 0.01) when compared to the inpatient TSA group. There were no significant differences in rates of ED visits (p = 0.27), revisions (p = 0.06), and VAS scores (p = 0.15) between inpatient and outpatient TSA groups.

CONCLUSION

TSAs performed in the outpatient setting had a lower rate of overall adverse events, medical complications, readmissions, and a higher ASES score compared to inpatient TSAs. However, since patients in the inpatient group had higher ASA and were older, our results support the safety of the outpatient TSA based on the current selection criteria.

A Proposed Patient Selection Algorithm for Total Joint Arthroplasty Same-Day Discharge From an Ambulatory Surgery Center

BACKGROUND

Identifying appropriate patients for same-day discharge (SDD) total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is critical for maintaining optimal patient safety and outcomes. This study investigated patient outcomes after SDD TJA at a single ambulatory surgery center (ASC) and proposes a TJA patient-selection algorithm based on findings and existing literature.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of 660 patients was performed between July 2019 and October 2021 for all patients who underwent primary TJA in a single ASC. Successful SDD, length of surgery, estimated blood loss (EBL), complications, and readmission events were recorded for each patient. There were 20 total complications in 331 primary total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) (6.0%) and 15 total complications in 329 primary total hip arthroplasties (THAs) (4.6%).

RESULTS

There was one direct admission to the hospital in TKA patients and four direct admissions in THA patients, making the successful SDD rate 99.7% in TKAs, 98.8% in THAs, and 99.2% overall. In the TKA cohort, body mass index was associated with total complications (r = -0.15, P = 0.006); comorbidities with wound complications (P = 0.006); and EBL was with readmissions (r = 0.30, P < 0.001), revision surgery (r = 0.12, P = 0.04), and total complications (r = 0.16, P = 0.03). In the THA cohort, body mass index was weakly associated with wound complications (r = -0.12, P = 0.02), EBL was with emergency department visits (r = 0.18, P = 0.002) and total complications (r = 0.14, P = 0.01). However, there was no direct association between any of the analyzed characteristics and direct admission.

CONCLUSIONS

In our ASC cohort, patients had low rates of perioperative complications and hospital admissions, supporting the safety of SDD TJA using our proposed evidence-based algorithm to guide patient selection for SDD.

Self-anticoagulant sponge for whole blood auto-transfusion and its mechanism of coagulation factor inactivation

Clinical use of intraoperative auto-transfusion requires the removal of platelets and plasma proteins due to pump-based suction and water-soluble anticoagulant administration, which causes dilutional coagulopathy. Herein, we develop a carboxylated and sulfonated heparin-mimetic polymer-modified sponge with spontaneous blood adsorption and instantaneous anticoagulation. We find that intrinsic coagulation factors, especially XI, are inactivated by adsorption to the sponge surface, while inactivation of thrombin in the sponge-treated plasma effectively inhibits the common coagulation pathway. We show whole blood auto-transfusion in trauma-induced hemorrhage, benefiting from the multiple inhibitory effects of the sponge on coagulation enzymes and calcium depletion. We demonstrate that the transfusion of collected blood favors faster recovery of hemostasis compared to traditional heparinized blood in a rabbit model. Our work not only develops a safe and convenient approach for whole blood auto-transfusion, but also provides the mechanism of action of self-anticoagulant heparin-mimetic polymer-modified surfaces.

Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of a Single-Dose Tranexamic Acid in Reducing Blood Loss During Cytoreductive Surgery Followed by Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy: A Randomized Comparative Pilot Study

Background

Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), following cytoreductive surgery (CRS), is a lengthy procedure, usually associated with considerable bleeding due to the extensive nature of surgery. Various techniques have been used to decrease blood transfusion requirements.

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the possible advantage of a single dose of tranexamic acid (TA) in such surgeries.

Methods

In this randomized comparative pilot study, 60 patients scheduled to undergo CRS followed by HIPEC were randomly assigned to 2 equal groups: group 1 (TA group) that received 10 mg/kg of TA in 100 mL of 0.9% NaCl over 20 minutes after the induction of anesthesia and before surgical incision, and group 2 (control group) that received a placebo of 100 mL of 0.9% NaCl during the same time interval. The primary endpoint was the blood loss volume. The secondary endpoints were the number of patients requiring transfusion and the occurrence of any postoperative thrombotic events 30 days after surgery. Serum creatinine levels were measured before the operation and on postoperative days 1, 3, and 5. Intraoperative and first 24 hours urine outputs were also recorded. The levels of hemoglobin (Hb) were measured before the operation, immediately after the operation, and 5 days postoperatively.

Results

Compared to the control group, the TA group exhibited lower intraoperative blood loss, as well as lower blood loss on postoperative day 1 and in total blood loss (P = 0.006, 0.035, and 0.001, respectively). However, the blood loss on the remaining postoperative days was comparable between both groups. Intraoperative blood transfusion requirements were lower in the TA group (P = 0.032) than in the control group. The total number of units of blood and plasma transfused was also lower in the TA group both intra and postoperatively (0.007, 0.40, and 0.032, 0.008, respectively) than in the control group. Hemoglobin levels, serum creatinine levels, and urine outputs during the first 24 hours postoperatively were comparable between the 2 groups. The thromboembolic events within 30 days were also comparable between the 2 groups.

Conclusions

Administering a single dose of TA between the induction of anesthesia and the surgical incision may reduce blood loss and transfusion rates in CRS followed by HIPEC without causing significant adverse effects. It is a promising approach in surgeries where massive blood loss is expected shortly after anesthesia induction. This can minimize the drawbacks of repeated blood transfusions during and after the operation without causing significant adverse effects. Besides reducing the need for repeated blood transfusions, it would also reduce the costs of blood/blood products and the risks of transfusion.

Rebuilding the hematopoietic stem cell niche: Recent developments and future prospects

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) have proven their clinical relevance in stem cell transplantation to cure patients with hematological disorders. Key to their regenerative potential is their natural microenvironment - their niche - in the bone marrow (BM). Developments in the field of biomaterials enable the recreation of such environments with increasing preciseness in the laboratory. Such artificial niches help to gain a fundamental understanding of the biophysical and biochemical processes underlying the interaction of HSCs with the materials in their environment and the disturbance of this interplay during diseases affecting the BM. Artificial niches also have the potential to multiply HSCs in vitro, to enable the targeted differentiation of HSCs into mature blood cells or to serve as drug-testing platforms. In this review, we will introduce the importance of artificial niches followed by the biology and biophysics of the natural archetype. We will outline how 2D biomaterials can be used to dissect the complexity of the natural niche into individual parameters for fundamental research and how 3D systems evolved from them. We will present commonly used biomaterials for HSC research and their applications. Finally, we will highlight two areas in the field of HSC research, which just started to unlock the possibilities provided by novel biomaterials, in vitro blood production and studying the pathophysiology of the niche in vitro. With these contents, the review aims to give a broad overview of the different biomaterials applied for HSC research and to discuss their potentials, challenges and future directions in the field. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are multipotent cells responsible for maintaining the turnover of all blood cells. They are routinely applied to treat patients with hematological diseases. This high clinical relevance explains the necessity of multiplication or differentiation of HSCs in the laboratory, which is hampered by the missing natural microenvironment - the so called niche. Biomaterials offer the possibility to mimic the niche and thus overcome this hurdle. The review introduces the HSC niche in the bone marrow and discusses the utility of biomaterials in creating artificial niches. It outlines how 2D systems evolved into sophisticated 3D platforms, which opened the gateway to applications such as, expansion of clinically relevant HSCs, in vitro blood production, studying niche pathologies and drug testing.

The Efficacy and Safety of Epsilon-Aminocaproic Acid for Perioperative Blood Management in Spinal Fusion Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Perioperative blood loss is a major concern in spinal fusion surgery and often requires blood transfusion. A large amount of perioperative blood loss might increase the risks of various perioperative complications. Recent clinical studies have focused on the perioperative administration of epsilon-aminocaproic acid (EACA) in spinal fusion surgery. The aim of this review was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of EACA in spinal fusion surgery.

METHODS

Electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) were systematically searched up to April 2021. Data on perioperative blood loss, blood transfusion, and complications were extracted and analyzed by RevMan software.

