Patient Blood Management Program Implementation: Comprehensive Recommendations and Practical Strategies.

INTRODUCTION: Blood transfusion is one of the most common medical practices worldwide. However, current scientific literature has shown that the immunomodulatory effects of blood transfusion are associated with an increased likelihood of infection, prolonged hospitalization, and morbimortality. Also, it means high costs for healthcare systems. METHODS: In this context, acknowledging that blood transfusions are essentially heterologous cell transplantations, the use of therapeutic options has gained strength and is collectively known as the patient blood management (PBM) program. PBM is an approach based on three main pillars: (1) treating anemias and coagulopathies in an optimized manner, especially in the preoperative period; (2) optimizing perioperative hemostasis and the use of blood recovery systems to avoid the loss of the patient's blood; (3) anemia tolerance, with improved oxygen delivery and reduced oxygen demand, particularly in the postoperative period. RESULTS: Current scientific evidence supports the effectiveness of PBM by reducing the need for blood transfusions, decreasing associated complications, and promoting more efficient and safer blood management. Thus, PBM not only improves clinical outcomes for patients but also contributes to the economic sustainability of healthcare systems. CONCLUSION: The aim of this review was to summarize PBM strategies in a comprehensive, evidence-based approach through a systematic and structured model for PBM implementation in tertiary hospitals. The recommendations proposed herein are from researchers and experts of a high-complexity university hospital in the network of the Sistema Único de Saúde, presenting itself as a strategy that can be followed as a guideline for PBM implementation in other settings.

Analysis of maternal Fc gamma receptor IIIb isoantibodies using immunomagnetic negative selected neutrophils.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The isolation of neutrophils and subsequent detection of anti-human neutrophil antigens (HNA) antibodies are crucial in clinical medicine for the diagnosis of autoimmune neutropenia, neonatal alloimmune neutropenia (NAIN) and transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI). This study reports two cases of maternal anti-Fc-gamma-receptor-IIIb (FcγRIIIb) isoimmunization without NAIN symptoms and compares the efficiency of immunomagnetic negative selection (IMNS) with traditional dextran/Ficoll for neutrophil isolation in HNA serological assays. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Investigating two cases of maternal anti-FcγRIIIb isoimmunization, neutrophils from three donors were isolated from 8 mL of whole blood using IMNS and dextran/Ficoll. Serological assays included the granulocyte agglutination and immunofluorescence test, monoclonal antibody immobilization of granulocyte antigens and the LABScreen Multi (One Lambda). IMNS and dextran/Ficoll were compared in terms of cell yield, viability, time, cost and purity. RESULTS: Maternal anti-FcγRIIIb isoantibodies with FCGR3B gene deletion were detected in both cases. Newborns and fathers exhibited specific gene combinations: FCGR3B*02/FCGR3B*02 (Case 1) and FCGR3B*02/FCGR3B*03 (Case 2). IMNS outperformed dextran/Ficoll, yielding four times more neutrophils (average neutrophil counts: 18.5 × 103/µL vs. 4.5 × 103/µL), efficiently removing non-neutrophil cells and reducing processing time (30-40 min vs. 70-90 min), although it incurred a higher cost (2.7 times). CONCLUSION: Two cases of maternal anti-FcγRIIIb isoantibodies, unrelated to NAIN, were identified. Although neutropenia has not been described in these cases, we emphasize the importance of identifying asymptomatic cases with the potential for severe neutropenia. Additionally, IMNS is introduced as a rapid, high-yield, high-purity neutrophil isolation technique, beneficial for serological assays detecting anti-HNA antibodies.

