Número de células CD34+ circulantes como predictor de recolección exitosa de progenitores hematopoyéticos por aféresis en trasplante autólogo / Number of circulating CD34+ cells as a predictor of successful collection of hematopoietic progenitors by apheresis in autologous transplantation

RESUMEN Introducción. El trasplante autólogo de células progenitoras hematopoyéticas es una terapia eficaz en neoplasias malignas hematológicas. El número de células que CD34+ en sangre periférica es el mejor predictor del rendimiento de recolección de células progenitoras hematopoyéticas. Objetivo. Determinar el número de células CD34+ en sangre periférica asociado al éxito de recolección de progenitores hematopoyéticos por aféresis en trasplante autólogo. Métodos. Se evaluó retrospectivamente los datos de 236 procedimientos de aféresis de células progenitoras hematopoyéticas para el trasplante autólogo en el Hospital Edgardo Rebagliati Martins (Lima, Perú) de julio del 2020 a julio del 2023. Se utilizó la curva ROC (características operativas del receptor) para determinar el número de células CD34+ en sangre periférica necesario para lograr una recolección por aféresis ≥ 2 x 106 células CD34+/kg. Resultados. El 61% fueron hombres, con mediana de edad de 58 años, el valor de corte fue de 18,38 células CD34+/μL (sensibilidad de 94,1% y especificidad de 96,9%). Conclusión. El número de células CD34+ sangre periférica para una recolección exitosa de células progenitoras hematopoyéticas para el trasplante autólogo fue de 18,38 células CD34+/μL.

ABSTRACT Introduction. Autologous hematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation is an effective therapy in hematological malignancies, the number of CD34+ cells in peripheral blood is the best predictor of hematopoietic progenitor cell harvesting performance. Objective. To determine the number of CD34+ cells in peripheral blood associated with the successful collection of hematopoietic progenitors by apheresis in autologous transplantation. Methods. The data of 236 hematopoietic progenitor cell apheresis procedures for autologous transplantation at the Edgardo Rebagliati Martins Hospital (Lima, Peru) were retrospectively evaluated from July 2020 to July 2023. The ROC (receiver operating characteristics) curve was used to determine the number of CD34+ cells in peripheral blood necessary to achieve an collection by apheresis ≥ 2 x 106 CD34+ cells/kg. Results. 61% were men, with a median age of 58 years, the cut-off value was 18.38 CD34+ cells/μL (sensitivity of 94.1% and specificity of 96.9%). Conclusion. The number of peripheral blood CD34+cells for successful collection of hematopoietic progenitor cells for autologous transplantation was 18.38 CD34+ cells/μL.

Machine-learning prediction models for any blood component transfusion in hospitalized dengue patients.

BACKGROUND: Blood component transfusions are a common and often necessary medical practice during the epidemics of dengue. Transfusions are required for patients when they developed severe dengue fever or thrombocytopenia of 10×109/L or less. This study therefore investigated the risk factors, performance and effectiveness of eight different machine-learning algorithms to predict blood component transfusion requirements in confirmed dengue cases admitted to hospital. The objective was to study the risk factors that can help to predict blood component transfusion needs. METHODS: Eight predictive models were developed based on retrospective data from a private group of hospitals in India. A python package SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) was used to explain the output of the "XGBoost" model. RESULTS: Sixteen vital variables were finally selected as having the most significant effects on blood component transfusion prediction. The XGBoost model presented significantly better predictive performance (area under the curve: 0.793; 95 % confidence interval: 0.699-0.795) than the other models. CONCLUSION: Predictive modelling techniques can be utilized to streamline blood component preparation procedures and can help in the triage of high-risk patients and readiness of caregivers to provide blood component transfusions when required. This study demonstrates the potential of multilayer algorithms to reasonably predict any blood component transfusion needs which may help healthcare providers make more informed decisions regarding patient care.

Blood components requirement in Brazilian dengue outbreaks: A retrospective analysis between 2008 to 2019.

