Transfusion of frozen thawed blood stored at -20 degrees C to -25 degrees C.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinical efficacy of transfusion of frozen-thawed (FT) red cells using a 5-bag system for freezing (at -20 degrees C to -25 degrees C), storage and reconstitution. DESIGN: A prospective, controlled, non-randomised clinical trial was undertaken with two groups of orthopaedic surgical patients. Nine patients received FT homologous blood and a control group of 10 patients received homologous blood stored in liquid form at 4 degrees C. Five transfusion-dependent patients with medical conditions were also studied. OUTCOME: Thirty-three FT units were transfused without incident to 14 patients. In addition to clinical assessment, haematological and biochemical parameters were monitored after transfusion. There were no clinical side effects and laboratory data were consistent with those after recent surgery or for pre-existing medical conditions and subsequent blood transfusion. On the practical side certain technical difficulties were encountered which improved with experience. CONCLUSIONS: One of the major advantages of the system is the 35-day shelf-life at 4 degrees C after reconstitution. This system has potential for pre-deposit autologous collection, especially where large volume replacement may be required.

[Intra-arterial administration of prostaglandin E1 in occlusive arterial diseases]. / Intraarterijska primena prostaglandina E1 u okluzivnoj arterijskoj bolesti.

The authors present their result of a two-year follow-up of 106 patients to whom an intra-arterial perfusion of prostaglandin E1 was administered, as limb salvage procedure. The patients were in the IIIrd and IVth stage of occlusive diseases by Fountain, and surgical reconstructions were not possible. All patients were divided into five groups: A--diabetic angiopathy (5), B--distal form of atherosclerosis (40), C--diabetic angiopathy and atherosclerosis (45), D--Burger disease (10) and E--adjuvant therapy in reconstruction with poor run-off (6). The Doppler sonographic and angiographic measurements were performed. After transcutaneous (16 cases), or intraoperative (90 cases) introduction of the catheter into superficial of profunda femoral artery, a continuous intraarterial administration of prostaglandin E1 was carried out in a dose of 10 nanograms/kg body weight/minute (total dosage 3000 nanograms). The patients were controlled immediately after the treatment, as well as 1, 3, 6, 12, 24 and 36 months after the treatment. In efficiency of the treatment was estimated on the following basis: elimination of rest pain, healing of trophic ulceration and demarcation of gangrenous processes. Our late results of intra-arterial administration of prostaglandin E1 proved to be a very successful limb salvage procedure. The treatment was more successful in a connections between the upper knee arterial net and pedal arterial arches were preserved.

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura in four siblings.

A family is described in which four members of a sibship of seven suffered from a hematologic and systemic disorder whcih has been fatal in three and has been proved at autopsy to have been fatal in three and has been proved at autopsy to have been thrombotic purpura. The fourth member has probably suffered the same disorder. The clinical laboratory and genetic features of the family are discussed at length. No cause of the disorder has been determined.