Patient Blood Management Program Implementation: Comprehensive Recommendations and Practical Strategies

ABSTRACT Introduction: Blood transfusion is one of the most common medical practices worldwide. However, current scientific literature has shown that the immunomodulatory effects of blood transfusion are associated with an increased likelihood of infection, prolonged hospitalization, and morbimortality. Also, it means high costs for healthcare systems. Methods: In this context, acknowledging that blood transfusions are essentially heterologous cell transplantations, the use of therapeutic options has gained strength and is collectively known as the patient blood management (PBM) program. PBM is an approach based on three main pillars: (1) treating anemias and coagulopathies in an optimized manner, especially in the preoperative period; (2) optimizing perioperative hemostasis and the use of blood recovery systems to avoid the loss of the patient's blood; (3) anemia tolerance, with improved oxygen delivery and reduced oxygen demand, particularly in the postoperative period. Results: Current scientific evidence supports the effectiveness of PBM by reducing the need for blood transfusions, decreasing associated complications, and promoting more efficient and safer blood management. Thus, PBM not only improves clinical outcomes for patients but also contributes to the economic sustainability of healthcare systems. Conclusion: The aim of this review was to summarize PBM strategies in a comprehensive, evidence-based approach through a systematic and structured model for PBM implementation in tertiary hospitals. The recommendations proposed herein are from researchers and experts of a high-complexity university hospital in the network of the Sistema Único de Saúde, presenting itself as a strategy that can be followed as a guideline for PBM implementation in other settings.

Metabolomic profile in patients with primary warm autoimmune haemolytic anaemia.

Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA) is a rare clinical condition with immunoglobulin fixation on the surface of erythrocytes, with or without complement activation. The pathophysiology of AIHA is complex and multifactorial, presenting functional abnormalities of T and B lymphocytes that generate an imbalance between lymphocyte activation, immunotolerance and cytokine production that culminates in autoimmune haemolysis. In AIHA, further laboratory data are needed to predict relapse and refractoriness of therapy, and thus, prevent adverse side-effects and treatment-induced toxicity. The metabolomic profile of AIHA has not yet been described. Our group developed a cross-sectional study with follow-up to assess the metabolomic profile in these patients, as well as to compare the metabolites found depending on the activity and intensity of haemolysis. We analysed the plasma of 26 patients with primary warm AIHA compared to 150 healthy individuals by mass spectrometry. Of the 95 metabolites found in the patients with AIHA, four acylcarnitines, two phosphatidylcholines (PC), asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and three sphingomyelins were significantly increased. There was an increase in PC, spermine and spermidine in the AIHA group with haemolytic activity. The PC ae 34:3/PC ae 40:2 ratio, seen only in the 12-month relapse group, was a predictor of relapse with 81% specificity and 100% sensitivity. Increased sphingomyelin, ADMA, PC and polyamines in patients with warm AIHA can interfere in autoantigen and autoimmune recognition mechanisms in a number of ways (deficient action of regulatory T lymphocytes on erythrocyte recognition as self, negative regulation of macrophage nuclear factor kappa beta activity, perpetuation of effector T lymphocyte and antibody production against erythrocyte antigens). The presence of PC ae 34:3/PC ae 40:2 ratio as a relapse predictor can help in identifying cases that require more frequent follow-up or early second-line therapies.

Antibodies against human neutrophil antigens in non-transfused women with red blood cell alloimmunisation induced by pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Alloantibodies against human neutrophil antigens (HNA) resulting from allogeneic exposure may be associated with transfusion-related acute lung injury and immune neutropenia. Understanding the risk factors for the formation of such antibodies could have a great impact on the adoption of measures to prevent potentially fatal transfusion reactions. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of anti-HNA alloantibodies in non-transfused pregnant women with and without red blood cell (RBC) alloantibodies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: HNA alloantibodies were investigated in blood samples from 147 pregnant women with RBC alloimmunisation induced by pregnancy as the only allogeneic stimulus (group 1). The control group (group 2) consisted of 563 women with at least one pregnancy without RBC alloimmunisation. Both groups were investigated for the presence and identity of HNA alloantibodies using granulocyte agglutination tests, white blood cell immunofluorescence testing, and the bead-based LABScreen Multi Kit. Genotyping was performed to confirm the specificity of the HNA alloantibodies. RESULTS: Group 1 women had a statistically higher number of HNA alloantibodies compared to group 2 women (9/147 [6.1%] vs 9/563 [1.6%]; p=0.005, OR=4.01; 95% CI 1.5-10.3). Considering only multiparous women, there was a higher statistical significance for the difference in the presence of HNA alloantibodies between the two groups (7/82 [8.5%] vs 9/493 [1.8%]; p=0.002, OR=5.02; 95% CI 1.8-13.9). DISCUSSION: Our data show that RBC alloimmunisation is significantly associated with the development of anti-HNA alloantibodies, corroborating the hypothesis that some individuals are better immune responders and react strongly to allogeneic exposure. The presence of RBC alloantibodies can, therefore, facilitate the identification of individuals with a higher risk of alloimmunisation to antigens from other cells, also acting as a tool to avoid potentially fatal transfusion reactions.