INTRODUCTION: Dengue is the most fatal virus disease spread by mosquito bites and Aedes aegypti is the main transmitting agent. It is an endemic disease in the tropical and subtropical regions, currently affecting more than 100 countries. Although most patients present mild forms of the disease, a considerable proportion of individuals has severe alterations in the blood count. The aim of this study was to evaluate the consumption pattern of blood components in epidemic and non-epidemic periods and to verify if there was an impact on dengue cases and the death rate. METHOD: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study conducted through the collection and analysis of data from the Brazilian Ministry of Health from 2008 to 2019 on new cases and deaths from dengue, as well as the consumption of blood components in the period mentioned by hemovigilance bulletins of the Brazilian authority. RESULTS: Regarding the results, no significant difference was found between the absolute amount of blood components used in years with an epidemic peak. Regarding the relative values, an important variation was shown among the distributive consumption patterns of blood components in the outbreak years. In the univariate linear regression analysis, there was statistical significance between the increase in the number of dengue cases and deaths from dengue with the increase in the consumption of red blood cell concentrates (RBP), platelet concentrates (PP), fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and cryoprecipitate (Cryo) (p-value < 0.05). The increase in dengue cases was related to the increase in Cryo consumption with clinical significance (R² > 0.5), but dengue deaths were not correlated to the same. In multivariate analysis, all regression models had clinical and statistical significance. CONCLUSION: The data obtained in the present study demonstrate that there is a relevant relationship between the increase in cases and deaths from dengue with the blood components usage, especially PP, FFP and cryoprecipitate.

Challenges in the care of Ewing's sarcoma in a Jehovah's Witness patient / Desafíos en el manejo del sarcoma de Ewing en una paciente testigo de Jehová

Ewing's sarcoma is a bone and soft tissue neoplasm, whose management is related to hematological toxicity. This aspect represents a medical and ethical challenge in Jehovah's Witnesses patients, who, due to their religious beliefs, reject the blood component transfusion, with the risk of discontinuing chemotherapy or using suboptimal doses. We present the case of a 34-year-old Colombian woman, Jehovah's Witness, diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma with clinical stage IIB (T1N0M0) in the left maxillary and mandibular regions, treated with chemotherapy, who presented a hemoglobin nadir of up to 4.5 g/dL, and surgical indication as part of the treatment. In these patients, the transfusion decision has ethical implications that require therapeutic alternatives and a multidisciplinary approach.

El sarcoma de Ewing es una neoplasia de hueso y tejidos blandos, cuyo manejo se relaciona con toxicidad hematológica. Este aspecto representa un desafío médico y ético en los pacientes testigos de Jehová quienes, por sus creencias religiosas, rechazan la aplicación de hemoderivados, con riesgo de que se descontinúe la quimioterapia o de que se utilicen dosis subóptimas. Se presenta el caso de una mujer colombiana de 34 años, testigo de Jehová, con diagnóstico de sarcoma de Ewing con estadificación clínica IIB (T1N0M0) en las regiones maxilar y mandibular izquierdas, tratada con  quimioterapia, quien presentó un valor mínimo de hemoglobina de hasta 4,5 g/dl y tuvo indicación quirúrgica como parte del tratamiento. En estos pacientes, la decisión de practicar una transfusión comprende implicaciones éticas que requieren alternativas terapéuticas y un abordaje multidisciplinario.

Retrospective comparison of two different cell separators for autologous peripheral blood stem cell collection: Single center experience.

INTRODUCTION: Autologous peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) transplantation has become a standard treatment option for certain hematological malignancies. The collection of PBSCs for transplantation is a well-established process and the effectiveness can vary depending on the cell separator.  We aimed to compare the effectivity of two  devices, the Spectra Optia and the Amicus for autologous PBSC collection. We also evaluated the effect of the peripheral white blood cell (WBC) count on the CD34+ collection efficiency (CE2). METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 262 apheresis procedures performed in patients between 2015 and 2021 at the Apheresis Unit of our transplantation center. The PBSCs were collected by the Spectra Optia cell separator with continuous Mononuclear Collection (cMNC) (128 procedures) or the Amicus (MNC) (134 procedures). In addition to the apheresis parameters and product characteristics, we also evaluated the effect of the pre-apheresis peripheral WBC count on the CE2. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the CD34+ CE2 between the Spectra Optia and Amicus devices (median 65.06% and 68.24%, respectively, p = 0.070). In the Amicus group, the CE2 ratio was found to be statistically significantly higher in patients with a pre-apheresis peripheral WBC count of 15 × 109/L (median 81.70%, 68.06%, 61.35% and 58.13%, respectively, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: While both devices collected autologous PBSC effectively and safely, the Amicus provided a higher rate of CE2 at low pre-apheresis WBC counts. To our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the CE2 in autologous PBSC collection devices based on pre-apheresis WBC counts.

