Use of cell salvage at the time of cesarean delivery: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: Excess blood loss from obstetrical hemorrhage requires transfusion of donor blood, a finite resource. Intraoperative cell salvage collects a patient's own blood that has been lost during cesarean delivery and returns it to their own circulation. We performed a meta-analysis to examine the perioperative outcomes in patients receiving cell salvage at the time of cesarean delivery. DATA SOURCES: Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Ovid Medline, and clinicaltrials.gov were searched from database inception through October 2023. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials comparing the use of cell salvage to standard-of-care during cesarean delivery. METHODS: Two authors independently extracted data. Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines were used for data extraction and quality assessment. The primary outcomes were the rate of donor blood transfusion and change in hemoglobin level. The secondary outcomes included transfusion reaction, amniotic fluid embolism, and length of hospital stay. Results were summarized as weighted mean difference or risk ratio with associated 95% confidence intervals. Heterogeneity was measured using Higgins I2. RESULTS: A total of 5 randomized controlled trials (n=3361) comparing cell salvage to standard care during cesarean delivery met the inclusion criteria. Primary analysis showed a significant decrease in receiving allogeneic blood transfusion with intraoperative cell salvage use vs standard care (odds ratio, 0.32; 95% confidence interval, 0.23-0.46), with no change in hemoglobin drop (mean difference, -0.77; 95% confidence interval, -1.67 to -0.14). The secondary outcomes showed no difference in transfusion reaction (odds ratio, 0.56; 95% confidence interval, 0.06-5.59), and length of hospital stay (mean difference, -1.90; 95% confidence interval, -4.85 to 1.06). No cases of amniotic fluid embolism were reported among the 1685 patients who received cell salvage. CONCLUSION: Use of cell salvage during cesarean delivery reduced the overall need for allogeneic blood transfusion without increasing the risk of complications, including no cases of amniotic fluid embolism.

A cost-effectiveness analysis of intraoperative autologous transfusion in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis surgery: a single-centre retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Intraoperative autologous transfusion (IAT) has been used in scoliosis surgery for decades; however, its cost-effectiveness remains debatable. This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of IAT in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) surgery and identify risk factors of massive intraoperative blood during this surgery. METHODS: The medical records of 402 patients who underwent AIS surgery were reviewed. The patients were divided into different groups according to the intraoperative blood loss volume (group A: ≥500 to < 1000 mL, B: ≥1,000 to < 1,500 mL, and C: ≥1,500 mL) and whether IAT was used (i.e., IAT and no-IAT groups). The volume of blood loss, volume of transfused allogeneic red blood cells (RBC), and RBC transfusion costs were analysed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify the independent risk factors of massive intraoperative blood loss (≥ 1,000 mL and ≥ 1,500 mL). A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyse the cut-off values of the factors contributing to massive intraoperative blood loss. RESULTS: In group A, no significant difference was observed in the volume of allogeneic RBC transfused during and after procedure between the IAT and no-IAT groups; however, total RBC transfusion costs was significantly higher in the IAT group. In groups B and C, the patients in the IAT group compared with those in the no-IAT group had a lower volume of allogeneic RBC transfused during the operation and on the first day after the operation. However, in group B, the total RBC transfusion cost in the patients who used IAT was significantly higher. In group C, total RBC transfusion cost in the patients who used IAT was significantly lower. The number of fused vertebral levels and Ponte osteotomy were found to be independent risk factors for massive intraoperative blood loss. ROC analysis showed that more than eight and 10 fused vertebral levels predicted ≥ 1,000 mL and ≥ 1,500 mL intraoperative blood loss, respectively. CONCLUSION: The cost-effectiveness of IAT in AIS was related to the volume of blood loss, and when the blood loss volume was ≥ 1,500 mL, IAT was cost-effective, drastically reducing the demand for allogeneic RBC and total RBC transfusion cost. The number of fused vertebral levels and Ponte osteotomy were independent risk factors for massive intraoperative blood loss.

