Serological characteristics of Lewis antibodies and their clinical significance - A case series

Abstract Introduction Lewis antibodies have been thought to play a small role in clinical transfusion practice, but recent reports suggest that they have gained more importance in the context of transfusion and transplantation. Data regarding the prevalence of Lewis antibodies and their clinical significance in the Indian context is very limited. Hence, this study was aimed at analyzing the serological characteristics and clinical significance of Lewis antibodies encountered in our patient and donor populations. Methods The retrospective data analyzed the records of red cell antibody screening results and the additional serological evaluation performed on the donor and patient samples included in the study. Results A total of 26 study subjects were noted to have Lewis antibodies (including 6 healthy donors and 20 patients). Of them, 13 individuals had anti-Leb, 10 had anti-Lea and the remaining three had an anti-Lea/Leb mixture. IgG Lewis antibodies were detected in 7 individuals. All cases of IgM Lewis antibodies detected were reacting at 37°C. Two patients were suspected of having hemolytic transfusion reactions due to Lewis antibodies. Antigen-negative cross-match compatible units were provided for transfusion in the recipients. Conclusion Lewis antibodies of the IgM class reacting at 37°C should be regarded as clinically important. The present study findings urge that the lab personnel look for the thermal amplitude of Lewis antibodies, irrespective of the fact that the antibody class and antigen-negative crossmatch compatible units should be provided to avoid hemolytic transfusion reactions.

Correlation Analysis of Hemolytic Transfusion Reaction Induced by Low Titer Antibody / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To establish the diagnostic process of low titer blood group antibody in the occurrence of adverse reactions of hemolytic transfusion.@*METHODS@#Acid elusion test, enzyme method and PEG method were used for antibody identification. Combined with the patient's clinical symptoms and relevant inspection indexes, the irregular antibodies leading to hemolysis were detected.@*RESULTS@#The patient's irregular antibody screening was positive, and it was determined that there was anti-Lea antibody in the serum. After the transfusion reaction, the low titer anti-E antibody was detected by enhanced test. The patient's Rh typing was Ccee, while the transfused red blood cells were ccEE. The new and old samples of the patient were matched with the transfused red blood cells by PEG method, and the major were incompatible. The evidence of hemolytic transfusion reaction was found.@*CONCLUSION@#Antibodies with low titer in serum are not easy to be detected, which often lead to severe hemolytic transfusion reaction.

The most common inadequacies in red blood cell requests at a reference center in Western Paraná state

Abstract Introduction In the current scenario, in which evidence-based medicine is almost obligatory, therapeutic approaches are increasingly being restricted to measures that are proven to bring benefits to the patient. Transfusion therapy follows the same concept. Even though it can be an essential support procedure in some situations, it must be carefully used, exclusively in situations in which the literature assures scientific support for its usage. Transfusion exposes patients to risks and complications, so it is necessary that we, as doctors, continue working to reduce possible mistakes involving the practice of this type of therapy. Objective To analyze if the red blood cell requests are properly made, analyzing the indication written on them (by the doctor, comparing them to the references in the actual literature. Method In this research, we have analyzed and reviewed the requests for red blood cell concentrates between August and September of 2018 received at the Hematology and Hemotherapy Center studied to find the most common mistakes made by requesters/doctors. Results A total of 397 of the 754 analyzed requests were evaluated as inadequate. Therefore, 1 out of every 2 transfusions performed did not have their requests properly completed in the city of Cascavel, Paraná. Conclusions The number of inappropriate requests was high during the studied period, especially when compared to studies available in the literature. The number of inadequacies suggests that the blood component requests and the subsequent evaluation by the transfusion agency needs to be better addressed in clinical practice.

Implementation of a patient blood management program based on a low-income country-adapted clinical decision support system

ABSTRACT Introduction: Patient blood management (PBM) programs are associated with better patient outcomes, a reduced number of transfusions and cost-savings The Clinical Decision Support (CDS) systems are valuable tools in this process, but their availability is limited in developing countries This study assesses the feasibility and effectiveness of an adapted CDS system for low-income countries. Methods: This was a prospective study of the PBM program implementation, in a 200-bed tertiary hospital, between February 2019 and May 2020. Outcome measures were red blood cell (RBC), fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and platelet unit transfusions, the transfusion of a single unit of red blood cells and an RBC adequacy index (RAI). Results: Comparing the post-PBM program era with the pre-PBM system era, there was a decrease in red blood cell transfusions (p = 0.05), with an increase in single unit red blood cell transfusions (p = 0.005) and RAI (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The PBM programs, including electronic transfusion guidelines with pre-transfusion medical auditing, was associated with improved transfusion practices and reduced product acquisition-related costs.

