Soluble antigens in plasma allow mismatched transfusion without hemolysis

Group A emergency-release plasma in trauma patients requiring massive transfusion

BACKGROUND

Both groups A and AB plasma have been approved for emergency-release transfusion in acutely bleeding trauma patients before blood grouping being performed. The safety profile associated with this practice has not been well characterized, particularly in patients requiring massive transfusion.

METHODS

This secondary analysis of the Pragmatic, Randomized, Optimal Platelet and Plasma Ratios trial examined whether exposure to group A emergency-release plasma (ERP) was noninferior to group AB ERP. We also examined patients whose blood groups were compatible with group A ERP versus patients whose blood groups were incompatible with group A ERP. Outcomes included 30-day mortality and complication rates including systemic inflammatory response syndrome, infection, renal injury, pulmonary dysfunction, and thromboembolism.

RESULTS

Of the 680 patients predicted to receive a massive transfusion, 584 (85.9%) received at least 1 U of ERP. Of the 584 patients analyzed, 462 (79.1%) received group AB and 122 (20.9%) received group A ERP. Using a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.35 as the noninferiority margin, transfusion with group A versus group AB ERP was not associated with increased thromboembolic rates (HR, 0.52; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.31-0.90). Mortality (HR, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.91-1.45) and nonfatal complication rates (HR, 1.24; 95% CI, 0.87-1.77) were inconclusive. In the subgroup analysis, transfusion with incompatible ERP (group B or AB patients receiving group A ERP) was not associated with increased nonfatal complications (HR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.80-1.30). There were no reported hemolytic transfusion reactions.

CONCLUSION

The use of ERP is common in patients requiring massive transfusion and facilitates the rapid balanced resuscitation of patients who have sustained blood loss. Group A ERP is an acceptable option for patients requiring massive transfusion, especially if group AB ERP is not readily available.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic/Care Management, level IV; Prognostic, level III.

Reducing AB plasma utilisation through the AB plasma appropriateness index

OBJECTIVES

We hypothesised that there was inappropriate group AB plasma used in our hospital, identifiable by a novel key quality indicator (KQI) and mitigable through massive transfusion protocol (MTP) modification.

BACKGROUND

Group AB plasma is a scarce resource strained by increasing usage worldwide when used as universal donor plasma in non-group AB patients. To reduce inappropriate use and to promote benchmarking to the best practice, we developed the AB plasma appropriateness index (ABAI). ABAI is the ratio of AB plasma transfused to group AB or unknown blood group patients to all AB plasma utilised, where values closer to 1 are better.

METHODS

Data collected included AB plasma disposition by blood group, indications for transfusion, total blood utilisation, patient clinical characteristics and outcomes. ABAI during a 12-month period was retrospectively assessed, which led to implementation of pre-thawed group A plasma instead of group AB plasma for trauma patients starting in July 2017.

RESULTS

The ABAI retrospectively showed inappropriate use in non-group AB patients in our hospital, the majority used to avoid expiry after thaw. When comparing 1-year pre- and post-implementation periods, ABAI improved from 0·464 to 0·900 (P < 0·0001). After exclusion of therapeutic plasma exchange, ABAI still improved (0·486-0·720, P < 0·0001). No differences in the length of stay or mortality associated in 32 patients receiving group A plasma for emergency release were observed.

CONCLUSION

The ABAI is a novel KQI to indicate inappropriate AB plasma usage for quality improvement. This led to thawed A plasma use for MTPs, reducing inappropriate AB plasma usage.