Autologous versus allogeneic blood transfusion: A comparative study of the peri-operative outcomes in a tertiary care hospital in South India amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

Autologous blood transfusion is known to have advantages over allogeneic transfusion. The COVID-19 pandemic intensified the already existing shortage of allogeneic blood supply. We carried out a study during this period with the aim to elicit the effects of autologous blood collection and transfusion, to compare the peri-operative outcomes of autologous and allogeneic transfusion practices and also to assess the influence of the autologous transfusion programme in the Blood Centre inventory. It was prospective observational comparative study among neurosurgical and vascular surgical patients in a tertiary care centre in South India. 141 patients were allocated into Group I (n = 71) who received autologous transfusion and those who received conventional allogeneic transfusion were clustered as Group II (n = 72) for analysis. We employed Acute Normovolemic Hemodilution (ANH), Pre-deposit Autologous Donation (PAD) and Intra-operative Cell Salvage (ICS) as various modalities for autologous blood collection. In our study, 43 (60.6%) from Group I received exclusive autologous blood transfusion, whereas 28 (39.4%) required additional allogeneic transfusion. No significant difference in hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelet count and INR were observed between the groups post transfusion. Significant difference was observed in the thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) patients with respect to duration of ICU stay (2.7 ± 1.1 days in Group I and 6.2 ± 0.8 days in Group II; p = 0.002) and re-exploration due to bleeding (16.7% in Group I and 40% in Group II; p = 0.048). Autologous blood transfusion is safe and effective. It can be employed as routine practice and also during any acute shortage or pandemic.

Safety of Intraoperative Cell Salvage in Cancer Surgery: An Updated Meta-Analysis of the Current Literature.

Background: Allogeneic blood transfusions in oncologic surgery are associated with increased recurrence and mortality. Adverse effects on outcome could be reduced or avoided by using intraoperative autologous blood cell salvage (IOCS). However, there are concerns regarding the safety of the autologous IOCS blood. Previous meta-analyses from 2012 and 2020 did not identify increased risk of cancer recurrence after using autologous IOCS blood. The objective of this review was to reassess a greater number of IOCS-treated patients to present an updated and more robust analysis of the current literature. Methods: This systematic review includes full-text articles listed in PubMed, Cochrane, Cochrane Reviews, and Web of Science. We analyzed publications that discussed cell salvage or autotransfusion combined with the following outcomes: cancer recurrence, mortality, survival, allogeneic transfusion rate and requirements, length of hospital stay (LOS). To rate the strength of evidence, a Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) of the underlying evidence was applied. Results: In the updated meta-analysis, 7 further observational studies were added to the original 27 observational studies included in the former 2020 analysis. Studies compared either unfiltered (n = 2,311) or filtered (n = 850) IOCS (total n = 3,161) versus non-IOCS use (n = 5,342). Control patients were either treated with autologous predonated blood (n = 484), with allogeneic transfusion (n = 4,113), or did not receive a blood transfusion (n = 745). However, the current literature still contains only observational studies on these topics, and the strength of evidence remains low. The risk of cancer recurrence was reduced in recipients of autologous salvaged blood with or without LDF (odds ratio [OR] 0.76, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.64-0.90) compared to nontransfused patients or patients with allogeneic transfusion. There was no difference in mortality (OR 0.95, 95% CI: 0.71-1.27) and LOS (mean difference -0.07 days, 95% CI: -0.63 to 0.48) between patients treated with IOCS blood or those in whom IOCS was not used. Due to high heterogeneity, transfusion rates or volumes could not be analyzed. Conclusion: Randomized controlled trials comparing mortality and cancer recurrence rate of IOCS with or without LDF filtration versus allogeneic blood transfusion were not found. Outcome was similar or better in patients receiving IOCS during cancer surgery compared to patients with allogeneic blood transfusion or nontransfused patients.

Untargeted Metabolomics Identifies a Novel Panel of Markers for Autologous Blood Transfusion.

