Blood transfusion through the lens of Evidence-Based Medicine / La transfusión de sangre a través de la lente de la Medicina Basada en la Evidencia / A transfusão de sangue sob as lentes da medicina baseada em evidências

Introduction: Blood transfusion is a traditional, popular treatment and considered by society and the medical community as a treatment that has great benefits in reducing mortality. Evidence-based medicine is an approach to medical practice that aims at making decisions based on up-to-date scientific evidence tested by the scientific method. The objective of this study was to evaluate blood transfusion through the lens of evidence-based medicine. Methods: Non-systematic search of the literature, without restriction of type of study, date or language, in the scientific databases: MEDLINE, LILACS, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, SciELO, Scopus and Web of Science, prioritizing publication of systematic reviews and meta-analysis. Results: Systematic review of randomized clinical trials showed that more restrictive blood transfusion reduces mortality when compared to less restrictive transfusions. No randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of blood transfusion were found, setting up an uncertainty of the effect of both restrictive and liberal blood transfusion on mortality. Systematic review of the quality of guidelines on blood transfusion showed that the guidelines were carried out with low methodological rigor. Systematic review concluded that most studies did not demonstrate improvement of tissue oxygenation with blood transfusion. Systematic reviews of observational studies demonstrated an association of blood transfusion with increased mortality and all Bradford Hill causality criteria were met pointing to a causal relationship between blood transfusion and increased adverse outcomes. Systematic reviews have shown that both patients and physicians tend to overestimate the true benefits of treatments and underestimate their harms. Conclusion: The scientific evidence base for recommending blood transfusion is weak, with no robust evidence that the treatment reduces mortality. There is a significant accumulation of evidence showing worse clinical outcome with this treatment, revealing clear disagreement on how this treatment is perceived by society and the medical community. This leads to ethical and legal implications related to the quality of information that is offered to patients to obtain their informed consent and respect for their autonomy regarding the use of this treatment. The medical and legal communities, as well as society, should urgently re-evaluate blood transfusion under the principles of evidence-based medicine.

Introducción: La transfusión de sangre es un tratamiento tradicional, popular y considerado por la sociedad y la comunidad médica como un tratamiento que presenta grandes beneficios en la reducción de la mortalidad. La medicina basada en la evidencia es un enfoque de la práctica médica que pretende tomar decisiones basadas en pruebas científicas actualizadas y comprobadas por el método científico. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la transfusión de sangre bajo los lentes de la medicina basada en la evidencia. Métodos: Búsqueda no sistemática de la literatura, sin restricción de tipo de estudio, fecha o idioma, en las bases de datos científicas: MEDLINE, LILACS, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, SciELO, Scopus y Web of Science, priorizando la publicación de revisiones sistemáticas y meta-análisis. Resultados: La revisión sistemática de los ensayos clínicos aleatorios mostró que las transfusiones de sangre más restrictivas reducen la mortalidad en comparación con las transfusiones menos restrictivas. No se encontraron ensayos clínicos aleatorios controlados con placebo que avalaran la eficacia de la transfusión de sangre, configurando la incertidumbre del efecto de la transfusión de sangre, tanto en la modalidad restrictiva como en la liberal, en la mortalidad. La revisión sistemática de la calidad de las directrices sobre transfusión de sangre mostró que las directrices se realizaron con poco rigor metodológico. La revisión sistemática concluyó que la mayoría de los estudios no demostraron una mejora de la oxigenación tisular con la transfusión de sangre. Las revisiones sistemáticas de los estudios observacionales mostraron una asociación de la transfusión de sangre con el aumento de la mortalidad, y se cumplieron todos los criterios de causalidad de Bradford Hill, lo que apunta a una relación causal entre la transfusión de sangre y el aumento de los resultados adversos. Las revisiones sistemáticas han demostrado que tanto los pacientes como los médicos tienden a sobrestimar los verdaderos beneficios de los tratamientos sanguíneos y a subestimar sus daños. Conclusión: La base de pruebas científicas para recomendar la transfusión de sangre es débil, sin pruebas sólidas de que el tratamiento reduzca la mortalidad. Existe una importante acumulación de pruebas que demuestran un peor resultado clínico con este tratamiento, lo que revela un claro desacuerdo sobre cómo perciben este tratamiento la sociedad y la comunidad médica. Este hallazgo conlleva implicaciones éticas y legales relacionadas con la calidad de la información que se ofrece a los pacientes para obtener su consentimiento informado, así como el respeto a su autonomía respecto al uso de este tratamiento. La comunidad médica, la comunidad jurídica y la sociedad deben reevaluar urgentemente la transfusión de sangre bajo los principios de la medicina basada en la evidencia.

