The Efficacy of Rh Phenotype Matched Blood Transfusion / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To analyze and evaluate the efficacy of Rh phenotype matched blood transfusion.@*METHODS@#The increasing of hemoglobin (Hb) and hemolysis tests in the patients treated by Rh matched red blood cells or not, as well as the first time unmatched transfusions and the unmatched transfusions happened again after a period (≥10 d) were retrospectively analyzed.@*RESULTS@#A total of 674 times transfusions in 120 patients were evaluated. The increasing of Hb in each unit was higher in the patients treated by Rh matched blood transfusion (vs unmatched) [(33.397±1.475) g/U vs (29.951±1.304) g/U, P=0.033], while the increasing of Hb at first time unmatched transfusion and the second time unmatched transfusion was not statistically different[ (28.942±2.083) g/U vs (30.686±1.737) g/U, P=0.589]. The level of lactate dehydrogenase were related to erythrocyte washing, irradiation, period of validity and the second time unmatched transtusion (all P<0.05); the levels of total bilirubin (TBil), direct bilirubin (DBil) and indirect bilirubin (IBil) between the first time unmatched transfusion and the second time unmatched transfusion were statistically different (all P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#For the patients need multiple blood transfusions, Rh phenotype matched blood transfusion can reduce the exposure to Rh allogenic antigens, improve the efficacy and ensure the safety of blood transfusion.

Reacción hemolítica transfusional tardía en un paciente con anemia de células falciformes: reporte de un caso / Delayed hemolytic reaction to transfusion in sickle cell anemia: report of one case

Sickle cell anemia was a rare disease in Chile, especially in adults, however the recent immigration wave from Haiti is changing this scenario. We report a 29 year old black female from Haiti with a non-disclosed history of sickle cell anemia. She was transfused with two units of red blood cells, found unconscious and with jaundice five days later and admitted to the hospital. On admission she had a hemoglobin of 3.3 g/dL, a total bilirubin of 5.08 mg/dL, a LDH of 1,306 Ui/L. She was transfused again, worsening her condition. An alloimmunization and delayed hemolytic reaction was suspected. A direct Coombs test was positive. She was treated with steroids and her serum hemoglobin rose progressively.

Short-term effects of stored homologous red blood cell transfusion on cardiorespiratory function and inflammation: an experimental study in a hypovolemia model

The pathophysiological mechanisms associated with the effects of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion on cardiopulmonary function and inflammation are unclear. We developed an experimental model of homologous 14-days stored RBC transfusion in hypovolemic swine to evaluate the short-term effects of transfusion on cardiopulmonary system and inflammation. Sixteen healthy male anesthetized swine (68±3.3 kg) were submitted to controlled hemorrhage (25% of blood volume). Two units of non-filtered RBC from each animal were stored under blood bank conditions for 14 days. After 30 min of hypovolemia, the control group (n=8) received an infusion of lactated Ringer's solution (three times the removed volume). The transfusion group (n=8) received two units of homologous 14-days stored RBC and lactated Ringer's solution in a volume that was three times the difference between blood removed and blood transfusion infused. Both groups were followed up for 6 h after resuscitation with collection of hemodynamic and respiratory data. Cytokines and RNA expression were measured in plasma and lung tissue. Stored RBC transfusion significantly increased mixed oxygen venous saturation and arterial oxygen content. Transfusion was not associated with alterations on pulmonary function. Pulmonary concentrations of cytokines were not different between groups. Gene expression for lung cytokines demonstrated a 2-fold increase in mRNA level for inducible nitric oxide synthase and a 0.5-fold decrease in mRNA content for IL-21 in the transfused group. Thus, stored homologous RBC transfusion in a hypovolemia model improved cardiovascular parameters but did not induce significant effects on microcirculation, pulmonary inflammation and respiratory function up to 6 h after transfusion.