RHD and RHCE molecular analysis in weak D blood donors and in patients with Rh antibodies against their own corresponding Rh antigen.

BACKGROUND: The Rh system is the largest and most polymorphic blood group system. The existence of a large number of RH alleles results in variant phenotypes that often complicate blood donor phenotyping and the distinction between auto- and allo-antibodies in recipients who have anti-Rh antibodies in the presence of their own corresponding Rh antigen. Knowledge of these variants is necessary in order to make blood transfusion safer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Samples from 48 blood donors with serological weak D and from 29 patients who had anti-Rh antibody in the presence of their own corresponding Rh antigen were evaluated molecularly for RHD and RHCE alleles using a blood-multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification assay and Sanger sequencing. RESULTS: Rh variants were found in 45 of the 48 blood donors: 24/45 (53%) were weak D, 2/45 (4%) partial D and 19/45 (42%) were weak and partial D. The remaining three donors (6%) did not show a mutation in the RHD allele. Among the 29 patients, 13/29 had anti-e, of whom 4/13 had genotypes that predicted a partial e antigen; 11/29 had anti-D, with 6/11 being identified as partial D; 2/29 had anti-c, of whom 1/2 was predicted to express partial c antigen; 4/29 who had anti-E and 4/29 who had anti-C did not show mutations in RHCE*C or RHCE*E. DISCUSSION: It was possible to find individuals with clinically significant Rh phenotypes due to the weak reactivity of the D antigen, detected through serological tests in blood donors. In patients, when found with the anti-Rh antibody in the presence of the same Rh antigen, it is difficult to distinguish an auto-antibody from an allo-antibody by serological tests; in these cases, molecular methods (genotyping) can help us to determine whether there are changes in the RH alleles and to discover the nature of the antibody (allo or auto).

Blood transfusions in septic shock: is 7.0 g/dL really the appropriate threshold?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the immediate effects of red blood cell transfusion on central venous oxygen saturation and lactate levels in septic shock patients with different transfusion triggers. METHODS: We included patients with a diagnosis of septic shock within the last 48 hours and hemoglobin levels below 9.0 g/dL Patients were randomized for immediate transfusion with hemoglobin concentrations maintained above 9.0 g/dL (Group Hb9) or to withhold transfusion unless hemoglobin felt bellow 7.0 g/dL (Group Hb7). Hemoglobin, lactate, central venous oxygen saturation levels were determined before and one hour after each transfusion. RESULTS: We included 46 patients and 74 transfusions. Patients in Group Hb7 had a significant reduction in median lactate from 2.44 (2.00 - 3.22) mMol/L to 2.21 (1.80 - 2.79) mMol/L, p = 0.005, which was not observed in Group Hb9 [1.90 (1.80 - 2.65) mMol/L to 2.00 (1.70 - 2.41) mMol/L, p = 0.23]. Central venous oxygen saturation levels increased in Group Hb7 [68.0 (64.0 - 72.0)% to 72.0 (69.0 - 75.0)%, p < 0.0001] but not in Group Hb9 [72.0 (69.0 - 74.0)% to 72.0 (71.0 - 73.0)%, p = 0.98]. Patients with elevated lactate or central venous oxygen saturation < 70% at baseline had a significant increase in these variables, regardless of baseline hemoglobin levels. Patients with normal values did not show a decrease in either group. CONCLUSION: Red blood cell transfusion increased central venous oxygen saturation and decreased lactate levels in patients with hypoperfusion regardless of their baseline hemoglobin levels. Transfusion did not appear to impair these variables in patients without hypoperfusion. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01611753.