Introdução: A transfusão de sangue é um tratamento tradicional, popular e considerada pela sociedade e pela comunidade médica como um tratamento que apresenta grandes benefícios na redução da mortalidade. A medicina baseada em evidências é uma abordagem a prática médica que visa a tomada de decisões a partir de provas científicas atualizadas e testadas pelo método científico. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a transfusão de sangue sob as lentes da medicina baseada em evidências. Métodos: Busca não sistemática da literatura, sem restrição de tipo de estudo, data ou idioma, nas bases de dados científicas: MEDLINE, LILACS, EMBASE, Biblioteca Cochrane, SciELO, Scopus e Web of Science, priorizando publicação de revisões sistemáticas e metanálises. Resultados: Revisão sistemática de ensaios clínicos randomizados demonstrou que transfusão de sangue mais restritiva reduz a mortalidade quando comparada a transfusões menos restritivas. Não foram encontrados ensaios clínicos randomizados placebo-controlados que avaliaram a eficácia da transfusão de sangue, configurando uma incerteza do efeito da transfusão de sangue, tanto na modalidade restritiva como na liberal, na mortalidade. Revisão sistemática da qualidade das diretrizes sobre transfusão de sangue demonstrou que as diretrizes foram realizadas com baixo rigor metodológico. Revisão sistemática concluiu que a maioria dos estudos não demonstrou melhora da oxigenação tecidual com a transfusão de sangue. Revisões sistemáticas de estudos observacionais demonstraram uma associação da transfusão de sangue com aumento da mortalidade e todos os critérios de causalidade de Bradford Hill foram contemplados, apontando uma relação causal entre a transfusão de sangue e aumento dos desfechos adversos. Revisões sistemáticas demonstraram que tanto pacientes quanto médicos apresentam tendência a superestimar os verdadeiros benefícios de tratamentos e subestimar seus danos. Conclusão: A base de evidências científicas para recomendar a transfusão de sangue é fraca, não havendo evidências robustas de que o tratamento reduza a mortalidade. Há acúmulo significativo de evidências demonstrando pior desfecho clínico com este tratamento, revelando nítida discordância sobre o modo que este tratamento é percebido pela sociedade e pela comunidade médica. Tal constatação leva a implicações éticas e legais relacionadas à qualidade das informações que são oferecidas ao paciente para obtenção do seu consentimento informado e esclarecido, assim como o respeito à sua autonomia quanto ao uso deste tratamento. A comunidade médica, jurídica e a sociedade devem, com urgência, reavaliar a transfusão de sangue sob os princípios da medicina baseada em evidências.

Patient Blood Management (PBM): A path to bloodless medicine / Manejo de sangre del paciente (PBM): un camino hacia la medicina sin sangre / Gerenciamento de Sangue do Paciente (PBM): um caminho para a medicina sem sangue

Introduction: Blood transfusion is traditional and popular, considered beneficial in reducing mortality. Evidence-based medicine (EBM) seeks medical decisions based on scientific evidence. Method: This study evaluated blood transfusion from the perspective of EBM through a narrative review. Results: Review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) showed that restrictive transfusion reduces mortality compared to less restrictive transfusion. No randomized placebo-controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of blood transfusion were found, creating uncertainty about the effect of blood transfusion, both in the restrictive and liberal modalities, on mortality. Systematic review of the quality of blood transfusion guidelines demonstrated that the guidelines were developed with low methodological rigor. Reviews of observational studies have linked transfusion to increased mortality, with Bradford Hill criteria suggesting a causal relationship. Systematic literature review demonstrates that Patient Blood Management (PBM) promotes reduced mortality and improved clinical outcomes. Although PBM provides an approach to reducing the use of stored blood, it does not challenge the basic assumption that blood transfusion is necessary or beneficial at some point. Conclusion: Following the important bioethic principle guiding the medical profession, "Primum non nocere" (First, do no harm), it is necessary to urgently reevaluate the inclusion of blood transfusion in the medical arsenal, a therapy that presents dubious benefit but proven harms. Until this reevaluation is fully undertaken by the medical community, patients must be fully and adequately informed about all these facts from now on, so that they can fully exercise their autonomy.

