ABC of transfusion. Massive blood transfusion

Preoperative anemia and extensive transfusion during stay-in-hospital are critical for patient`s mortality: A retrospective multicenter cohort study of oncological patients undergoing radical cystectomy

BACKGROUND

Preoperative anemia and allogeneic blood transfusions (ABTs) may affect outcomes in cancer surgery. The prevalence of anemia, the use of ABTs, the risks of transfusions, lengths of stay and mortality of oncological patients undergoing radical cystectomy were investigated in three University Hospitals in Germany.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Hospital records of 220 consecutive patients undergoing radical cystectomy from 2010 to 2012 were retrospectively analyzed for independent risk factors of ABT and unfavorable outcomes (readmission, increased length of stay (LOS) or death) using multivariate regression analysis.

RESULTS

Preoperative anemia was present in 40%. 70% of patients received blood transfusions. Low preoperative and intraoperative nadir hemoglobin levels were associated with receipt of ABT (OR 1.33, P = 0.04 and OR 2.94, P < 0.001 respectively). Transfusion of ten or more red blood cell units (RBCs) during the entire hospital stay was a predictor of an increased LOS (P < 0.001) and death (OR 52, 95%CI [5.9, 461.3], P < 0.001), compared to non-transfused patients. Preoperative ABT and ASA scores were associated with ≥10RBCs.

CONCLUSION

Anemic patients undergoing radical cystectomy had a high risk to receive ABTs. Preoperative transfusions and transfusion of ≥10RBCs during the entire hospital stay may increase patient`s mortality. Prospective, randomized controlled studies have to follow this study.

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

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

Coagulation defects associated with massive blood transfusion: A large multicenter study

The variations in the coagulation indices of patients receiving massive blood transfusion were investigated across 20 large-scale general hospitals in China. The data of 1,601 surgical inpatients receiving massive transfusion were retrospectively collected and the trends in the platelet counts and coagulation indices prior to and at 16 different time points during packed red blood cell (pRBC; after 2–40 units of pRBC) transfusion were evaluated by linear regression analysis. Temporal variations in the means of prothrombin time (PT), international normalized ratio (INR), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and fibrinogen (FIB) concentration were also assessed and the theoretical estimates and actual measurements of the platelet count were compared. The results demonstrated that the platelet count decreased linearly with an increase in the number of pRBC units transfused (Y=150.460−3.041X; R² linear=0.775). Following transfusion of 18 units of pRBC (0.3 units of pRBC transfused per kilogram of body weight), the average platelet count decreased to 71×10⁹/l (<75×10⁹/l). Furthermore, variations in the means of PT, INR, APTT and FIB did not demonstrate any pronounced trends and actual platelet counts were markedly higher than the theoretical estimates. In conclusion, no variations in the means of traditional coagulation indices were identified, however, the platelet count demonstrated a significant linear decrease with an increase in the number of pRBC units transfused. Furthermore, actual platelet counts were higher than theoretical estimates, indicating the requirement for close monitoring of actual platelet counts during massive pRBC transfusion.

Investigation of the current situation of massive blood transfusion in different surgical departments: a large multicenter study in China

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to learn about the current situation of surgical massive blood transfusion of different surgical departments in China's Tertiary hospitals, which could provide the basis for the formulation of guidelines on massive blood transfusion.

METHOD

A multicenter retrospective research on the application status of blood constituents during massive blood transfusion was conducted and a comparative analyses of survival and length of hospitalization in patients from different departments (trauma, cardiac surgery, obstetric conditions, or other common surgeries), were performed.

RESULT

In China, during massive blood transfusion the ratio of the dosage of fresh frozen plasma to the dosage of red blood cell suspension reached 1:1-2, while the dosage of platelet and cryoprecipitate appeared to be very small. The risk of in-hospital death were associated with the primary disease in patients receiving massive blood transfusion (Log-Rank P = 0.000), cardiac surgery and trauma patients who received massive blood transfusion have a higher risk of death rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients undergoing massive blood transfusion among different surgical departments have a certain difference in use of blood transfusion, mortality rate and the time of death. Our findings suggested that we should set up an independent transfusion program in cardiac surgery and trauma patients of massive blood transfusion.

