1
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Yu SC, Yao YT. The influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on blood donation and supply in China. Transfus Med 2024; 34:124-135. [PMID: 38151821 DOI: 10.1111/tme.13020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a sharp decline in blood donation which posed a serious threat to the clinical blood supply worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on blood donation and supply in China on a nationwide level. METHODS A comprehensive review of the published literature was performed using eight databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Ovid, Embase, CNKI, WANFANG, and VIP by searching relevant words combinations. RESULTS Twenty-seven studies were determined to be eligible and included. Among them, 21 studies reported the situation of blood donation during the COVID-19 pandemic in China. The donation of both whole blood and platelet concentrates declined (with a decline of 5%-86% for whole blood and 3%-34% for platelet concentrates), with this especially evident in February 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic changed the pattern of blood donation and the composition of blood donors accordingly. Fifteen articles reported the supply of various blood components during the COVID-19 pandemic. The supply and usage of both packed red blood cell (PRBC) and fresh-frozen plasma (FFP) decreased (with a decrease of 4%-40% for PRBC and 9%-58% for FFP). The proportion of blood transfusions in different departments changed too. Compared to 2019, there was a decrease in surgical blood transfusions, and an increase in that used in treatments performed in emergency and internal medicine departments. CONCLUSION The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an overall reduction of blood transfusion activities in most cities in China, in particular blood donations and blood demands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Cong Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Taizhou Central Hospital (Taizhou University Hospital), Taizhou, China
| | - Yun-Tai Yao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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2
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Al Zadjali L, Batarfi K, Badawi M, Elgohary G, Aljabry M, Alsuhaibani O, Ezzat H, Radhwi G, AlHashmi H. Perception of blood donation among employees of healthcare organizations during COVID-19 pandemic: A national multicenter cross-sectional study. Transfusion 2023; 63 Suppl 1:S10-S19. [PMID: 36748665 DOI: 10.1111/trf.17210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maintaining a safe and adequate blood supply during a crisis is a major challenge facing blood banks around the world. With the recent global COVID-19 crisis and the enforced "stay at home" lockdown, access to blood donors was limited. Since employees of healthcare facilities may act as potential blood donors, their perception of blood donation and their willingness to donate during the pandemic period is important to be assessed. STUDY DESIGN AND METHOD A national cross-sectional study at six centers in Saudi Arabia was conducted using an online-based questionnaire that was distributed to all healthcare employees in these facilities between June and August 2020. RESULTS Among the total of 1664 participants, 63.2% (n = 1051) did not donate blood during the last 2 years. However, 53% (n = 882) of participants reported they are likely to donate blood during the COVID-19 crisis. Furthermore, 85% (n = 1424) did not donate blood during the current pandemic, with the biggest worries of getting the COVID-19 infection in the donor center. The main concerns of participants were about adherence to physical distancing requirements and the safety of the donation procedure. The majority of health care participants (88.2%) support implementing a hospital policy for a voluntary blood donation by employees during crises. CONCLUSION Recruitment of more blood donors among health care employees is a feasible solution to improve the blood supply during a crisis. This should be based on efforts throughout the year including regular awareness campaigns and effective communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lubna Al Zadjali
- Hematology and Transfusion Medicine Divisions, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Batarfi
- Hematology and Transfusion Medicine Divisions, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maha Badawi
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Blood Transfusion Services, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ghada Elgohary
- Section of Adult Hematology/HSCT Oncology Center, King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mansour Aljabry
- Department of Hematology, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Omar Alsuhaibani
- Blood Bank, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hatoon Ezzat
- Cancer Care Center, John Hopkins Aramaco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.,Division of Hematology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | | | - Hani AlHashmi
- Oncology Center, Adult Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation Department, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
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3