Frequency of antigen Dia on the blood donor population of the Hemocenter coordinator of the Hemopa Foundation

ABSTRACT Introduction: Erythrocyte phenotyping is a very important test in the adoption of prophylactic measures to reduce transfusion reactions/alloimmunizations in polytransfused patients. The blood group Diego, in its current, form has 22 antigens, of which 4 are immunogenic, being Dia/Dib and Wra/Wrb, while the others are less expressive. The antigen Dia is of low incidence among whites and blacks, however, it is common in the South American indigenous and Asian Mongolian populations. It is also considered a system of clinical importance for its immunogenicity. Method: The present study aimed to carry out a retrospective and descriptive survey of the frequency of the Dia antigen in the blood donor population at the HEMOPA Foundation Coordinating Blood Center from 12/2018 to 1/2000. The data obtained were from the HEMOPA Foundation SBS Progress and SBS WEB Systems databases. Results: During this period, 941,744 blood bags were collected and, of these, 930 bags were phenotyped for the Dia antigen, of which 842 were negative and 88 (9.7%) positive. The research showed that, among the positive donors for the antigen Dia, 88.6% were brown, 3.4%, black and 8%, white. In the statistical analysis, the frequency observed was higher in browns. Conclusion: In the present investigation, we concluded that our region has a relatively higher frequency of the Dia antigen, when compared to the rest of Brazil, and it occurs more often in browns.

Transfusões sanguíneas realizadas em um hospital do sul de Santa Catarina: características dos pacientes e reações transfusionais relacionadas / Blood transfusions performed at a hospital in southern Santa Catarina: characteristics of patients and related transfusion reactions

Introdução: As transfusões de hemoderivados não são totalmente isentas de reações adversas, sendo necessário um controle rigoroso das práticas que envolvem as transfusões para reduzir os riscos relacionados. Objetivo: Mensurar as transfusões de hemoderivados realizadas no Hospital Nossa Senhora da Conceição de Tubarão/SC e caracterizar o perfil dos pacientes transfundidos e reações adversas relacionadas ao procedimento. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo transversal a partir dos dados referentes aos pacientes internados no Hospital Nossa Senhora da Conceição que receberam transfusão de hemoterápicos, no período de julho de 2014 a junho de 2015. Resultados: Foram analisadas 6.262 transfusões e 12 reações adversas notificadas relacionadas a essas transfusões. O perfil predominante dos pacientes foi o sexo masculino (56,8%), internados pelo Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) (79,8%), e em leitos de enfermaria (37,3%). Os tipos sanguíneos mais prevalentes foram o tipo O e tipo A, os quais, somados, corresponderam a 87% dos pacientes com necessidade de transfusão, e 86,8% dos pacientes tinham fator Rh positivo. A maioria (78,5%) dos pacientes transfundidos recebeu o hemocomponente concentrado de hemácias (CH). O principal sinal pós-transfusão encontrado foi a febre (41,7%). Conclusão: A taxa de reações adversas encontradas foi menor que a média brasileira, sugerindo bom controle transfusional.

Introduction: Blood product transfusions are not completely free from adverse reactions, and rigorous control of practices involving transfusions should be enforced to reduce related risks. Objective: To measure blood product transfusions performed at Hospital Nossa Senhora da Conceição, in Tubarão-SC, and characterize the profile of patients who received transfusions as well as adverse reactions related to this procedure. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study performed with data from hospitalized patients at Hospital Nossa Senhora da Conceição who received blood product transfusions from July 2004 to June 2015. Results: We analyzed 6,262 transfusions and 12 reports of adverse reactions related to these procedures. Most of the patients were male (56.8%), hospitalized through the Unified Health System (SUS) (79.8%) in general wards (37.3%). The most prevalent blood types were O and A, which together accounted for 87% of patients requiring transfusions; 86.8% of all patients were Rh-positive. Most (78.5%) patients who underwent transfusions received packed red blood cells (PRBC). The main sign observed after transfusions was fever (41.7%). Conclusion: The rate of adverse reactions observed in this study was lower than the Brazilian average, suggesting an adequate management of transfusion procedures.

Análise do perfil de Rh e Kell em doadores de sangue em Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul / Phenotypic profile analysis of Rh and Kell blood group systems among donors in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul

Introdução: A hemoterapia é uma prática terapêutica pelo meio de transfusão sanguínea. Devido ao baixo estoque de bolsas de sangue e o aumento de pacientes crônicos e emergenciais, se faz necessária a realização de testes imuno-hematológicos para minimizar os riscos de reações transfusionais e aloimunizações em doadores e receptores de sangue. Deste modo, no estudo foi avaliada a prevalência dos antígenos dos sistemas Rh e Kell em doadores de sangue de Porto Alegre ­ RS.Métodos: Estudo quantitativo, transversal e retrospectivo que foi realizado através da análise das informações dos doadores de sangue contidas no banco de dados do Hemocentro do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, nos anos de 2018 e 2019.Resultados: Das 6.479 amostras fenotipadas, quanto ao sistema Rh, 44,6% são Rh positivo e 55,4% são Rh negativo. As frequências dos antígenos encontradas foram de, CC 10,1%, Cc 27%, cc 62,9%, EE 1,2%, Ee 13,9%, ee 84,9%. E, para o sistema Kell, K1 positivo 7,1% e K1 negativo 92,9%.Conclusões: Antígenos do sistema Rh e Kell exibem um grande nível de imunogenicidade e uma forte ligação com a Doença Hemolítica do Recém-nascido, podendo ocorrer a sensibilização em pacientes caso não haja a compatibilidade sanguínea. Este estudo ressalta a importância da implementação da fenotipagem eritrocitária em doadores de sangue, sugere-se mais estudos com períodos distintos para a pesquisa de resultados satisfatórios.