Anesthesiologists' knowledge about packed red blood cells transfusion in surgical patients / Conhecimento dos anestesiologistas sobre transfusão de concentrado de hemácias em pacientes cirúrgicos

Abstract Introduction Blood is an important resource in several lifesaving interventions, such as anemia correction and improvement of oxygen transport capacity. Despite advances, packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusion still involves risks. The aim of this study was to describe the knowledge of anesthesiologists about the indications, adverse effects, and alternatives to red blood cell transfusion intraoperatively. Method Cross-sectional study using a questionnaire containing multiple choice questions and clinical cases related to relevant factors on the decision whether to perform PRBC transfusion, its adverse effects, hemoglobin triggers, preventive measures, and blood conservation strategies. The questionnaire was filled without the presence of the investigator. Likert scale was used and the average rank of responses was calculated. The Epi Info 7 software was used for data analysis. Results 79% of the institution's anesthesiologists answered the questionnaire; 100% identified the main adverse effects related to blood transfusion. When asked about the factors that influence the transfusion decision, hemoglobin level had the highest agreement (MR = 4.46) followed by heart disease (MR = 4.26); hematocrit (MR = 4.34); age (RM = 4.1) and microcirculation evaluation (MR = 4.22). Respondents (82.3%) identified levels of Hb = 6 g.dL-1 as a trigger to transfuse healthy patient. Regarding blood conservation strategies, hypervolemic hemodilution (MR = 2.81) and decided by drugs (MR = 2.95) were the least reported. Conclusion We identify a good understanding of anesthesiologists about PRBC transfusion; however, there is a need for refresher courses on the subject.

Resumo Introdução O sangue é importante recurso em diversas intervenções mantenedoras da vida, como corrigir a anemia e melhorar a capacidade de transporte de oxigênio. Apesar dos avanços, a transfusão de concentrado de hemácias (TCH) ainda envolve riscos. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever o conhecimento dos anestesiologistas sobre as indicações, os efeitos adversos e as opções ao procedimento de transfusão de concentrado de hemácias no intraoperatório. Método Estudo transversal que usou questionário com perguntas de múltipla escolha e casos clínicos, referentes a fatores relevantes na decisão de transfundir concentrado de hemácias, seus efeitos adversos, gatilhos de hemoglobina, suas medidas preventivas e estratégias de conservação de sangue. Respondido sem a presença do pesquisador. Usada a escala de Likert e feito cálculo do ranking médio das respostas. Análise dos dados feita com programa Epi Info 7. Resultados Dos anestesiologistas da instituição, 79% responderam ao questionário e 100% identificaram os principais efeitos adversos relacionados à hemotransfusão. Questionados sobre os fatores que influenciariam na decisão de transfundir, o nível de hemoglobina obteve a maior concordância (RM = 4,46), seguido de cardiopatia (RM = 4,26), níveis de hematócrito (RM = 4,34), idade (RM = 4,1) e avaliação da microcirculação (RM = 4,22). Dos entrevistados, 82,3% identificaram níveis de Hb = 6 g.dL-1 como gatilho para transfundir paciente sadio. Quanto às estratégias de conservação de sangue, a hemodiluição hipervolêmica (RM = 2,81) e a deliberada por medicamentos (RM = 2,95) foram as menos citadas. Conclusão Identificou-se uma boa compreensão dos anestesiologistas a respeito da TCH. No entanto, há necessidade de cursos de atualização sobre o tema.

Transfusión de glóbulos rojos en niños con enfermedad respiratoria aguda. Necesidad de protocolización / Red blood cell transfusion in children with acute respiratory disease

Introducción: la anemia tiene elevada prevalencia en niños críticamente enfermos. Se estima que entre un 15-50% de los niños ingresados en terapia intensiva recibirán una transfusión con glóbulos rojos (GR) durante su estadía. El objetivo fue realizar un diagnóstico de situación sobre el uso de GR en niños ingresados a UCIN con enfermedad respiratoria aguda. Metodología: se realizó un estudio descriptivo en el que se analizaron las últimas 200 transfusiones realizadas en niños ingresados UCIN. De estas se seleccionaron las que fueron realizadas en niños con fallo respiratorio. Se registró valor de hemoglobina pre y postranfusional. Los resultados se cotejaron con un gold estándar seleccionado. Resultados: se identificaron 73 pacientes en total, en 4 casos se cumplió la recomendación considerada como gold standard. La edad media fue de 7,1 meses. La bronquiolitis fue la principal causa de fallo respiratorio. La mediana de hemoglobina (Hb) pretransfusión fue 8,2 g/dL. La latencia promedio hasta la realización de la transfusión fue de 1,4 días y la mediana de Hb postransfusión fue de 11,5 g/dL. No se encontró diferencia significativa en el valor de Hb pretransfusión agrupado según la necesidad de soporte respiratorio requerido. Conclusiones: se encontró una baja adherencia a las recomendaciones internacionales para el uso de GR en niños con insuficiencia respiratoria. Se plantea la protocolización del uso de GR en niños con fallo respiratorio.