Desafíos en el manejo del sarcoma de Ewing en una paciente testigo de Jehová / Challenges in the care of Ewing's sarcoma in a Jehovah's Witness patient

El sarcoma de Ewing es una neoplasia de hueso y tejidos blandos, cuyo manejo se relaciona con toxicidad hematológica. Este aspecto representa un desafío médico y ético en los pacientes testigos de Jehová quienes, por sus creencias religiosas, rechazan la aplicación de hemoderivados, con riesgo de que se descontinúe la quimioterapia o de que se utilicen dosis subóptimas. Se presenta el caso de una mujer colombiana de 34 años, testigo de Jehová, con diagnóstico de sarcoma de Ewing con estadificación clínica IIB (T1N0M0) en las regiones maxilar y mandibular izquierdas, tratada con quimioterapia, quien presentó un valor mínimo de hemoglobina de hasta 4,5 g/dl y tuvo indicación quirúrgica como parte del tratamiento. En estos pacientes, la decisión de practicar una transfusión comprende implicaciones éticas que requieren alternativas terapéuticas y un abordaje multidisciplinario.

Ewing's sarcoma is a bone and soft tissue neoplasm, whose management is related to hematological toxicity. This aspect represents a medical and ethical challenge in Jehovah's Witnesses patients, who, due to their religious beliefs, reject the blood component transfusion, with the risk of discontinuing chemotherapy or using suboptimal doses. We present the case of a 34-year-old Colombian woman, Jehovah's Witness, diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma with clinical stage IIB (T1N0M0) in the left maxillary and mandibular regions, treated with chemotherapy, who presented a hemoglobin nadir of up to 4.5 g/dL, and surgical indication as part of the treatment. In these patients, the transfusion decision has ethical implications that require therapeutic alternatives and a multidisciplinary approach.

Predicting donor-related factors for high platelet yield donations by classification and regression tree analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Collecting high-dose (HD) or double-dose (DD) apheresis platelets units from a single collection offers significant benefit by improving inventory logistics and minimizing the cost per unit produced. Platelet collection yield by apheresis is primarily influenced by donor factors, but the cell separator used also affects the collection yield. OBJECTIVES: To predict the cutoff in donor factors resulting in HD and DD platelet collections between Trima/Spectra Optia and MCS+ apheresis equipment using Classification and Regression Trees (CART) analysis. METHODS: High platelet yield collections (target ≥ 4.5 × 1011 platelets) using MCS+, Trima Accel and Spectra Optia were included. Endpoints were ≥ 6 × 1011 platelets for DD and ≥ 4.5 to < 6 × 1011 for HD collections. The CART, a tree building technique, was used to predict the donor factors resulting in high-yield platelet collections in Trima/Spectra Optia and MCS+ equipment by R programming. RESULTS: Out of 1,102 donations, the DDs represented 60% and the HDs, 31%. The Trima/Spectra Optia predicted higher success rates when the donor platelet count was set at ≥ 205 × 103/µl and ≥ 237 × 103/µl for HD and DD collections. The MCS+ predicted better success when the donor platelet count was ≥ 286 × 103/µl for HD and ≥ 384 × 103/µl for DD collections. Increased donor weight helped counter the effects of lower donor platelet counts only for HD collections in both the equipment. CONCLUSIONS: The donor platelet count and weight formed the strongest criteria for predicting high platelet yield donations. Success rates for collecting DD and HD products were higher in the Trima/Spectra Optia, as they require lower donor platelet count and body weight than the MCS+.

Construction and validity of checklist for patient safety during the transfusion process / Construcción y validación de una lista de verificación para la seguridad del paciente durante el proceso de transfusión / Construção e validação de checklist para segurança do paciente no ato transfusional

ABSTRACT Objective: to construct and validate a checklist for patient safety during transfusion. Method: this is a methodological study whose development took place, between February 2020 and January 2021, at a teaching hospital in Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. The design was based on the survey of items in an integrative literature review, and validity, with 17 health specialists and 8 hemotherapy experts. Pre-test was carried out with 36 professionals from the target population. For data analysis, the Content Validity Index was calculated. Results: the checklist was composed of 29 items and 90 sub-items, distributed in three domains, corresponding to the transfusion act stages: Pre-transfusion (Medical prescription, Compatibility and Bedside identification); Transfusion (Blood component installation); and Post-transfusion (Monitoring). The items obtained a Content Validity Index predominantly > 0.80 in all stages. After reformulations suggested by participants, a Content Validity Index of 0.98 was obtained in its final version. Conclusion: the checklist demonstrated evidence of content validity and can be a reliable instrument to promote patient safety during transfusion.