Untargeted metabolomics was used to analyze serum and urine samples for biomarkers of autologous blood transfusion (ABT). Red blood cell concentrates from donated blood were stored for 35−36 days prior to reinfusion into the donors. Participants were sampled at different time points post-donation and up to 7 days post-transfusion. Metabolomic profiling was performed using ACQUITY ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC), Q-Exactive high resolution/accurate mass spectrometer interfaced with a heated electrospray ionization (HESI-II) source and Orbitrap mass analyzer operated at 35,000 mass resolution. The markers of ABT were determined by principal component analysis and metabolites that had p < 0.05 and met ≥ 2-fold change from baseline were selected. A total of 11 serum and eight urinary metabolites, including two urinary plasticizer metabolites, were altered during the study. By the seventh day post-transfusion, the plasticizers had returned to baseline, while changes in nine other metabolites (seven serum and two urinary) remained. Five of these metabolites (serum inosine, guanosine and sphinganine and urinary isocitrate and erythronate) were upregulated, while serum glycourdeoxycholate, S-allylcysteine, 17-alphahydroxypregnenalone 3 and Glutamine conjugate of C6H10O2 (2)* were downregulated. This is the first study to identify a panel of metabolites, from serum and urine, as markers of ABT. Once independently validated, it could be universally adopted to detect ABT.

Does Autologous Transfusion Decrease Allogeneic Transfusion in Liposuction Surgery of Lymphedema Patients?

Background and Objective: Liposuction is an effective treatment for fat disposition in lymphedema. Blood transfusion has been seldom investigated in lymphedema liposuction surgery. The purpose of the study was to analyze clinical factors associated with blood transfusion in liposuction surgery of lymphedema patients and compare the autologous and allogeneic transfusion patterns. Methods: A total of 1,187 cases of liposuction due to lymphedema were recruited. Demographic, laboratory tests and operation information were collected. Patients were divided into a transfusion and a non-transfusion group. Different transfusion patterns were compared and analyzed. Results: Between the two groups, there is a significant difference in postoperative hemoglobin levels, and as well as gender, age, surgery duration, body weight change, intraoperative transfusion volume and blood loss, hospital length of stay, and surgical site distribution. There is a significant difference in the comparison of hospital stay length, autologous transfusion volume, combined allogeneic volume, operative blood loss, intraoperative transfusion volume, and change in hemoglobin levels between predonation and acute normovolemic hemodilution (ANH) transfusion. In comparison with the allogeneic transfusion-only patients, the mean allogeneic transfusion volume in either ANH group, predonated transfusion group, or mixed group is statistically lower. Allogeneic transfusion volume in the predonated-only group is significantly lower than that of either the ANH-only group or the mixing ANH with predonation group. Ordinary least squares regression analysis suggests that autologous transfusion in the ANH-only mode is statistically associated with allogeneic transfusion. Conclusions: This study described the blood transfusion in lymphedema liposuction surgery and compared autologous and allogeneic transfusion patterns in these patients. Autologous transfusion can reduce the transfusion volume of allogeneic blood and might be a beneficial mode of transfusion in these patients.

Comparison of Different Blood Transfusion Methods in Patients Undergoing Cesarean Section.

Purpose: To compare the effect of allogeneic transfusion and acute normovolemic hemodilution (ANH) autologous transfusion in patients undergoing cesarean section. Methods: Patients who underwent cesarean section and received blood transfusion therapy from February 2019 to July 2021 in our hospital were observed and divided into the allogeneic group (n = 55) who received allogeneic transfusion therapy and the autologous group (n = 55) who received ANH autologous transfusion therapy according to the mode of transfusion. Observations included vital signs [heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), stroke volume variation (SVV)], blood routine [red blood cells (RBC), platelets (PLT), hematocrit (HCT), hemoglobin (Hb)], T-cell subsets (CD4+, CD8+, CD4+/CD8+), immunoglobulins (IgA, IgM, IgG), inflammatory factors [C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6], and adverse effects were counted in both groups. Results: There was no statistical significance in the intra-group and inter-group comparisons of HR, MAP, and SVV between the two groups before transfusion and transfusion for 10 min (P > 0.05). 5d after operation, the RBC, PLT, HCT, and Hb of the allogeneic group were lower than those before operation, and the autologous group was higher than that of the allogeneic group (P < 0.05). 5d after operation, the CRP, TNF-α, and IL-6 of the allogeneic group were higher than those before operation, and the autologous group was lower than that of the allogeneic group (P < 0.05). 5d after operation, the CD4+, CD4+/CD8+ of the allogeneic group were lower than before operation, and the CD8+ was higher than before operation. The CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ of the autologous group were higher than that of the allogeneic group, and CD8+ was lower than that of the allogeneic group (P < 0.05). 5d after operation, the IgA, IgG, and IgM of the allogeneic group were lower than those before operation, and the autologous group was higher than that of the allogeneic group (P < 0.05). During blood transfusion, there was no significant difference in the adverse reaction rate between the two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Both allogeneic transfusion and ANH autologous transfusion have little effect on the vital signs of patients undergoing cesarean section, but ANH autologous transfusion is more helpful to the stability of blood routine, T-cell subsets, immunoglobulin, and inflammation levels after surgery, which is a safe and effective way of blood transfusion.