Introduction: anemia is frequent in critically ill children. Between 15-50% of children hospitalized at the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) will receive red blood cell transfusion during their intensive care unit (PICU) stay. The purpose of the present study was to diagnose current red blood cell transfusion practices in children with acute respiratory disease hospitalized in PICU. Methodology: a retrospective study was conducted analyzing the last 200 requests for red blood transfusions in children hospitalized in the PICU. The transfusions performed in children with acute respiratory failure secondary to acute respiratory disease were selected out of the initial 200 cases. Pre and post-transfusion hemoglobin values were recorded. Results were compared to the gold standard. Results: 73 of the 200 red blood cell transfusions met the inclusion criteria. The mean age of children included was 7.1 months. Bronchiolitis was the main cause of respiratory failure. Median pre-transfusion hemoglobin value was 8.2 g/dl and the post-transfusion value was 11.5 g/dl. Mean time since admission until transfusion was performed was 1.4 days. In 4/73 cases, recommendation selected as gold standard was followed. No significant differences were found in the pre- Hb value, grouped according to the need for required respiratory support. Conclusions: there was a low adherence to red blood cells transfusions recommendations for children with respiratory failure.

Application of Damage Control Resuscitation Strategies to Patients with Severe Traumatic Hemorrhage: Review of Plasma to Packed Red Blood Cell Ratios at a Single Institution

When treating trauma patients with severe hemorrhage, massive transfusions are often needed. Damage control resuscitation strategies can be used for such patients, but an adequate fresh frozen plasma: packed red blood cell (FFP:PRBC) administration ratio must be established. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 100 trauma patients treated with massive transfusions from March 2010 to October 2012. We divided the patients into 2 groups according to the FFP:PRBC ratio: a high-ratio (> or =0.5) and a low-ratio group (<0.5). The patient demographics, fluid and transfusion quantities, laboratory values, complications, and outcomes were analyzed and compared. There were 68 patients in the high-ratio and 32 in the low-ratio group. There were statistically significant differences between groups in the quantities of FFP, FFP:PRBC, platelets, and crystalloids administered, as well as the initial diastolic blood pressure. Bloodstream infections were noted only in the high-ratio group, and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.028). Kaplan-Meier plots revealed that the 24-hr survival rate was significantly higher in the high-ratio group (71.9% vs. 97.1%, P<0.001). In severe hemorrhagic trauma, raising the FFP:PRBC ratio to 0.5 or higher may increase the chances of survival. Efforts to minimize bloodstream infections during the resuscitation must be increased.

Reduction of exposure to blood donors in preterm infants submitted to red blood cell transfusions using pediatric satellite packs / Reduccion de la exposicion a donantes de sangre en prematuros sometidos a transfusiones de hematies con uso de bolsas de transferencia pediatrica / Reducao da exposicao a doadores de sangue em prematuros submetidos a transfusoes de hemaciascom uso de bolsas de transferencia pediatricas

OBJECTIVE: In preterm newborn infants transfused with erythrocytes stored up to 28 days, to compare the reduction of blood donor exposure in two groups of infants classified according to birth weight. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted with preterm infants with birth weight <1000g (Group 1) and 1000-1499g (Group 2), born between April, 2008 and December, 2009. Neonates submitted to exchange transfusions, emergency erythrocyte transfusion, or those who died in the first 24 hours of life were excluded. Transfusions were indicated according to the local guideline using pediatric transfusion satellite bags. Demographic and clinical data, besides number of transfusions and donors were assessed. . Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine factors associated with multiple transfusions. RESULTS: 30 and 48 neonates were included in Groups 1 and 2, respectively. The percentage of newborns with more than one erythrocyte transfusion (90 versus 11%), the median number of transfusions (3 versus 1) and the median of blood donors (2 versus 1) were higher in Group 1 (p<0.001), compared to Group 2. Among those with multiple transfusions, 14 (82%) and one (50%) presented 50% reduction in the number of blood donors, respectively in Groups 1 and 2. Factors associated with multiple transfusions were: birth weight <1000g (OR 11.91; 95%CI 2.14-66.27) and presence of arterial umbilical catheter (OR 8.59; 95%CI 1.94-38.13), adjusted for confounders. CONCLUSIONS: The efficacy of pediatrics satellites bags on blood donor reduction was higher in preterm infants with birth weight <1000g. .