Introduction: Hemotherapy is a therapeutic practice consisting of blood transfusion. Low blood supply and an increase in chronic and emergency patients have made it necessary to conduct immunohematology tests to minimize the risks of adverse reactions and alloimmunization in donors and recipients. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of Rh and Kell blood group antigens among blood donors in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.Methods: We conducted a quantitative, cross-sectional, retrospective study. Information from blood donors included in the Rio Grande do Sul's Blood Center database from 2018 to 2019 were analyzed.Results: A total of 6,479 samples were phenotyped, of which 44.6% were Rh-positive and 55.4% were Rh-negative. Antigen prevalence was CC (10.1%), Cc (27%), cc (62.9%), EE (1.2%), Ee (13.9%), and ee (84.9%). As for the Kell group, 7.1% were K1-positive and 92.9% were K1-negative.Conclusions: The Rh and Kell antigens are highly immunogenic and have a strong link with the hemolytic disease of the newborn. Sensitization may occur in patients if there is no blood compatibility. This study highlights the importance of implementing erythrocyte phenotyping in blood donors. Further studies should be conducted in different time frames to achieve satisfactory results.

Hemovigilância: conhecimento da equipe de enfermagem sobre reações transfusionais / Hemovigilance: knowledge of the nursing team about transfusion reactions / Hemovigilancia: conocimiento del equipo de enfermería sobre las reacciones transfusionales

Objetivo: Analisar o grau de conhecimento da equipe de enfermagem sobre hemoterapia e reação transfusional imediata. Método: Estudo transversal, analítico, quantitativo, realizado com profissionais de enfermagem da Unidade de Terapia Intensiva de um hospital de referência do Nordeste, por meio da aplicação de um instrumento semiestruturado, no período de março a abril de 2020. O escore de conhecimento foi obtido pela Análise de Correspondência Múltipla e pelo teste de comparação de medianas de Monte Carlo. Resultados: Dos 32 participantes, oito eram enfermeiros e 24 técnicos de enfermagem. A maioria não recebeu treinamento sobre hemoterapia 24 (75%) e referiu não se sentir capacitada para atuar em reação transfusional imediata 22 (68,8%). Quanto ao grau de conhecimento, verificou-se que os enfermeiros apresentaram melhores escores em relação aos técnicos (mediana 77,7 vs. 33,8; p=0,04). Identificou-se, também, que a faixa etária 18 a 40 anos apresentou melhor resultado em relação a faixa de 40 anos ou mais (mediana 62,7 vs. 25,5; p=0,01). Conclusão: Verificou-se a importância dos profissionais de enfermagem participarem de treinamento sobre administração de hemocomponentes e hemoderivados, visando melhorar a qualidade da assistência e manutenção do protocolo de segurança do paciente. (AU)

Objective: To analyze the degree of knowledge of the nursing team about hemotherapy and immediate transfusion reaction. Methods: Cross-sectional, analytical, quantitative study carried out with nursing professionals from the Intensive Care Unit of a reference hospital in the brazilian Northeast, through the application of a semi-structured instrument, from March to April 2020. The knowledge score was obtained by the Multiple Correspondence Analysis and the Monte Carlo median comparison test. Results: Of the 32 participants, eight were nurses and 24 nursing technicians. Most did not receive training on hemotherapy 24 (75%) and did not feel qualified to act in an immediate transfusion reaction 22 (68.8%). As for the degree of knowledge, we found that nurses (median 77.7) had better scores compared to technicians (median 77,7 vs. 33,8; p=0,04). It was also identified that the age group 18 to 40 years old had a better result in relation to the age group 40 or older (median 62,7 vs. 25,5; p=0,01). Conclusion: It was verified the importance of nursing professionals to participate in training on the administration of blood components and blood products, aiming to improve the quality of care and maintenance of the patient safety protocol. (AU)

Objetivo: Analizar el grado de conocimiento del equipo de enfermería sobre hemoterapia y reacción transfusional inmediata. Métodos: Estudio transversal, analítico, cuantitativo realizado con profesionales de enfermería de la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos de un hospital de referencia del Nordeste brasileño, mediante la aplicación de un instrumento semiestructurado, de marzo a abril de 2020. El puntaje de conocimiento fue obtenido por el Análisis de Correspondencia Múltiple y la prueba de comparación de la mediana de Monte Carlo. Resultados: De los 32 participantes, ocho eran enfermeros y 24 técnicos de enfermería. La mayoría no recibió capacitación en hemoterapia 24 (75%) y no se sintió capacitada para actuar en una reacción transfusional inmediata 22 (68,8%). En cuanto al grado de conocimiento, encontramos que las enfermeras obtuvieron mejores puntajes que los técnicos (mediana 77,7 vs. 33,8; p=0,04). También se identificó que el grupo de edad de 18 a 40 años 62,7) tuvo un mejor resultado en relación al grupo de 40 años o más (mediana 62,7 vs. 25,5; p=0,01). Conclusión: Se verificó la importancia de que los profesionales de enfermería participen en capacitaciones sobre la administración de hemoderivados y hemoderivados, con el objetivo de mejorar la calidad de la atención y el mantenimiento del protocolo de seguridad del paciente. (AU)