Introducción: La transfusión de sangre es tradicional y popular, considerada beneficiosa en la reducción de la mortalidad. La medicina basada en la evidencia (MBE) busca decisiones médicas basadas en pruebas científicas. Método: Este estudio evaluó la transfusión sanguínea desde la perspectiva de la MBE a través de una revisión narrativa. Resultados: La revisión de ensayos clínicos aleatorizados (ECA) mostró que la transfusión restrictiva reduce la mortalidad en comparación con la transfusión menos restrictiva. No se encontraron ensayos clínicos aleatorizados controlados con placebo que evaluaran la eficacia de la transfusión de sangre, lo que crea incertidumbre sobre el efecto de la transfusión de sangre, tanto en las modalidades restrictivas como en las liberales, sobre la mortalidad. La revisión sistemática de la calidad de las pautas de transfusión sanguínea demostró que las pautas se desarrollaron con un bajo rigor metodológico. Las revisiones de estudios observacionales han vinculado la transfusión con un aumento de la mortalidad, y los criterios de Bradford Hill sugieren una relación causal. La revisión sistemática de la literatura demuestra que la Gestión de Sangre del Paciente (PBM) promueve una reducción de la mortalidad y mejores resultados clínicos. Aunque la PBM proporciona un enfoque para reducir el uso de sangre almacenada, no cuestiona la suposición básica de que la transfusión de sangre es necesaria o beneficiosa en algún momento. Conclusión: Siguiendo el principio hipocrático más importante que guía la profesión médica, "Primum non nocere" (Primero, no hacer daño), es necesario reevaluar con urgencia la inclusión de la transfusión de sangre en el arsenal médico, una terapia que presenta beneficios dudosos pero daños comprobados. Hasta que esta reevaluación sea llevada a cabo completamente por la comunidad médica, los pacientes deben ser informados plenamente y de manera adecuada sobre todos estos hechos a partir de ahora, para que puedan ejercer plenamente su autonomía.

Introdução: A transfusão de sangue é tradicional e popular, considerada benéfica na redução da mortalidade. A medicina baseada em evidências (MBE) busca decisões médicas embasadas em provas científicas. Método: Este estudo avaliou a transfusão sob a ótica da MBE através de uma revisão narrativa. Resultados: Revisão de ensaios clínicos randomizados (ECRs) mostrou que transfusão restritiva reduz mortalidade comparada a menos restritiva. Não foram encontrados ensaios clínicos randomizados placebo controlados que avaliaram a eficácia da transfusão de sangue, configurando uma incerteza do efeito da transfusão de sangue, tanto na modalidade restritiva como na liberal, na mortalidade. Revisão sistemática da qualidade das diretrizes sobre transfusão de sangue demonstrou que as diretrizes foram realizadas com baixo rigor metodológico. Revisões de estudos observacionais associaram transfusão a aumento de mortalidade, sendo que os critérios de Bradford Hill sugerem uma relação causal. Revisão sistemática da literatura demonstra que o Gerenciamento de Sangue do Paciente (PBM) promove redução da mortalidade e melhores desfechos clínicos. Embora o PBM forneça uma abordagem para reduzir o uso de sangue armazenado, ele não desafia a suposição básica de que a transfusão em algum momento é necessária ou benéfica. Conclusão: Seguindo o importante princípio bioético que rege a profissão médica, "Primum non nocere" (antes de tudo, não fazer mal), se faz necessário reavaliar com urgência a permanência no arsenal médico da transfusão de sangue, uma terapia que apresenta benefício duvidoso, mas danos comprovados. Até que esta reavaliação seja feita de forma cabal pela comunidade médica, os pacientes devem ser integralmente e adequadamente informados desde já a respeito de todos estes fatos para que possam exercer de forma plena sua autonomia.

When blood is not an option: Optimal bloodless management of severe anemia in pregnancy.

Standard treatment for severe anemia in pregnancy is allogeneic blood transfusion, but this is not acceptable to all patients. Options for alternative anemia treatment are available. In this case report, a 32-year-old G2P1 woman who was a Jehovah's Witness presented at 27 weeks gestation with dyspnea, palpitations, and severe anemia (hemoglobin 2.8 g/dL) related to chronic rectal bleeding. She declined blood transfusion. An anemia management protocol (high-dose erythropoietin-stimulating agent, iron, vitamin D, vitamin C, folate, vitamin B12) rapidly increased endogenous erythropoiesis. After 12 days, hemoglobin increased to 8 g/dL. A bovine hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier was available for acute bleeding but was not used. This case highlights that early initiation of multimodal therapy can adequately increase endogenous erythropoiesis to treat life-threatening anemia in antepartum patients who do not accept blood transfusion.

Pheochromocytoma, Fulminant Heart Failure, and a Phenylephrine Challenge. the Perioperative Management of Adrenalectomy in a Jehovah's Witness Patient: a Case Report.