OBJETIVO En prematuros transfundidos con hematíes preservados por hasta 28 días, comparar la reducción de exposición a donantes en dos grupos de pacientes, según el peso al nacer. MÉTODO Se trata de un estudio prospectivo con prematuros con peso al nacer <1000g (Grupo 1) y de 1000-1499g (Grupo 2), nacidos entre abr/2008 a dic/2009. Se excluyeron recién-nacidos sometidos a exsanguineotransfusión, transfusión de emergencia u óbito antes de 24 horas de vida. Las transfusiones fueron indicadas según la rutina del servicio, utilizando bolsas de transferencia pediátrica. Se analizaron datos demográficos, clínicos y número de transfusiones y donantes. Variables categóricas fueron comparadas por la prueba de chi-cuadrado y numéricas por la prueba t o Mann-Whitney. Se utilizó regresión logística para análisis de factores asociados a las múltiples transfusiones. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 30 prematuros en el Grupo 1 y 48 en el Grupo 2. El porcentaje de prematuros que recibió más de una transfusión de hematíes (89,5 versus 10,5%), la mediana del número de transfusiones (3 versus 1) y la mediana de donantes (2 versus 1) fue mayor en el Grupo 1, comparado al Grupo 2 (p<0,001). Entre aquellos con transfusiones múltiples, 14 (82,4%) y 1 (50,0%) prematuros presentaron reducción de 50% de donantes respectivamente en los Grupos 1 y 2. Los factores asociados a múltiples transfusiones fueron peso al nacer <1000g (OR 11,91; IC95% 2,14-66,27) y presencia de catéter arterial umbilical (8,59; 1,94-38,13), controlados para variables de confusión. CONCLUSIONES La eficacia de las bolsas de transferencia pediátricas para reducir la exposición a donantes de sangre fue mayor en prematuros con peso al nacer <1000g. .

OBJETIVO Em prematuros transfundidos com hemácias preservadas por até 28 dias, comparar a redução de exposição a doadores em dois grupos de pacientes, de acordo com o peso ao nascer. MÉTODOS Estudo prospectivo de prematuros com peso ao nascer <1000g (Grupo 1) e de 1000-1499g (Grupo 2), nascidos entre abril de 2008 e dezembro de 2009. Excluíram-se os recém-nascidos submetidos a exsanguineotransfusão, transfusão de emergência ou óbito antes de 24 horas de vida. As transfusões foram indicadas conforme rotina do serviço, utilizando-se bolsas de transferência pediátricas. Analisaram-se dados demográficos, clínicos e número de transfusões e doadores. Utilizou-se regressão logística para análise de fatores associados às múltiplas transfusões. RESULTADOS Incluíram-se 30 prematuros no Grupo 1 e 48 no Grupo 2. A porcentagem de prematuros que receberam mais de uma transfusão de hemácias (90 versus 11%), a mediana do número de transfusões (3 versus 1) e mediana de doadores (2 versus 1) foram maiores no Grupo 1, comparado ao Grupo 2 (p<0,001). Entre aqueles com transfusões múltiplas, 14 (82%) e um (50%) prematuros apresentaram redução de 50% de doadores respectivamente nos Grupos 1 e 2. Os fatores associados a múltiplas transfusões foram peso ao nascer <1000g (OR 11,91; IC95% 2,14-66,27) e presença de cateter arterial umbilical (OR 8,59; IC95% 1,94-38,13), controlados para variáveis de confusão. CONCLUSÕES A eficácia das bolsas de transferência pediátricas para reduzir a exposição a doadores de sangue foi maior em prematuros com peso ao nascer <1000g. .

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.