Transfusões de sangue no choque séptico: 7, 0g/dL é mesmo o limite adequado? / Blood transfusions in septic shock: is 7. 0g/dL really the appropriate threshold?

Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos imediatos da transfusão de hemácias nos níveis de saturação venosa central de oxigênio e de lactato em pacientes com choque séptico usando diferentes níveis gatilho de hemoglobina para indicar transfusão. Métodos: Incluímos pacientes com diagnóstico de choque séptico nas últimas 48 horas e níveis de hemoglobina abaixo de 9,0g/dL. Os pacientes foram randomizados para receber imediatamente transfusão se as concentrações se mantivessem acima de 9,0g/dL (Grupo Hb9) ou adiar a transfusão até que a hemoglobina caísse abaixo de 7,0g/dL (Grupo Hb7). Os níveis de hemoglobina, lactato e saturação venosa central de oxigênio foram determinados antes e 1 hora após cada transfusão. Resultados: Incluímos 46 pacientes, totalizando 74 transfusões. Os pacientes do Grupo Hb7 tiveram uma redução significante nos níveis medianos de lactato de 2,44 (2,00 - 3,22) mMol/L para 2,21 (1,80 - 2,79) mMol/L; p = 0,005. Isto não foi observado no Grupo Hb9 [1,90 (1,80 - 2,65) mMol/L para 2,00 (1,70 - 2,41) mMol/L; p = 0,23]. A saturação venosa central de oxigênio aumentou no Grupo Hb7 [68,0 (64,0 - 72,0)% para 72,0 (69,0 - 75,0)%; p < 0,0001], mas não no Grupo Hb9 [72,0 (69,0 - 74,0)% para 72,0 (71,0 - 73,0)%; p = 0,98]. Pacientes com elevados níveis de lactato ou saturação venosa central de oxigênio menor que 70% na avaliação basal tiveram um aumento significante nessas variáveis, independentemente dos níveis basais de hemoglobina. Pacientes com valores normais não demonstraram diminuição em quaisquer dos grupos. Conclusão: A transfusão de hemácias aumentou a saturação venosa central de oxigênio e diminuiu os níveis de lactato em pacientes com hipoperfusão, independentemente de seus níveis basais de hemoglobina. A transfusão não pareceu influenciar essas variáveis em pacientes sem hipoperfusão. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01611753 .

Objective: To evaluate the immediate effects of red blood cell transfusion on central venous oxygen saturation and lactate levels in septic shock patients with different transfusion triggers. Methods: We included patients with a diagnosis of septic shock within the last 48 hours and hemoglobin levels below 9.0g/dL Patients were randomized for immediate transfusion with hemoglobin concentrations maintained above 9.0g/dL (Group Hb9) or to withhold transfusion unless hemoglobin felt bellow 7.0g/dL (Group Hb7). Hemoglobin, lactate, central venous oxygen saturation levels were determined before and one hour after each transfusion. Results: We included 46 patients and 74 transfusions. Patients in Group Hb7 had a significant reduction in median lactate from 2.44 (2.00 - 3.22) mMol/L to 2.21 (1.80 - 2.79) mMol/L, p = 0.005, which was not observed in Group Hb9 [1.90 (1.80 - 2.65) mMol/L to 2.00 (1.70 - 2.41) mMol/L, p = 0.23]. Central venous oxygen saturation levels increased in Group Hb7 [68.0 (64.0 - 72.0)% to 72.0 (69.0 - 75.0)%, p < 0.0001] but not in Group Hb9 [72.0 (69.0 - 74.0)% to 72.0 (71.0 - 73.0)%, p = 0.98]. Patients with elevated lactate or central venous oxygen saturation < 70% at baseline had a significant increase in these variables, regardless of baseline hemoglobin levels. Patients with normal values did not show a decrease in either group. Conclusion: Red blood cell transfusion increased central venous oxygen saturation and decreased lactate levels in patients with hypoperfusion regardless of their baseline hemoglobin levels. Transfusion did not appear to impair these variables in patients without hypoperfusion. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01611753 .