RESULTS

Six randomized controlled studies comprising 398 patients undergoing spinal fusion surgery were included in this systematic review. Compared with the control group, the EACA group had significantly lower total perioperative blood loss, postoperative blood loss, postoperative hemoglobin, postoperative blood transfusion units, total blood transfusion units, and postoperative red blood cell transfusion units. Additionally, no significant differences were observed between the EACA and control groups in intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative blood transfusion units, intraoperative crystalloid administered, hospital stays, operative time, perioperative respiratory complications, and wound bleeding.

CONCLUSIONS

EACA in patients undergoing spinal fusion surgery is effective in perioperative hemostasis without increasing the incidence of postoperative complications. However, more large-scale trials are needed to examine the long-term adverse side effects of EACA in spinal fusion surgery.

Racial/ethnic and gender disparities in the use of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents and blood transfusions: cancer management under Medicare's reimbursement policy

BACKGROUND: Because of increasing safety concerns related to erythropoiesisstimulating agents (ESAs), the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued a Medicare reimbursement policy change regarding these medications in cancer patients. However, the policy established an absolute hemoglobin or hematocrit threshold to qualify for reasonable use but did not take the effect of gender and racial/ethnic differences in hemoglobin levels into consideration. OBJECTIVE: To examine disparities in the use of ESAs and blood transfusions after the Medicare policy change. METHODS: This study was an exploratory treatment effectiveness study and used the SEER-Medicare linked database. The treatment group was composed of cancer patients, whereas the control group was composed of chronic kidney disease patients. An interrupted time series design was used to examine the effect of the Medicare policy change on the use of ESAs and blood transfusions in different gender and racial/ethnic groups. RESULTS: The Medicare reimbursement policy change had an immediate effect on reducing the use of ESAs by 50% and increasing the use of blood transfusions by 10%. The immediate effect of the policy change on the monthly utilization of ESAs was 2 times greater in females (60% reduction) than males (30% reduction). Females had a 10% immediate increase in the monthly utilization of blood transfusions after the policy change. The policy change had the same immediate effect of a 50% reduction on the use of ESAs for Whites, African Americans/Blacks, and Latinos. African Americans/Blacks had a 50% immediate increase in the monthly utilization of blood transfusions after the policy change. CONCLUSIONS: Gender and racial/ethnic disparities were associated with the Medicare reimbursement policy change in the use of ESAs and blood transfusions. Thus, future policy considerations should keep biologic differences across gender and racial/ethnic groups in mind. DISCLOSURES: This study was funded by the SPARC Research Grant. The funder had no role in any part of this study. The authors have nothing to disclose.

Effect of Intraoperative Blood Loss on Perioperative Complications and Neurological Outcome in Adult Patients Undergoing Elective Brain Tumor Surgery

Background Major blood loss during neurosurgery can lead to several complications, including life-threatening hemodynamic instabilities. Studies addressing these complications in patients undergoing intracranial tumor surgery are limited. Materials and Methods During the study period, 456 patients who underwent elective craniotomy for brain tumor excision were categorized into four groups on the basis of estimated intraoperative blood volume loss: Group A (<20%), Group B (20-50%), Group C (>50-100%), and Group D (more than estimated blood volume). The occurrence of various perioperative complications was correlated with these groups to identify if there was any association with the amount of intraoperative blood loss. Results The average blood volume loss was 11% ± 5.3% in Group A, 29.8% ± 7.9% in Group B, 68.3% ± 13.5% in Group C, and 129.1% ± 23.9% in Group D. Variables identified as risk factors for intraoperative bleeding were female gender ( p < 0.001), hypertension ( p = 0.008), tumor size >5 cm ( p < 0.001), high-grade glioma ( p = 0.004), meningioma ( p < 0.001), mass effect ( p = 0.002), midline shift ( p = 0.014), highly vascular tumors documented on preoperative imaging ( p < 0.001), extended craniotomy approach ( p = 0.002), intraoperative colloids use >1,000 mL ( p < 0.001), intraoperative brain bulge ( p = 0.03), intraoperative appearance as highly vascular tumor ( p < 0.001), and duration of surgery >300 minutes ( p < 0.001). Conclusions Knowledge of these predictors may help anesthesiologists anticipate major blood loss during brain tumor surgery and be prepared to mitigate these complications to improve patient outcome.

Transfusion practice patterns in patients with anemia receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy for nonmyeloid cancer: results from a prospective observational study

Purpose

The decision to prescribe packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusions in patients with chemotherapy-induced anemia (CIA) includes assessment of clinical features such as the patient’s cancer type and treatment regimen, severity of anemia symptoms, and presence of comorbidities. We examined contemporary transfusion practices in patients with nonmyeloid cancer and CIA.

Methods

Key inclusion criteria were age ≥ 18 years with nonmyeloid cancer, receiving first/second-line myelosuppressive chemotherapy, baseline hemoglobin (Hb) ≤ 10.0 g/dL, and planned to receive ≥ 1 PRBC transfusions. Exclusion criteria were receipt of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents within 8 weeks of screening and/or chronic renal insufficiency. Data were collected from patients’ medical records, laboratory values, and physician/provider questionnaires. Proportion of patients for each clinical consideration leading to a decision to prescribe a PRBC transfusion and 95% exact binomial confidence intervals were determined.

Results

The study enrolled 154 patients at 18 sites in USA; 147 (95.5%) received a PRBC transfusion. Fatigue was the most common symptom affecting the decision to prescribe a PRBC transfusion (101 [69.2%] patients). Of the three reasons selected as primary considerations for prescribing a PRBC transfusion, anemia symptoms (106 [72.1%] patients) was the most frequently reported, followed by Hb value (37 [25.2%] patients) and medical history (4 [2.7%] patients).

Conclusions

In this study, the primary consideration for prescribing a PRBC transfusion was anemia symptoms in 72.1% of patients, with only 25.2% of patients prescribed a transfusion based exclusively on Hb value. Results indicate that clinical judgment and patient symptoms, not just Hb value, were used in decisions to prescribe PRBC transfusions.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00520-017-4035-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Pathogen-reduced platelets for the prevention of bleeding