Balanced ratio of plasma to packed red blood cells improves outcomes in massive transfusion: A large multicenter study

Resuscitation with the early administration of plasma can improve the survival of patients undergoing surgery or trauma patients who require massive transfusion. To ascertain the optimal ratio of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) to packed red blood cells (pRBCs) in massive transfusions, the records of 1,048 patients who received a massive transfusion at 20 hospitals were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were stratified into three groups according to the ratio of FFP to pRBCs. These were the low (<1:2.3), middle (1:2.3-0.75) and high (≥1:0.75) ratio groups. For 24-h treatment, the middle FFP:pRBC ratio led to a lower mortality rate (9.31%) compared with that in the low (11.83%) and high (11.44%) ratio groups (P=0.477). For 72-h treatment, the middle FFP:pRBC ratio also lead to the lowest mortality rate (7.25%), which was significantly lower than the ratios in the low (10.39%) and high (13.65%) ratio groups (P=0.007). The length of hospital stay, ICU stay, and FFP:pRBC ratio in 72 h were found to be significant associated with mortality. The optimal ratio of FFP to pRBCs of 1:2.3-0.75 in 72 h can improve the survival of patients undergoing massive transfusions.

The plasma and platelet are important in reducing the mortality in surgical massive blood transfusion: a large multicenter study in China

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to learn the current situation of surgical massive transfusion of death and survival groups in China, which could provide the basis for the formulation of guidelines on massive transfusion.

METHODS

A multicenter retrospective research for the application status of blood constituents during massive blood transfusion was conducted, the differences of fresh frozen plasma and platelet application between death group and survival group were compared, and the transfusion volume and the distribution of other blood constituents were analyses at different periods of time when red blood cells are infused between death group and survival group.

RESULTS

The patients with fresh frozen plasma compare the patients with red blood cell was 1:1-2 during massive transfusion, while the dosage of platelet and cryocepitate were transfused very small. Results showed that the average amount of platelet and plasma in death group was significantly lower than those in survival group.

CONCLUSION

During massive transfusion, clinicians in 20 Chinese hospitals paid more attention to the infusion of fresh frozen plasma while making the infusion of red blood cells. However, they paid little attention to the supplement of platelet and cryocepitate. The average quantity of plasma and platelet in survival group were also higher than those in death group.

Correlation between red blood cell transfusion volume and mortality in patients with massive blood transfusion: A large multicenter retrospective study

This study aimed to explore the correlation between red blood cell (RBC) transfusion volume and patient mortality in massive blood transfusion. A multicenter retrospective study was carried out on 1,601 surgical inpatients who received massive blood transfusion in 20 large comprehensive hospitals in China. According to RBC transfusion volume and duration, the patients were divided into groups as follows: 0–4, 5–9, 10–14, 15–19, 20–24, 25–29, 30–39 and ≥40 units within 24 or 72 h. Mortality in patients with different RBC transfusion volumes was analyzed. It was found that patient mortality increased with the increase in the volume of RBC transfusion when the total RBC transfusion volume was ≥10 units within 24 or 72 h. Survival analysis revealed significant differences in mortality according to the RBC transfusion volume (χ²=72.857, P<0.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that RBC transfusion volume is an independent risk factor [odds ratio (OR) = 0.52; confidence interval (CI): 0.43–0.64; P<0.01] for the mortality of patients undergoing a massive blood transfusion. When RBCs were transfused at a volume of 5–9 units within 24 and 72 h, the mortality rate was the lowest, at 3.7 and 2.3% respectively. It is concluded that during massive blood transfusion in surgical inpatients, there is a correlation between RBC transfusion volume within 24 or 72 h and the mortality of the patients. Patient mortality increases with the increase in the volume of RBC transfusion. RBC transfusion volume, the length of stay at hospital and intensive care unit stay constitute the independent risk factors for patient mortality.