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Rajbhandary S, Shmookler A, Cohn CS, Nunes E, Karafin MS, Stubbs J, Pagano MB. Hospital transfusion service operations during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: Lessons learned from the AABB hospital survey in preparation for the next infectious disease outbreak. Transfusion 2021; 61:3129-3138. [PMID: 34469010 PMCID: PMC8661942 DOI: 10.1111/trf.16643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Background The SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic disrupted hospital operations, affected the blood supply, and challenged the health care system to develop new therapeutic options, including convalescent plasma (CCP). The aim of this study is to describe and analyze blood supply fluctuations and the use of convalescent plasma in 2020. Methods AABB distributed a weekly and biweekly questionnaire through email to hospital‐based members (HBM). Results The survey was sent to 887 HBM with 479 unique respondents, most of the hospitals served pediatric and adult patients, and all states of the country participated, except Idaho and Vermont. Fifty four percent of HBM reported increased wastage in the early phase of the pandemic (May), which decreased to 4% by the end of June and throughout the rest of the year. The majority of HBM reported receiving alerts from their blood suppliers reporting blood shortages throughout the year. During March and April, only 12% of HBM were performing elective surgical procedures. The top reasons to delay procedures were: bed availability (28%); COVID‐19 caseload (23%; and blood availability (19%). By mid‐April, 42% HBM had transfused CCP and reported >24 h delay in getting the units; the vast majority obtained CCP using the Expanded Access Protocol, and later, the Emergency Use Authorization. HBM consistently prioritized the most severe patients to receive CCP, but the proportion of severely ill recipients fell from 52% to 37% between May and October, with an increase from 5% to 21% of HBM providing CCP transfusion early in the course of the disease. Discussion Blood utilization and availability fluctuated during the pandemic. The fluctuations appeared to be related to the number of COVID‐19 in the community. The use and regulatory landscape of CCP rapidly evolved over the first 8 months of the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aaron Shmookler
- WVU, Pathology, Anatomy and Laboratory Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Claudia S Cohn
- Lab Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota Medical Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | | | - Matthew S Karafin
- University of North Carolina System, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - James Stubbs
- Mayo Clinic Rochester, Transfusion Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Monica B Pagano
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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4
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Schiroli D, Merolle L, Molinari G, Di Bartolomeo E, Seligardi D, Canovi L, Pertinhez TA, Mancuso P, Giorgi Rossi P, Baricchi R, Marraccini C. The impact of COVID-19 outbreak on the Transfusion Medicine Unit of a Northern Italy Hospital and Cancer Centre. Vox Sang 2021; 117:235-242. [PMID: 34156107 PMCID: PMC8447465 DOI: 10.1111/vox.13174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives The first wave of coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) dramatically affected the Transfusion Medicine Unit of the Azienda Unità Sanitari Locale ‐ Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (AUSL‐IRCCS) di Reggio Emilia, which faced a total rearrangement of the procedures for donors and patients. This study aims to assess the major implications of COVID‐19 on our department, focusing on the blood transfusion chain and therapies, in order to support transfusion specialists in seeking efficient ways to face similar future emergencies. Materials and Methods This retrospective study compares our Transfusion Medicine Unit data collected between February and May 2020 with the same period in 2017–2019. Data on red blood cells and platelets donations, transfusions and clinical procedures were collected as aggregates from our internal electronic database. Results During the lockdown, donor centres were re‐organized to reduce the risk of contagion and avoid unnecessary blood collection. Blood donations were re‐scheduled to meet the decrease in elective surgery; consequently, plateletapheresis was implemented to supply the reduction of buffycoat‐derived platelets. Transfusions significantly decreased together with orthopaedic and vascular surgery, while they were only marginally diminished for both cancer and onco‐haematological patients. Reduced procedures for inpatients and outpatients were matched by remote medicine, addressing the need of a constant healthcare support for patients with chronic diseases. Conclusions The described measures were adopted to avoid excessive blood collection and expiration, guarantee the safety of our ward (for both patients and staff) and supply the necessary transfusion therapies. These measures may support the development of appropriate risk management plans and safety procedures for other hospitals and transfusion services that have to face similar events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Schiroli
- Transfusion Medicine Unit, AUSL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Lucia Merolle
- Transfusion Medicine Unit, AUSL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Molinari
- Transfusion Medicine Unit, AUSL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | | | - Daniela Seligardi
- Transfusion Medicine Unit, AUSL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Laura Canovi
- Transfusion Medicine Unit, AUSL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Thelma A Pertinhez
- Transfusion Medicine Unit, AUSL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy.,Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Pamela Mancuso
- Epidemiology Unit, AUSL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | | | - Roberto Baricchi
- Transfusion Medicine Unit, AUSL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Chiara Marraccini
- Transfusion Medicine Unit, AUSL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
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5
