Transfusion, mortality and hemoglobin level: associations among emergency department patients in Kigali, Rwanda

Background: Studies from high-income countries (HIC) support restrictive blood transfusion thresholds in medical patients. In low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), the etiologies of anemia and baseline health states differ greatly; optimal transfusion thresholds are unknown. This study evaluated the association of packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusion with mortality outcomes across hemoglobin levels amongst emergency center (EC) patients presenting with medical pathology in Kigali, Rwanda. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was performed using a random sample of patients presenting to the EC at the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali. Patients ≥15 years of age, treated for medical emergencies during 2013­16, with EC hemoglobin measurements were included. The relationship between EC PRBC transfusion and patient mortality was evaluated using logistic regression, with stratified analyses performed at hemoglobin levels of 7 mg/dL and 5 mg/dL. Results: Of 3609 cases sampled, 1116 met inclusion. The median age was 42 years (IQR 29, 60) and 45.2% were female. Transfusion occurred in 12.1% of patients. Hematologic (24.4%) and gastrointestinal pathologies (20.7%) were the primary diagnoses of those transfused. Proportional mortality was higher amongst those receiving transfusions, although not statistically significant (23.7% vs 17.0%, p=0.06). No significant difference in adjusted odds of overall mortality by PRBC transfusion was found. In stratified analysis, patients receiving EC transfusions with a hemoglobin >5.0 mg/dL, had 2.21 times the odds of mortality (95% CI 1.51­3.21) as compared to those ≤5.0 mg/dL. Conclusions: No association between PRBC transfusion and odds of mortality was observed amongst EC patients in this LMIC setting. An increased mortality association was found for patients receiving PRBC transfusions with an initial hemoglobin >5 mg/dL. Results suggest benefits from PRBC transfusion are limited as compared to HIC. Further research evaluating emergent transfusion thresholds for medical pathologies should be performed in LMICs to guide practice

Blood transfusion and increased perioperative risk in coronary artery bypass grafts

Abstract Objective: To correlate blood transfusions and clinical outcomes during hospitalization in coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABG). Methods: Transfusion, clinical and hematological data were collected for 1,378 patients undergoing isolated or combined CABG between January 2011 and December 2012. The effect of blood transfusions was evaluated through multivariate analysis to predict three co-primary outcomes: composite ischemic events, composite infectious complications and hospital mortality. Because higher risk patients receive more transfusions, the hospital mortality outcome was also tested on a stratum of low-risk patients to isolate the effect of preoperative risk on the results. Results: The transfusion rate was 63.9%. The use of blood products was associated with a higher incidence of the three coprimary outcomes: composite infectious complications (OR 2.67, 95% CI 1.70 to 4.19; P<0.001), composite ischemic events (OR 2.42, 95% CI 1.70 to 3.46; P<0.001) and hospital mortality (OR 3.07, 95% CI 1.53 to 6.13; P<0.001). When only patients with logistic EuroSCORE ≤ 2% were evaluated, i.e., low-risk individuals, the mortality rate and the incidence of ischemic events and infectious complications composites remained higher among the transfused patients [6% vs. 0.4% (P<0.001), 11.7% vs. 24,3% (P<0.001) and 6.5% vs. 12.7% (P=0.002), respectively]. Conclusion: The use of blood components in patients undergoing CABG was associated with ischemic events, infectious complications and hospital mortality, even in low-risk patients.

Prevalencia del virus linfotrópico de células T humanas (HTLV) I/II en donantes de sangre / Prevalence of Human T-Lymphotropic Virus HTLV I/II among Blood Donors

La transmisión de infecciones por vía transfusional (sangre y derivados plasmáticos) es una complicación de gran importancia en relación con la morbimortalidad en receptores de sangre, lo que ha creado la necesidad de establecer estrategias de prevención que reduzcan o eliminen este riesgo. Como enfoque principal este estudio pretendió determinar la prevalencia del virus linfotrópico de células T humanas (HTLV) I/II en donantes que acuden a un banco de sangre hospitalario, además de abordar de manera documental y experimental la importancia de la implementación de dicha prueba, durante el tamizaje rutinario para unidades de sangre. Se utilizó el inmunoanálisis quimioluminiscente de micropartículas (CMIA) que detecta la presencia de anticuerpos contra antígenos del HTLV-I/II en el suero del donante y que se basa en la emisión de quimioluminiscencia. En el periodo de estudio se realizaron 650 pruebas que representan el 6.5% del total anual de donantes atendidos en un banco de sangre hospitalario. Los resultados indicaron que la prevalencia del HTLV I/II en esta muestra de donantes fue de 0.15%, con un intervalo de confianza del 95-99.5% [0.14, 0.29], sugiriendo que la inclusión de la determinación de HTLV I/II en las pruebas obligadas por la Ley de Servicios de Medicina Transfusional y Bancos de Sangre, Decreto 87-97 de Guatemala es de importancia considerando los datos obtenidos y analizados.