Risk Factors of Transfusion in Anemia of Very Low Birth Weight Infants

PURPOSE: Anemia of prematurity is frequent in preterm infants, for which red blood cell (RBC) transfusion remains the treatment of choice. In this study, we attempted to evaluate the characteristics and risk factors of anemia of prematurity, and suggest ways to reduce anemia and the need for multiple transfusions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Preterm infants weighing less than 1500 g (May 2008-May 2009) were divided into two groups depending on whether they received RBC transfusions (transfusion group and non transfusion group). Hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, phlebotomy blood loss, and the amount of RBC transfusion were analyzed. Risk factors of anemia and RBC transfusions were analyzed. RESULTS: Fifty infants that survived were enrolled in the present study: 39 in the transfusion group and 11 in the non transfusion group. Hb concentrations gradually decreased by eight weeks. In the transfusion group, gestational age and birth weight were smaller, bronchopulmonary dysplasia and sepsis were more frequent, full feeding was delayed, parenteral nutrition and days spent in the hospital were prolonged, and phlebotomy blood loss was greater than that in the non transfusion group. CONCLUSION: Anemia of prematurity was correlated with increased laboratory blood loss, decreased birth weight, prolonged parenteral nutrition, and delayed body weight gain. Accordingly, reducing laboratory phlebotomy loss and parenteral nutrition, as well as improving body weight gain, may be beneficial to infants with anemia of prematurity.

Uso de hemoderivados en hemorragia digestiva / The role of blood products transfusion in the management of gastrointestinal bleeding

Gastrointestinal bleeding is a condition associated with morbidity and mortality. Proper resuscitation is a mainstay of treatment and this includes the use of blood products in most severe cases. The use of blood products has potential side effects, which together with the scarcity and cost of this resource, makes it essential to avoid using them indiscriminately. Recent studies attest restrictive transfusion therapy, meaning that the threshold must be a hemoglobin transfusion of 7 g/dL for most cases. For transfusion of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and platelets there are no studies aimed at defining the threshold transfusion in the setting of gastrointestinal bleeding. Therefore, recommendations are followed with low level of evidence and extrapolating information from other clinical situations. Transfusing is suggested when the International Normalized Ratio (INR) is greater than 1.5 and when the platelet count is less than 50,000/ mm3. Finally, it is important to individualize treatment and emphasize that patients with cirrhosis with gastrointestinal bleeding should not be transfused with the aim of normalizing coagulation parameters, as these do not reflect the risk of bleeding.

La hemorragia digestiva es una condición asociada a morbilidad y mortalidad. Una correcta reanimación es uno de los pilares del tratamiento y ésta incluye el uso de hemoderivados en la mayoría de los casos graves. El uso de éstos tiene potenciales efectos adversos, lo que junto a la escasez y costo de este recurso, hacen indispensable evitar utilizarlos de manera indiscriminada. Estudios recientes avalan la conducta de una terapia transfusional restrictiva, es decir, que el umbral transfusional debe ser una hemoglobina de 7 g/dL para la mayoría de los casos. En el caso de la transfusión de plasma fresco congelado y plaquetas, no existen estudios dirigidos a definir el umbral transfusional en el escenario de la hemorragia digestiva. Por esta razón se siguen recomendaciones con bajo nivel de evidencia y extrapolando información de otras situaciones clínicas. Se sugiere transfundir plasma fresco congelado cuando el tiempo de protrombina está prolongado, en particular cuando el International Normalized Ratio (INR) es mayor a 1,5 y en el caso de las plaquetas, cuando el recuento es inferior a 50.000/mm3. Por último, es importante individualizar el tratamiento y enfatizar que el paciente con daño hepático crónico con hemorragia digestiva no debe ser transfundido con el objetivo de normalizar los parámetros de coagulación. Los parámetros de coagulación clásicos como el INR no reflejan el riesgo de sangrado en estos pacientes, y en consecuencia, intentar corregirlos implica transfundir en exceso con los efectos negativos que esto implica.