RESUMEN Objetivo: construir y validar una lista de verificación para la seguridad del paciente durante la transfusión. Método: estudio metodológico cuyo desarrollo tuvo lugar entre febrero de 2020 y enero de 2021 en un hospital universitario de Santa María, RS, Brasil. El diseño se basó en el levantamiento de ítems en una revisión integrativa de la literatura, validación con 17 especialistas de la salud y 8 expertos en hemoterapia. La preprueba se realizó con 36 profesionales de la población objetivo. Para el análisis de los datos, se calculó el Índice de Validez de Contenido. Resultados: la lista de verificación estuvo compuesta por 29 ítems y 90 subítems, distribuidos en tres dominios, correspondientes a las etapas del acto transfusional: Pre-transfusión (Prescripción médica, Compatibilidad e Identificación al pie de la cama); Transfusión (Instalación del componente sanguíneo); y Post-transfusión (Monitoreo). Los ítems obtuvieron un Índice de Validez de Contenido predominantemente > 0,80 en todas las etapas. Luego de reformulaciones sugeridas por los participantes, se obtuvo un Índice de Validez de Contenido de 0,98 en su versión final. Conclusión: la lista de verificación demostró evidencia de validez de contenido y puede ser una herramienta confiable para promover la seguridad del paciente durante la transfusión.

RESUMO Objetivo: construir e validar um checklist para segurança do paciente no ato transfusional. Método: estudo metodológico cujo desenvolvimento ocorreu entre fevereiro de 2020 e janeiro de 2021, em um hospital de ensino de Santa Maria, RS, Brasil. A concepção se deu pelo levantamento dos itens em revisão integrativa da literatura, validação com 17 especialistas da saúde e 8 experts em hemoterapia. O pré-teste foi realizado com 36 profissionais da população-alvo. Para análise dos dados, procedeu-se ao cálculo do Índice de Validade de Conteúdo. Resultados: o checklist ficou composto de 29 itens e 90 subitens, distribuídos em três domínios, correspondentes às etapas do ato transfusional: Pré-transfusão (Prescrição médica, Compatibilização e Identificação Beira-leito); Transfusão (Instalação do hemocomponente); e Pós-transfusão (Monitoramento). Os itens obtiveram Índice de Validade de Conteúdo predominantemente >0,80 em todas as etapas. Após realizadas reformulações sugeridas pelos participantes, obteve-se Índice de Validade de Conteúdo de 0,98 na sua versão final. Conclusão: o checklist demonstrou evidências de validade de conteúdo, podendo ser uma ferramenta confiável para promover a segurança do paciente no ato transfusional.

Predicting donor-related factors for high platelet yield donations by classification and regression tree analysis

Introduction Collecting high-dose (HD) or double-dose (DD) apheresis platelets units from a single collection offers significant benefit by improving inventory logistics and minimizing the cost per unit produced. Platelet collection yield by apheresis is primarily influenced by donor factors, but the cell separator used also affects the collection yield. Objectives To predict the cutoff in donor factors resulting in HD and DD platelet collections between Trima/Spectra Optia and MCS+ apheresis equipment using Classification and Regression Trees (CART) analysis. Methods High platelet yield collections (target ≥ 4.5 × 1011 platelets) using MCS+, Trima Accel and Spectra Optia were included. Endpoints were ≥ 6 × 1011 platelets for DD and ≥ 4.5 to < 6 × 1011 for HD collections. The CART, a tree building technique, was used to predict the donor factors resulting in high-yield platelet collections in Trima/Spectra Optia and MCS+ equipment by R programming. Results Out of 1,102 donations, the DDs represented 60% and the HDs, 31%. The Trima/Spectra Optia predicted higher success rates when the donor platelet count was set at ≥ 205 × 103/µl and ≥ 237 × 103/µl for HD and DD collections. The MCS+ predicted better success when the donor platelet count was ≥ 286 × 103/µl for HD and ≥ 384 × 103/µl for DD collections. Increased donor weight helped counter the effects of lower donor platelet counts only for HD collections in both the equipment. Conclusions The donor platelet count and weight formed the strongest criteria for predicting high platelet yield donations. Success rates for collecting DD and HD products were higher in the Trima/Spectra Optia, as they require lower donor platelet count and body weight than the MCS+.

Septic Transfusion Reactions Involving Burkholderia cepacia Complex: A Review.