The infections transmitted via blood transfusion (blood and plasma derivatives) are a complication of great importance in relation to morbidity and mortality in blood recipients, what has created the need to establish prevention strategies that reduce or eliminate this risk. The main focus of this study was to determine the prevalence of Human T-Lymphotropic Virus HTLV I/II among blood donors who attend a Hospital Blood Bank, in addition to addressing in a documental and experimental way, the importance of the implementation of this test during the routine screening of blood units. To this end, a chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) was used to detect the presence of antibodies to HTLV-I/II in plasma from donors. In the study period, 650 samples were tested, representing 6.5% of total annual donors attending the Hospital Blood Bank. Results indicated that the prevalence of the Human T-Lymphotropic Virus HTLV I/II in this population was 0.15%, with the confidenceinterval of 95-99.5% [0.14, 0.29], suggesting that the inclusion of the determination of HTLV I/II in tests required by the Law of Services of Transfusion Medicine and Blood Banks, Decree 87-97 of Guatemala is of importance considering the data obtained and analyzed.

Fatores associados ao óbito e à reposição volêmica em pacientes com trauma por lesões penetrantes / Factors associated with death or volume replacement in patients with trauma due to penetrating injuries

Objective: to evaluate the prognostic factors of volume replacement in patients with trauma due to penetrating injuries. Methods: retrospective cohort study whose data were obtained by analyzing medical records of 544 patients who were admitted to the emergency unit, victims of penetrating trauma. Results: among the victims, 282 (51.9%) suffered stab wound, 262 (48.2%) injury by firearms, 486 (89.3%) were male, 382 (70.2%) were aged between 14 and 30 years. Most who received volume greater than 2000ml, systolic blood pressure ≤90mmHg and mean arterial pressure ≤65mmHg presented more mortality, with p <0.05, p <0.002 and p <0.003, respectively. Conclusion: the limited volume replacement can help in the good prognosis of victims of penetrating trauma.

Avaliar os fatores prognósticos da reposição volêmica em pacientes com trauma por lesões penetrantes. Métodos: estudo de coorte retrospectiva cujos dados foram obtidos através da análise de prontuários de 544 pacientes que deram entrada no serviço de emergência, vítimas de traumatismo penetrante. Resultados: dentre as vítimas, 282 (51,9%) sofreram ferimento por arma branca, 262 (48,2%) ferimento por arma de fogo, 486 (89,3%) eram do sexo masculino, com idade entre 14 e 30 anos 382 (70,2%). A maioria que recebeu fluído maior que 2000ml, pressão arterial sistólica ≤90mmHg e pressão arterial média ≤65mmHg, apresentou mais mortalidade, com valor de p<0,05, p<0,002 e p<0,003, respectivamente. Conclusão: a reposição volêmica limitada pode auxiliar no bom prognóstico do paciente vítima de trauma penetrante.

Impact on early and late mortality after blood transfusion in coronary artery bypass graft surgery / Impacto na mortalidade precoce e tardia após transfusão de hemácias em cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica

OBJECTIVE: To assess the 30-day and 1-year mortality associated to the red blood cell transfusion after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. This procedure has been questioned by the international medical community, but it is still widely used in cardiac surgery. Therefore, it is needed more evidence of this medical practice in our country. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 3,004 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting surgery between June 2009 and July 2010. Patients were divided into two groups: non-transfused and transfused. RESULTS: The transfused group totaled 1,888 (63%) and non-transfused 1,116 (37%). There were 129 deaths in 30 days, with 108 (84%) in the transfused group and 21 (16%) in the non-transfused (P<0.001). One year mortality totaled 249 distributed in 212 (85%) among transfused patients and 37 (15%) in non-transfused (P<0.001). The adjusted odds ratio for mortality in patients transfused was 2.00 (P=0.007) in 30 days and 2.31 (P=0.003) in 1 year. Even in low risk patients (age < 60 years and EuroSCORE < 2 points), and so with fewer comorbidities, both outcomes, 30 day and 1 year mortality were significantly higher in the transfused patients (7.0% vs. 0.0%, P< 0.001) and (10.0% vs. 0.0%, P< 0.001), respectively. CONCLUSION: The perioperative red blood cell transfusions after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery increased significantly the 30-day and 1-year mortality, even after the adjustments for comorbidities and other factors. So, new therapeutic options and autologous blood management and conservation strategies should be encouraged to reduce blood products transfusions.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a mortalidade em 30 dias e em 1 ano associada à transfusão de glóbulos vermelhos após cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica. Esse procedimento já vem sendo questionado pela comunidade médica internacional, mas ainda é utilizado em grande escala em cirurgias cardíacas. Portanto, faz-se necessário mais evidência dessa prática médica em nosso meio. MÉTODOS: Analisamos retrospectivamente 3004 pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica entre junho de 2009 e julho de 2010. Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos: Transfundidos e Não transfundidos. RESULTADOS: O grupo de pacientes transfundidos totalizaram 1888 (63%) e o grupo não transfundidos 1116 (37%). Foi observado 129 óbitos em 30 dias, sendo 108 (84%) no grupo transfundidos e 21 (16%) no grupo não transfundidos (P<0,001). Os óbitos em um ano totalizaram 249 distribuídos em 212 (85%) hemotransfundidos e 37 (15%) sem transfusão (P<0,001). O odds ratio ajustado para mortalidade nos pacientes transfundidos foi de 2,00 (P=0,007) em 30 dias e 2,31 (P=0,003) em 1 ano. Mesmo em pacientes de baixo risco (idade<60 anos e com EuroSCORE < 2%), portanto com menos comorbidades, temos significativamente mais óbitos no grupo transfundidos em 30 dias (7,0% vs. 0,0%; P<0,001) e também em 1 ano (10,0% vs. 0,0%; P<0,001). CONCLUSÃO: A transfusão de glóbulos vermelhos após cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica aumenta significativamente a mortalidade em 30 dias e em um ano, mesmo após correção de comorbidades e outros fatores. Novas opções terapêuticas e estratégias de gerenciamento e conservação do sangue autólogo devem ser estimuladas para reduzir as transfusões de hemoderivados.

Sobrevida postoperatoria en pacientes nonagenarios: Estudio pronóstico en cohorte retrospectiva 2001-2010, Clínica Dávila / Postoperative survival among nonagenarians: A retrospective study

Background: As the Chilean population ages, anesthesiologists are regularly faced with elderly and even nonagenarian people undergoing surgical procedures. Aim: To determine the postoperative survival time in nonagenarians and its risk factors at a private clinic. Material and Methods: Review of medical records of the clinic, searching for patients aged 90 years or older, which were subjected to a surgical procedure between 2001 and 2012. Certification ofsurvival or death was obtainedfrom the clinical records or death certification at the National Identification Service. Survival analysis was made using Kaplan-Meier and Gompertz regression. Results: The medical records of167 patients, aged 90 to 101 years (64% women), were reviewed. Sixty four percent had an underlying cardiovascular disease; in 37%, cognitive impairment. Hip fracture surgery was the most common procedure. One intraoperative death occurred. Five percent ofpatients died one month after surgery. The median survival time was two years and the longest, seven years. According to Gompertz probability regression, the predictors of death were the presence of cardiac disease (Hazard ratio (HR): 1.91, 95% confidence intervals (95% CI): 1.16; 3.16), cognitive impairment (HR: 2.10,95% CI: 1.32; 3,22), cancer (HR:2.10,95% CI: 1.32; 3.22), requirement of transfusion (HR: 1.79, 95% CI: 1.13; 2.83) and an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Class III classification (HR: 1.95, IC95%: 1.21; 3.15). Conclusions: In nonagenarian patients undergoing surgery; 50% mortality was observed 2 years after surgery. The presence of cardiac disease, cognitive impairment, cancer, transfusion and a Class IIIASA classification were predictors of death.