Red blood cell transfusions worsen the outcomes even in critically ill patients undergoing a restrictive transfusion strategy / Transfusões de concentrados de hemácias pioram os resultados mesmo em pacientes graves, submetidos a estratégia restritiva de transfusão

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Anemia and blood transfusions are common in intensive care. This study aimed to evaluate epidemiology and outcomes among critically ill patients under a restrictive transfusion strategy. DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective observational cohort study in an intensive care unit (ICU) at a tertiary hospital. METHODS: All adults admitted to the ICU over a one-year period who remained there for more than 72 hours were included, except those with acute coronary syndrome, ischemic stroke, acute hemorrhage, prior transfusion, pregnant women and Jehovah's Witnesses. The restrictive strategy consisted of transfusion indicated when hemoglobin levels were less than or equal to 7.0 g/dl. RESULTS: The study enrolled 167 patients; the acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) score was 28.9 ± 6.5. The baseline hemoglobin level was 10.6 ± 2.2 g/dl and on day 28, it was 8.2 ± 1.3 g/dl (P < 0.001). Transfusions were administered to 35% of the patients. In the transfusion group, 61.1% did not survive, versus 48.6% in the non-transfusion group (P = 0.03). Transfusion was an independent risk factor for mortality (P = 0.011; odds ratio, OR = 2.67; 95% confidence interval, CI = 1.25 to 5.69). ICU stay and hospital stay were longer in the transfusion group: 20.0 (3.0-83.0) versus 8.0 (3.0-63.0) days (P < 0,001); and 24.0 (3.0-140.0) versus 14.0 (3.0-80.0) days (P = 0.002), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In critically ill patients, there was a reduction in hemoglobin with increasing length of ICU stay. Moreover, transfusion was associated with worse prognoses.

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: Anemia e transfusões sanguíneas são comuns em terapia intensiva. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a epidemiologia e resultados em pacientes críticos sob o regime de transfusão restritiva. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo de coorte, prospectivo e observacional em unidade de terapia intensiva de um hospital terciário. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos todos adultos admitidos na unidade durante um ano e que permaneceram internados por mais de 72 horas, exceto pacientes com lesão coronariana aguda, isquemia cerebral aguda, hemorragia aguda, transfusão anterior, mulheres grávidas e testemunhas de Jeová. A estratégia restritiva consiste na transfusão indicada com a hemoglobina inferior ou igual a 7.0 g/dl. RESULTADOS: Totalizando 167 pacientes incluídos, APACHE II (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health disease II) foi de 28,9 ± 6,5. O valor da hemoglobina basal foi de 10,6 ± 2.2 g/dl e no 28º dia foi de 8,2 ± 1.3 g/dl (P < 0,001). 35% dos pacientes receberam transfusões. No grupo de transfusão 61,1% não sobreviveram versus 48,6% do grupo não transfusão (P = 0,03). A transfusão foi fator de risco independente de mortalidade (P = 0,011; odds ratio, OR = 2,67; intervalo de confiança, IC 95% = 1,25-5,69). A internação na unidade de terapia intensiva e hospitalar foi maior no grupo de transfusão: 20,0 (3,0-83,0) versus 8,0 (3,0-63,0) dias (P < 0,001); e 24,0 (3,0-140,0) versus 14,0 (3,0-80,0) dias (P = 0,002). CONCLUSÕES: Em pacientes graves, observou-se redução da hemoglobina com a progressão da permanência na UTI. Além disso, a transfusão foi associada com piores prognósticos.

Cost Analysis of Iron-Related Complications in a Single Institute

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The financial burden of caring for iron-related complications (IRCs) is an emerging medical problem in Korea, as in Western countries. We produced a preliminary estimate of the costs of treating patients for IRCs. METHODS: The medical records of patients who had received multiple transfusions were reviewed. Newly developed cardiomyopathy, heart failure, diabetes mellitus, liver cirrhosis, and liver cancer were defined as IRCs. The costs of laboratory studies, medication, oxygenation, intervention, and education were calculated using working criteria we defined. Costs that had a definite causal relationship with IRCs were included to produce as accurate an estimate as possible. RESULTS: Between 2002 and 2006, 650 patients with hematologic diseases, including 358 with acute leukemia, 102 with lymphoma, 58 with myelodysplastic syndrome or myeloproliferative disease, 46 with multiple myeloma, and 31 with chronic leukemia, received more than 10 units of red blood cells. Nine patients developed IRCs. The primary diagnoses of eight patients were aplastic anemia and that of one patient was chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Two patients who had diabetes were excluded because one was treated at another hospital and the other was diagnosed as oxymetholone-induced diabetes. Of the seven patients included, liver cirrhosis developed in two, heart failure in four, and diabetes mellitus in three. Some of them had two diagnoses. The total cost attributed to IRCs for the seven patients was 47,388,241 KRW (approximately 50,000 USD). CONCLUSIONS: The medical costs of IRCs are considerable, and more effective iron-chelating therapy is necessary to save medical resources and improve patient care. More in the way of comprehensive health and economic studies of IRCs are needed to allow both clinicians and health-policy makers to make better decisions.