Transfusional profile in different types of intensive care units.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: anemia is a common clinical finding in intensive care units. The red blood cell transfusion is the main form of treatment, despite the associated risks. Thus, we proposed to evaluate the profile of transfusional patients in different intensive care units. METHODS: prospective analysis of patients admitted in the intensive care units of a tertiary university hospital with an indication for transfusion of packed red blood cells. Demographic profile and transfusional profile were collected, a univariate analysis was done, and the results were considered significant at p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: 408 transfusions were analyzed in 71 patients. The mean hemoglobin concentration on admission was 9.7 ± 2.3g/dL and the pre-transfusional concentration was 6.9 ± 1.1g/dL. The main indications for transfusion were hemoglobin concentration (49%) and active bleeding (32%). The median number of units transfused per episode was 2 (1-2) and the median storage time was 14 (7-21) days. The number of patients transfused with hemoglobin levels greater than 7 g/dL and the number of bags transfused per episode were significantly different among intensive care units. Patients who received three or more transfusions had longer mechanical ventilation time and intensive care unit stay and higher mortality after 60 days. There was an association of mortality with disease severity but not with transfusional characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: the practice of blood products transfusion was partially in agreement with the guidelines recommended, although there are differences in behavior between the different profiles of intensive care units. Transfused patients evolved with unfavorable outcomes. Despite the scarcity of blood in blood banks, the mean storage time of the bags was high.

Transfusional profile in different types of intensive care units / Perfil transfusional em diferentes tipos de unidades de terapia intensiva / Perfil transfusional en diferentes tipos de unidades de cuidados intensivos

Background and objectives: anemia is a common clinical finding in intensive care units. The red blood cell transfusion is the main form of treatment, despite the associated risks. Thus, we proposed to evaluate the profile of transfusional patients in different intensive care units. Methods: prospective analysis of patients admitted in the intensive care units of a tertiary university hospital with an indication for transfusion of packed red blood cells. Demographic profile and transfusional profile were collected, a univariate analysis was done, and the results were considered significant at p = 0.05. Results: 408 transfusions were analyzed in 71 patients. The mean hemoglobin concentration on admission was 9.7 ± 2.3 g/dL and the pre-transfusional concentration was 6.9 ± 1.1 g/dL. The main indications for transfusion were hemoglobin concentration (49%) and active bleeding (32%). The median number of units transfused per episode was 2 (1-2) and the median storage time was 14 (7-21) days. The number of patients transfused with hemoglobin levels greater than 7 g/dL and the number of bags transfused per episode were significantly different among intensive care units. Patients who received three or more transfusions had longer mechanical ventilation time and intensive care unit stay and higher mortality after 60 days. There was an association of mortality with disease severity but not with transfusional characteristics. Conclusions: the practice of blood products transfusion was partially in agreement with the guidelines recommended, although there are differences in behavior between the different profiles of intensive care units. Transfused patients evolved with unfavorable outcomes. Despite the scarcity of blood in blood banks, the mean storage time of the bags was high. .