Early interleukin-6 and slope of monocyte human leukocyte antigen-DR: a powerful association to predict the development of sepsis after major trauma

OBJECTIVE

Major trauma is characterized by a pro-inflammatory response, followed by an immunosuppression. Recently, in trauma patients, the lack of recovery of monocyte Human Leukocyte Antigen DR (mHLA-DR, a biomarker of ICU-acquired immunosuppression) between days 1-2 and days 3-4 has been demonstrated to be independently associated with sepsis development. The main objective of this study was to determine whether early measurements of IL-6 (interleukin-6) and IL-10 plasma concentrations (as markers of initial severity) could improve, in association with mHLA-DR recovery, the prediction of sepsis occurrence in severe trauma patients.

DESIGN

Prospective observational study over 24 months in a Trauma ICU at university hospital.

PATIENTS

Trauma patients with an ISS over 25 and age over 18 were included.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

mHLA-DR was assessed by flow cytometry, IL-6 and IL-10 concentrations by ELISA. 100 consecutive severely injured patients were monitored (mean ISS 37±10). 37 patients developed sepsis. IL-6 concentrations and slope of mHLA-DR expression between days 1-2 and days 3-4 were significantly different between septic and non-septic patients. IL-10 was not detectable in most patients. After adjustment for usual clinical confounders, when assessed as a pair, multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that a slope of mHLA-DR expression (days 3-4/days 1-2)≤1.1 and a IL-6 concentration ≥ 67.1 pg/ml remained highly associated with the development of sepsis (adjusted OR 18.4, 95% CI 4.9; 69.4, p = .00002).

CONCLUSIONS

After multivariate regression logistic analysis, when assessed as a pair, a high IL-6 concentration and a persistent mHLA-DR decreased expression were found to be in relation with the development of sepsis with the best predictive value. This study underlines the usefulness of daily monitoring of immune function to identify trauma patients at a high risk of infection.

Resuscitation and coagulation in the severely injured trauma patient

Developments in the resuscitation of the severely injured trauma patient in the last decade have been through the increased understanding of the early pathophysiological consequences of injury together with some observations and experiences of recent casualties of conflict. In particular, the recognition of early derangements of haemostasis with hypocoagulopathy being associated with increased mortality and morbidity and the prime importance of tissue hypoperfusion as a central driver to this process in this population of patients has led to new resuscitation strategies. These strategies have focused on haemostatic resuscitation and the development of the ideas of damage control resuscitation and damage control surgery continuum. This in turn has led to a requirement to be able to more closely monitor the physiological status, of major trauma patients, including their coagulation status, and react in an anticipatory fashion.

Lack of recovery in monocyte human leukocyte antigen-DR expression is independently associated with the development of sepsis after major trauma

Introduction

Major trauma is characterized by an overwhelming pro-inflammatory response and an accompanying anti-inflammatory response that lead to a state of immunosuppression, as observed after septic shock. Diminished monocyte Human Leukocyte Antigen DR (mHLA-DR) is a reliable marker of monocyte dysfunction and immunosuppression. The main objective of this study was to determine the relation between mHLA-DR expression in severe trauma patients and the development of sepsis.

Methods

We conducted a prospective observational study over 23 months in a trauma intensive care unit at a university hospital. Patients with an Injury Severity Score (ISS) over 25 and age over 18 were included. mHLA-DR was assessed by flow cytometry protocol according to standardized protocol. Mann-Whitney U-test for continuous non-parametric variables, independent paired t test for continuous parametric variables and chi-square test for categorical data were used.