O impacto da hemotransfusão na morbimortalidade pós-operatória de cirurgias cardíacas / The impact of blood transfusion on morbidity and mortality after cardiac surgery

OBJETIVOS: Analisar o impacto da hemotransfusão sanguínea na incidência de desfechos clínicos no pós-operatório (PO) de cirurgias cardíacas. MÉTODOS: Estudo de coorte retrospectiva. Foram analisados 4.028 pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica (CRM), troca valvar (TV) ou ambas, em hospital terciário universitário brasileiro, entre 1996 e 2009. Foram comparadas as complicações no PO entre os pacientes hemotransfundidos (n=916) e não-hemotransfundidos (n=3112). Foi realizada análise univariada através do teste t de Student, e análise multivariada com o uso de regressão logística Bivariada (Stepwise Forward). Foram consideradas significativas as variáveis com P<0,05. RESULTADOS: Os pacientes que receberam hemotransfusão apresentaram mais episódios infecciosos como mediastinite (4,9 por cento vs. 2,2 por cento, P<0,001), infecção respiratória (27,8 por cento vs 17,1 por cento, P<0,001), e sepse (6,2 por cento vs. 2,5 por cento, P<0,001). Ocorreram mais episódios de fibrilação atrial (FA) (27 por cento vs. 20,4 por cento, P<0,001), insuficiência renal aguda (IRA) (14,5 por cento vs. 7,3 por cento, P<0,001) e acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) (4,8 por cento vs. 2,6 por cento, P=0,001). O tempo de internação hospitalar no PO foi maior nos transfundidos (13±12,07 dias vs. 9,72±7,66 dias, P<0,001). Porém, a mortalidade não apresentou diferença entre os grupos (10,9 por cento vs. 9,1 por cento, P=0,112). A transfusão mostrou-se como fator de risco para: infecção respiratória (OR: 1,91; IC95 por cento: 1,59-2,29; P<0,001), FA (OR:1,35; IC95 por cento: 1,13-1,61; P=0,01), sepse (OR: 2,08; IC95 por cento: 1,4-3,07; P<0,001), mediastinite (OR: 2,14; IC95 por cento: 1,43-3,21; P<0,001), AVC (OR: 1,63; IC95 por cento: 1,1-2,41; P=0,014) e IRA (OR: 1,8; IC95 por cento: 1,39-2,33; P<0,001). CONCLUSÃO: A hemotransfusão está associada ao aumento do risco de eventos infecciosos, episódios de FA, IRA e AVC, bem como aumentou o tempo de permanência hospitalar, mas não a mortalidade.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the impact of blood transfusion on the incidence of clinical outcomes postoperatively (PO) from cardiac surgery. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study. We analyzed 4028 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), valve (TV), or both, in Brazilian tertiary university hospital between 1996 and 2009. We compared the postoperative complications between patients with blood transfusion (n = 916) and non-blood transfusion (n = 3112). Univariate analysis was performed using the Student t test, and multivariate logistic regression bivariate (stepwise forward). Were considered significant variables with P <0.05. RESULTS: Patients who received blood transfusions had more infectious episodes as mediastinitis (4.9 percent vs. 2.2 percent, P <0.001), respiratory infection (27.8 percent vs 17.1 percent, P <0.001) and sepsis (6.2 percent vs. 2.5 percent, P <0.001). There were more episodes of atrial fibrillation (AF) (27 percent vs. 20.4 percent, P <0.001), acute renal failure (ARF) (14.5 percent vs 7.3 percent, P <0.001) and stroke (4.8 percent vs. 2.6 percent, P = 0.001). The length of PO hospital stay was higher in transfused (13 ± 12.07 days vs. 9.72 ± 7.66 days, P <0.001). However, mortality didn't differ between groups (10.9 percent vs. 9.1 percent, P = 0.112). The transfusion was shown to be a risk factor for: respiratory infection (OR: 1.91, 95 percent CI 1.59-2.29, P <0.001), AF (OR: 1.35, 95 percent CI 1.13-1.61, P = 0.01), sepsis (OR: 2.08, 95 percent CI 1.4-3.07, P <0.001), mediastinitis (OR: 2.14, 95 percent CI: 1.43-3.21, P <0.001), stroke (OR: 1.63, 95 percent CI 1.1-2.41, P = 0.014) and ARF (OR 1.8, 95 percent CI: 1.39-2.33, P <0.001). CONCLUSION: The blood transfusion is associated with increased risk of infectious events, episodes of AF, ARF and stroke, as well as the increased length of hospital stay but not mortality.