Clotting functional stability of withdrawing blood in storage for acute normovolemic hemodilution: a pilot study.

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to time-course changes of clotting function of withdrawing blood for acute normovolemic hemodilution (ANH). METHODS: Twelve enrolled patients who underwent ANH from August, 2018 to January, 2019. Blood was withdrawn into blood collection pack and shaken at 60-80 rpm for 24 h in room temperature. Clot formation was evaluated using rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM™) just after blood withdrawal (control) and 4, 8, 12 and 24 h after blood withdrawal. We compared with the control value and each value of extrinsically-activated test with tissue factor (EXTEM), intrinsically-activated test using ellagic acid (INTEM) and fibrin-based extrinsically activated test with tissue factor (FIBTEM). RESULTS: Maximum clot firmness (MCF) of FIBTEM did not change significantly. MCF of EXTEM was significantly decreased time-dependent manner but all MCF of EXTEM were within a normal range. Maximum percent change in MCF of EXTEM was 12.4% [95% confidence interval (CI): 9.0-15.8%]. The difference in the maximum clot elasticity (MCE) between EXTEM and FIBTEM (MCEEXTEM-MCEFIBTEM) was significantly decrease from 8 h after blood withdrawal. Maximum percent change in MCEEXTEM-MCEFIBTEM was 30.2% (95% CI:17.6-42.9%) at 24 h after blood withdrawal. CONCLUSION: Even though the MCE significantly decreased in a time-dependent manner, MCF of FIBTEM and EXTEM was normal up to 24 h storage. The blood of ANH can use for the purpose of hemostasis at least 8 h stored at room temperature after blood withdrawal. Future studies are needed to elucidate the clinical impact on the patient after delayed transfusion of ANH blood with regard to patient's hemostasis.

Autologous blood transfusion drainage and simple drainage after lumbar surgery: A comparative study / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To investigate the effect of autologous blood transfusion(ABT) drainage system and simple drainage(using drainage bags) on the prognosis of patients after lumbar surgery. 【Methods】 The patients admitted to the Department of Orthopedics of our hospital from August 2018 to September 2020 who underwent posterior open lumbar internal fixation and fusion were divided into two groups according to different drainage methods adopted after surgery: 50 patients were randomly selected from the patients who received postoperative ABT system for drainage as ABT group, and 50 patients were randomly selected from the patients who received postoperative drainage by drainage bag as simple drainage bgroup(the control group). The postoperative drainage volume, actual postoperative drainage, total dominant blood loss, total autologous blood transfusion volume, as well as the postoperative anemia indexes, infection indexes and albumin levels in d1, d3 and d7 of the 2 groups were retrospectively analyzed. 【Results】 The gender, age, operation duration and operation segment of the 2 groups were comparable (P>0.05), and preoperative Hb, Hct, ALB, WBC, NE%, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative autologous blood transfusion volume and actual postoperative drainage volume were similar (P>0.05). There were no significant differences in Hb, Hct, ALB, WBC, NE% and CRP in postoperative d1, d3 and d7, as well as in preoperative and postoperative Hb, Hct and ALB, and in postoperative and preoperative WBC, NE% and CRP (P>0.05). The postoperative drainage volume (mL) and total dominant blood loss (mL) in ABT group and the control group were 554.40±176.82 vs 337.80±102.43, and 1 048.40±282.87 vs 791.80±277.02, respectively (P<0.05). 【Conclusion】 The use of ABT drainage system after lumbar surgery increased the drainage volume compared with simple drainage, but the improvement of anemia, albumin and infection was not obvious. ABT system should not be used routinely for drainage after lumbar surgery.