Justificativa e objetivos: Anemia é um achado clínico frequente nas UTIs. A transfusão de hemácias é a principal forma de tratamento, apesar dos riscos a ela associados. Dessa forma, propusemos avaliar o perfil transfusional dos pacientes em diferentes UTIs. Métodos: Análise prospectiva dos pacientes internados nas UTIs de um hospital universitário terciário com indicação de transfusão de concentrado de hemácias. Foram coletados características demográficas e o perfil transfusional, foi feita análise univariada e foram considerados significativos resultados com p = 0,05. Resultados: Foram analisadas 408 transfusões em 71 pacientes. A concentração média de hemoglobina na internação foi 9,7 ± 2,3 g/dL e a concentração pré-transfusional 6,9 ± 1,1 g/dL. As principais indicações de transfusão foram a concentração de hemoglobina (49%) e o sangramento ativo (32%). O número mediano de unidades transfundidas por episódio foi 2 (1-2) e a mediana do tempo de estocagem foi 14 (7-21) dias. O número de pacientes transfundidos com hemoglobina acima de 7 g/dL e o número de bolsas transfundidas por episódio foram significativamente diferentes entre as UTIs. Pacientes que receberam três ou mais transfusões tiveram maior tempo de ventilação mecânica e de permanência na UTI e maior mortalidade em 60 dias. Houve associação da mortalidade com gravidade da doença, mas não com as características transfusionais. Conclusões: A prática transfusional de hemocomponentes esteve parcialmente de acordo com as diretrizes preconizadas, embora haja diferença de conduta entre os diferentes perfis de UTIs. Pacientes transfundidos evoluíram com desfechos desfavoráveis. Apesar da escassez de sangue ...

Justificación y objetivos: la anemia es un hallazgo clínico común en las UCI. La transfusión de hematíes es la principal forma de tratamiento, a pesar de los riesgos que están asociados a ella. Así, nos propusimos evaluar el perfil transfusional de los pacientes en diferentes UCI. Métodos: análisis prospectivo de los pacientes ingresados en las UCI de un hospital universitario terciario con indicación de transfusión de concentrado de hematíes. Se recolectaron características demográficas y el perfil transfusional, haciéndose el análisis univariado considerando como significativos los resultados con p = 0,05. Resultados: se analizaron 408 transfusiones en 71 pacientes. La concentración promedio de hemoglobina en el ingreso fue de 9,7 ± 2,3 g/dL y la concentración pretransfusional de 6,9 ± 1,1 g/dL. Las principales indicaciones de transfusión fueron la concentración de hemoglobina (49%) y el sangrado activo (32%). El número intermedio de unidades transfundidas por episodio fue 2 (1-2) y la mediana del tiempo de almacenaje fue de 14 (7-21) días. El número de pacientes transfundidos con hemoglobina por encima de 7 g/dL y el número de bolsas transfundidas por episodio fueron significativamente diferentes entre las UCI. Los pacientes que recibieron 3 o más transfusiones tuvieron más tiempo de ventilación mecánica y de permanencia en la UCI y una mayor mortalidad en 60 días. Hubo una asociación de la mortalidad con la gravedad de la enfermedad, pero no así con las características transfusionales. Conclusiones: la práctica transfusional de hemocomponentes estuvo parcialmente a tono con las directrices preconizadas, aunque exista una diferencia de conducta entre los diferentes perfiles de UCI. Pacientes transfundidos evolucionaron con resultados desfavorables. ...

Reduction of exposure to blood donors in preterm infants submitted to red blood cell transfusions using pediatric satellite packs.

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 <1000 g (Group 1) and 1000-1499 g (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 <1000 g (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 <1000 g.

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. .

Warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia: recent progress in understanding the immunobiology and the treatment.