BACKGROUND

Platelet transfusions are used to prevent and treat bleeding in people who are thrombocytopenic. Despite improvements in donor screening and laboratory testing, a small risk of viral, bacterial, or protozoal contamination of platelets remains. There is also an ongoing risk from newly emerging blood transfusion-transmitted infections for which laboratory tests may not be available at the time of initial outbreak.One solution to reduce the risk of blood transfusion-transmitted infections from platelet transfusion is photochemical pathogen reduction, in which pathogens are either inactivated or significantly depleted in number, thereby reducing the chance of transmission. This process might offer additional benefits, including platelet shelf-life extension, and negate the requirement for gamma-irradiation of platelets. Although current pathogen-reduction technologies have been proven to reduce pathogen load in platelet concentrates, a number of published clinical studies have raised concerns about the effectiveness of pathogen-reduced platelets for post-transfusion platelet count recovery and the prevention of bleeding when compared with standard platelets.This is an update of a Cochrane review first published in 2013.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effectiveness of pathogen-reduced platelets for the prevention of bleeding in people of any age requiring platelet transfusions.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (the Cochrane Library 2016, Issue 9), MEDLINE (from 1946), Embase (from 1974), CINAHL (from 1937), the Transfusion Evidence Library (from 1950), and ongoing trial databases to 24 October 2016.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included RCTs comparing the transfusion of pathogen-reduced platelets with standard platelets, or comparing different types of pathogen-reduced platelets.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used the standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified five new trials in this update of the review. A total of 15 trials were eligible for inclusion in this review, 12 completed trials (2075 participants) and three ongoing trials. Ten of the 12 completed trials were included in the original review. We did not identify any RCTs comparing the transfusion of one type of pathogen-reduced platelets with another.Nine trials compared Intercept® pathogen-reduced platelets to standard platelets, two trials compared Mirasol® pathogen-reduced platelets to standard platelets; and one trial compared both pathogen-reduced platelets types to standard platelets. Three RCTs were randomised cross-over trials, and nine were parallel-group trials. Of the 2075 participants enrolled in the trials, 1981 participants received at least one platelet transfusion (1662 participants in Intercept® platelet trials and 319 in Mirasol® platelet trials).One trial included children requiring cardiac surgery (16 participants) or adults requiring a liver transplant (28 participants). All of the other participants were thrombocytopenic individuals who had a haematological or oncological diagnosis. Eight trials included only adults.Four of the included studies were at low risk of bias in every domain, while the remaining eight included studies had some threats to validity.Overall, the quality of the evidence was low to high across different outcomes according to GRADE methodology.We are very uncertain as to whether pathogen-reduced platelets increase the risk of any bleeding (World Health Organization (WHO) Grade 1 to 4) (5 trials, 1085 participants; fixed-effect risk ratio (RR) 1.09, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02 to 1.15; I2 = 59%, random-effect RR 1.14, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.38; I2 = 59%; low-quality evidence).There was no evidence of a difference between pathogen-reduced platelets and standard platelets in the incidence of clinically significant bleeding complications (WHO Grade 2 or higher) (5 trials, 1392 participants; RR 1.10, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.25; I2 = 0%; moderate-quality evidence), and there is probably no difference in the risk of developing severe bleeding (WHO Grade 3 or higher) (6 trials, 1495 participants; RR 1.24, 95% CI 0.76 to 2.02; I2 = 32%; moderate-quality evidence).There is probably no difference between pathogen-reduced platelets and standard platelets in the incidence of all-cause mortality at 4 to 12 weeks (6 trials, 1509 participants; RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.50 to 1.29; I2 = 26%; moderate-quality evidence).There is probably no difference between pathogen-reduced platelets and standard platelets in the incidence of serious adverse events (7 trials, 1340 participants; RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.88 to 1.35; I2 = 0%; moderate-quality evidence). However, no bacterial transfusion-transmitted infections occurred in the six trials that reported this outcome.Participants who received pathogen-reduced platelet transfusions had an increased risk of developing platelet refractoriness (7 trials, 1525 participants; RR 2.94, 95% CI 2.08 to 4.16; I2 = 0%; high-quality evidence), though the definition of platelet refractoriness differed between trials.Participants who received pathogen-reduced platelet transfusions required more platelet transfusions (6 trials, 1509 participants; mean difference (MD) 1.23, 95% CI 0.86 to 1.61; I2 = 27%; high-quality evidence), and there was probably a shorter time interval between transfusions (6 trials, 1489 participants; MD -0.42, 95% CI -0.53 to -0.32; I2 = 29%; moderate-quality evidence). Participants who received pathogen-reduced platelet transfusions had a lower 24-hour corrected-count increment (7 trials, 1681 participants; MD -3.02, 95% CI -3.57 to -2.48; I2 = 15%; high-quality evidence).None of the studies reported quality of life.We did not evaluate any economic outcomes.There was evidence of subgroup differences in multiple transfusion trials between the two pathogen-reduced platelet technologies assessed in this review (Intercept® and Mirasol®) for all-cause mortality and the interval between platelet transfusions (favouring Intercept®).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Findings from this review were based on 12 trials, and of the 1981 participants who received a platelet transfusion only 44 did not have a haematological or oncological diagnosis.In people with haematological or oncological disorders who are thrombocytopenic due to their disease or its treatment, we found high-quality evidence that pathogen-reduced platelet transfusions increase the risk of platelet refractoriness and the platelet transfusion requirement. We found moderate-quality evidence that pathogen-reduced platelet transfusions do not affect all-cause mortality, the risk of clinically significant or severe bleeding, or the risk of a serious adverse event. There was insufficient evidence for people with other diagnoses.All three ongoing trials are in adults (planned recruitment 1375 participants) with a haematological or oncological diagnosis.

Does tranexamic acid reduce blood loss during head and neck cancer surgery?

Background and Aims:

Transfusion of blood and blood products poses several hazards. Antifibrinolytic agents are used to reduce perioperative blood loss. We decided to assess the effect of tranexamic acid (TA) on blood loss and the need for transfusion in head and neck cancer surgery.

Methods:

After Institutional Review Board approval, 240 patients undergoing supramajor head and neck cancer surgeries were prospectively randomised to either TA (10 mg/kg) group or placebo (P) group. After induction, the drug was infused by the anaesthesiologist, who was blinded to allocation, over 20 min. The dose was repeated every 3 h. Perioperative (up to 24 h) blood loss, need for transfusion and fluid therapy was recorded. Thromboelastography (TEG) was performed at fixed intervals in the first 100 patients. Patients were watched for post-operative complications.

Results:

Two hundred and nineteen records were evaluable. We found no difference in intraoperative blood loss (TA - 750 [600–1000] ml vs. P - 780 [150–2600] ml, P = 0.22). Post-operative blood loss was significantly more in the placebo group at 24 h (P - 200 [120–250] ml vs. TA - 250 [50–1050] ml, P = 0.009), but this did not result in higher number of patients needing transfusions (TA - 22/108 and P - 27/111 patients, P = 0.51). TEG revealed faster clot formation and minimal fibrinolysis. Two patients died of causes unrelated to study drug. Incidence of wound complications and deep venous thrombosis was similar.

Conclusion:

In head and neck cancer surgery, TA did not reduce intraoperative blood loss or need for transfusions. Perioperative TEG variables were similar. This may be attributed to pre-existing hypercoagulable state and minimal fibrinolysis in cancer patients.

A study protocol for a randomised controlled trial evaluating clinical effects of platelet transfusion products: the Pathogen Reduction Evaluation and Predictive Analytical Rating Score (PREPAReS) trial

INTRODUCTION

Patients with chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopaenia frequently experience minor and sometimes severe bleeding complications. Unrestrictive availability of safe and effective blood products is presumed by treating physicians as well as patients. Pathogen reduction technology potentially offers the opportunity to enhance safety by reducing bacterial and viral contamination of platelet products along with a potential reduction of alloimmunisation in patients receiving multiple platelet transfusions.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

To test efficacy, a randomised, single-blinded, multicentre controlled trial was designed to evaluate clinical non-inferiority of pathogen-reduced platelet concentrates treated by the Mirasol system, compared with standard plasma-stored platelet concentrates using the percentage of patients with WHO grade ≥ 2 bleeding complications as the primary endpoint. The upper limit of the 95% CI of the non-inferiority margin was chosen to be a ≤ 12.5% increase in this percentage. Bleeding symptoms are actively monitored on a daily basis. The adjudication of the bleeding grade is performed by 3 adjudicators, blinded to the platelet product randomisation as well as by an automated computer algorithm. Interim analyses evaluating bleeding complications as well as serious adverse events are performed after each batch of 60 patients. The study started in 2010 and patients will be enrolled up to a maximum of 618 patients, depending on the results of consecutive interim analyses. A flexible stopping rule was designed allowing stopping for non-inferiority or futility. Besides analysing effects of pathogen reduction on clinical efficacy, the Pathogen Reduction Evaluation and Predictive Analytical Rating Score (PREPAReS) is designed to answer several other pending questions and translational issues related to bleeding and alloimmunisation, formulated as secondary and tertiary endpoints.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethics approval was obtained in all 3 participating countries. Results of the main trial and each of the secondary endpoints will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NTR2106; Pre-results.

Malaria and blood transfusion: major issues of blood safety in malaria-endemic countries and strategies for mitigating the risk of Plasmodium parasites

Malaria inflicts humankind over centuries, and it remains as a major threat to both clinical medicine and public health worldwide. Though hemotherapy is a life-sustaining modality, it continues to be a possible source of disease transmission. Hence, hemovigilance is a matter of grave concern in the malaria-prone third-world countries. In order to pursue an effective research on hemovigilance, a comprehensive search has been conducted by using the premier academic-scientific databases, WHO documents, and English-language search engines. One hundred two appropriate articles were chosen for data extraction, with a particular reference to emerging pathogens transmitted through blood transfusion, specifically malaria. Blood donation screening is done through microscopic examination and immunological assays to improve the safety of blood products by detection major blood-borne pathogens, viz., HIV, HBV, HCV, syphilis, and malarial parasites. Transfusion therapy significantly dwindles the preventable morbidity and mortality attributed to various illnesses and diseases, particularly AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. Examination of thick and thin blood smears are performed to detect positivity and to identify the Plasmodium species, respectively. However, all of these existing diagnostic tools have their own limitations in terms of sensitivity, specificity, cost-effectiveness, and lack of resources and skilled personnel. Globally, despite the mandate need of screening blood and its components according to the blood-establishment protocols, it is seldom practiced in the low-income/poverty-stricken settings. In addition, each and every single phase of transfusion chain carries sizable inherent risks from donors to recipients. Interestingly, opportunities also lie ahead to enhance the safety of blood-supply chain and patients. It can be achieved through sustainable blood-management strategies like (1) appropriate usage of precise diagnostic tools/techniques, (2) promoting hemovigilance system, and (3) adopting novel processes of inactivation technology. Furthermore, selection of the zero-risk donors could pave the way to build a transmissible malaria-free world in the near future.