This review was conducted to assess the global incidence of transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) caused by contamination of blood components with the Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc). Our search encompassed various specialized databases such as Medline/PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Scielo, ScienceDirect, and ClinicalKey. An analysis of the literature revealed a total of eleven reported cases where blood components contaminated with Bcc had been transfused, resulting in sepsis among the affected patients. Of these cases, eight were documented in the literature, while the remaining three occurred within the institution involving the authors of this review. A comparative examination was conducted, considering factors such as primary diagnosis, transfused blood component, time elapsed between transfusion and manifestation of symptoms, administration of antibiotics, and final outcome. Interestingly, regardless of the storage temperature, all blood components were found to be susceptible to Bcc contamination. Furthermore, the cases investigated revealed diverse sources of contamination, and it was observed that all the affected patients had compromised immune systems due to underlying illnesses. Based on these findings, a series of preventive strategies were derived to mitigate and decrease the occurrence of similar cases.

Evaluación de la eficacia en la colecta de plaquetas por un separador celular / Evaluation of the efficacy in the collection of platelets by a cell separator / Avaliação da eficiência da coleta de plaquetas por um separador de células separador de células

La aféresis es el procedimiento más utilizado para la obtención de concentrados plaquetarios de alto rendimiento, calidad y para mejorar las terapias transfusionales en pacientes trombocitopénicos, oncohematológicos,cirugias e incluso, en pacientes con factores clínicos adversos a la refractariedad. Objetivo. Determinar la eficacia de un separador celular en la colecta de plaquetas en un Instituto Nacional de Salud de Lima. Material y métodos. Estudio descriptivo; la muestra fue de 80 concentrados plaquetarios, obtenidos por plaquetoaferesis y utilizando el equipo de separador celular americano. La colecta de plaquetas se realizó en un servicio de Hemoterapia y Banco de Sangre de una institución de salud de Lima, durante los meses de febrero a julio de 2018. La eficacia se realizó evaluando el rendimiento, la eficiencia y el cumplimiento de estándares de calidad aprobados. Uno de los parámetros utilizados fue el recuento de plaquetas y leucocitos residuales, procesados en el analizador hematológico. Resultados. Las evaluaciones fueron: concentración promedio de plaquetas por concentrado plaquetario (rendimiento)= 3,4 x 1011 plaquetas /ml, recuento de leucocitos residuales = 0,07 x 10 6 leucocitos/ml, volumen promedio de sangre procesado = 2480 ml, volumen final promedio = 217,5 ml, eficiencia en la colecta = 56,9 a 63,9 %, el tiempo medio por procedimiento de colecta = 72 minutos. Conclusiones. Los concentrados plaquetarios obtenidos con el procedimiento de plaquetoaferesis cumplen con los estándares de calidad nacional e internacionales, por lo que, se concluye que este procedimiento es eficaz en la colecta de productos de alta calidad que logran la eficacia en la transfusión.

Apheresis is the most widely used procedure to obtain high yield and quality platelet concentrates and to improve transfusion therapies in thrombocytopenic patients, oncohematological patients, surgical patients and even patients with adverse clinical factors to refractoriness. Objective. To determine the efficacy of a cell separator in the collection of platelets in a National Health Institute in Lima. Material and methods. Descriptive study; the sample consisted of 80 platelet concentrates, obtained by plateletpheresis and using American cell separator equipment. The platelet collection was performed in a Hemotherapy and Blood Bank service of a health institution in Lima, during the months of February to July 2018. Effectiveness was performed by evaluating performance, efficiency and compliance with approved quality standards. One of the parameters used was the residual platelet and leukocyte count, processed in the hematological analyzer. Results. The evaluations were: average platelet concentration per platelet concentrate (yield)= 3.4 x 1011 platelets/ml, residual leukocyte count = 0.07 x 10 6 leukocytes/ml, average volume of blood processed = 2480 ml, average final volume = 217.5 ml, collection efficiency = 56.9 to 63.9 %, average time per collection procedure = 72 minutes. Conclusions. The platelet concentrates obtained with the plateletpheresis procedure comply with national and international quality standards, therefore, it is concluded that this procedure is effective in the collection of high quality products that achieve transfusion efficiency.