Transfusion of Blood Products in the Postoperative of Cardiac Surgery

Abstract Background: The indiscriminate use of blood transfusion in surgery has been associated with increased risk of infection and increased length of hospital stay. Objective: To identify the average amount of bleeding and rates of transfusion of blood products in the postoperative period of patients undergoing cardiac surgery in a cardiology center. Methods: Medical records of patients who underwent myocardial revascularization surgery and/or heart valve replacement with use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) were analyzed. Perioperative data such as CPB time, hematocrit and hemoglobin values were collected after surgery. The amount of bleeding (mL), blood transfusion (IU), clinical complications and time of hospitalization were also recorded. The correlation between bleeding in the postoperative period and blood transfusion was performed using the Spearman correlation. A p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 423 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (51.5%) or heart valve replacement (33.6%) were included. During the first 24 hours, the average bleeding volume was 353.3 ± 268.3 mL. Transfusion of blood products was required in 40.1% of cases, most frequently (70.6%) in the immediate postoperative period. Red blood cell concentrate was the most frequently used product (22.9% and 60%). Conclusion: The occurrence of bleeding in the cases was low, and when transfusion of blood components was indicated, red blood cell concentrates were the most widely used component. (Int J Cardiovasc Sci. 2021; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0)

A real life use of ruxolitinib in patients with acute and chronic graft versus host disease refractory to corticosteroid treatment in Latin American patients

Abstract Introduction: Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a serious complication in allogeneic transplantation. The first-line treatment is high doses of corticosteroids. In the absence of response to corticosteroids, several immunosuppressive drugs can be used, but they entail an elevated risk of severe infections. Added to this, there are patients who do not improve on any immunosuppressive treatment, with subsequent deteriorated quality of life and high mortality. Ruxolitinib has been shown to induce responses in refractory patients. In this study we have presented our real-life experience. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on patients with severe GVHD refractory to corticosteroids. Demographic, previous treatment, response and mortality data were collected. Results: Since 2014, seventeen patients with GVHD were treated with ruxolitinib due to refractoriness to corticosteroids and immunosuppressants and a few to extracorporeal photopheresis, 8 with acute GVHD (1 pulmonary, 4 cutaneous grade IV and 3 digestive grade IV) and 9 with chronic GHVD (5 cutaneous sclerodermiform, 2 pulmonary and 1 multisystemic). The overall response to ruxolitinib treatment for acute GVHD was 80%, 40% with partial response and 40% with complete remission. Global response in chronic GVHD was 79%. The GVHD mortality was only seen in acute disease and was 40%. Causes of mortality in those patients were severe viral pneumonia, post-transplantation hemophagocytic syndrome and meningeal GVHD refractory to ruxolitinib. Conclusions: In our series, the use of ruxolitinib as a rescue strategy in acute or chronic GVHD was satisfactory. Ruxolitinib treatment in patients with a very poor prognosis showed encouraging results. However, the GVHD mortality remains high in refractory patients, showing that better therapeutic strategies are needed.

Elementos de las competencias en medicina transfusional para la especialidad Anestesiología y Reanimación / Elements of transfusion medicine competencies in Anesthesiology and Reanimation

Introducción: El desempeño competente del personal médico en medicina transfusional implica profundos conocimientos que no recibe durante el proceso formativo. Objetivo: Identificar elementos para la normalización de la competencia en medicina transfusional para la especialidad Anestesiología y Reanimación. Métodos: Estudio educacional de corte transversal. Se realizó un análisis documental sobre normalización de las competencias profesionales en Cuba y sobre los componentes de la competencia en medicina transfusional para la especialidad. Asimismo, se examinaron los contenidos y habilidades de medicina transfusional en el programa de la residencia. Finalmente, fueron entrevistados profesores de la especialidad. Resultados: La competencia abarca conocimientos sobre riesgos de transmisión de infecciones al paciente, prescripción segura de componentes sanguíneos, reconocimiento de las reacciones transfusionales, ejecución y enseñanza al no graduado de los procedimientos para la transfusión de sangre alogénica. Implica conocer y actualizarse en los aspectos éticos, científicos y legales involucrados. Incluye demostrar conocimientos, habilidades y valores para la preparación preoperatoria de los pacientes con anemia, riesgo hemorrágico y otras enfermedades hematológicas, para el empleo de alternativas y para el ahorro de componentes sanguíneos. Los profesores reconocieron que al comenzar la residencia es necesario un entrenamiento, para luego poder realizar una práctica transfusional segura. Conclusiones: Ser competente en medicina transfusional, subdisciplina de la especialidad Anestesiología y Reanimación, demanda movilizar un conjunto de conocimientos, habilidades, actitudes y valores de manera simultánea, interrelacionada y oportuna para transfundir menos y mejor, con más seguridad y menor costo(AU)

Introduction: Competent performance by the health care personnel in transfusion medicine implies deep knowledge not received during training. Objective: Identify elements of competence standardization in transfusion medicine for the specialty of anesthesiology and resuscitation. Methods: A cross-sectional educational study was conducted. A document analysis was carried out about standardization of professional competences in Cuba and about the components of competence in transfusion medicine for the specialty. Examination was also performed of transfusion medicine contents and skills in the residency program. Finally, professors from the specialty were interviewed. Results: Competence comprises knowledge about risks for the transmission of infections to patients, safe prescription of blood components, identification of transfusion reactions, and performance of and undergraduate training in allogeneic blood transfusion procedures. It implies knowledge and updated awareness of the ethical, scientific and legal aspects involved. It includes demonstrating knowledge, skills and values related to preoperative preparation of patients with anemia, hemorrhagic risk and other hematologic diseases, to use alternatives and save blood components. The professors recognized that training is required at the start of the residency program to ensure the performance of safe transfusion practices. Conclusions: Being competent in transfusion medicine, a subdiscipline of the specialty of Anesthesiology and Resuscitation, requires mobilization of a set of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values in a simultaneous, interrelated and timely fashion to transfuse less but better, with greater safety and at a lower cost(AU)