Blood Transfusions After Pediatric Cardiac Operations: A North American Multicenter Prospective Study

BACKGROUND

Red blood cell transfusion is an important supportive measure after pediatric cardiac operations. However, no clear hemoglobin threshold has been established. This study characterized anemia development and red blood cell transfusions in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) after cardiac operations.

METHODS

A prospective, multicenter, 6-month cohort study on the management of anemia in critically ill pediatric patients was conducted in 30 North American PICUs. This observational study enrolled 977 consecutive children (aged <18 years) who stayed in the PICU for 48 hours or more. We analyzed a subgroup of postcardiac surgical patients from this study.

RESULTS

Included were 175 cardiac patients, 56% of whom had cyanotic heart disease. The mean Pediatric Risk of Mortality (PRISM III) score was 6.4 ± 5.4. Fifty-four percent of children were anemic in the PICU (20% on admission, 34% during PICU stay). Most patients (79%) received at least one red blood cell transfusion in the PICU. Patients who received a transfusion had a significantly longer PICU stay (9.3 ± 6.3 vs 6.1 ± 5.4 days, p = 0.01). Pretransfusion hemoglobin was different in acyanotic and cyanotic patients (mean ± standard deviation: 11.1 ± 2.2 g/dL and 11.8 ± 2.1 g/dL, respectively). According to the attending physician, a low hemoglobin level was the primary indication for transfusion in only 17% of cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric cardiac surgical patients are at high risk of receiving red blood cell transfusions. This study, which showed great variability in transfusion practices across North American PICUs, highlights the need for clearer transfusion guidelines in this specific population.

Hepatitis C virus: Screening, diagnosis, and interpretation of laboratory assays

An estimated 3% of the world population is infected with Hepatitis C virus (HCV), a hepatotropic RNA virus, transmitted primarily via the blood route. The major modes of transmission of the virus include injection drug use, unsafe injection practices, blood transfusion etc. HCV causes chronic hepatitis in about 80% of those infected by it. The mainstay in diagnosing infection with HCV is to initially screen high risk groups for antibodies to HCV (anti-HCV). The inclusion of serum to cut-off ratio (S/CO) in recent guidelines is helpful in deciding the supplemental assay to be used to confirm initially reactive screening results. Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAT) are used as confirmatory tools, and also to determine viral load prior to initiating treatment. Quantitative NAT has replaced qualitative assays. Genotyping is an important tool in clinical management to predict the likelihood of response and determine the optimal duration of therapy. The impact of this infection has begun to emerge in India. The problem of professional blood donation despite an existing law against it, and flourishing unsafe injection practices, are potential sources for the spread of hepatitis C in our country. All health care practitioners need to understand how to establish or exclude a diagnosis of HCV infection and to interpret the tests correctly. In the absence of a preventive or therapeutic vaccine, and also of post-exposure prophylaxis against the virus, it is imperative to diagnose infection by HCV so as to prevent hepatic insult and the ensuing complications that follow, including primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This review aims to help blood bank staff regarding options for diagnosis and management of donors positive for HCV.

Pathogen-reduced platelets for the prevention of bleeding

BACKGROUND

Platelet transfusions are used to prevent and treat bleeding in patients who are thrombocytopenic. Despite improvements in donor screening and laboratory testing, a small risk of viral, bacterial or protozoal contamination of platelets remains. There is also an ongoing risk from newly emerging blood transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) for which laboratory tests may not be available at the time of initial outbreak.One solution to reduce further the risk of TTIs from platelet transfusion is photochemical pathogen reduction, a process by which pathogens are either inactivated or significantly depleted in number, thereby reducing the chance of transmission. This process might offer additional benefits, including platelet shelf-life extension, and negate the requirement for gamma-irradiation of platelets. Although current pathogen-reduction technologies have been proven significantly to reduce pathogen load in platelet concentrates, a number of published clinical studies have raised concerns about the effectiveness of pathogen-reduced platelets for post-transfusion platelet recovery and the prevention of bleeding when compared with standard platelets.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effectiveness of pathogen-reduced platelets for the prevention of bleeding in patients requiring platelet transfusions.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, The Cochrane Library 2013, Issue 1), MEDLINE (1950 to 18 February 2013), EMBASE (1980 to 18 February 2013), CINAHL (1982 to 18 February 2013) and the Transfusion Evidence Library (1980 to 18 February 2013). We also searched several international and ongoing trial databases and citation-tracked relevant reference lists. We requested information on possible unpublished trials from known investigators in the field.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the transfusion of pathogen-reduced platelets with standard platelets. We did not identify any RCTs which compared the transfusion of one type of pathogen-reduced platelets with another.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

One author screened all references, excluding duplicates and those clearly irrelevant. Two authors then screened the remaining references, confirmed eligibility, extracted data and analysed trial quality independently. We requested and obtained a significant amount of missing data from trial authors. We performed meta-analyses where appropriate using the fixed-effect model for risk ratios (RR) or mean differences (MD), with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), and used the I² statistic to explore heterogeneity, employing the random-effects model when I² was greater than 30%.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 10 trials comparing pathogen-reduced platelets with standard platelets. Nine trials assessed Intercept® pathogen-reduced platelets and one trial Mirasol® pathogen-reduced platelets. Two were randomised cross-over trials and the remaining eight were parallel-group RCTs. In total, 1422 participants were available for analysis across the 10 trials, of which 675 participants received Intercept® and 56 Mirasol® platelet transfusions. Four trials assessed the response to a single study platelet transfusion (all Intercept®) and six to multiple study transfusions (Intercept® (N = 5), Mirasol® (N = 1)) compared with standard platelets.We found the trials to be generally at low risk of bias but heterogeneous regarding the nature of the interventions (platelet preparation), protocols for platelet transfusion, definitions of outcomes, methods of outcome assessment and duration of follow-up.Our primary outcomes were mortality, 'any bleeding', 'clinically significant bleeding' and 'severe bleeding', and were grouped by duration of follow-up: short (up to 48 hours), medium (48 hours to seven days) or long (more than seven days). Meta-analysis of data from five trials of multiple platelet transfusions reporting 'any bleeding' over a long follow-up period found an increase in bleeding in those receiving pathogen-reduced platelets compared with standard platelets using the fixed-effect model (RR 1.09, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.15, I² = 59%); however, this meta-analysis showed no difference between treatment arms when using the random-effects model (RR 1.14, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.38).There was no evidence of a difference between treatment arms in the number of patients with 'clinically significant bleeding' (reported by four out of the same five trials) or 'severe bleeding' (reported by all five trials) (respectively, RR 1.06, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.21, I² = 2%; RR 1.27, 95% CI 0.76 to 2.12, I² = 51%). We also found no evidence of a difference between treatment arms for all-cause mortality, acute transfusion reactions, adverse events, serious adverse events and red cell transfusion requirements in the trials which reported on these outcomes. No bacterial transfusion-transmitted infections occurred in the six trials that reported this outcome.Although the definition of platelet refractoriness differed between trials, the relative risk of this event was 2.74 higher following pathogen-reduced platelet transfusion (RR 2.74, 95% CI 1.84 to 4.07, I² = 0%). Participants required 7% more platelet transfusions following pathogen-reduced platelet transfusion when compared with standard platelet transfusion (MD 0.07, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.11, I² = 21%), although the interval between platelet transfusions was only shown to be significantly shorter following multiple Intercept® pathogen-reduced platelet transfusion when compared with standard platelet transfusion (MD -0.51, 95% CI -0.66 to -0.37, I² = 0%). In trials of multiple pathogen-reduced platelets, our analyses showed the one- and 24-hour count and corrected count increments to be significantly inferior to standard platelets. However, one-hour increments were similar in trials of single platelet transfusions, although the 24-hour count and corrected count increments were again significantly lower.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

We found no evidence of a difference in mortality, 'clinically significant' or 'severe bleeding', transfusion reactions or adverse events between pathogen-reduced and standard platelets. For a range of laboratory outcomes the results indicated evidence of some benefits for standard platelets over pathogen-reduced platelets. These conclusions are based on data from 1422 patients included in 10 trials. Results from ongoing or new trials are required to determine if there are clinically important differences in bleeding risk between pathogen-reduced platelet transfusions and standard platelet transfusions. Given the variability in trial design, bleeding assessment and quality of outcome reporting, it is recommended that future trials apply standardised approaches to outcome assessment and follow-up, including safety reporting.