Transfusão de sangue em terapia intensiva: um estudo epidemiológico observacional / Blood transfusion in intensive care: an epidemiological observational study

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A transfusão de concentrado de hemácias (CHA) é muito freqüente no centro de tratamento intensivo (CTI), mas as conseqüências da anemia nos pacientes gravemente enfermos ainda são obscuras. Os objetivos desse estudo foram avaliar a freqüência, as indicações, os limiares transfusionais e o prognóstico dos pacientes criticamente enfermos que receberam CHA. MÉTODO: Estudo prospectivo de coorte realizado no CTI médico-cirúrgico de um Hospital Universitário durante 16 meses. Foram coletados dados demográficos, clínicos e os relacionados a transfusão de CHA. Regressão logística binária foi utilizada após as análises univariadas. RESULTADOS: Dos 698 pacientes internados, 244 (35 por cento) foram transfundidos com CHA. Os pacientes clínicos e em pós-operatório de urgência foram mais transfundidos. Os limiares transfusionais foram: hematócrito = 22,8 por cento ± 4,5 por cento e hemoglobina = 7,9 ± 1,4 g/dL. Os pacientes transfundidos receberam em média 4,4 ± 3,7 CHA e apresentaram maior letalidade no CTI (39,8 por cento versus 13,2 por cento; p < 0,0001) e no hospital (48,8 por cento versus 20,3 por cento; p < 0,0001). A letalidade correlacionou-se com o número de CHA transfundidos (R² = 0,91). Na análise multivariada, os fatores relacionados com a necessidade de transfusão foram cirrose hepática, ventilação mecânica (VM), tipo e duração da internação no CTI, hematócrito e escore SAPS II. Os fatores independentes relacionados à letalidade hospitalar foram: VM, número de transfusões de CHA > 5 unidades e escore SAPS II. CONCLUSÕES: A transfusão de CHA é freqüente no CTI, particularmente nos pacientes internados por problemas clínicos e após cirurgias de emergência, com internação prolongada, em VM e com cirrose hepática. O limiar transfusional observado foi mais baixo que aquele assinalado pela literatura. A transfusão de CHA foi associada com maior letalidade.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusion is frequent in intensive care unit (ICU). However, the consequences of anemia in ICU patients are poorly understood. Our aim was to evaluate the prevalence, indications, pre-transfusion hematocrit and hemoglobin levels, and outcomes of ICU patients transfused with PRBC. METHODS: Prospective cohort study conducted at a medical-surgical ICU of a teaching hospital during a 16-month period. Patients' demographic, clinical, laboratory and transfusion-related data were collected. Logistic regression was used after univariate analyses. RESULTS: A total of 698 patients were evaluated and 244 (35 percent) received PRBC, mainly within the first four days of ICU (82.4 percent). Transfusion was more frequent in medical and emergency surgical patients. The mean pre-transfusion hematocrit and hemoglobin were 22.8 percent ± 4.5 percent and 7.9 ± 1.4 g/dL, respectively. Transfused patients received 4.4 ± 3.7 PRBC during ICU stay and 2.2 ± 1 PRBC at each transfusion. The ICU (39.8 percent versus 13.2 percent; p < 0.0001) and hospital (48.8 percent versus 20.3 percent; p < 0.0001) mortality rates were higher in transfused patients. Mortality increased as the number of transfused PRBC increased (R² = 0.91). In logistic regression, predictive factors for PRBC transfusion were hepatic cirrhosis, mechanical ventilation (MV), type and duration of ICU admission, and hematocrit. The independent factors associated to hospital mortality were MV, transfusions of more than five PRBC and SAPS II score. CONCLUSIONS: PRBC transfusions are frequent in ICU patients, especially in those with medical and emergency surgical complications, longer ICU stay, and hepatic cirrhosis and in need of MV. Pre-transfusion hemoglobin levels were lower than those previously reported. In our study, PRBC transfusion was associated with increased mortality.