Complicaciones postransfusionales en pacientes pediátricos con leucemia / Post-transfusion complications in pediatric patients with leukemia

Introducción: El cáncer pediátrico es un importante problema de salud pública y el más frecuente es la leucemia. En ocasiones, esta enfermedad puede generar depleción de las líneas celulares y es la transfusión de hemocomponentes un importante pilar de su tratamiento. Este procedimiento puede generar reacciones postransfusionales que pueden ser letales. Objetivo: Exponer las diferentes características clínicas y epidemiológicas de las reacciones postransfusionales en población pediátrica con leucemia. Métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática en las principales bases de datos de literatura médica. Se incluyeron 46 artículos. Resultados: La complicación más frecuente es la reacción febril no hemolítica. También es frecuente la sobrecarga de hierro. El factor de riesgo más importante para presentar esta sobrecarga es el número de transfusiones. Es necesario monitorizar la cantidad de hierro hepático. La reacción pulmonar aguda relacionada con la transfusión es una condición potencialmente mortal. Las infecciones pueden presentarse y pueden ser mortales dada la inmunosupresión de este grupo de pacientes. Otras reacciones inmunológicas pueden ser raras, pero deben ser tenidas en cuenta. Consideraciones finales: Las reacciones postransfusionales pueden ser más graves en los pacientes con leucemia. Se requiere realizar estudios con modelos epidemiológicos adecuados para identificar las reacciones postransfusionales más frecuentes en población pediátrica con esta enfermedad(AU)

Introduction: Pediatric cancer is a major public health problem and leukemia is the most common. Sometimes this disease can lead to depletion of cell lines and the transfusion of blood components is an important pillar of their treatment. This procedure can generate post-transfusion reactions that can be lethal. Objective: Show the different clinical and epidemiological characteristics of post-transfusion reactions in pediatric population with leukemia. Methods: A systematic search was carried out in the main databases of medical literature. 46 items were included. Results: The most common complication is the non-hemolytic febrile reaction. Iron overloading is also common. The most important risk factor for this overload is the number of transfusions. It is necessary to monitor the amount of iron in the liver. Acute transfusion-related pulmonary reaction is a life-threatening condition. Infections can occur and can be fatal given the immunosuppression of this group of patients. Other immune reactions may be rare, but they should be taken into account. Final considerations: Post-transfusion reactions may be more severe in patients with leukemia. Studies with appropriate epidemiological models are required to identify the most common post-transfusion reactions in the pediatric population with this disease(AU)

Hemovigilância das reações transfusionais imediatas: ocorrências, demanda e capacidade de atendimento / Hemovigilance de reacciones transfusionales inmediatas: ocurrencias, demanda y capacidad de atención / Hemovigilance of immediate transfusion reactions: occurrences, demand and care capacity

Objetivo: identificar e discutir a ocorrência de reações transfusionais imediatas, considerando o tipo de hemocomponente transfundido, demanda e capacidade de atendimento em um Hospital Universitário do estado da Bahia, Brasil. Método: estudo de caso, retrospectivo, quantitativo, realizado por meio de levantamento de registros e documentos. Análise descritiva das frequências e percentuais das ocorrências e tipologias das Reações Transfusionais, bem como da demanda e capacidade de atendimento da unidade de hemoterapia deste hospital. Resultados: frequência de 6,43% de Reações Transfusionais imediatas/1.000 hemocomponentes transfundidos. A Reação Febril Não Hemolítica e a Reação Alérgica foram as que mais ocorreram. Maior número de Reações Transfusionais foram do grau I (97,5%); os concentrados de hemácias (44,1%) e de plaquetas (41,9%) foram os hemocomponentes envolvidos na maioria das Reações Transfusionais. Conclusão: a unidade estudada mostrou capacidade de atendimento à demanda, com notificação das reações transfusionais e destaque de tais ações para contínuo aperfeiçoamento da qualidade.

Objetivo: identificar y discutir la aparición de reacciones transfusionales inmediatas, considerando el tipo de componente sanguíneo transfundido, la demanda y la capacidad de atención en un Hospital Universitario en el estado de Bahía, Brasil. Método: estudio de caso práctico, retrospectivo, cuantitativo, realizado a través de la recopilación de registros y documentos. Análisis descriptivo de las frecuencias y porcentajes de ocurrencias y tipologías de reacciones transfusiones, así como la demanda y capacidad de la unidad de hemoterapia de este hospital. Resultados: frecuencia del 6,43% de las reacciones transfusiones inmediatas/1.000 componentes sanguíneos transfundidos. La Reacción Febril No-hemolítica y la Reacción Alérgica fueron las que más ocurrieron. El mayor número de reacciones transfusionales fue el grado I (97,5%); los concentrados de glóbulos rojos (44,1%) y plaquetas (41,9%) fueron los componentes sanguíneos involucrados en la mayoría de las reacciones transfusiones. Conclusión: los resultados demostraron la importancia de comprender las potencialidades y desafíos de las familias para cuidar a los ancianos en el hogar.