Haemoglobin predicts length of hospital stay after hip fracture surgery in older patients

OBJECTIVES

Treating anaemia in older patients who have undergone hip fracture surgery is to enhance functional recovery. The relationship between peri-operative haemoglobin levels and outcome after hip fracture surgery are controversial. We assessed whether higher haemoglobin levels predict length of hospital stay after hip fracture surgery in elderly subjects.

STUDY DESIGN

A follow-up study in a historical cohort was performed in 317 patients aged 65 years old undergoing hip fracture surgery over the period 2004-2006 at the Leiden University Medical Centre.

MEAN OUTCOME MEASURES

Linear regression analysis was used to assess the association between pre- and post-operative haemoglobin level and length of hospital stay after controlling for age and sex.

RESULTS

Anaemia after hip fracture surgery was present among 86% of the patients. Length of hospital stay after hip fracture surgery in elderly subjects with post-operative anaemia (10.7 days) was significantly longer than in elderly subjects without post-operative anaemia (7.5 days, p=0.007). Post-operative haemoglobin levels and length of hospital stay were inversely related (p=0.013). The length of hospital stay was not related with pre-operative haemoglobin level.

CONCLUSION

Higher postoperative haemoglobin levels predict shorter length of hospital stay after hip fracture surgery in the elderly. A definitive randomized clinical trial has to demonstrate whether this association is causal.

Natural and engineered plasmin inhibitors: applications and design strategies

The serine protease plasmin is ubiquitously expressed throughout the human body in the form of the zymogen plasminogen. Conversion to active plasmin occurs through enzymatic cleavage by plasminogen activators. The plasminogen activator/plasmin system has a well-established function in the removal of intravascular fibrin deposition through fibrinolysis and the inhibition of plasmin activity; this has found widespread clinical use in reducing perioperative bleeding. Increasing evidence also suggests diverse, although currently less defined, roles for plasmin in a number of physiological and pathological processes relating to extracellular matrix degradation, cell migration and tissue remodelling. In particular, dysregulation of plasmin has been linked to cancer invasion/metastasis and various chronic inflammatory conditions; this has prompted efforts to develop inhibitors of this protease. Although a number of plasmin inhibitors exist, they commonly suffer from poor potency and/or specificity of inhibition that either results in reduced efficacy or prevents clinical use. Consequently, there is a need for further development of high-affinity plasmin inhibitors that maintain selectivity over other serine proteases. This review summarises clearly defined and potential applications for plasmin inhibition. The properties of naturally occurring and engineered plasmin inhibitors are discussed in the context of current knowledge regarding plasmin structure, specificity and function. This includes design strategies to obtain the potency and specificity of inhibition in addition to controlled temporal and spatial distribution tailored for the intended use.

Low versus high haemoglobin concentration threshold for blood transfusion for preventing morbidity and mortality in very low birth weight infants

BACKGROUND

Infants of very low birth weight often receive multiple transfusions of red blood cells, usually in response to predetermined haemoglobin or haematocrit thresholds. In the absence of better indices, haemoglobin levels are imperfect but necessary guides to the need for transfusion. Chronic anaemia in premature infants may, if severe, cause apnoea, poor neurodevelopmental outcomes or poor weight gain.On the other hand, red blood cell transfusion may result in transmission of infections, circulatory or iron overload, or dysfunctional oxygen carriage and delivery.

OBJECTIVES

To determine if erythrocyte transfusion administered to maintain low as compared to high haemoglobin thresholds reduces mortality or morbidity in very low birth weight infants enrolled within three days of birth.

SEARCH METHODS

Two review authors independently searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library) , MEDLINE,EMBASE, and conference proceedings through June 2010.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We selected randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the effects of early versus late, or restrictive versus liberal erythrocyte transfusion regimes in low birth weight infants applied within three days of birth, with mortality or major morbidity as outcomes.

First 20 years with recombinant FVIIa (NovoSeven)

This review describes the background for the development of recombinant FVIIa (rFVIIa; NovoSeven) for use in haemophilic patients with inhibitors. The first proof of principle for using pharmacological doses of FVIIa as a haemostatic agent was obtained by producing small amounts of pure plasma-derived FVIIa, which showed encouraging effect in two patients with haemophilia A and inhibitors. To make pure FVIIa available for use in a larger number of patients, rFVIIa was produced that was approved for use in patients with inhibitors against coagulation factors (congenital haemophilia and acquired haemophilia) in 1996 (EU), 1999 (USA) and 2000 (Japan). The efficacy rate in severe bleedings and in major surgery including major orthopaedic surgery has been found to be around 90% in controlled studies, and no serious safety concerns have been demonstrated. The availability of rFVIIa has facilitated the performance of elective major surgery in haemophilia patients with inhibitors. Further steps along the vision of providing a treatment for inhibitor patients similar to non-inhibitor patients have been the efficacy of rFVIIa in home-treatment and recently the encouraging experience in prophylaxis. The concept of using pharmacological doses of rFVIIa as a haemostatic agent is a new one, which has caused difficulties in finding the correct dose. A step forward has been the demonstration that similar efficacy can be achieved after one single dose of 270 μg kg(-1) instead of three injections of a dose of 90 μg kg(-1). The higher clearance rate in children suggests that higher doses may be beneficial in children. The availability of rFVIIa has made advances in the understanding of coagulation processes possible. In a cell-based in vitro model, it has been shown that rFVIIa binds to preactivated platelets if present in concentrations of 30 nm or higher. By doing so, it activates FX into FXa and enhances the thrombin generation on the activated platelet surface in the absence of FVIII/FIX. Through the increased thrombin generation, a firm, well-structured fibrin haemostatic plug, which is resistant to premature lysis, is formed. By exploiting this mechanism of action, rFVIIa may also be effective in situations other than haemophilia, characterized by an impaired thrombin generation.

Anemia and transfusion therapy: an update

Anemia is one of the most prevalent diseases in the general population and is a very frequently found condition in medical and surgical patients in all medical specialties. A good evaluation of its clinical impact and its therapeutic possibilities is essential. Allogenic blood transfusion is a useful procedure in anemia management, although it has important adverse effects. It is the responsibility of the clinician to know and to take into account all the available alternatives for the treatment of anemia. Blood transfusions, erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, iron therapy (oral and endovenous) and other therapeutic alternatives must be rationally used, in accordance with the currently available clinical evidence. This review article summarizes some epidemiological characteristics of anemia, its clinical evaluation and the main therapeutic possibilities based on the present knowledge, placing special emphasis on the critically ill patient.

Association of allogeneic red-blood cell transfusion with surgeon case-volume

BACKGROUND

Surgeon case-volume predicts a variety of patient outcomes. We hypothesize that surgeon case-volume predicts RBC transfusion across different surgical procedures.

METHODS

We performed a cohort study of 372,670 in-patient surgical cases in the 52 non-federal hospitals in Maryland between 2004 and 2005. The main outcome measure was relative risk of receiving a transfusion.

RESULTS

Overall, 13.9% of patients received a transfusion. Patients seen by the highest case-volume surgeons (>161 cases/y) were more likely to receive a transfusion (16% versus 11%, P < 0.01) compared with middle case-volume surgeons (89-161 cases/y). After adjusting for confounders, the highest case-volume patients were still at increased risk of transfusion [relative risk (RR) 1.10, 1.07-1.14]. This result was true across many surgery types.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgeon case-volume is independently associated with the likelihood of RBC transfusion across a broad range of surgical procedures. Future efforts should be directed towards studying and standardization of transfusion practices.

Effects of blood conservation on the incidence of anemia and transfusions in pediatric parapneumonic effusion: a hospitalist perspective

BACKGROUND

Children with pneumonia may develop parapneumonic effusion (PNE). The associated inflammatory process and nutritional compromise can blunt erythropoesis. Traditional treatment for these children with PNE includes repeated phlebotomy and surgical intervention, resulting in ongoing blood losses. Blood transfusions used to treat acquired anemia are associated with multiple complications.