Results

mHLA-DR was measured three times a week during the first 14 days. One hundred five consecutive severely injured patients were monitored (ISS 38 ± 17, SAPS II 37 ± 16). Thirty-seven patients (35%) developed sepsis over the 14 days post-trauma. At days 1-2, mHLA-DR was diminished in the whole patient population, with no difference with the development of sepsis. At days 3-4, a highly significant difference appeared between septic and non-septic patients. Non- septic patients showed an increase in mHLA-DR levels, whereas septic patients did not (13,723 ± 7,766 versus 9,271 ± 6,029 antibodies per cell, p = .004). Most importantly, multivariate logistic regression analysis, after adjustment for usual clinical confounders (adjusted OR 5.41, 95% CI 1.42-20.52), revealed that a slope of mHLA-DR expression between days1-2 and days 3-4 below 1.2 remained associated with the development of sepsis.

Conclusions

Major trauma induced an immunosuppression, characterized by a decrease in mHLA-DR expression. Importantly, after multivariate regression logistic analysis, persistent decreased expression was assessed to be in relation with the development of sepsis. This is the first study in trauma patients showing a link between the lack of immune recovery and the development of sepsis on the basis of the standardized protocol. Monitoring immune function by mHLA-DR measurement could be useful to identify trauma patients at a high risk of infection.

Leucodepletion leads to component-like storage stability of whole blood - suggesting its homologous use?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Leucodepleted whole blood (LWB) is already widely used for autologous donations and could also be appropriate for certain instances of allogeneic transfusion provided that storage quality can be preserved at component-like levels.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixteen units of whole blood (WB), donated by healthy volunteers into CPDA-1 according to German guidelines, were leucofiltered prestorage and stored for up to 49 days. Unfiltered WB in CPDA-1 (UFWB, n=16) and filtered red blood cells in SAGM (RCC, n=14) served as controls. Several haematological, biochemical and coagulatory quality parameters were determined at designated time-points during storage.

RESULTS

Apart from significant differences (P<0.05) in haematocrit (56.2+/-3.6 vs. 37.9+/-3.9%), and in the plasma concentrations of free haemoglobin (93.1+/-37.8 vs. 57.8+/-24.3 g/dl), K+ (38.9+/-5.3 vs. 31.5+/-4.3 mm) and ATP (2.7+/-0.2 vs. 1.6+/-0.4 micromol/g haemoglobin), with higher levels detected in RCC, no remarkable differences (P>0.05) were observed regarding haemolysis (0.23+/-0.07% vs. 0.31+/-0.13) and pH value (6.63+/-0.03 vs. 6.62+/-0.02) between RCC and LWB at the end of storage. Lack of leucodepletion manifested in significantly (P<0.05) higher rates of haemolysis (0.44+/-0.21%), free haemoglobin (89.6+/-43.5 g/dl) and lower pH values (6.56+/-0.04). During 42 days of LWB storage, sufficient amounts (% of the initial mean value) were observed with stable (factor XI, 97.5+/-15.0) and labile (factor V, 92.9+/-18.0; factor VIII, 69.2+/-17.1) clotting factors and inhibitors (antithrombin III 88.9+/-9.5), without any signs of activated coagulation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicate that the quality of LWB is comparable to that of components during 42 days of storage. Thus, LWB could be an interesting option for using to facilitate and economize the blood supply, especially for surgical or trauma patients.

Guidelines for the use of fresh-frozen plasma, cryoprecipitate and cryosupernatant

The indications for transfusing fresh-frozen plasma (FFP), cryoprecipitate and cryosupernatant plasma are very limited. When transfused they can have unpredictable adverse effects. The risks of transmitting infection are similar to those of other blood components unless a pathogen-reduced plasma (PRP) is used. Of particular concern are allergic reactions and anaphylaxis, transfusion-related acute lung injury, and haemolysis from transfused antibodies to blood group antigens, especially A and B. FFP is not indicated in disseminated intravascular coagulation without bleeding, is only recommended as a plasma exchange medium for thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (for which cryosupernatant is a possible alternative), should never be used to reverse warfarin anticoagulation in the absence of severe bleeding, and has only a very limited place in prophylaxis prior to liver biopsy. When used for surgical or traumatic bleeding, FFP and cryoprecipitate doses should be guided by coagulation studies, which may include near-patient testing. FFP is not indicated to reverse vitamin K deficiency for neonates or patients in intensive care units. PRP may be used as an alternative to FFP. In the UK, PRP from countries with a low bovine spongiform encephalopathy incidence is recommended by the Departments of Health for children born after 1 January 1996. Arrangements for limited supplies of single donor PRP of non-UK origin are expected to be completed in 2004. Batched pooled commercially prepared PRP from donors in the USA (Octaplas) is licensed and available in the UK. FFP must be thawed using a technique that avoids risk of bacterial contamination. Plastic packs containing any of these plasma products are brittle in the frozen state and must be handled with care.

