Targeting patient blood management's first pillar: A multicentric retrospective study on preoperative anemia

ABSTRACT Introduction: Anemia is a common issue in surgical patients and has been associated with worse clinical outcomes, such as a higher probability of transfusions and longer hospital stay. Therefore, Patient Blood Management programs are actively aiming to achieve early identification and treatment of anemia, previous to the surgery. Methods and materials: In this study, preoperative hemoglobin within the Blood Order Schedule (BOS) at 16 blood centers in several Brazilian regions were retrospectively evaluated. Data regarding hemoglobin, age, gender and Brazilian regions were further analyzed. Results: From the 20,201 BOSs evaluated, the mean age was 55.65 ± 23.52 years old, with an overall prevalence of preoperative anemia of 60.9%. Women had a lower mean preoperative hemoglobin (11.74 ± 2.84 for women and 12.27 ± 3.06 for men) and higher prevalence of anemia than men (66% of females and 52.2% of males). The individuals over 65 years old and under 18 were the most affected by preoperative anemia. All regions had a high prevalence of preoperative anemia, without any direct association with the Human Development Index. Conclusion: In summary, upon evaluating the BOS, our study showed a high prevalence of preoperative anemia in all Brazilian regions, regardless of the gender and age group, but that women and individuals less than 18 or over 65 years old have an even higher prevalence of preoperative anemia. This information can identify the institutions in which preoperative anemia is a critical issue and in which new strategies, such as preoperative screening clinics, might be helpful.

Chagas disease: Performance analysis of immunodiagnostic tests anti-Trypanosoma cruzi in blood donors with inconclusive screening results

ABSTRACT Background: The screening of Trypanosoma cruzi-infected blood donors using two serological techniques frequently leads to conflicting results. This fact prompted us to evaluate the diagnostic performance of four "in-house" immunodiagnostic tests and two commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Material and Methods: One hundred and seventy-nine blood donors, whose screening for Chagas disease was doubtful, underwent three in-house ELISAs, one in-house immunoblotting test (TESA-blot), and two commercial ELISAs (bioMérieux and Wiener) in an attempt to define the presence or absence of infection. Simultaneously, 29 donors with previous positive results from three conventional serological tests and 30 donors with constant negative results were evaluated. Results: The ELISA-Wiener showed the highest rate in sensitivity (98.92%) and the ELISA-bioMérieux, the highest specificity (99.45%), followed by the TESA-blot, which showed superior performance, with lower false-negative (2.18%) and false-positive (1.12%) rates. In series, the combination composed of the TESA-blot and ELISA-bioMérieux showed slightly superior performance, with trifunctional protein deficiency (TFP) = 0.01%. Conclusion: Our study confirms the high sensitivity and specificity of commercial kits. To confirm the presence or absence of T. cruzi infection, the combination of TESA-blot and ELISA-bioMérieux may be suggested as the best alternative. Individually, the TESA-blot performed the closest to the gold standard; however, it is not commercially available.

Incidence of small for gestational age neonates, according to the fenton and intergrowth-21st curves in a level ii maternity / Incidência de recém-nascidos pequenos para a idade gestacional segundo curva de fenton e intergrowth-21st em uma maternidade de nível secundário

ABSTRACT Objective: To compare the incidence of small for gestational age infants among late preterm and term newborns, using the Fenton and Intergrowth-21st curves. Methods: Observational and retrospective study with newborns in a level II maternity. The study was approved by the Institution's Ethics Committee. Live births from July 2007 to February 2009 with a gestational age from 34 to 41 weeks and seven days were included. Neonates with incomplete data were excluded. Appropriate weight for gestational age was assessed by the Fenton and Intergrowth-21st intrauterine growth curves, considering birth weight <10th percentile as small for gestational age. The degree of agreement between the two curves was assessed by the Kappa coefficient. Numerical variables were compared using the Student t-test or the Mann-Whitney. Categorical variables were compared using the chi-square test. Statistical analyzes were performed using SPSS17® software, considering significant, p<0.05. Results: We included 2849 newborns with a birthweight of 3210±483 g, gestational age of 38.8±1.4 weeks; 51.1% male. The incidence of small for gestational age in the full sample was 13.0 vs. 8.7% (p<0.001, Kappa=0.667) by the Fenton and Intergrowth-21st curves, respectively. Among late preterm, the incidence of small neonates was 11.3 vs. 10.9% (p<0.001; Kappa=0.793) and among full-term infants it was 13.1% vs. 8.5% (p<0.001; Kappa=0.656), respectively for the Fenton and Intergrowth-21st curves. Conclusions: The incidence of small for gestational age newborns was significantly higher using the Fenton curve, with greater agreement between the Fenton and Intergrowth-21st curves among late preterm, compared to full term neonates.