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Braun AL, Gorlin JB, Peters J, Murphy S, Van Buren NL. The effect of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and civil unrest on massive transfusion protocol activations in Minneapolis 2020. Transfusion 2021; 61:2250-2254. [PMID: 34036601 PMCID: PMC8242630 DOI: 10.1111/trf.16527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Background The year 2020 presented the transfusion community with unprecedented events and challenges, including the ongoing SARS‐CoV‐2 (COVID‐19) pandemic, and more recently by civil unrest, following the death of George Floyd in late May of 2020. As a level 1 trauma center located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Hennepin Healthcare (HCMC) offers a unique perspective into the changes in massive transfusion protocol (MTP) activations and usage during this tumultuous period. This may provide insight for addressing similar future events. Study design and methods MTP logs from March 2020 to August 2020 were compared to logs from March to August 2019. The data were de‐identified, and MTP activations and component usage were categorized by activation reason. These categories were compared across the 2‐year period to examine the impact of COVID‐19, including stay‐at‐home orders, and civil unrest. Results For the examined 6 months of the year 2020, there were a total of 140 MTP activations, compared to 143 in 2019. There were more activations for violent trauma (VT) in 2020 than 2019 (44 vs. 32). This increase in activations for VT was offset by a decrease in non‐trauma activations (54 vs. 66). There was a significant increase in the number of components used in VT activations. Discussion During 2020, the initial mild decrease in MTP activations was followed by a dramatic increase in the number of activations and component usage for VT in June and July of that year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander L Braun
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jed B Gorlin
- Department of Physician Services, Memorial Blood Centers, Division of New York Blood Center enterprises, Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA.,Department of Transfusion Services, Transfusion Services, Hennepin Healthcare HCMC, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jessica Peters
- Department of Transfusion Services, Transfusion Services, Hennepin Healthcare HCMC, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Sherrie Murphy
- Department of Trauma Services, Trauma Services, Hennepin Healthcare HCMC, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Nancy L Van Buren
- Department of Physician Services, Memorial Blood Centers, Division of New York Blood Center enterprises, Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA.,Department of Transfusion Services, Transfusion Services, Hennepin Healthcare HCMC, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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6
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Al-Riyami AZ, Abdella YE, Badawi MA, Panchatcharam SM, Ghaleb Y, Maghsudlu M, Satti M, Lahjouji K, Merenkov Z, Adwan A, Feghali R, Gebril N, Hejress S, Hmida S, AlHumaidan H, Jamal D, Najjar O, Raouf M. The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on blood supplies and transfusion services in Eastern Mediterranean Region. Transfus Clin Biol 2020; 28:16-24. [PMID: 33276150 PMCID: PMC7706593 DOI: 10.1016/j.tracli.2020.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Background Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spurred a global health crisis. The safety and supply of blood during this pandemic has been a concern of blood banks and transfusion services as it is expected to adversely affect blood system activities. We aim to assess the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) during the first months of the pandemic. Materials and methods A survey was designed to address blood supply, transfusion demand, and donor management during the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic. Medical directors of different blood banks were invited to participate. Results A total of 16 centers participated with representation from 15/19 countries in the region. In total, 75% were from national blood banks. Most centres had a decrease in the blood supply, ranging from 26–50%. Representatives from 14 countries (93.3%) believed that public fear has contributed to a decrease in donations. Most centres (n = 12, 75%) had a reduction in transfusion demand, while those who did not, reported heavy involvement in treating patients with underlying haemoglobinopathies and haematological malignancies. Half of the centres activated their contingency plans. Four centres had to alter the blood donor eligibility criteria to meet demands. All centres implemented donor deferral criteria in relation to SARS-CoV-2, but were variable in measures to mitigate the risk of donor and staff exposure. Conclusion Blood services in the region faced variable degrees of blood shortages. We summarize lessons learnt during this pandemic for the blood banks to consider to plan, assess, and respond proportionately to future similar pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Z Al-Riyami
- Department of Haematology, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman.
| | - Y E Abdella
- Regional office for the Eastern Mediterranean, World Health Organization, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - M A Badawi
- King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
| | | | - Y Ghaleb
- National Blood Transfusion and Research Center, Sana'a, Yemen.
| | - M Maghsudlu
- Blood Transfusion Research Center, High Institution for Research and Education in Transfusion Medicine, Tehran, Iran.
| | - M Satti
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan.
| | - K Lahjouji
- National Blood Transfusion and Hematology, Rabat, Morocco.
| | - Z Merenkov
- Transfusion Medicine and Laboratory Information Systems, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.
| | - A Adwan
- Ministry of health, Amman, Jordan.
| | - R Feghali
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Rafik-Hariri University Hospital, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - N Gebril
- National Blood Services, Tripoli, Libya.
| | - S Hejress
- Blood Bank and Laboratory Medicine, Department of Pathology, King Hamad University Hospital & Bahrain Oncology Centre, Al-Sayh, Bahrain.
