Biovigilance: A Global Perspective

The value of organ and tissue biovigilance: a cross-sectional analysis

Introduction

Biovigilance (BV) systems aim to improve the quality and safety of tissues and organs for transplantation. This study describes the Catalan BV system and analyzes its utility.

Methods

It is a retrospective analysis of notifications on serious adverse events (SAEs) and reactions (SARs) since the implementation of the BV system (2008 for tissues and 2016 for organs) until 2020. Variables are presented to describe the most common critical steps of the pathway and complications associated with the quality and safety of tissues and organs.

Results

A total of 154 and 125 notifications were reported to the Tissue and the Organ BV systems, respectively. Most SAEs were related to unexpected donor diseases and implemented actions were assured on those deemed preventable. Regarding SARs, donor-transmitted infections and malignancies (only organs) were the most common, followed by graft failure (tissues) and process-related (organs). The incidence of SAEs and SARs related to tissue was 3.44‰ and 0.22‰, respectively. The corresponding figures for organs were 31.48‰ and 8.8‰, respectively.

Discussion

The analysis of the notifications to the Catalan BV systems has provided useful information about existing risks associated with the quality and safety of tissues and organs, and enabled the implementation of actions targeted to diminish risks and mitigate damage.

Adverse Events Reporting Systems in Cells, Organs, and Tissues Donation and Transplantation: Scoping Review

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to map adverse events reporting systems in cells, organs, and tissues donation and transplantation, including the terms applicable in each system and scientific literature.

METHODS

This was a scoping review using the Joanna Briggs Institute method. A search strategy in 3 phases was used, and searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase, LILACS, Scholar Google, and government and organ donations and transplantation associations' sites during June and August 2021. Data collection and analysis were independently made by 2 researchers. The scoping review protocol was registered.

RESULTS

Twenty-four articles and other materials were selected for data collection. Eleven reporting systems were analyzed, and terms were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Adverse reporting systems in cells, organs, and tissues donation and transplantation were mapped. The main features are presented, which can help develop new and better systems, with an important discussion about the terms used.

Educational and Electronic-Based Tools to Mitigate the Risk of Transfusion Adverse Events

ABSTRACT

The transfusion of blood products is a widely used practice but comes with the risk of transfusion-associated adverse events and fatalities. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate if strict adherence to transfusion guidelines would lead to a decrease in the rate of transfusion reactions that occurred when blood products were given outside of established indications. Hospital-wide educational programs and dedicated electronic transfusion order sets were used to encourage adherence to guidelines. A secondary aim of this study was to evaluate if a decrease in the incidence of transfusion reactions also lead to a decrease in associated healthcare costs.