Objective: to identify and discuss the occurrence of immediate transfusion reactions, considering the type of transfused blood component, demand and care capacity in a University Hospital in the state of Bahia, Brazil. Method: case, retrospective, quantitative study, performed through the collection of records and documents. Descriptive analysis of the frequencies and percentages of occurrences and typologies of Transfusion Reactions, as well as the demand and capacity of the hemotherapy unit of this hospital. Results: frequency of 6.43% of immediate Transfusion Reactions/1,000 transfused blood components. The Nonhemolytic Febrile Reaction and Allergic Reaction were the ones that most occurred. The highest number of Transfusion Reactions were grade I (97.5%); red blood cell concentrates (44.1%) and platelets (41.9%) were the blood components involved in most Transfusion Reactions. Conclusion: the unit studied showed capacity to meet the demand, with notification of transfusion reactions and highlighting such actions for continuous quality improvement.

Bilateral maculopathy in a thalassemia patient on iron chelation therapy: a case report / Maculopatia bilateral em paciente com talassemia em terapia quelante de ferro: relato de caso

ABSTRACT A 10-year-old Malay girl with underlying HbE/beta-thalassemia, on regular blood transfusion and deferoxamine iron chelation therapy, presented with two-month history of bilateral blurring of vision. On examination, her vision was 6/36 both eyes. Other optic nerve functions were normal. Anterior segment examination of both eyes was unremarkable. Fundus examination of both eyes revealed dull foveal reflex. Optical coherence tomography of both maculae showed increased central subfield thickness. Fundus fluorescence angiography showed patchy hypofluorescence over macular region for both eyes and late staining, indicating retinal pigment epithelium anomalies. A diagnosis of iron-chelation-therapy-related bilateral maculopathy was made. Patient was co-managed with pediatric hematology team to adjust the dose of deferoxamine, and was given three monthly appointments to monitor the progression of maculopathy at the ophthalmology clinic. However patient defaulted ophthalmology follow-up after the first visit.

RESUMO Uma menina malaia de 10 anos de idade com doença de base- B/beta-talassemia, em transfusão de sangue regular e terapia quelante de ferro deferoxamina, apresentou história de dois meses de visão turva bilateral. Ao exame, sua visão era de 6/36 em ambos os olhos. Outras funções do nervo óptico estavam normais. O exame do segmento anterior de ambos os olhos foi normal. Exame do fundo de ambos os olhos revelou reflexo foveal opaco. A tomografia de coerência óptica de ambas as máculas mostrou aumento da espessura do subcampo central. A angiografia de fluorescência do fundo mostrou hipofluorescência irregular sobre a região macular de ambos os olhos e coloração tardia, indicando anomalias de epitélio pigmentar da retina. Um diagnóstico de maculopatia bilateral relacionada à terapia quelante de ferro foi feito. A paciente foi avaliada em conjunto com a equipe de hematologia pediátrica para ajustar a dose de deferoxamina, e foram oferecidas três consultas mensais na clínica oftalmológica, para monitorar a progressão da maculopatia. No entanto, ela não compareceu para acompanhamento oftalmológico após a primeira visita.

Research Progress of in Vitro Experiment of Allergic Transfusion Reaction for Plasma Transfusion and Its Relative Mechanism---Review / 中国实验血液学杂志

Allergic transfusion reaction (ATR) caused by plasma transfusion is one of the main adverse transfusion reactions, and severe allergic reactions may even endanger the patient's life. Currently, ATR is mainly prevented and controlled by drug prevention and symptomatic treatment, and there still lack of preventive measures such as in vitro experiments. It has been shown that mast cells and basophils are the main effector cells of allergic reactions, and histamine is one of the main mediators of IgE-mediated allergic reactions. Some experiments can be used to identify patients with allergies or plasma components containing allergens, such as detection of serum-specific IgE, IgA, anti-IgA antibody, tryptase and histamine, mast cell degranulation test, basophil activation test, and so on. The basophil activation test can also be used for functional matching of plasma in vitro. Research of in vitro experiment of ATR is good for directing the precise infusion of plasma, reducing waste of resources, and avoiding the risk of blood transfusion. As a pre-transfusion laboratory test for clinical use, in vitro experiment of functional matching provides a new way to prevent ATR.

Clinical, hematological, blood gasometric and electrolytic changes in dogs receiving whole blood transfusions