OBJECTIVES

This study evaluated the effect of hospitalists' implementation of blood conservation guidelines (BCG) on the incidence of anemia and transfusion requirements in children with PNE.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study of hospitalized children with PNE.

SETTINGS

University affiliated Children's Hospital.

PATIENTS

Children who were admitted to the hospital with PNE and managed using BCG (Group I) were compared to simultaneous no intervention group (S) and historical no intervention group (H). Group (I) and (S) were admitted from year 2000 to 2004 and the Group (H) were admitted from year 1997 to 1999.

MEASUREMENTS

Phlebotomy frequency and volume, measured hemoglobin (Hgb) levels, and the need for red blood transfusions.

RESULTS

Children in the BCG group (n = 24) compared to simultaneous no intervention group (n = 28) and historical no intervention group (n = 29) had lesser phlebotomy volumes (14 ± 8, 18 ± 14 and 69 ± 66 mL; P = 0.001), trend toward lesser Hgb drop (1.7 ± 1.4, 2.1 ± 1.2 and 2 ± 1.4 gm%; P ≤ 0.37), and lesser incidence of transfusion (8%, 18% and 31%; P = 0.11). Transfused children were younger (3.5 ± vs. 6.4 ± 4 years; P = 0.001) and had lower initial Hgb (9.9 ± 1 vs. 11.4 ± 1 gm%; P = 0.001), more phlebotomy (5.9 ± 7 vs. 1.1 ± 1 mL/kg., P = 0.001), longer hospitalization (18.7 ± 5 vs. 11.1 ± days; P = 0.001), and slightly higher (pediatric risk of mortality [PRISM]) scores (3.4 ± 5.7 vs. 1.6 ± 2.7; P = 0.25).

CONCLUSION

Implementing BCG lowers phlebotomy losses and the need for transfusion.

Operative blood loss, blood transfusion, and 30-day mortality in older patients after major noncardiac surgery

OBJECTIVE

Anemia and operative blood loss are common in the elderly, but evidence is lacking on whether intraoperative blood transfusions can reduce the risk of postoperative death.

METHODS

We analyzed retrospective data from 239,286 patients 65 years of older who underwent major noncardiac surgery in 1997 to 2004 at veteran hospitals nationwide. Propensity-score matching was used to adjust for differences between patients who received intraoperative blood transfusions (9.4%) and those who did not, and data were used to determine the association between intraoperative blood transfusion and 30-day postoperative mortality.

RESULTS

After propensity-score matching, intraoperative blood transfusion was associated with mortality risk reductions in patients with preoperative hematocrit levels of <24% (odds ratio: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.41-0.87), and in patients with hematocrit of 30% or greater when there is substantial (500-999 mL) blood loss (odds ratio: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.22-0.56 for hematocrit levels between 30%-35.9% and 0.78, 95% CI: 0.62-0.97 for hematocrit levels of 36% or greater). When operative blood loss was <500 mL, transfusion was not associated with mortality reductions for patients with hematocrit levels of 24% or greater, and conferred increased mortality risks in patients with preoperative hematocrit levels between 30% to 35.9% (odds ratio 1.29, 95% CI: 1.04-1.60).

CONCLUSIONS

Intraoperative blood transfusion is associated with a lower 30-day postoperative mortality among elderly patients undergoing major noncardiac surgery if there is substantial operative blood loss or low preoperative hematocrit levels (<24%). Transfusion is associated with increased mortality risks for those with preoperative hematocrit levels between 30% and 35.9% and <500 mL of blood loss.

[Anemia and transfusion therapy: an update]

Anemia is one of the most prevalent diseases in the general population and is a very frequently found condition in medical and surgical patients in all medical specialties. A good evaluation of its clinical impact and its therapeutic possibilities is essential. Allogenic blood transfusion is a useful procedure in anemia management, although it has important adverse effects. It is the responsibility of the clinician to know and to take into account all the available alternatives for the treatment of anemia. Blood transfusions, erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, iron therapy (oral and endovenous) and other therapeutic alternatives must be rationally used, in accordance with the currently available clinical evidence. This review article summarizes some epidemiological characteristics of anemia, its clinical evaluation and the main therapeutic possibilities based on the present knowledge, placing special emphasis on the critically ill patient.

Predicting change of hemoglobin after transfusion in hemodynamically stable anemic patients in emergency department

BACKGROUND

To investigate factors associated with change of post-transfusion hemoglobin level, and to derive an equation that predicts post-transfusion changes in hemoglobin levels in hemodynamically stable anemic patients who visited emergency department.

METHODS

A retrospective medical record review of patients who were hemodynamically stable and transfused with packed red blood cells was undertaken. Patients were randomly divided into two groups. One group (derivation group, 70% of total patients) was analyzed for factors associated with changes in post-transfusion hemoglobin levels, and linear regression analysis was performed to derive a prediction equation. The derived prediction equation was then externally validated with the other group (validation group, 30% of total patients).

RESULTS

A total of 196 patients were enrolled. The 137 patients (70% of total patients) in the derivation group were analyzed for factors associated with changes in post-transfusion hemoglobin. Of those, body surface area and initial hemoglobin level were significantly correlated with changes in post-transfusion hemoglobin levels (p < 0.05). From these variables, linear regression analysis resulted in a prediction equation. The derived equation was validated externally with the 59 patients (30% of total patients) in the validation group and found to have an excellent correlation (r = 0.73, intraclass correlation = 0.84, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Post-transfusion hemoglobin level in hemodynamically stable adult patients was associated with initial hemoglobin levels and body surface area. These factors must be considered when transfusing hemodynamically stable adult patients with anemia.

Why implement universal leukoreduction?

The improvement of transfusion medicine technology is an ongoing process primarily directed at increasing the safety of allogeneic blood component transfusions for recipients. Over the years, relatively little attention had been paid to the leukocytes present in the various blood components. The availability of leukocyte removal (leukoreduction) techniques for blood components is associated with a considerable improvement in various clinical outcomes. These include a reduction in the frequency and severity of febrile transfusion reactions, reduced cytomegalovirus transfusion-transmission risk, the reduced incidence of alloimmune platelet refractoriness, a possible reduction in the risk of transfusion-associated variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease transmission, as well as reducing the overall risk of both recipient mortality and organ dysfunction, particularly in cardiac surgery patients and possibly in other categories of patients. Internationally, 19 countries have implemented universal leukocyte reduction (ULR) as part of their blood safety policy. The main reason for not implementing ULR in those countries that have not appears to be primarily concerns over costs. Nonetheless, the available international experience supports the concept that ULR is a process that results in improved safety of allogeneic blood components.

Perioperative Coagulopathy, Bleeding, and Hemostasis During Cardiac Surgery

Cardiac surgery patients use 10%-25% of the blood products transfused annually in the United States. The transfusion of red blood cells or blood products has been the subject of intense scrutiny over the past 10 years. Bleeding after cardiac surgery can be surgical or nonsurgical and lead to hemodynamic compromise and surgical reexploration. Because hemorrhage and blood product transfusions are associated with multiple negative outcomes, including increased mortality, it is prudent to understand the mechanisms responsible for nonsurgical bleeding. This review focuses on the physiology of the normal coagulation and fibrinolysis, risk factors associated with patients presenting for cardiac surgery, impairments of normal hemostasis associated with cardiac surgery and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), and potential interventions to reduce perioperative blood loss and blood transfusion.

Role of factor VII in correcting dilutional coagulopathy and reducing re-operations for bleeding following non-traumatic major gastrointestinal and abdominal surgery

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of rfVIIa in reducing blood product requirements and re-operation for postoperative bleeding after major abdominal surgery.

BACKGROUND

Hemorrhage is a significant complication after major gastrointestinal and abdominal surgery. Clinically significant bleeding can lead to shock, transfusion of blood products, and re-operation. Recent reports suggest that activated rfVIIa may be effective in correcting coagulopathy and decreasing the need for re-operation.

METHODS

This study was a retrospective review over a 4-year period of 17 consecutive bleeding postoperative patients who received rfVIIa to control hemorrhage and avoid re-operation. Outcome measures were blood and clotting factor transfusions, deaths, thromboembolic complications, and number of re-operations for bleeding.