A aférese é o procedimento mais utilizado para obter concentrados plaquetários de alto rendimento e alta qualidade e para melhorar as terapias transfusionais em pacientes trombocitopênicos, oncohematológicos, cirúrgicos e até mesmo pacientes com fatores clínicos adversos à refratariedade. Objetivo. Para determinar a eficácia de um separador de células na coleta de plaquetas em um Instituto Nacional de Saúde em Lima. Material e métodos. Estudo descritivo; a amostra consistiu de 80 concentrados de plaquetas, obtidos por plaquetaferese e utilizando equipamento separador de células americano. A coleta de plaquetas foi realizada em um serviço de Hemoterapia e Banco de Sangue de uma instituição de saúde em Lima, durante os meses de fevereiro a julho de 2018. A eficácia foi avaliada através da avaliação do desempenho, eficiência e conformidade com os padrões de qualidade aprovados. Um dos parâmetros utilizados foi a contagem residual de plaquetas e leucócitos, processada no analisador hematológico. Resultados. As avaliações foram: concentração média de plaquetas por concentrado de plaquetas (rendimento) = 3,4 x 1011 plaquetas/ml, contagem de leucócitos residuais = 0,07 x 10 6 leucócitos/ml, volume médio de sangue processado = 2480 ml, volume final médio = 217,5 ml, eficiência da coleta = 56,9 a 63,9%, tempo médio por procedimento de coleta = 72 minutos. Conclusões. Os concentrados de plaquetas obtidos com o procedimento de plaquetférese atendem aos padrões de qualidade nacionais e internacionais, portanto, conclui-se que este procedimento é eficaz na coleta de produtos de alta qualidade que alcançam eficiência transfusional.

Validation of blood components transport through a pneumatic tube system

ABSTRACT Introduction: Urgent blood component transfusions may be life-saving for patients in hemorrhagic shock. Measures to reduce the time taken to provide these transfusions, such as uncrossmatched transfusion or abbreviated testing, are available. However, transport time is still an additional delay and the use of a pneumatic tube system (PTS) may be an alternative to shorten the transport time of blood components. Objectives: To assess pneumatic tube system transportation of blood components based on a validation protocol. Methods: Pre- and post-transport quality control laboratory parameters, visual appearance, transport time and temperature of the packed red blood cells (RBCs), thawed fresh plasma (TFP), cryoprecipitate (CR), and platelet concentrate (PC) were evaluated. Parameters were compared between transport via pneumatic tube and courier. Results: A total of 23 units of RBCs, 50 units of TFP, 30 units of CR and ten units of PC were evaluated. No statistically significant differences were found between pre- and post-transport laboratory results. There was also no difference in laboratory parameters between transport modalities (PTS versus courier). All blood components transported matched regulatory requirements for quality criteria. The temperature during transport remained stable and the transport time via PTS was significantly shorter than the courier's transport time (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The PTS was considered a fast, safe and reliable means of transportation for blood components, also securing quality prerequisites.

Profile of hemotherapy care and the safety of the transfusion process

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the safety of the transfusion process in a public teaching hospital and to outline the profile of the hemotherapy care provided. METHODS: This was an exploratory, descriptive, and prospective study with a quantitative approach and grounded in field research. Data were obtained from medical and nursing records and active search. RESULTS: Concentrated red blood cells were the most transfused blood component. Inadequate indications of blood components were detected in 15% of Concentrated red blood cells transfusions, 20% of fresh plasma, 29.2% of platelet concentrates, and 36.4% of cryoprecipitates. Filling out the blood component request forms, the nursing checklist and the entry book were inadequate in 88.3, 92.8, and 69.5% of the procedures, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Faults were identified throughout the transfusion process, revealing inadequate compliance with current standards and legislation, essential in minimizing the occurrence of errors and maximizing the safety of transfusion. Studies of this nature reinforce the need for continued research in this field.

Development and implementation of a COVID-19 convalescent plasma program in a middle-income economy

Abstract Introduction Convalescent Plasma therapy is one of the therapeutic strategies that has been used for patients with the Covid-19 disease. Implementing a program with national extension to supply hospitals with this blood component is a great challenge mainly in a middle-income economy. Objectives Our objective was to develop and implement a Covid-19 Convalescent Plasma Program which met established quality standards and was adapted to a reality of limited resources. Methods A multicentric convalescent plasma collection program was developed and implemented, based on four main sequential procedures: selective donor recruitment, pre-donation antibody screening (Anti-SARS-CoV-2- Chemiluminescence IgG Abbott), convalescent plasma collection by apheresis or whole-blood processing and distribution to the hospitals according to local demand. Results From the 572 candidates submitted to the pre-donation antibody screening, only 270 (47%) were considered eligible for plasma donation according to the established criteria. Higher levels of total antibody were associated with the donor age being above 45 years old (p= 0.002), hospital admission (p= 0.018), and a shorter interval between the diagnosis of the SARS-CoV-2 infection and plasma donation (p < 0.001). There was no association between the ABO and Rh blood groups and their antibody levels. Of the 468 donations made, 61% were from the collection of whole-blood and 39%, from apheresis. The Covid-19 Convalescent Plasma units obtained were distributed to 21 different cities throughout the country by air or ground transportation. Conclusion The implementation of a Covid-19 Convalescent Plasma program in a continental country with relatively scarce resources is feasible with alternative strategies to promote lower cost procedures, while complying with local regulations and meeting quality standards.