Blood transfusion is a tool capable of saving lives. Patients undergoing blood transfusion usually present several alterations in the acid-base and electrolyte balance, aggravating the condition of critically ill patients. Some studies have demonstrated haematological alterations in certain species that received whole blood transfusions, however, few studies have evaluated acid base and electrolyte changes in dogs undergoing whole blood haemotherapy. The aim of this study was to analyze clinical, hematological, blood gas and electrolyte changes in anemic dogs after whole blood transfusion. Twenty nine dogs transfused due to anemia were enrolled in the study. Donors blood was collected in a transfusion bag containing citrate phosphate adenine dextrose and stored up to 24 h. Blood collections and evaluations were made before and 24 h after the transfusion. Data distribution normality was tested by the Shapiro Wilk Test. The means of the variables were compared by paired t-test. It was observed an increase in diastolic blood pressure and a reduction in heart rate (P < 0.05). There was a not significant increase in systolic blood pressure, temperature, and a reduction in respiratory rate per minute. Erythrocyte, haemoglobin and haematocrit averages were significantly increased after blood transfusion (P < 0.05). It was observed a reduction in the mean values of pH (P < 0.05), potassium (P > 0.05) and ionized calcium (P > 0.05) and an increase in the mean partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2 ) (P < 0.001), bicarbonate (P > 0.05) and sodium (P < 0.05). The probable cause of anemia was monocytic ehrlichiosis (14/29), visceral leishmaniasis (1/29), babesiosis (1/29), co-infection of Ehrlichia canis and Leishmania infantum (2/29), co-infection of E. canis and Babesia vogeli (1/29). It was not possible to determine the etiology of the anemia in ten dogs. Heart rate significantly reduced after transfusion, probably because of the increase in hematocrit, hemoglobin and erythrocyte values. It may be justified by the displacement of extravascular fluid to the intravascular space. Mean values of systolic blood pressure were slightly elevated before transfusion and remained elevated afterwards, while diastolic and mean arterial pressure increased significantly after transfusion. These changes may be due to the morbid condition and may be influenced by many other factors. Haematocrit, haemoglobin and erythrocyte values increased significantly after transfusion, according to what was observed in other studies. The significant reduction in pH and increase in pCO2 reflects the compensatory mechanism for metabolic acidosis to increase ventilation, leading to pCO2 reduction and changes in pH. The reduction in pH due to the contact of the collected blood with conservative solutions is one of the main changes thar occurs during blood storage. It was described significantly lower pH in dogs' whole blood samples stored for more than 24 h in vacutainer plastic containing CPDA-1. We may assume there was no intense pH reduction in the present study because the bags were stored for up to 24 h. Although not statistically significant, the increase of pO2 mean reflects the improvement of tissue oxygen perfusion. It was observed a significant increase in sodium ions. The mean sodium ion concentration before transfusion was very close to the maximum reference value. Hyperkalaemia was not observed, nor was there significant reduction of potassium ions after transfusion. Several studies report hyperkalaemia and transfusion-associated cardiac arrests in humans, associated with infusion of large volumes of blood. Whole blood transfusion increased erythrogram values and did not negatively affect the electrolyte or acid-base status, representing a safe and useful tool in the intensive care of small animals.(AU)

Frequência de anticorpos irregulares identificados em pacientes atendidos em um hemonúcleo no sudoeste do Paraná no ano de 2017 / Frequency of irregular antibodies identified in patients treated at the hemotherapy service in southwest of Paraná in 2017

Quando um indivíduo é exposto a antígenos eritrocitários não próprios, ocorre uma resposta imunológica, que leva à produção de anticorpos irregulares voltados contra esses antígenos. Esse processo é conhecido como aloimunização eritrocitária e acontece em decorrência de transfusões de sangue ou gestações incompatíveis. Na medicina transfusional a pesquisa de anticorpos irregulares é fundamental, pois a falha na detecção de um aloanticorpo pode provocar reações transfusionais, aloimunizações, anemias hemolíticas autoimunes e doença hemolítica perinatal. Este estudo tem por objetivo analisar a frequência de anticorpos irregulares de pacientes atendidos no Hemocentro Regional de Francisco Beltrão, Paraná, no ano de 2017. Os dados foram coletados a partir da revisão de registros em arquivos do Laboratório de Imunohematologia do Hemonúcleo. Foram avaliados dados de 49 protocolos de pacientes que apresentaram dificuldades transfusionais no ano de 2017. Dentre os pesquisados, 37 pacientes (75,5%) apresentaram anticorpos irregulares. Dentre os anticorpos anti-eritrocitários observados neste estudo, evidenciou-se a presença de doze pacientes com anti-D (27,2%), seis pacientes com anti-K (13,6%), quatro pacientes com anti-C (9,0%) e em seis pacientes (13,6%) foi observada a presença de autoanticorpos. Este estudo indica que, nos pacientes transfundidos, os anticorpos mais frequentes foram os aloanticorpos Anti-D do Sistema Rh, provavelmente devido ao seu alto grau de imunogenicidade. A prevalência desses anticorpos é semelhante a vários estudos encontrados na literatura.

When an individual is exposed to not-self red blood cell antigens, an immune response occurs, which leads to the production of irregular antibodies directed against these antigens. This process is known as erythrocyte alloimmunization and occurs as a result of blood transfusions or incompatible pregnancies. In transfusion medicine, the search for irregular antibodies is essential, since failure to detect an alloantibody can cause transfusion reactions, alloimmunizations, autoimmune hemolytic anemias, and perinatal hemolytic disease. This study aims at analyzing the frequency of irregular antibodies of patients seen at the Regional Blood Center of Francisco Beltrão, Paraná, in 2017. The data were collected from the review of records in files of the Immunohematology Laboratory of Hemonúcleo. Data from 49 protocols of patients who had transfusion difficulties in 2017 were evaluated. Among those surveyed, 37 patients (75.5%) had irregular antibodies. Among the anti-erythrocyte antibodies observed in this study, the presence of twelve patients with anti-D (27.2%), six patients with anti-K (13.6%), four patients with anti-C (9.0 %), and in six patients (13.6%) with the presence of autoantibodies were observed. This study indicates that, in transfused patients, the most frequent antibodies were the Rh System Anti-D alloantibodies, probably due to their high degree of immunogenicity. The prevalence of these antibodies is similar to several studies found in the literature.