RESULTS

Seventeen patients with postoperative hemorrhage following major abdominal gastrointestinal surgery (nine pancreas, four sarcoma, two gastric, one carcinoid, and one fistula) were treated with rfVIIa. In these 17 patients, rfVIIa was administered for 18 episodes of bleeding (dose 2,400-9,600 mcg, 29.8-100.8 mcg/kg). Transfusion requirement of pRBC and FFP were each significantly less than pre-rfVIIa. Out of the 18 episodes, bleeding was controlled in 17 (94%) without surgery, and only one patient returned to the operating room for hemorrhage. There were no deaths and two thrombotic complications. Coagulopathy was corrected by rfVIIa from 1.37 to 0.96 (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Use of rfVIIa in resuscitation for hemorrhage after non-traumatic major abdominal and gastrointestinal surgery can correct dilutional coagulopathy, reducing blood product requirements and need for re-operation.

Considerations on the use of adjunct red blood cell exchange transfusion in the treatment of severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria

BACKGROUND

Travelers returning to the United States from malaria-endemic areas are at increased risk of a potentially fatal infection from Plasmodium falciparum, which requires prompt and aggressive treatment.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Described is a case of a 7-year-old boy who was infected by P. falciparum while in Africa and developed features of severe infection, including hyperparasitemia, altered neurologic status, and malarial hepatitis.

RESULTS

A single automated erythrocytapheresis procedure reduced parasitemia from 14% to less than 1%. Along with intravenous quinidine, this reduced parasite level was maintained throughout the hospitalization and the patient recovered.

CONCLUSION

Exchange transfusion (ET) is an effective adjunct therapy to reduce the parasite load in cases of severe P. falciparum malaria. When performed in certain defined settings, the benefits can outweigh the risks of the procedure. Discussed are the medical and technical considerations on the use of adjunctive ET for severe P. falciparum infection and a review of the literature of the use of adjunct ET in the treatment of severe P. falciparum malaria.

Blood transfusion for the treatment of acute anaemia in inflammatory bowel disease and other digestive diseases

Allogeneic blood transfusion (ABT) is frequently used as the first therapeutic option for the treatment of acute anaemia in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), especially when it developed due to gastrointestinal or perioperative blood loss, but is not risk-free. Adverse effects of ABT include, but are not limited to, acute hemolytic reaction (wrong blood or wrong patient), febrile non-hemolytic transfusional reaction, bacterial contamination, transfusion-related acute lung injury, transfusion associated circulatory overload, transfusion-related immuno-modulation, and transmission of almost all infectious diseases (bacteria, virus, protozoa and prion), which might result in increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Unfortunately, the main physiological goal of ABT, i.e. to increase oxygen consumption by the hypoxic tissues, has not been well documented. In contrast, the ABT is usually misused only to increase the haemoglobin level within a fixed protocol [mostly two by two packed red blood cell (PRC) units] independently of the patient’s tolerance to normovolemic anaemia or his clinical response to the transfusion of PRC units according to a “one-by-one” administration schedule. Evidence-based clinical guidelines may promote best transfusion practices by implementing restrictive transfusion protocols, thus reducing variability and minimizing the avoidable risks of transfusion, and the use of autologous blood and pharmacologic alternatives. In this regard, preoperative autologous blood donation (PABD) consistently diminished the frequency of ABT, although its contribution to ABT avoidance is reduced when performed under a transfusion protocol. In addition, interpretation of utility of PABD in surgical IBD patients is hampered by scarcity of published data. However, the role of autologous red blood cells as drug carriers is promising. Finally, it must be stressed that a combination of methods used within well-constructed protocols will offer better prospects for blood conservation in selected IBD patients undergoing elective surgery.

Risk factors for indications of intraoperative blood transfusion among patients undergoing surgical treatment for colorectal adenocarcinoma

CONTEXT: Identification of risk factors for requiring transfusions during surgery for colorectal cancer may lead to preventive actions or alternative measures, towards decreasing the use of blood components in these procedures, and also rationalization of resources use in hemotherapy services. This was a retrospective case-control study using data from 383 patients who were treated surgically for colorectal adenocarcinoma at "Fundação Pio XII", in Barretos-SP, Brazil, between 1999 and 2003. OBJECTIVE: To recognize significant risk factors for requiring intraoperative blood transfusion in colorectal cancer surgical procedures. METHODS: Univariate analyses were performed using Fisher's exact test or the chi-squared test for dichotomous variables and Student's t test for continuous variables, followed by multivariate analysis using multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: In the univariate analyses, height (P = 0.06), glycemia (P = 0.05), previous abdominal or pelvic surgery (P = 0.031), abdominoperineal surgery (P<0,001), extended surgery (P<0.001) and intervention with radical intent (P<0.001) were considered significant. In the multivariate analysis using logistic regression, intervention with radical intent (OR = 10.249, P<0.001, 95% CI = 3.071-34.212) and abdominoperineal amputation (OR = 3.096, P = 0.04, 95% CI = 1.445-6.623) were considered to be independently significant. CONCLUSION: This investigation allows the conclusion that radical intervention and the abdominoperineal procedure in the surgical treatment of colorectal adenocarcinoma are risk factors for requiring intraoperative blood transfusion.

Effect of epsilon aminocaproic acid on red-cell transfusion requirements in major spinal surgery

STUDY DESIGN

: Randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE

: To evaluate the efficacy of epsilon aminocaproic acid (EACA) to reduce the number of red-cell (RBC) transfusions in adult patients undergoing major spinal surgery.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

: Reconstructive spinal surgery is associated with significant blood loss. The number of studies evaluating the efficacy of EACA in adult patients undergoing spinal surgery remains scarce and limited.

METHODS

: EACA (100 mg/kg) or placebo was administered to 182 adult patients after the induction of anesthesia followed by an infusion that was continued for 8 hours after surgery. Primary end points included total allogeneic RBC transfusions through postoperative day 8 and postoperative allogeneic plus autologus RBC transfusions through postoperative day 8.

RESULTS

: Mean total allogeneic RBC transfusions were not statistically different between the groups (5.9 units EACA vs. 6.9 units placebo; P = 0.17). Mean postoperative RBC transfusions in the EACA group was less (2.0 units vs. 2.8 units placebo; P = 0.03). There was no significantdifference in mean estimated intraoperative estimated-blood loss (2938 cc EACA vs. 3273 cc placebo; P = 0.32). Mean intensive care unit length of stay was decreased (EACA: 1.8 days vs. 2.8 days placebo; P = 0.04). The incidence of thromboembolic complications was similar (2.2% EACA vs. 6.6% placebo; P = 0.15).

CONCLUSION

: The difference in total allogeneic RBC transfusions between the groups was not statistically significant. EACA was associated with a 30% (0.8 units) reduction in postoperative RBC transfusions and a 1-day reduction in ICU LOS, without an increased incidence of thromboembolic events. EACA may be considered for patients undergoing major spinal surgery. Larger studies are needed to evaluate the relationship between EACA and total RBC requirements.

Length of storage and in vitro immunomodulation induced by prestorage leukoreduced red blood cells

BACKGROUND

The relationship between length of storage of red blood cell (RBC) units and biochemical changes has been well studied, but little is known about the progression of cellular immunomodulative properties in blood recipients. This study aims to quantify in vitro T-cell activation and cytokine release by white blood cells, after incubation with supernatants from leukoreduced RBCs.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Whole blood cultures were incubated with supernatant from five leukoreduced RBC units stored for 1, 6, 10, 15, 24, and 42 days. Supernatant-induced T-cell activation was evaluated by quantifying CD25 expression. Supernatant-induced cytokine production was determined by measuring interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha levels.

RESULTS

No cytokines were detected in RBC supernatants even after 42 days of storage. However, IL-6 levels in whole blood culture increased significantly when incubated with supernatant from RBC units stored for 1, 6, and 15 days, by factors of 1.7 +/- 0.3, 1.7 +/- 0.3, and 1.4 +/- 0.3, respectively. TNF-alpha levels were significantly decreased on Days 24 and 42 of storage by factors of 0.50 +/- 0.42 and 0.33 +/- 0.21, respectively. IL-10 levels were significantly increased on Days 1 and 42 of storage by factors of 2.3 +/- 1.3 and 3.2 +/- 2.8, respectively. After an initial increase in IL-6 and TNF-alpha production, there was a significant linear decrease in their levels measured from units stored for longer times. No significant changes in CD25 expression were observed over time.

CONCLUSION

Although no cytokines were measured in the supernatants from leukoreduced RBCs, these supernatants exhibited variable immunomodulatory effects related to their length of storage.

