Applying principles of patient blood management during COVID-19 pandemic: a literature review

As of 15 December 2021, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) affected approximately 271 million and killed 5.3 million people globally. COVID-19 pandemic had a tremendous impact on world healthcare systems and blood supply. While principles of patient blood management (PBM) may have been previously implemented in many jurisdictions, their widespread adoption has become imperative during the pandemic. This review will discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Canadian blood supply and how the principles of PBM could be applied during a pandemic or other disruptions to healthcare delivery or blood supply. We described the local blood system and how it adapted during the pandemic. We also included a discussion of pandemic-associated local PBM challenges and solutions. We conducted a brief review of English language literature with a specific focus on the application of PBM to reduce unnecessary red blood cell (RBC) transfusions in elective major surgery, hematological malignancies, elective major gynecological surgery and obstetrics between January 2020 and April 2022. The common themes included anemia diagnosis and management, restrictive RBC transfusion strategies and reduction in blood loss. Anemia is common, is frequently caused by iron deficiency and can be treated with oral or intravenous iron. Erythropoiesis stimulating agents are effective in raising hemoglobin and may be indicated in certain perioperative settings. Evidence supports the use of restrictive RBC transfusion thresholds and single unit transfusions in most patient populations. Hemostatic therapy, such as tranexamic acid, is generally safe and effective in reducing bleeding. Diagnostic phlebotomy contributes to anemia and should be restricted to tests that are necessary and likely to change management. In conclusion, PBM interventions are generally effective and safe. Prioritization of PBM during the pandemic or a blood shortage may help sustain the blood supply and lead to improved patient outcomes.Copyright © Annals of Blood. All rights reserved.

Polycythemia in a Pediatric Patient with Chronic Kidney Disease: Overuse of Erythropoetin During COVID-19 Isolation

We describe a case of a patient with Chronic Kidney Disease who developed polycythemia due to Erythropoiesis Stimulating Agents overuse during COVID-19 isolation. A 12-year-old male had not been able to attend routine controls since had been in isolation for 4 months after the COVID-19 outbreak. He had continued to take Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents during that period at the starting dose of 150 U/kg/week. He had been on peritoneal dialysis in the last year because of end-stage renal failure. Laboratory investigation revealed a hemoglobin (Hb) level of 20.8 g/dl, hematocrit level of 66%, creatinine level of 6.5 mgr/dl. He underwent daily phlebotomy sessions (10cc/kg/session). During this period aspirin was also started (5mg/kg). After 5 sessions his Hb level decreased to 14 gr/dl and hematocrit to 40%. Pediatric nephrologist should be aware that there is a potential risk of polycythemia with Erythropoiesis Stimulating Agents when Hb level is not appropriately followed on a routine basis. Copyright © 2021 Ankara Pediatric Hematology Oncology Training and Research Hospital. All rights reserved.

POS-252 THE DIFFERENTIAL IMPACT OF TWO NOVEL INTRAVENOUS IRON AGENTS ON FIBROBLAST GROWTH FACTOR 23, PHOSPHATE AND OTHER CLINICAL AND FUNCTIONAL MARKERS: METHODOLOGY AND BASELINE DATA

Introduction: Third generation intravenous (IV) iron preparations are increasingly used in the treatment of non-dialysis dependent chronic kidney disease (CKD) associated iron deficiency. Such compounds allow rapid delivery of large concentrations of iron safely at a single sitting. Evidence suggests that their use may lead to improved cardiovascular outcomes. Nonetheless, concerns exist regarding the potential induction of hypophosphatemia via fibroblast-growth-factor 23 (FGF-23) following the use of certain compounds. Raised FGF-23 has been associated with mineral bone and cardiac disorders, alongside prognostic implications. No prior study has provided a head-to-head comparison between iron preparations in CKD. This pilot study is designed to primarily investigate the differential impact of two different IV iron compounds on FGF-23 and phosphate in patients with CKD;secondarily we examine the impact of these compounds on bone markers and functional status, quality of life and cardiovascular function. Methods: This is a randomized controlled double-blinded pilot study recruiting patients with CKD stage 3a – 5 (non-dialysis) and iron deficiency +/- anemia. Patients are randomized to receive either ferric carboxymaltose or ferric derisomaltose over two infusions (one-month apart) to achieve full repletion. The initial dose administered is 1000 mg for both medications, with 500 mg or 1000 mg reserved for the second dose depending on weight and hematinics. Follow up is over a period of three months following the first infusion with measurements of intact FGF-23, phosphate, phosphaturia, vitamin D, parathyroid hormone, bone metabolism markers, functional status and quality of life and cardiac markers (figure 1). [Formula presented] Results: 168 patients were referred to the specialist renal anemia services for pre-screening. Ninety-nine were contacted for interest to participate, with 64 individuals declining to join. The commonest reason for not participating, was the COVID-19 pandemic (43.3%) with patients not keen to travel. Thirty-five patients were screened, and 27 patients enrolled in the study, of which 26 were randomized to receive iron (figure 2). One patient withdrew from the study, as they were unable to attend appointments following successful screening. In our baseline cohort the median age was 67.9 (12.4) and 17 participants were male. Mean hemoglobin was 100.3 (13.5) and hematinic markers consistent were consistent with iron deficiency. Median eGFR was 18.0 (11.3) ml/min/1.73 m2;the population as expected had a raised intact FGF-23 (212.1 (116.4) pg/ml). Serum calcium and phosphate were within normal parameters, while parathyroid hormone and 1,25 (OH)2 Vitamin D were deranged (Table 1). [Formula presented] [Formula presented] Conclusions: ExplorIRON-CKD, like a number of trials, experienced significant disruption in recruitment due to COVID-19. This study will provide further insight to the potential induction of FGF-23 following administration of specific intravenous iron compounds, and identify whether such a differential effect exists in patients with CKD. The effect of such induction in terms of phosphate and other markers of bone metabolism, functional status and cardiac functioning will be observed. The results will aid in hypothesis generation for further studies to identify the potential long-term impact of iatrogenic FGF-23 increase in patients with CKD. Conflict of interest Potential conflict of interest: This study received funding support from Pharmacosmos A/S and the Kidney Research Yorkshire Charity Fund. The funders had no role in the study design, data collection and analysis, and decision to publish or preparation of the . I have no potential conflicts of interest to disclose.