Fatores associados a reações transfusionais imediatas em um hemocentro universitário: estudo analítico retrospectivo / Factors associated with immediate transfusion reactions in a university blood center: an analytical, retrospective study

RESUMO: Estudo analítico, transversal, retrospectivo. Objetivos: Verificar a relação entre reações transfusionais imediatas, características demográficas e clínicas dos pacientes e características das hemotransfusões em um hemocentro universitário. Metodologia: O estudo foi realizado com dados de transfusões realizadas em 2016 no hemocentro da Universidade Federal de São Paulo. Foram coletados dados demográficos dos pacientes, características das hemotransfusões e ocorrência de reações transfusionais imediatas. Possíveis associações foram avaliadas usando os Testes de Fisher, Mann-Whitney, Qui-quadrado e t de Student. Associações com valores de p<0,05 foram consideradas significativas. Resultados: Foram analisados dados de 320 fichas de pacientes, totalizando 938 transfusões. Dos produtos sanguíneos transfundidos, 90,3% eram concentrados de hemácias, administrados por auxiliares de enfermagem em 43,8% das situações. As reações transfusionais ocorreram em 4,3% das situações (n=40). O sinal de reações mais frequente foi a febre (47,5%), seguido de prurido (22,5%). As reações foram mais prevalentes em pacientes com maior idade média (p= 0,0037), que receberam duas transfusões sanguíneas em comparação a uma (p<0,0001), consequentemente mais bolsas de transfusões (p=0,0002), maior volume total transfundido (p<0,0001) e maior tempo de administração (p=0,0017). Pacientes com anemia aplásica, leucemia mieloide aguda e neoplasias de órgãos sólidos tiveram reações transfusionais imediatas mais frequentemente do que pacientes com outros diagnósticos (p≤0,05). Conclusões: A ocorrência de reações transfusionais imediatas teve relação com a idade, diagnóstico médico, número de hemotransfusões, número de bolsas transfundidas, volume total transfundido e tempo de transfusão. O conhecimento desses fatores pode subsidiar treinamentos específicos voltados para a vigilância quanto às reações transfusionais imediatas. (AU)

ABSTRACT An analytical, cross-sectional, retrospective study. Objectives: To investigate the relationship among immediate transfusion reactions, patient's demographic and clinical characteristics, and transfusion-related characteristics in a university blood center. Methodology: The study was performed with data regarding blood transfusions of the blood center at Universidade Federal de São Paulo in 2016. Patient's demographic and clinical characteristics and the characteristics of the immediate trans-fusion reactions were collected. Possible associations were evaluated using Fisher's exact test, Mann-Whitney, Chi-square, and Student's t-test. Associations with p≤0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Data from 320 patient records were analyzed, totaling 938 blood transfusions. Of the blood products transfused, 90.3% were packed red blood cells administered by nursing assistants in 43.8% of the situations. Immediate transfusion reactions occurred in 4.3% of the situations (n=40). The most common transfusion reaction was fever (47.5%), followed by pruritus (22.5%). The transfusion reactions were more frequent in older patients (p=0.0037) who received two blood transfusions compared to one (p<0.0001), consequently more transfusion bags (p=0.0002), greater total transfused volume (p <0.0001), and longer length of administration (p=0.0017). Patients with aplastic anemia, acute myeloid leukemia, and solid organ neoplasms had immediate transfusion reactions more frequently than patients with other diagnoses (p <0.05). Conclusion: The occurrence of immediate transfusion reactions was related to age, medical diagnosis, number of blood transfusions, number of transfused bags, total transfused volume, and length of administration. Knowledge of these factors may support specific training for immediate transfusion reactions surveillance.

Determining the true incidence of acute transfusion reactions: Active surveillance at a specialized liver center

ABSTRACT Background: Blood transfusion is a life-saving procedure, but may cause adverse transfusion reactions (TRs). The reporting of TRs is often missed due to various reasons. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of unreported acute TRs through active surveillance and to compare it with the incidence of passively reported TRs. Methods: This prospective observational study was done over a period of four months at a tertiary care hospital. A total of 500 consecutive transfusion episodes (TEs) in patients who had received blood component transfusions in the intensive care units were included in the study. Comprehensive data were collected from the blood bank records, patient records and through interviews with the attending clinical staff. The TEs were defined as all blood components issued to a single patient in 24 h. Results: The overall incidence of TRs was 1.8 % (9 cases), with 0.4 % (2 cases) being reported passively, while 1.4 % (7 cases) were identified during active surveillance. The transfusion-associated cardiac overload (TACO) had the highest incidence of 1.2 % (6 cases) in active surveillance. A single case of acute hemolytic transfusion reaction was also observed during active surveillance. The passively reported TRs were one allergic reaction and one febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reaction. Conclusion: Active surveillance of TRs provided an insight into the true incidence of TRs, which is higher when compared with the passively reported TRs. The TACO was found to have the highest incidence and not a single case was reported. There is a need to improve awareness regarding TR reporting.