Protecting the blood supply from emerging pathogens: the role of pathogen inactivation

As a consequence of the many blood-safety interventions introduced since the mid-1980s, the major causes of transfusion-associated mortality have shifted from being mainly due to transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) to being mainly due to non-infectious serious events such as TRALI, hemolytic reactions, transfusion overload, and graft versus host disease. Thus, TTIs now account for only 10 to 15% of all transfusion associated mortalities! Relevantly, manufacturers of purified plasma protein fractions have, over the same time period, shown that pathogen inactivation technologies can be successfully implemented resulting in little or no transmission of HIV, HCV or HBV since the late 1980s. These technologies, however, cannot be applied to cellular blood components. Thus, new technologies have evolved over the past decade to treat cellular blood components as well as plasma. These technologies, particularly those involving plasma and platelets, have begun to be used in Europe and this proactive paradigm has evolved to become a potential pre-emptive approach for ridding the blood supply of most TTIs (virus, bacteria, and protozoa). However, in order for pathogen inactivation technologies to become widely accepted, they must be shown to be both cost effective and not associated with new risks to recipients!

Pediatric off-label use of recombinant factor VIIa

OBJECTIVE

Our goal was to report our institutional experience with recombinant factor VIIa for the treatment and/or prevention of bleeding in nonhemophiliac children.

METHODS

This was a retrospective case series in a tertiary pediatric referral hospital.

RESULTS

During 1999-2006, 135 patients received recombinant factor VIIa for off-label use. The median number of doses was 2; the median dose was 88 mug/kg. The most common diagnoses among patients receiving recombinant factor VIIa were disseminated intravascular coagulation/sepsis (28), surgical bleeding (19), procedural prophylaxis (16), and trauma (15). The median volume of blood products administered 24 hours before recombinant factor VIIa treatment was 29.7 vs 11.7 mL/kg 24 hours after treatment. Only 1 high-risk patient had significant bleeding after receiving prophylactic recombinant factor VIIa before an invasive procedure. Nonsurvivors had significantly increased incidence of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (75%) compared with survivors (23%). The largest group of patients (n = 28) received recombinant factor VIIa for bleeding and/or coagulopathy because of disseminated intravascular coagulation; the mortality in this group was 26 (93%) of 28. Eleven patients received multiple doses of recombinant factor VIIa to treat bleeding complications after hematopoietic stem cell transplant, without improvement in blood use. Mortality in medical patients was 58% vs 16% in surgical patients. Three patients had significant thrombotic adverse events after receiving recombinant factor VIIa, resulting in 2 deaths and 1 leg amputation.

CONCLUSIONS

Off-label use of recombinant factor VIIa significantly decreases blood-product administration; surgical patients had control of life-threatening bleeding with low associated mortality. Prophylactic recombinant factor VIIa may be effective in preventing bleeding if given before invasive procedures in children at high risk. Prolonged use of recombinant factor VIIa for bleeding complications after hematopoietic stem cell transplant is not effective in preventing packed red blood cell transfusion. Presence of disseminated intravascular coagulation and mulitorgan dysfunction syndrome may help predict futility of recombinant factor VIIa treatment. Off-label use of recombinant factor VIIa is associated with thromboembolic events in children.

Blood management in total knee arthroplasty: a comparison of techniques

Patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are at high risk for postoperative anemia and allogeneic blood transfusions. Risks associated with allogeneic blood exposure (ie, infection, fluid overload, and longer hospital stays) have prompted alternative blood management strategies. The main goal of this study was to evaluate whether a single change in the clinical blood management of patients undergoing TKA reduced the severity of postoperative anemia or the need for allogeneic blood transfusions. A second goal of this study was to assess the financial impact of the change on the institution. This study compared perioperative cell salvage, preoperative autologous blood donation, and the practice of using allogeneic blood alone in patients undergoing TKA. Clinical and financial data of 154 unique cases of primary TKA at the Mayo Clinic Arizona were retrospectively reviewed. Transfusion rates were 25%, 18%, and 52% respectively for patients in the cell salvage, preoperative autologous blood donation, and allogeneic blood only groups. Respective relative risk reductions were 51.9% (P=.007) and 65.4% (P=.002) with the use of cell salvage or preoperative autologous blood donation versus allogeneic alone. Cell salvage and preoperative autologous blood donation were found to significantly reduce the requirements for allogeneic blood transfusions; these techniques were found to be roughly equivalent in clinical benefit when compared to the use of allogeneic blood alone. The logistical advantages of cell salvage (ie, no preoperative blood donation, no risk of wasting blood units) were associated with greater costs to the institution.

Postinjury life threatening coagulopathy: is 1:1 fresh frozen plasma:packed red blood cells the answer?

BACKGROUND

Recent military experience suggests that immediate 1:1 fresh frozen plasma (FFP); red blood cells (RBC) for casualties requiring >10 units packed red blood cells (RBC) per 24 hours reduces mortality, but no clinical trials exist to address this issue. Consequently, we reviewed our massive transfusion practices during a 5-year period to test the hypothesis that 1:1 FFP:RBC within the first 6 hours reduces life threatening coagulopathy.

METHODS

We queried our level I trauma center's prospective registry from 2001 to 2006 for patients undergoing massive transfusion. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the independent effect of FFP:RBC in 133 patients who received >10 units RBC in 6 hours on (1) Coagulopathy (international normalized ratio [INR] >1.5 at 6 hours), controlling for our previously described risk factors predictive of coagulopathy, as well as RBC, FFP, and platelet administration (2) Death (controlling for all variables plus age, crystalloids per 24 hours, INR >1.5 at 6 hours).

RESULTS

Overall mortality was 56%; 50% died from acute blood loss in the operating room. Over 80% of the RBC transfusions were completed in the first 6 hours: (Median RBC: 18 units) Median FFP:RBC survivors, 1:2, nonsurvivors: 1:4. (p < 0.001) INR >1.5 at 6 hours occurred in 30 (23%); 81% died. Regarding mortality, logistic regression showed significant variables (p < 0.05) included: RBC per 6 hours (OR = 1.248, 95%CI: 1.957-53.255), INR at 6 hours >1.5 (OR = 10.208, 95% CI: 1.957-53.255), ED temperature <34 degrees C (OR = 15.491, 95% CI 1.376-174.396), and age >55 years (OR = 40.531, CI 5.315-309.077). The adjusted OR for FFP:RBC ratio including the quadratic term was found to follow a U-shaped association (quadratic term estimate 0.6737 +/- 0.0345, p = 0.0189).

CONCLUSION

Although our data suggest that 1:1 FFP:RBC reduced coagulopathy, this did not translate into a survival benefit. Our findings indicate that the relationship between coagulopathy and mortality is more complex, and further clinical investigation is necessary before recommending routine 1:1 in the exsanguinating trauma patient.

Continuing reassessment of the risks of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents in patients with cancer

PURPOSE

Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA) are approved for the treatment of anemia in patients with nonmyeloid malignancies whose anemia is due to the effect of concomitantly administered chemotherapy. Since the 1993 approval of epoetin alfa in patients with cancer, the risk of thrombovascular events, decreased survival, and poorer tumor control have been increasingly recognized. The risks of ESAs in patients with cancer and the design of trials to assess these risks have been the topic of discussion at two Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committees in 2004 and 2007.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Evaluation of randomized clinical trials comparing use of ESAs to transfusion support alone in patients with active cancer.

RESULTS

Six studies (Breast Cancer Erythropoeitin Survival Trial, Evaluation of NeoRecormon on outcome in Head And Neck Cancer in Europe, Danish Head and Neck Cancer, Lymphoid Malignancy, CAN-20, and Anemia of Cancer) investigating ESAs in oncology patients showed decreased survival, decreased duration of locoregional tumor control, and/or increased risk of thrombovascular events. In these six studies, ESA dosing was targeted to achieve and maintain hemoglobin values in excess of current recommendations, and in three of the six studies, ESAs were administered to patients not receiving chemotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

ESAs increase the risk of thrombovascular events and result in decreased survival and poorer tumor control when administered to achieve hemoglobin levels of > or =12 g/dL in patients with nonmyeloid malignancies. No completed or ongoing randomized, controlled trial has addressed safety issues of ESAs in patients with chemotherapy-associated anemia using currently approved dosing regimens in an epidermal tumor type. Additional studies are needed to better characterize these risks.