Intercambio plasmático terapéutico por plasmafiltración: experiencia de 11 años de un centro / Therapeutic plasma exchange: experience in 102 patients

BACKGROUND: Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE) is a procedure in which plasma and harmful macromolecules are separated from the rest of the blood components by centrifugation or filtration through membranes and are replaced with solutions with albumin and/or plasma. AIM: To communicate our experience using TPE by filtration. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Review of records of 655 TPE sessions performed in 102 patients aged 50 ± 18 years (64% women). The requirement of renal replacement therapy (RRT) and seven days and one year mortality were recorded. RESULTS: Forty five percent of patients had hypertension or diabetes. The main indications for TPE were pulmonary-renal syndrome (PRS) (62%) and antibody mediated graft rejection (29%), followed by neurological diseases (36%). Fifteen percent of patients required RRT for one year. Mortality at seven days and one year was 20 and 30%, respectively. Out of the total of deaths associated with kidney diseases, 88% corresponded to PRS and ANCA vasculitis. The main complications were thrombocytopenia in 41%, hypocalcemia in 18%, and hypotension in 16%. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, TPE by filtration is a safe technique, with mild and preventable complications. Despite this, the reported mortality is high, which reflects the severity of the diseases that motivated the indication for TPE.

Development and implementation of a COVID-19 convalescent plasma program in a middle-income economy.

Introduction: Convalescent Plasma therapy is one of the therapeutic strategies that has been used for patients with the Covid-19 disease. Implementing a program with national extension to supply hospitals with this blood component is a great challenge mainly in a middle-income economy. Objectives: Our objective was to develop and implement a Covid-19 Convalescent Plasma Program which met established quality standards and was adapted to a reality of limited resources. Methods: A multicentric convalescent plasma collection program was developed and implemented, based on four main sequential procedures: selective donor recruitment, pre-donation antibody screening (Anti-SARS-CoV-2- Chemiluminescence IgG Abbott), convalescent plasma collection by apheresis or whole-blood processing and distribution to the hospitals according to local demand. Results: From the 572 candidates submitted to the pre-donation antibody screening, only 270 (47%) were considered eligible for plasma donation according to the established criteria. Higher levels of total antibody were associated with the donor age being above 45 years old (p = 0.002), hospital admission (p = 0.018), and a shorter interval between the diagnosis of the SARS-CoV-2 infection and plasma donation (p < 0.001). There was no association between the ABO and Rh blood groups and their antibody levels. Of the 468 donations made, 61% were from the collection of whole-blood and 39%, from apheresis. The Covid-19 Convalescent Plasma units obtained were distributed to 21 different cities throughout the country by air or ground transportation. Conclusion: The implementation of a Covid-19 Convalescent Plasma program in a continental country with relatively scarce resources is feasible with alternative strategies to promote lower cost procedures, while complying with local regulations and meeting quality standards.

Validation of blood components transport through a pneumatic tube system.

INTRODUCTION: Urgent blood component transfusions may be life-saving for patients in hemorrhagic shock. Measures to reduce the time taken to provide these transfusions, such as uncrossmatched transfusion or abbreviated testing, are available. However, transport time is still an additional delay and the use of a pneumatic tube system (PTS) may be an alternative to shorten the transport time of blood components. OBJECTIVES: To assess pneumatic tube system transportation of blood components based on a validation protocol. METHODS: Pre- and post-transport quality control laboratory parameters, visual appearance, transport time and temperature of the packed red blood cells (RBCs), thawed fresh plasma (TFP), cryoprecipitate (CR), and platelet concentrate (PC) were evaluated. Parameters were compared between transport via pneumatic tube and courier. RESULTS: A total of 23 units of RBCs, 50 units of TFP, 30 units of CR and ten units of PC were evaluated. No statistically significant differences were found between pre- and post-transport laboratory results. There was also no difference in laboratory parameters between transport modalities (PTS versus courier). All blood components transported matched regulatory requirements for quality criteria. The temperature during transport remained stable and the transport time via PTS was significantly shorter than the courier's transport time (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The PTS was considered a fast, safe and reliable means of transportation for blood components, also securing quality prerequisites.