| | - S Hmida
- National Blood Transfusion Centre of Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia.
| | - H AlHumaidan
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - D Jamal
- Sindh Blood Transfusion Authority, Karachi, Pakistan.
| | - O Najjar
- Palestinian Ministry of Health, Ramallah, Palestine.
| | - M Raouf
- Dubai Blood Donation Centre, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
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7
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DeSimone RA, Costa VA, Kane K, Sepulveda JL, Ellsworth GB, Gulick RM, Zucker J, Sobieszcyk ME, Schwartz J, Cushing MM. Blood component utilization in COVID-19 patients in New York City: Transfusions do not follow the curve. Transfusion 2020; 61:692-698. [PMID: 33215718 PMCID: PMC7753518 DOI: 10.1111/trf.16202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Background Blood suppliers and transfusion services have worked diligently to maintain an adequate blood supply during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Our experience has shown that some COVID‐19 inpatients require transfusion support; understanding this need is critical to blood product inventory management. Study Design and Methods Hospital‐wide and COVID‐19 specific inpatient blood product utilization data were collected retrospectively for our networkʼs two tertiary academic medical centers over a 9‐week period (March 1, 2020‐May 2, 2020), when most inpatients had COVID‐19. Utilization data were merged with a COVID‐19 patient database to investigate clinical demographic characteristics of transfused COVID‐19 inpatients relative to non‐transfused ones. Results Overall, 11 041 COVID‐19 patients were admitted and 364 received blood product transfusions for an overall transfusion rate of 3.3%. COVID‐19 patients received 1746 blood components in total, the majority of which were red blood cells. COVID‐19 patientsʼ weekly transfusion rate increased as the pandemic progressed, possibly reflecting their increased severity of illness. Transfusion was significantly associated with several indicators of severe disease, including mortality, intubation, thrombosis, longer hospital admission, lower hemoglobin and platelet nadirs, and longer prothrombin and activated partial thromboplastin times. As the pandemic progressed, institutional adherence to transfusion guidelines improved for RBC transfusions compared to prior year trends but did not improve for platelets or plasma. Conclusion There is a need to closely monitor the blood product inventory and demand throughout the COVID‐19 pandemic as patientsʼ transfusion needs may increase over time. Daily or weekly trending of patientsʼ clinical status and laboratory values may assist blood banks in inventory management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A DeSimone
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, New York-Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Victoria A Costa
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, New York-Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kathleen Kane
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, New York-Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, New York-Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jorge L Sepulveda
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, New York-Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Grant B Ellsworth
- Division of Infectious Diseases, New York-Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Roy M Gulick
- Division of Infectious Diseases, New York-Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jason Zucker
- Division of Infectious Diseases, New York-Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Magdalena E Sobieszcyk
- Division of Infectious Diseases, New York-Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Joseph Schwartz
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, New York-Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Melissa M Cushing
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, New York-Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
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8
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Velázquez-Kennedy K, Luna A, Sánchez-Tornero A, Jiménez-Chillón C, Jiménez-Martín A, Vallés Carboneras A, Tenorio M, García García I, López-Jiménez FJ, Moreno-Jiménez G. Transfusion support in COVID-19 patients: Impact on hospital blood component supply during the outbreak. Transfusion 2020; 61:361-367. [PMID: 33146420 DOI: 10.1111/trf.16171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the COVID-19 outbreak, most hospitals deferred elective surgical procedures to allow space for the overwhelming number of COVID-19 patient admissions, expecting a decrease in routine blood component requirements. However, because transfusion support needs of COVID-19 patients are not well known, its impact on hospital blood supply is uncertain. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on transfusion demand. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Transfusion records during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic (March 1-April 30, 2020) were reviewed in our center to assess changes in blood requirements. RESULTS During this period 636 patients received a total of 2934 blood components, which reflects a 17.6% reduction in transfusion requirements with regard to the same period of 2019, and blood donations in Madrid dropped by 45%. The surgical blood demand decreased significantly during the outbreak (50.2%). Blood usage in the hematology and oncology departments remained unchanged, while the day ward demand halved, and intensive care unit transfusion needs increased by 116%. A total of 6.2% of all COVID inpatients required transfusion support. COVID-19 inpatients consumed 19% of all blood components, which counterbalanced the savings owed to the reduction in elective procedures. CONCLUSION Although only a minority of COVID-19 inpatients required transfusion, the expected reduction in transfusion needs caused by the lack of elective surgical procedures is partially offset by the large number of admitted patients during the peak of the pandemic. This fact must be taken into account when planning hospital blood supply.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alejandro Luna
- Department of Hematology, Ramón y Cajal Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | - María Tenorio
- Department of Hematology, Ramón y Cajal Hospital, Madrid, Spain
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9