RESUMO Objetivo: Comparar a incidência de neonatos pequenos para idade gestacional entre nascidos vivos pré-termo tardios e a termo utilizando as curvas de Fenton e Intergrowth-21st. Métodos: Estudo observacional retrospectivo com recém-nascidos de uma maternidade pública de nível secundário. Foram incluídos nascidos vivos de julho/2007 a fevereiro/2009 com idade gestacional de 34 a 41 semanas e seis dias. O estudo foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética da instituição. Foram excluídos recém-nascidos com dados incompletos. Para adequação do peso/da idade gestacional, utilizaram-se as curvas de crescimento intrauterino de Fenton e Intergrowth-21st, considerando-se pequeno aquele com peso ao nascer <10º percentil. O grau de concordância entre as duas curvas foi avaliado pelo coeficiente Kappa. As variáveis numéricas foram comparadas pelo teste t de Student ou de Mann-Whitney, conforme distribuição, e as categóricas pelo teste χ2. As análises estatísticas foram realizadas no programa Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 17®, considerando-se significante p<0,05. Resultados: Foram incluídos 2.849 recém-nascidos com peso ao nascer de 3210±483 g, idade gestacional de 38,8±1,4 semanas, sendo 51,1% masculinos. A incidência de recém-nascidos pequenos para a idade gestacional pela curva de Fenton e Intergrowth-21st na amostra total foi, respectivamente, de 13 e 8,7% (p<0,001; Kappa=0,667). Entre os pré-termo tardios, a incidência foi de 11,3 e 10,9% (p<0,001; Kappa=0,793) e entre os nascidos a termo foi de 13,1 e 8,5%, (p<0,001; Kappa=0,656), respectivamente, para as curvas de Fenton e Intergrowth-21st. Conclusões: A incidência de recém-nascidos pequenos para idade gestacional foi significantemente maior pela curva de Fenton, com maior concordância entre as curvas de Fenton e Intergrowth-21st em recém-nascidos pré-termo tardios do que nos nascidos a termo.

Blood cells profile in umbilical cord of late preterm and term newborns / Perfil de hemograma em sangue de cordão umbilical de recém-nascidos pré-termo tardio e a termo

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the hematological profile in cord blood of late preterm and term newborns and compare blood indices according to sex, weight for gestational age and type of delivery. Methods: Cross-sectional study with late preterm and term newborns in a second-level maternity. Multiple gestation, chorioamnionitis, maternal or fetal hemorrhage, suspected congenital infection, 5-minute Apgar <6, congenital malformations, and Rh hemolytic disease were excluded. Percentiles 3, 5,10, 25, 50, 75, 90, 95 and 97 of blood indices were calculated for both groups. Results: 2,662 newborns were included in the sample, 51.1% males, 7.3% late preterms, 7.8% small for gestational age (SGA) and 81.2% adequate for gestational age (AGA). Mean gestational age was 35.6±1.9 and 39.3±1.0 weeks, respectively, for premature and term neonates. The erythrocytes indices and white blood cells increased from 34-36.9 to 37-41.9 weeks. Basophils and platelets remained constant during gestation. Premature neonates presented lower values ​​of all blood cells, except for lymphocytes and eosinophils. SGA neonates presented higher values ​​of hemoglobin, hematocrit and lower values of leukocytes, neutrophils, bands, segmented, eosinophils, monocytes and platelets. Male neonates presented similar values ​​of erythrocytes and hemoglobin and lower leukocytes, neutrophils, segmented and platelets. Neonates delivered by C-section had lower values ​​of red blood cells and platelets. Chronic or gestational hypertension induced lower number of platelets. Conclusions: Blood cells increased during gestation, except for platelets and basophils. SGA neonates had higher hemoglobin and hematocrit values and lower leukocytes. Number of platelets was smaller in male SGAs, born by C-section and whose mothers had hypertension.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever o perfil hematológico em sangue de cordão de recém-nascidos pré-termo tardio e a termo e comparar parâmetros hematimétricos segundo sexo, adequação peso idade gestacional e tipo de parto. Métodos: Estudo transversal com recém-nascidos pré-termo tardio e a termo, em maternidade de nível secundário. Excluíram-se gestação múltipla, corioamnionite, hemorragia materna ou fetal, suspeita de infecção congênita, Apgar no 5o minuto <6, malformações congênitas e doença hemolítica Rh. Calcularam-se os percentis 3, 5, 10, 25, 50, 75, 90, 95 e 97 dos parâmetros hematológicos. Resultados: Incluíram-se 2.662 recém-nascidos, 51,1% do sexo masculino, 7,3% prematuros tardios, 7,8% pequenos para a idade gestacional e 81,2% adequados. A idade gestacional foi 35,6±1,9 e 39,3±1,0 semanas, respectivamente, nos prematuros e termos. As séries vermelha e branca aumentaram de 34-36,9 para 37-41,9 semanas, exceto basófilos e plaquetas, que permaneceram constantes. Os prematuros apresentaram menores médias nas séries vermelha, plaquetária e branca, com exceção de linfócitos e eosinófilos. Recém-nascidos pequenos para a idade gestacional apresentaram maiores valores de hemoglobina e hematócrito e menores de leucócitos, neutrófilos, bastonetes segmentados, eosinófilos, monócitos e plaquetas. Recém-nascidos masculinos apresentaram taxas semelhantes de hemoglobina e hematócrito e menores de leucócitos, neutrófilos, segmentados e plaquetas. Na cesárea, as células vermelhas e as plaquetas foram menores que no parto vaginal. O número de plaquetas foi menor na hipertensão crônica ou gestacional. Conclusões: As células sanguíneas aumentaram durante a gestação, exceto plaquetas e basófilos. Recém-nascidos pequenos para a idade gestacional apresentaram maiores taxas de hemoglobina e hematócrito e menores de células brancas. O número de plaquetas foi menor no recém-nascido pequeno para a idade gestacional, masculino, nascido por cesárea e de mãe hipertensa.