Recombinant activated factor VII for the treatment of life-threatening haemorrhage

To describe the use of recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) in patients with life-threatening haemorrhage. We report a case series of Australian patients with life-threatening haemorrhage who were treated with rFVIIa prior to August 2002 namely 21 patients, median age 45 years (range 22-79 years), 33% (seven of 21) female. The major causes for bleeding were multi-trauma, cardiac or vascular surgery, or orthoptic liver transplantation. In the 24 h prior to the administration of rFVIIa, the median blood usage was 22 U packed cells (range 3-66 U), the median International Normalized Ratio was 1.6 (range 1.4-3.6) and the median activated partial thromboplastin time was 55 s (range 31-180 s). During the 24 h after administration of rFVIIa, the median blood usage was 2 U packed cells (range 0-16 U), the median International Normalized Ratio was 1.0 (range 0.9-1.2) and the median activated partial thromboplastin time was 40 s (range 30-94 s); P < 0.001 for each comparison. Sixteen of the 21 patients were discharged from hospital or were alive at 30 days. There were no thrombotic complications following the administration of rFVIIa. These uncontrolled data suggest a role for rFVIIa as an adjunctive haemostatic measure in surgical patients with life-threatening haemorrhage for whom conventional measures to achieve haemostasis have failed.

Indications for prothrombin complex concentrates in massive transfusions

A major hemorrhagic insult may require massive transfusions to maintain oxygen transport and hemostasis. Thus an adequate transfusion budget must consider losses, patient's blood volume, critical levels of laboratory parameters, replacement rates of coagulation factors from the extravascular space, and the efficacy of blood products. The substitution of large quantities of blood or red cell concentrates can induce and aggravate a complex haemostatic disorder. Some patients develop generalized microvascular bleeding. A transfusion regimen is described, which in our hands can reduce complications of massive transfusion. For hemostatic support, platelet concentrates and fresh frozen plasma are the treatment of choice. Localization and persistence of bleeding, hepatic disease, and vitamin K deficiency due to medication or intestinal malabsorption may require the supplementary use of prothrombin complex concentrates. Furthermore, antithrombin and fibrinogen concentrates may be indispensable.

Symptomatic hypocalcemia precipitated by small-volume blood transfusion

We present 2 cases in which the transfusion of small volumes of packed RBC was sufficient to precipitate symptomatic hypocalcemia. Subsequent inquiry revealed that both of the patients had preexisting, untreated, and asymptomatic hypocalcemia, 1 following partial thyroidectomy many years earlier and the other with documented hypocalcemia but without a definitive diagnosis.

Guidelines for the use of fresh frozen plasma. British Committee for Standards in Haematology, Working Party of the Blood Transfusion Task Force

Fresh frozen plasma should only be used to treat bleeding episodes or prepare patients for surgery in certain defined situations. Definite indications for the use of FFP: 1. Replacement of single coagulation factor deficiencies, where a specific or combined factor concentrate is unavailable. 2. Immediate reversal or warfarin effect. 3. Acute disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). 4. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). Conditional uses: FFP only indicated in the presence of bleeding and disturbed coagulation: 1. Massive transfusion. 2. Liver disease. 3. cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. 4. Special paediatric indications. No justification for the use of FFP: 1. Hypovolaemia. 2. Plasma exchange procedures. 3. 'Formula' replacement. 4. Nutritional support. 5. Treatment of immunodeficiency states.