Association between appropriate use of transfusion in children and in-hospital mortality: a Venezuelan prospective cohort study

Los riesgos de la transfusión han sido estudiados extensamente; sin embargo, información relacionada con el uso apropiado de la transfusión en pediatría y mortalidad intra-hospitalaria se desconoce. El objetivo fue determinar la asociación entre el uso apropiado de transfusión en pediatría y la mortalidad intra-hospitalaria. Se diseño una cohorte prospectiva. Para evaluar el uso apropiado se utilizaron los criterios de la “American Association of Blood Bank Pediatric Hemotherapy”. Se realizó en el Hospital Infantil “Dr. Jorge Lizarraga”, Valencia, Venezuela, entre enero 2002 y septiembre de 2003. El principal desenlace fue muerte durante la hospitalización. 617 paicnetes (< 15 años, masculinos = 57 por ciento) fueron evaluados. El uso apropiado fue 81.2 por ciento (501/617). En el grupo de transfusión no apropiada, la tasa de incidencia (TI) de mortalidad fue 7 por 1000, mientras que en el grupo de transfusión apropiada la TI fue 3,6 por 1000. La razón de TI fue 1,98 (IC95 por ciento = 1,1 a 3,6, p = 0,01). El hazard ratio (HR) crudo fue 2 (IC95 por ciento = 1,2 a 3,5 p = 0,01). Al analizar el efecto del uso no apropiado sobre la mortalidad en los distintos grupos de edad, hubo un mayor efecto en los mayores de 1 año (HR=4,4, IC95 por ciento= 1,39 to 13,6 p = 0,01) comparado con el efecto en los menores de 1 año (HR= 1,5 IC95 por ciento= 0,79 to 2,9, p = 0,2). La transfusión inapropiada de pacientes pediátricos hospitalizados se asocia con un incremento de riesgo de muerte. Todo esfuerzo educacional sobre el uso apropiado de la transfusión es loable. Se requieren más estudios que evalúen la asociación entre la transfusión y mortalidad

case report of a systematic error in blood transfusion

Hemolytic transfusion reactions have been one of the most common causes of transfusion related mortalities and morbidities. Increased vigilance and use of newer technologies could lead in decreased rate of complications. A 19-year-old man with a broken leg, under anesthesia and surgery, received 2 packs of RBCs. Afterwards, he admitted in the intensive care unit of the hospital for supportive care. Later assessments revealed that the transfused blood, confirmed by the hospital blood bank, had not been really isogroup. Transfusion related medical errors are still inducting a considerable rate of mortality and morbidity in our health system. Systematic approaches [including enhancement of the role of hospital transfusion committees] to lower these complications could lead in decreased rate of errors

Técnicas moleculares como herramientas para el tamizaje viral. Estado actual del desarrollo de una técnica de RT-Multiplex-Nested PCR para el control de HIV en sangre / Molecular techniques for viral screening. RT-Multiplex-Nested PCR for HIV control in blood

Los índices de morbilidad y mortalidad en receptores de sangre aumentan drásticamente debido a la transmisión de infecciones virales por vía transfusional. Entre los virus transmitidos por sangre, el de mayor impacto sanitario y social es el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana tipo 1 (HIV-1). A pesar de que la implementación del tamizaje de anticuerpos para HIV en los Bancos de Sangre de Argentina ha permitido reducir considerablemente la transmisión del virus por vía sanguínea, existe en la actualidad evidencia suficiente de la transmisión de HIV por unidades de sangre con serología negativa. En los Bancos de Sangre de la mayoría de los países europeos y en los Estados Unidos se utilizan, desde el año 1999, técnicas de amplificación de ácidos nucleicos (NAT) para detectar HIV y HCV, con el fin de reducir el período de ventana inmunológica. En este trabajo realizamos una actualización del uso de las técnicas moleculares como herramientas de tamizaje de HIV en la sangre destinada a transfusión y presentamos los resultados preliminares obtenidos a partir del desarrollo de una técnica molecular artesanal: transcripción reversa y reacción en cadena de la polimerasa anidada (RT-Multiplex-Nested PCR), de alta sensibilidad y de bajo costo. Los resultados obtenidos demuestran que la sensibilidad y la especificidad de esta técnica para detectar cepas de HIV regionales están dentro de los límites establecidos por las reglamentaciones internacionales. En esta etapa del trabajo se está realizando la validación de la técnica desarrollada utilizando estándares internacionales. Esta última técnica podrá ser utilizada para el control de la sangre en Córdoba, con el fin de reducir el riesgo de transmisión del virus HIV por esta vía.