Association between Knops blood group polymorphisms and susceptibility to malaria in an endemic area of the Brazilian Amazon

Complement receptor 1 (CR1) gene polymorphisms that are associated with Knops blood group antigens may influence the binding of Plasmodium parasites to erythrocytes, thereby affecting susceptibility to malaria. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genotype and allele and haplotype frequencies of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of Knops blood group antigens and examine their association with susceptibility to malaria in an endemic area of Brazil. One hundred and twenty-six individuals from the Brazilian Amazon were studied. The CR1-genomic fragment was amplified by PCR and six SNPs and haplotypes were identified after DNA sequence analysis. Allele and haplotype frequencies revealed that the Kn b allele and H8 haplotype were possibly associated with susceptibility to Plasmodium falciparum. The odds ratios were reasonably high, suggesting a potentially important association between two Knops blood antigens (Kn b and KAM+) that confer susceptibility to P. falciparum in individuals from the Brazilian Amazon.

Estudo do sistema de grupo sangüíneo Duffy em habitantes da região endêmica para malária e doadores de sangue / Study of the Duffy blood-group system in malarial endemic region inhabitants and blood donors

Objetivos: O presente estudo teve os seguintes objetivos: 1. Avaliar através de técnicas sorológicas, a freqüência dos fenótipos Fy(a+b+), Fy(a+b-), Fy(a-b+) e Fy(a-b-), do sistema de grupo sangüíneo Duffy, em habitantes de região endêmica para malária e doadores de sangue; 2. Avaliar através de técnicas de biologia molecular, a freqüência dos alelos FYA e FYB, do gene Duffy (FY), em habitantes de região endêmica para malária e doadores de sangue; 3. Avaliar através de técnica de biologia molecular, a freqüência da mutação molecular -33TC no "box" Gata-1 da região promotora do gene FY, caracterizando o alelo FYBes (eritróide silencioso) nos alelos FYB e FYA, em habitantes de região endêmica para malária e doadores de sangue; 4. Avaliar através de técnicas de biologia molecular, a freqüência das mutações moleculares C265T e G298A na região codificadora do FY, no alelo FYB, que caracterizam o ateio FYBfraco, em indivíduos que apresentaram discrepância entre o fenótipo e o genótipo, caracterizada pelo fenótipo Fy(a+b-) e o genótipo FYAIFFYB, em habitantes de região endêmica para malária e doadores de sangue; 5. Correlacionar a freqüência dos fenótipos Fy(a+b+), Fy(a+b-), Fy(a-b+) e Fy(a-b-) com o desenvolvimento de malária por Plasmodium vivax (P. vivax) em habitantes de região endêmica para malária; 6. Correlacionar a freqüência dos genótipos FYA/FFYA, FYA/FFYB e FYB/FFYB, com o desenvolvimento de malária por P. vívax em habitantes de região endêmica para malária; 7. Correlacionar a freqüência da mutação molecular –33TC no “box” Gata-1 da região promotora do gene FY com infecção pelo P. vivax em habitantes da região endêmica para malária; 8. Efetuar análise da seqüência de nucleotídeos dos indivíduos que apresentaram discrepância entre o fenótipo e o genótipo, caracterizada pelo fenótipo Fy(a+b-) e o genótipo FYA/FYB, em habitantes de região endêmica para malária e doadores de sangue…(au)