Selling the role of salvage: Cell salvage past and present.

The use of transfused blood, be it from an allogenic (donor) or autologous (same patient) source, is not a new treatment and in fact has been experimented with since the mid 1800s. The role of cell salvage and re-infusion of a patient's own blood, however, has only begun to gain real popularity in the last 20 years, after the undertaking of several large scale meta-analyses which have shown that not only is autologous transfusion no less efficacious when compared to allogenic transfusion, but also potentially safer for a number of reasons. Autologous transfusion is also more cost effective overall and potentially quicker to initiate in an emergency situation. Despite the body of evidence to support the use of salvaged blood for transfusion, hesitation around its use still persists, with staff apprehension around set up of cell salvage equipment and general underestimation of intraoperative blood loss being key factors in its underuse.

Autotransfusão imediata em cão - relato de caso / Instant autotransfusion in dog - case report

As hemorragias podem levar à morte, em caso de não interrupção e recuperação da volemia. A substituição do sangue pode ser realizada por transfusão homóloga ou autóloga. Na transfusão homóloga, o sangue é obtido de um doador, na autotransfusão ou transfusão autóloga, o sangue é coletado do próprio paciente. Objetivou-se relatar a autotransfusão em um cão como um método simples, rápido e barato, e discutir esse procedimento como uma alternativa emergencial para clínicas e hospitais que não possuem bancos de sangue ou animais doadores. Foi atendido um cão Rottweiler fêmea, 42,8kg, 10 anos de idade, com queixa principal de tumor mamário e para realização de castração. Após o procedimento, a paciente apresentou hemoperitônio, sendo encaminhada para novo procedimento cirúrgico, durante o qual se observou grande quantidade de sangue livre na cavidade abdominal. Foi realizada a autotransfusão de emergência, pela técnica das duas seringas, devido à indi1111sponibilidade de sangue ou animal doador no momento do procedimento cirúrgico emergencial, demonstrando ser uma opção eficiente, econômica, de fácil acesso e segura, por ser uma transfusão normotérmica, apresentar diminuição do risco de sobrecarga circulatória e por ser o sangue compatível, devendo ser mais explorada, pois existem poucos dados descritos na literatura.(AU)

Hemorrhages can lead to death in case of non-interruption and recovery of blood volume. Blood replacement may be performed by homologous or autologous transfusion. In homologous transfusion, blood is obtained from a donor, in autotransfusion or autologous transfusion, blood is collected from the patient himself. We aimed to report autotransfusion in a dog as a simple, quick, and inexpensive method, and discuss it as an emergency alternative for clinics and hospitals that do not have blood banks or animal donors. A female Rottweiler dog, 42.8kg, 10 years of age, was treated with a primary complaint of mammary tumor and for castration. After the procedure the patient presented hemoperitoneum, being referred to a new surgical procedure, where a large amount of free blood was observed in the abdominal cavity. The emergency autotransfusion was performed by the two syringes technique, due to the unavailability of blood or donor animal at the time of the emergency surgical procedure, proving to be an efficient, economical, easily accessible and safe option because it is a normothermic transfusion, risk of circulatory overload and blood is compatible. It should be more exploited because there are few data described in the literature.(AU)

Obstetric intra-operative cell salvage: a review of an established cell salvage service with 1170 re-infused cases.