A systematic multidisciplinary initiative may reduce the need for blood products in patients with abnormally invasive placenta.

INTRODUCTION: The main complication of the abnormally invasive placenta is massive bleeding, with transfusions required frequently. We aim to evaluate the impact of interdisciplinary management on transfusion practices in women with abnormally invasive placenta. METHODOLOGY: Clinical outcomes of women with abnormally invasive placenta treated between 2011 and 2019 were reviewed, including transfusion frequency. Patients divided into three groups: group A (women treated before the introduction of interdisciplinary management), group B (women attended to by a fixed interdisciplinary group), and group C (women with no accreta prenatal diagnosis). RESULTS: Patients with prenatal diagnosis and attended by a fixed interdisciplinary group (group B) required fewer units of red blood cells to be prepared and transfused (median number of units, 0 versus 2 in group A and 3 in group C). CONCLUSION: The participation of an interdisciplinary group, with strict standards for transfusion, reduces the frequency of use of blood substitutes during the care of women with abnormally invasive placenta.

Effect of the first year of COVID-19 pandemic on the collection and use of blood components in Colombia monitored through the national haemovigilance system.

OBJECTIVE: This work aimed to establish the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on blood collection and blood product usage at the end of the first year. BACKGROUND: The arrival of SARS-CoV-2 to Colombia on March 6, 2020, triggered closure of borders and mandatory lockdown from March 23, 2020. METHODS/MATERIALS: The Colombian National Institute of Health administers the National database of confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 and the National Haemovigilance System. We examined positive SARS-CoV-2 cases identified between March 6, 2020, and March 6, 2021, using positive RT-PCR testing (72.8%) or reactive antigen (27.2%). We also analysed accepted and deferred donors' information provided by 100% of blood banks and transfused patients notified by 83% of health care facilities nationwide, between March 1, 2019, to February 28, 2021. RESULTS: Colombia registered 2 273 245 SARS-CoV-2 cases. From these, 60 412 people died from COVID-19 (2.7%) and 2 172 418 individuals recovered (95.6%). There were 11 659 216 SARS-CoV-2 processed samples nationwide. People between the ages of 20 and 39 years concentrated 44.4% of the SARS-CoV-2 cases. There were 773 569 blood donations, mainly from a 20-39-year-old population (60.5%). The pandemic caused a reduction of 155 393 blood donations (16.7%) and 51 823 total deferrals (33.7%). An 18.4% drop in volunteer donors and a 37.3% increase in donations from family/replacements members were observed. There were 399 453 transfused patients and 1 179 895 blood components administered (-8.7% and - 13.9% compared to March 2019-February 2020). CONCLUSION: Mandatory lockdowns in Colombia decreased blood collection and usage, resulting in a reduction of blood components transfused to individual patients.

Lessons learned in the collection of convalescent plasma during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The lack of definitive treatment or preventative options for COVID-19 led many clinicians early on to consider convalescent plasma (CCP) as potentially therapeutic. Regulators, blood centres and hospitals worldwide worked quickly to get CCP to the bedside. Although response was admirable, several areas have been identified to help improve future pandemic management. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multidisciplinary, multinational subgroup from the ISBT Working Group on COVID-19 was tasked with drafting a manuscript that describes the lessons learned pertaining to procurement and administration of CCP, derived from a comprehensive questionnaire within the subgroup. RESULTS: While each country's responses and preparedness for the pandemic varied, there were shared challenges, spanning supply chain disruptions, staffing, impact of social distancing on the collection of regular blood and CCP products, and the availability of screening and confirmatory SARS-CoV-2 testing for donors and patients. The lack of a general framework to organize data gathering across clinical trials and the desire to provide a potentially life-saving therapeutic through compassionate use hampered the collection of much-needed safety and outcome data worldwide. Communication across all stakeholders was identified as being central to reducing confusion. CONCLUSION: The need for flexibility and adaptability remains paramount when dealing with a pandemic. As the world approaches the first anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic with rising rates worldwide and over 115 million cases and 2·55 million deaths, respectively, it is important to reflect on how to better prepare for future pandemics as we continue to combat the current one.