Iron deficiency in blood donors

CONTEXT: Blood donation results in a substantial loss of iron (200 to 250 mg) at each bleeding procedure (425 to 475 ml) and subsequent mobilization of iron from body stores. Recent reports have shown that body iron reserves generally are small and iron depletion is more frequent in blood donors than in non-donors. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of iron deficiency in blood donors and to establish the frequency of iron deficiency in blood donors according to sex, whether they were first-time or multi-time donors, and the frequency of donations per year. DESIGN: From September 20 to October 5, 1999, three hundred blood donors from Santa Casa Hemocenter of Säo Paulo were studied. DIAGNOSTIC TESTS: Using a combination of biochemical measurements of iron status: serum iron, total iron-binding capacity, transferrin saturation index, serum ferritin and the erythrocyte indices. RESULTS: The frequency of iron deficiency in blood donors was 11.0 percent, of whom 5.5 percent (13/237) were male and 31.7 percent (20/63) female donors. The frequency of iron deficiency was higher in multi-time blood donors than in first-time blood donors, for male blood donors (7.6 percent versus 0.0 percent, P < 0.05) and female ones (41.5 percent versus 18.5 percent, P < 0.05). The frequency of iron deficiency found was higher among the male blood donors with three or more donations per year (P < 0.05) and among the female blood donors with two or more donations per year (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that blood donation is a very important factor for iron deficiency in blood donors, particularly in multi-time donors and especially in female donors. The high frequency of blood donors with iron deficiency found in this study suggests a need for a more accurate laboratory trial, as hemoglobin or hematocrit measurement alone is not sufficient for detecting and excluding blood donors with iron deficiency without anemia

Quantificaçäo do risco mínimo de aquisiçäo de doença de Chagas transfusional, através do xenodiagnóstico em doadores de sangue com sorologia positiva / Quantification of the minimum risk of transfusional Chagas disease acquisition, by xenodiagnosis in blood donors with positive serology

Quantificaçäo do risco mínimo de aquisiçäo de doença de Chagas transfusional através do xenodiagnóstico em doadores de sangue com sorologia positiva. Os autores procuraram quantificar o risco mínimo de aquisiçäo de infecçäo chagásica através de transfusöes, quando o sangue utilizado é proveniente de indivíduos com reaçöes sorológicas positivas para esta parasitose. Para a avaliaçäo da parasitemia, realizaram o xenodiagnóstico em 178 candidatos a doadores de sangue com sorologia positiva para tripanosomíase americana. A positividade revelada pelo xenodiagnóstico, da ordem de 14 por cento, é interpretada como o risco mínimo de ocorrência de novos casos de infecçäo T. cruzi em indivíduos transfundidos com sangue proveniente de doadores chagásicos.

Avaliaçäo de linfadenopatia cervical por ultra-sonografia em pacientes portadores de linfomas malignos / Evaluation of cervical lymphadenopathy by ultrasound in patients with malignant lymphomas

A ultra-sonografia cervical tem sido realizada rotineiramente em pacientes protadores de linfomas malignos, objetivando a deteccäo, localizaçäo e delimitaçäo de linfonodos cervicais, demonstrando-se importante método propedêutico, principalmente em relaçäo a infiltraçäo de estruturas adjacentes, tais como vasos e musculatura cervicais. Näo foi possível estabelecer diagnóstico diferencial entre linfadenopatias benignas e malignas. A correta avaliaçäo cervical mostrou-se fundamental no diagnóstico, estadiamento e terapêutica de pacientes portadores de linfomas malignos, levando-se em consideraçäo que o exame fisico deixa muito a desejar e à tomografia cervical computadorizada näo foi possível avaliar o diâmetro longitudinal dos linfonodos e diferenciar as estruturas adjacentes, especialmente os vasos