The use of cell salvage during caesarean section has been increasing steadily, although there are concerns relating to cost, a perceived risk of amniotic fluid embolism, and fetal red cell sensitisation. We present observational data from almost a decade of use of intra-operative cell salvage in obstetrics. By the end of this period, we set up cell salvage collection for > 98% of all caesarean sections. From 2008 to 2017, 1170 women have had a re-infusion of cell salvaged blood with no clinical safety concerns; the median (IQR [range]) volume was 231 (154-306 [80-1690]) ml. During this time there has been a marked reduction in the number of women who were transfused allogeneic blood, as well as the amount of blood transfused. In total, 647 (55%) women have had alloimmunisation testing, with two positive cases. Quality control data indicate that the quality of blood processed from partial first bowls is no worse than that from full bowls. We discuss the costs of providing this service with regard to: staffing costs; single suction; leucodepletion filters; selectivity in the processing of collected blood; and the use of partial first bowls.

Feasibility of application of umbilical cord blood autologous transfusion in intrapartum and neonatal surgery / 中国实用妇科与产科杂志

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility of the application of autologous umbilical cord blood transfusion in intrapartum neonatal surgery.METHODS: From August 2008 to December 2018,15 cases of birth defects diagnosed in Shengjing Hospital affiliated to China Medical University who had received prenatal or neonatal surgery and had cord blood retained for autologous transfusion were selected.Routine biochemical tests were performed on the retained cord blood and the peripheral blood of the children before transfusion,follow-up was conducted on the postoperative infants with autologous blood transfusion,and blood routine tests and other relevant postoperative indicators,such as length of hospital stay and duration of intravenous nutrition support,were tested.RESULTS: Comparing the routine blood test of umbilical cord blood of the fetuses with that of the peripheral blood of neonates,there was no obvious statistical difference in the number of red cells[(4.15 ± 0.35)× 1012/L,(4.39 ± 0.31)× 1012/L,P=0.069],erythrocyte deposited[0.4749±0.047,0.5072±0.0367,P=0.052],thenumberofhemoglobin[(156.67±13.28)g/L,(166.47±13.73)g/L,1012/L,P=0.391].No adverse reactions were observed after umbilical cord blood transfusion.After transfusion,hemoglobin reached the predetermined indexes,and no second transfusion was performed.CONCLUSION: The index of autologous umbilical cord blood is basically the same as that of neonatal peripheral blood,and it is simple,easy and cheap,which avoids the adverse reaction of allogeneic adult blood transfusion;there was no adverse prognosis.Therefore,it can be used for neonatal blood transfusion preparation.

Safety of leucodepleted salvaged blood in oncological surgery: an in vitro model.

Intra-operative blood cell salvage (IOCS) is mainly avoided in onco surgery due to the suspicion that it could increase metastasis' risk. We simulated IOCS followed by leucodepletion: HCT116 (human colorectal cancer) cells were inoculated into packed red blood cells units, and their distribution was evaluated, step-by-step, by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. Most of HCT116 cells were lost during washing, and almost completely removed after filtration. IOCS plus leucodepletion could be of great advantage for oncological patients, where allogenic blood transfusion could influence tumour progression.

Detection of autologous blood transfusions using a novel dried blood spot method.

In doping control laboratories, autologous blood transfusions are currently detected using an indirect method that monitors changes in an athlete's hemoglobin concentration [Hb] and reticulocyte percent (Ret%) over time. The method is limited by the need for a phlebotomist to collect venous blood and the limited blood stability which requires temperature-controlled shipment and analysis within 72 hours. These limitations significantly reduce the number of samples collected from each athlete and thus the utility of the method. We have recently developed a method to measure immature reticulocytes (IRC) and red blood cells (RBC) in dried blood spots, which could replace the current venous blood method. In the DBS method, cell-specific proteins are digested with trypsin and measured by mass spectrometry. Two proteins, CD71 and Band3, are measured to count IRC and RBC, respectively. The method was tested in an autologous transfusion study consisting of 15 subjects who received blood and 11 subjects who received saline. After transfusion, the average CD71/Band3 ratio in the blood group was statistically different from the saline group at days 5, 6, 13, and 20. The average CD71/Band3 ratio decreased to a minimum of 61 ± 8% of baseline, while Ret% decreased to 75 ± 5% of baseline. Based on experimentally defined criteria, the CD71/Band3 ratio could detect 7 out of 10 blood transfusion subjects, while Ret% could detect 3 out of 10. Thus, the DBS method could improve detection of autologous transfusion and allow increased sample collection.

The safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness of intraoperative cell salvage in metastatic spine tumor surgery.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Metastatic spine tumor surgery (MSTS) is associated with substantial blood loss, therefore leading to high morbidity and mortality. Although intraoperative cell salvage with leukocyte depletion filter (IOCS-LDF) has been studied as an effective means of reducing blood loss in other surgical settings, including the spine, no study has yet analyzed the efficacy of reinfusion of salvaged blood in reducing the need for allogenic blood transfusion in patients who have had surgery for MSTS. PURPOSE: This study aimed to analyze the efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of using IOCS-LDF in MSTS. STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective controlled study. PATIENT SAMPLE: A total of 176 patients undergoing MSTS were included in the study. METHODS: All patients undergoing MSTS at a single center between February 2010 and December 2014 were included in the study. The primary outcome measure was the use of autologous blood transfusion. Secondary outcome measures included hospital stay, survival time, complications, and procedural costs. The key predictor variable was whether IOCS-LDF was used during surgery. Logistic and linear regression analyses were conducted by controlling variables such as tumor type, number of diseased vertebrae, approach, number and site of stabilized segments, operation time, preoperative anemia, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade, age, gender, and body mass index (BMI). No funding was obtained and there are no conflicts of interest to be declared. RESULTS: Data included 63 cases (IOCS-LDF) and 113 controls (non-IOCS-LDF). Intraoperative cell salvage with LDF utilization was substantively and significantly associated with a lower likelihood of allogenic blood transfusion (OR=0.407, p=.03). Intraoperative cell salvage with LDF was cost neutral (p=.88). Average hospital stay was 3.76 days shorter among IOCS-LDF patients (p=.03). Patient survival and complication rates were comparable in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: We have demonstrated that the use of IOCS-LDF in MSTS reduces the need for postoperative allogenic blood transfusion while maintaining satisfactory postoperative hemoglobin. We recommend routine use of IOCS-LDF in MSTS for its safety, efficacy, and potential cost benefit.

Are we cross-matching too much blood for elective open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair?

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to identify current blood transfusion requirements in elective open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair and to compare this to an existing maximum surgical blood order schedule. METHODS: We retrospectively identified patients who underwent elective open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair over a 40-month period in our institution. Pre-operative number of units cross-matched and the number of units actually transfused were identified. The cross-match to transfusion ratio was then calculated. RESULTS: Blood transfusion at any time post-operatively was required in 23 (48.9%) cases. Patients needing an intra-operative blood transfusion had a median of 2 units. Of the pre-operative cross-matched units (123), only 43 were used, giving a cross-match to transfusion ratio of 2.86. CONCLUSION: Our current maximum surgical blood order schedule is poorly followed and a cross-match to transfusion ratio of 2.86 indicates we are cross-matching too many units for elective open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. A carefully considered individualised management of blood products, with the requirement of at least a valid group and save sample, may be more appropriate.

Investigated the safety of intra-renal arterial transfusion of autologous CD34+ cells and time courses of creatinine levels, endothelial dysfunction biomarkers and micro-RNAs in chronic kidney disease patients-phase I clinical trial.