Red cell immunization in multiply transfused Malay thalassemic patients.

The development of red blood cell (RBC) isoimmunization with alloantibodies and autoantibodies complicate transfusion therapy in multiply transfused thalassemia patients. Thus, the frequency, causes and prevention of these phenomena were studied among these patients. Clinical and serological data from 58 Malay multiply transfused thalassemic patients who sought treatment at Hospital University Sains Malaysia were collected and analyzed prospectively. Blood samples were subjected to standard blood bank procedures to screen for antibody and subsequent antibodies identification. All patients in our hospital received blood matched for only ABO and Rh (D) antigens. There were 46 (79.3%) patients with Hb E/beta thalassemia, 8 (13.8%) with beta thalassemia major, 3 (5.2%) with Hb H Constant Spring and 1 (1.7%) with Hb H disease. Overall, 8.6% of the patients had alloantibodies and 1.7% had autoantibodies. The alloantibodies identified were anti-E, anti-c, anti-K, anti-Jka, anti-N and anti-S. In conclusion, the transfusion of matched blood is essential for chronically multiply transfused patients in order to avoid alloimmunization. Considering the high frequency of anti E at our hospital, it is advisable to genotype patients and match the red cells for E antigens in multiply transfused thalassemia patients.

A Case of Hemolysis in ABO-unmatched Liver Transplantation: Use of Washed Group O Red Blood Cells and Steroids / 대한소화기학회지

Liver transplantation is the only curative therapy for patients with end-stage liver disease. The high success rate and the increasing demand for the transplantation sometimes calls for ABO-compatible but nonidentical blood group orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT), which affords the opportunity to the production of antibody to red blood cells. Hemolytic anemia usually occurs 1 to 2 weeks after transplantation. Although mild in most patients, it can be life-threatening. Until now, a few cases showing hemolytic anemia due to donor ABO antibody formation after ABO-nonidentical OLT have been reported. In the reported cases of hemolytic anemia, most ABO-nonidentical OLT cases were O-to-A, but few reports are available on this subject with O-to-B ABO- nonidentical OLT. Herein, we report the experience with hemolysis after ABO-nonidentical OLT in a group O donor into a group B recipient and the successful treatment with transfusion of washed group O red blood cells and 60 mg dose of prednisolone for 3 days.

Reacciones adversas asociadas a la transfusi¢n de componentes sangu¡neos / Adverse reactions associated to blood transfusion

Desde los inicios de la transfusi¢n, las reacciones generadas por esta terapéutica han sido siempre reconocidas como riesgosas, por lo que fue de interés realizar un estudio de las reacciones adversas a la transfusi¢n de los componentes sangu¡neos obtenidos en nuestro Banco de Sangre. Se revisaron historias cl¡nicas de un total de 465 pacientes adultos, de los cuales 258 fueron transfundidos en el Hospital Universitario Arnaldo Milián Castro y el resto en el Hospital Celestino Hernández Robau; estos dos centros son los más importantes de la provincia de Villa Clara. Se detectaron 71 reacciones postransfusionales en un total de 68 pacientes. El componente sangu¡neo más transfundido result¢ ser el concentrado de hemat¡es, con 1.057 unidades de un total de 2.495 transfusiones realizadas, causando 42 reacciones adversas. También observamos que la mayor cantidad de efectos adversos a la transfusi¢n se produjo en pacientes politransfundidos (48 pacientes). Las reacciones que se presentaron con mayor frecuencia en este estudio fueron las febriles no hemol¡ticas (46,5 por ciento) y las alérgicas (42,3 por ciento).

Immediate transfusion reactions

Immediate transfusion reactions were characterized in recipients of 15,990 RBCs, 18,013 platelets, 409 single donor platelets, 3,451 FFP and 1,507 units of cryoprecipitate. The overall incidence of immediate reactions was 0.2. Allergic reactions occurred in 40 patients, febrile non-hemolytic in 36 patients, bacterial contamination in 2 patients, circulatory overload in 3 patients and mechanical hemolysis in one patient. Three patients had nonspecific reactions. The incidence of immediate transfusion reactions was low when compared with similar studies. Possible causes are under-reporting transfusion reactions and the use of leukoreduced components.