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Souza MKBD. Social distancing measures and demands for the reorganization of hemotherapy services in the context of Covid-19. CIENCIA & SAUDE COLETIVA 2020; 25:4969-4978. [PMID: 33295515 DOI: 10.1590/1413-812320202512.34422020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The article aims to discuss the consequences of social distancing measures on the availability of blood and organization of blood therapy services at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic in Brazil. News published in April 2020 on the websites of the country's state Blood Service Networks were consulted and organized in an Excel spreadsheet, presented in summary charts, and descriptions of results were prepared. A critical situation of blood supply, especially of some blood types, has been observed in many states. This situation is influenced by the circulation of the new coronavirus. The adoption of social distancing measures associated with unchanged transfusion demands for outpatient, urgency and emergency care required the implementation of strategies and actions for the reorganization of the services. Protection measures were incorporated, flows were changed and new routines were established. This study shows the extent to which the epidemiological situation of Covid-19 and the necessary measures for its control influenced the stocks and availability of blood. Changes in the organization of blood therapy services were fundamental in order to ensure protection, mitigate the risks of spreading the virus, and ensure the blood supply to meet the needs of the health system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariluce Karla Bomfim de Souza
- Instituto de Saúde Coletiva, Universidade Federal da Bahia. R. Basílio da Gama s/n, Canela. 40110-040 Salvador BA Brasil.
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10
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Stanworth SJ, New HV, Apelseth TO, Brunskill S, Cardigan R, Doree C, Germain M, Goldman M, Massey E, Prati D, Shehata N, So-Osman C, Thachil J. Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on supply and use of blood for transfusion. Lancet Haematol 2020; 7:e756-e764. [PMID: 32628911 PMCID: PMC7333996 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3026(20)30186-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 180] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has major implications for blood transfusion. There are uncertain patterns of demand, and transfusion institutions need to plan for reductions in donations and loss of crucial staff because of sickness and public health restrictions. We systematically searched for relevant studies addressing the transfusion chain-from donor, through collection and processing, to patients-to provide a synthesis of the published literature and guidance during times of potential or actual shortage. A reduction in donor numbers has largely been matched by reductions in demand for transfusion. Contingency planning includes prioritisation policies for patients in the event of predicted shortage. A range of strategies maintain ongoing equitable access to blood for transfusion during the pandemic, in addition to providing new therapies such as convalescent plasma. Sharing experience and developing expert consensus on the basis of evolving publications will help transfusion services and hospitals in countries at different stages in the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon J Stanworth
- Transfusion Medicine, NHS Blood and Transplant, Oxford, UK; Department of Haematology, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK; Radcliffe Department of Medicine and NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre-Haematology Theme, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Helen V New
- NHS Blood and Transplant, London, UK; Department of Haematology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Torunn O Apelseth
- Department of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway; Norwegian Armed Forces Medical Services, Oslo, Norway
| | - Susan Brunskill
- Systematic Review Initiative, NHS Blood and Transplant, Oxford, UK
| | - Rebecca Cardigan
- NHS Blood and Transplant, Cambridge, UK; Department of Haematology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Carolyn Doree
- Systematic Review Initiative, NHS Blood and Transplant, Oxford, UK
| | - Marc Germain
- Medical Affairs and Innovation, Héma-Québec, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Mindy Goldman
- Medical Affairs and Innovation, Canadian Blood Services, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Daniele Prati
- Department of Transfusion Medicine and Hematology, IRCCS Ca 'Granda Hospital Maggiore Policlinico Foundation, Milan, Italy
| | - Nadine Shehata
- Department of Medicine, Division of Haematology, Mount Sinai Hospital, ON, Canada; Department of Medicine, and Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; University Health Network, Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology and Haematology, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Cynthia So-Osman
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Sanquin Blood Supply Foundation, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Department of Haematology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jecko Thachil
- Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
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The clinical impact of COVID-19 epidemic in the hematologic setting. Adv Biol Regul 2020; 77:100742. [PMID: 32773103 PMCID: PMC7364141 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2020.100742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The rapid onset and worldwide spread of the COVID-19 epidemic (caused by SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus) has been associated with a profound impact in clinical practice also in the hematologic setting. First of all, given the immunosuppressive effect of many therapies that are normally administered to patients with hematological diseases, with a consequent increased risk of contracting a more severe viral infection, it has been necessary to reconsider in each individual patient the urgency and priority of the treatments foreseen by the normal standards of care. In particular, as regards allogeneic (and to a lesser extent autologous) hematopoietic cell transplantation and CAR T-cell therapy, specific recommendations have been issued by the transplant community on the criteria to be used to decide whether or not to postpone these procedures and on the clinical management of recipients and donors exposed to COVID-19. As to cytotoxic chemotherapy and other antineoplastic therapies, criteria have been proposed to decide, in the various clinical situations, which treatments were not deferrable and which instead could be postponed or replaced by less aggressive therapies. In the outpatient clinics, various organizational solutions for telemedicine have been adopted, resorting to telephone interviews and/or Information Technology, with the aim of reducing the influx of patients while maintaining an adequate control of their clinical condition. The collection of blood by the transfusion centers has been the subject of organizational measures, in order to avoid the transmission of COVID 19 while maintaining a sufficient blood collection for clinical needs. Finally, some hematologic laboratory alterations have been identified, such as thrombocytopenia, lymphopenia and coagulation abnormalities, useful for the prognostic evaluation of infected patients.