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is defined as a condition associated with the increased destruction of red blood cells (RBCs) associated with the presence of IgG anti-RBC autoantibodies. The etiology underlying the pathogenesis of such autoantibodies is still uncertain. In the present article, we will discuss the postulated mechanisms that produce a breakdown of immunologic tolerance leading to warm AIHA including the possible roles of RBC autoantigens and the complement system, the lack of effective presentation of autoantigens, functional abnormalities of B and T cells resulting in polyclonal lymphocyte activation and alteration of cytokine production, and the role of immunoregulatory T cells. Because warm AIHA is a relatively rare clinical entity, current recommended therapeutic strategies for patients with warm AIHA are mainly based on results from small cohort studies. Clinicians must also balance the risk of withholding RBC transfusions against the possible benefit of ameliorating the hemoglobin level with such transfusions particularly in critically ill patients with warm AIHA. Glucocorticoids are the first-line treatment for patients with warm AIHA resulting in an 80% clinical response after 3 weeks of treatment. The latter, however, also may cause adverse events such as excessive weight gain, neuropsychiatric disorders, endocrine, or cardiovascular events. Splenectomy should be considered for patients who do not show a satisfactory response to glucocorticoids and may offer a success rate of up to 70% in patients with idiopathic warm AIHA. Rituximab treatment in patients with refractory warm AIHA has been well tolerated with an overall median response rate of approximately 60%. Danazol, intravenous immunoglobulin, alemtuzumab, as well as other immunosuppressive drugs have also been successfully used in patients with warm AIHA, refractory to glucocorticoids, splenectomy, and rituximab.

Expression levels of CD47, CD35, CD55, and CD59 on red blood cells and signal-regulatory protein-alpha,beta on monocytes from patients with warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia.

BACKGROUND: Animal models have shown that CD47-deficient mice develop severe autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) because the binding of red blood cell (RBC) CD47 to signal-regulatory protein (SIRP-alpha) on macrophages contributes to the inhibition of phagocytosis. In contrast, complement-inhibitory proteins such as CD35, CD55, and CD59 may protect RBCs against the lysis by complement. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: With the use of flow cytometric analyses, the expression of CD47, CD35, CD55, and CD59 on RBCs and of SIRP-alpha,beta on peripheral monocytes of 36 patients with warm AIHA (wAIHA; 23 with active wAIHA, 13 with wAIHA in remission) and 20 healthy subjects was evaluated. RESULTS: The mean fluorescence intensities (MFIs) of the expression of CD47, CD35, CD55, and SIRP-alpha,beta of active wAIHA patients, wAIHA in remission, and healthy subjects were not statistically different. Patients with active wAIHA showed significantly lower CD59 expression on RBCs than healthy individuals (MFI, 512.5 +/- 59.6 vs. 553.7 +/- 36.6; p = 0.009), while the CD59 expression in patients with wAIHA in remission was not significantly different from that of healthy controls (MFI, 538.4 +/- 48.3 vs. 553.7 +/- 36.6; p > 0.05). The expression of CD59 on RBCs of 3 patients who died from the wAIHA was lower than that seen on RBCs of healthy controls (MFI, 433.6 +/- 69.6 vs. 553.74 +/- 36.6; p = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Our data show that the expression of CD47 on RBCs and SIRP-alpha,beta on monocytes of patients with wAIHA is not different from that seen in healthy individuals. In addition, we detected that patients with active wAIHA present low expression of CD59 and normal expression of CD35 and CD55 on their RBCs. Complement-regulatory proteins may play an important role in protecting RBC destruction through the activation of complement.

Anti-KEL7 (anti-Js(b)) alloimmunization diagnostic supported by molecular KEL*6,7 typing in a pregnant woman with previous intrauterine deaths.

Anti-KEL7 (anti-Js(b)) is a rare antibody that has been related to haemolytic transfusion reactions and HDN. We report a case of anti-KEL7 alloimmunization detected in a pregnant woman who had an obstetric previous history of four miscarriages and one stillborn. Employing classical immunohematological techniques, we studied the propositus and her available relatives. Due to the unavailability of commercial anti-KEL6 and anti-KEL7 reagents, we used a KEL*6,7 genotyping method as an alternative tool to contribute with the identification of the alloantibody origin. The results of KEL genotyping showed that the propositus was KEL*6/6 homozygous, while her second partner was KEL*7/7 homozygous.