This was a phase I clinical trial to investigate the safety of autologous peripheral-blood-derived CD34+ cell therapy for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD-treatment) (i.e., at Stages III and IV). Between November 2014 and October 2015, a total of 10 study patients were prospectively enrolled into this phase I trial. Patients who failed to enroll into the trial in the initial state of eligibility assessment were served as CKD-control group (n = 9). The health-control group was composed of 10 volunteers for the purposes of comparing (1) circulation level of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), (2) angiogenesis ability, and (3) anti-apoptotic miRNAs between healthy subjects and CKD patients. CD34+ cells (5.0 x 107) were transfused into right-renal artery after subcutaneous G-CSF injection (5µg/kg/twice a day for 4 days). Circulating EPC number, angiogenesis capacity (i.e., Matrigel assay) and anti-apoptotic miRNAs (miR-374a-5p/miR-19a-3p/ miR-106b-5p/miR-26b-5p/ miR-20a-5p) were significantly lower in CKD patients than in healthy subjects (all p < 0.001). Flow-cytometric analysis of renal-vein blood samplings (i.e., at 0/5/10/30 mins after cell transfusion) showed the EPC level was significantly progressively increased (p < 0.001). Procedural safety was 100% with all patients uneventfully discharged and one-year survival rate was 100%. The paired-t test showed serum creatinine maintained the same level between the baseline and at the end of one-year follow-up (all p > 0.4), whereas the net increase between initial and final creatinine level was higher in CKD-control than in CKD-treatment. In conclusion, CD34+ cell therapy was safe and maintained the renal function in stationary state at the end of study period.

Do autologous blood transfusion systems reduce allogeneic blood transfusion in total knee arthroplasty?

PURPOSE: To study whether autologus blood transfusion systems reduce the requirement of allogneic blood transfusion in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty. METHODS: A comprehensive search of the published literature with PubMed, Scopus and Science direct database was performed. The following search terms were used: (total knee replacement) OR (total knee arthroplasty) OR (TKA) AND (blood transfusion) OR (autologous transfusion) OR (autologous transfusion system). Using search syntax, a total of 748 search results were obtained (79 from PubMed, 586 from Science direct and 83 from Scopus). Twenty-one randomized control trials were included for this meta-analysis. RESULTS: The allogenic transfusion rate in autologus blood transfusion (study) group was significantly lower than the control group (28.4 and 53.5 %, respectively) (p value 0.0001, Relative risk: 0.5). The median units of allogenic blood transfused in study control group and control group were 0.1 (0.1-3.0) and 1.3 (0.3-2.6), respectively. The median hospital stay in study group was 9 (6.7-15.6) days and control group was 8.7 (6.6-16.7) days. The median cost incurred for blood transfusion per patient in study and control groups was 175 (85.7-260) and 254.7 (235-300) euros, respectively. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis demonstrates that the use of auto-transfusion systems is a cost-effective method to reduce the need for and quantity of allogenic transfusion in elective total knee arthroplasty. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I.

Reinfusate Heparin Concentrations Produced by Two Autotransfusion Systems.

OBJECTIVES: Cell saver reinfusate ideally should contain low, clinically insignificant heparin concentrations. The American Association of Blood Banks has defined the clinically insignificant threshold as 0.5 IU/mL. Furthermore, there is uncertainty about the meaning of cell saver "heparin elimination rates." These concerns prompted the authors' independent investigation of reinfusate heparin concentrations of devices used in their institution. It was hypothesized that cell saver reinfusates contain clinically insignificant heparin concentrations. DESIGN: Two prospective, pragmatic, sequential, observational, single-center studies. SETTING: University teaching hospital. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 32 and 31 patients for on-pump cardiac surgery were enrolled in the Sorin (Dideco) Electa and Sorin Xtra studies, respectively. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Postcardiac surgery reinfusate heparin concentrations were measured using a modified anti-Xa chromogenic assay. Heparin concentrations above 0.5 IU/mL were present in 56% (95% confidence interval, 35% to 68%) of Sorin Xtra reinfusates. Heparin concentrations in the Sorin (Dideco) Electa reinfusates were lower than recommended in 29 of 32 reinfusates. Only 3 of 32 Sorin (Dideco) Electa reinfusates (9.4%; 95% confidence interval 3.2% to 24%) exhibited heparin concentrations exceeding 0.5 IU/mL. CONCLUSIONS: Sorin (Dideco) Electa reinfusates contained heparin concentrations below the American Association of Blood Banks recommended threshold in 90.6% of cases, while Sorin Xtra reinfusate heparin concentrations exceeded this recommendation in 56% of cases. Measurement of cell saver reinfusate heparin concentrations necessitates the use of a modified chromogenic assay. Studies explicitly should confirm that such a modification was indeed used. Periodic quality control of reinfusate composition is recommended.