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Capogrosso P, Candela L, Rossi P, Guarasci C, Muttin F, Roscigno M, Chianese R, Santoleri L, Tassara M, Carcano G, Naspro R, Da Pozzo L, Montorsi F, Salonia A, Dehò F. Increased Use of Blood Transfusions to Manage Urological Conditions during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Urol Int 2020; 104:849-852. [PMID: 33017835 PMCID: PMC7573906 DOI: 10.1159/000511651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) led to an extensive reorganization of the healthcare system in Italy, with significant deferment of the treatment of urology patients. We aimed to assess the impact of deferred treatment during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on the need for blood transfusions in 3 Italian urology departments. Methods We reviewed hospital chart data on blood transfusions at the urology units of 3 academic centers in the north of Italy from March to April 2020. Data were compared with values from the same time frame in 2019 (March to April 2019). Results We observed significant reductions of the number of patients admitted to the urology units from March to April 2020 (373 vs. 119) and the number of performed surgeries (242 vs. 938) compared to 2019. Though, the number of transfused blood units was comparable between the 2 years (182 vs. 252), we found a greater mean number of blood units transfused per admission in 2020 (0.49 vs. 0.22; p < 0.0001). As a whole, the transfusion rate for hematuria was higher in 2020 than in 2019 (36 vs. 7.9%; p < 0.0001). Discussion/Conclusion The observed increased number of blood transfusions needed throughout the SARS-CoV-2 era could have had a negative impact on both patients and the healthcare system. It is possible to speculate that this is the consequence of a delayed diagnosis and deferred treatment of acute conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Capogrosso
- Department of Urology, Ospedale di Circolo e Fondazione Macchi - ASST Sette Laghi, Varese, Italy,
| | - Luigi Candela
- Unit of Urology, Division of Experimental Oncology, URI, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Piercarlo Rossi
- Department of Urology, Ospedale di Circolo e Fondazione Macchi - ASST Sette Laghi, Varese, Italy
| | - Cristian Guarasci
- Department of Urology, Ospedale di Circolo e Fondazione Macchi - ASST Sette Laghi, Varese, Italy
| | - Fabio Muttin
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Department of Urology, Papa Giovanni XIII Hospital, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Marco Roscigno
- Department of Urology, Papa Giovanni XIII Hospital, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Rosa Chianese
- Department of Urology, Ospedale di Circolo e Fondazione Macchi - ASST Sette Laghi, Varese, Italy
- University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Luca Santoleri
- Unit of Urology, Division of Experimental Oncology, URI, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Michela Tassara
- Unit of Urology, Division of Experimental Oncology, URI, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulio Carcano
- Department of Urology, Ospedale di Circolo e Fondazione Macchi - ASST Sette Laghi, Varese, Italy
- University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Richard Naspro
- Department of Urology, Papa Giovanni XIII Hospital, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Luigi Da Pozzo
- Department of Urology, Papa Giovanni XIII Hospital, Bergamo, Italy
- University of Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Montorsi
- Unit of Urology, Division of Experimental Oncology, URI, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Salonia
- Unit of Urology, Division of Experimental Oncology, URI, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Federico Dehò
- Department of Urology, Ospedale di Circolo e Fondazione Macchi - ASST Sette Laghi, Varese, Italy
- University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
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