Perioperative management of pheochromocytoma in the setting of catecholamine-induced heart failure requires careful consideration of hemodynamic optimization and possible mechanical circulatory support. A Jehovah's Witness patient with catecholamine-induced acutely decompensated heart failure required dependable afterload reduction for a cardio-protective strategy. This was emphasized due to the relative contraindication to perioperative anticoagulation required for mechanical circulatory support. A phenylephrine challenge clearly demonstrated adequate alpha blockade after only 24 hours of phenoxybenzamine treatment. This resulted in advancement of the surgery date. This case also highlights management of beta blockade, volume and salt loading, autologous blood transfusion, and profound post-operative vasoplegia in the setting of cardiogenic shock. Careful attention to hemodynamic optimization and cardio-protective strategies ultimately resulted in positive outcome for this challenging clinical scenario.

Patient blood management when blood is not an option: a report of two cases.

There are many patients who refuse to receive blood transfusions for religious or other reasons. Bloodless medicine and surgery are no longer new concept, but patients who refuse blood transfusion are still transferred to the bloodless center, regardless of patients' intention, for treatment. Here, we discuss the need for patient blood management when blood is not an option to treat them. Two patients of advanced age were transferred to our bloodless center due to refusal of transfusion. They are Jehovah's Witnesses and refused to receive blood transfusion despite life-threatening anemia and severe underlying diseases. Patient blood management protocols including iron supplementation, subcutaneous erythropoietin, folic acid and vitamin B were implemented to improve hematopoiesis, and supportive care was also performed to treat underlying diseases. Levels of Hemoglobin/Hematocrit and their symptom gradually improved about a week after treatment, and their condition had gradually stabilized. They were discharged safely. We treated patients of advanced age with severe underlying diseases and life-threatening anemia using patient blood management due to refusal of a blood transfusion. The patient blood management may be a useful alternative strategy, which meet the needs of patients who refuse blood transfusions as well as the need to reduce the use of blood products due to limited supply.

Patient Blood Management PBM: an effective, safe, cost-effective and evidence-based way to provide medical treatment in the face of scarcity of blood bags caused by the COVID-19 pandemic / Gestión de la sangre del paciente: una forma efectiva, segura, rentable y basada en la evidencia para proporcionar tratamiento médico frente a la escasez de bolsas de sangre causadas por la pandemia de COVID-19 / Gerenciamento de Sangue do Paciente (Patient Blood Management PBM): uma maneira eficaz, segura, custo-efetiva e baseada em evidências para prover tratamento médico diante da escassez das bolsas de sangue causada pela pandemia de COVID-19

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant shortage of blood stocks in several countries. Different strategies used in this scenario, such as suspension of elective surgeries, calling for more donors and loosening of regulations used in blood centers have limitations. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness, safety and cost-effectiveness of a set of medical care called Patient Blood Management (PBM) through a narrative review of the literature. Methods: Non-systematic literature search, without restriction of type of study, date or language, in the scientific databases: MEDLINE, LILACS, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, SciELO, Scopus and Web of Science. Results: Randomized clinical trials and meta-analysis of observational studies demonstrated that the use of PBM promoted a reduction in blood transfusions, length of hospital stay, complications such as acute renal failure, infection, thromboembolic events, and mortality. Economic analysis studies have observed significant savings in financial resources in the places where the PBM was implemented. Conclusion: PBM is effective, safe and cost-effective, promoting a reduction in blood transfusions, improving clinical outcomes and saving financial resources, characteristics that make it relevant in the face of a health system overburdened by the pandemic.

Introdução: A pandemia de COVID-19 provocou uma significativa escassez dos estoques de sangue em diversos países. Diferentes estratégias utilizadas neste cenário, como suspensão de cirurgias eletivas, chamamento de mais doadores e afrouxamento de normativas usadas nos hemocentros apresentam limitações. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a eficácia, segurança e custo-efetividade de um conjunto de cuidados médicos chamado de Gerenciamento de Sangue do Paciente (Patient Blood Management ­ PBM) através de uma revisão narrativa da literatura. Métodos: Busca não sistemática da literatura, sem restrição de tipo de estudo, data ou idioma, nas bases de dados científicas: MEDLINE, LILACS, EMBASE, Biblioteca Cochrane, SciELO, Scopus e Web of Science. Resultados: Ensaios clínicos randomizados e metanálises de estudos observacionais demonstraram que o uso de PBM promoveu redução das transfusões de sangue, do tempo de internação hospitalar, das complicações como insuficiência renal aguda, infecção, eventos tromboembólicos, e da mortalidade. Estudos de análise econômica observaram relevante economia de recursos financeiros nos locais em que o PBM foi implementado. Conclusão: O PBM é eficaz, seguro e custo-efetivo, promovendo redução das transfusões de sangue, melhora nos desfechos clínicos e economia de recursos financeiros, características que o tornam relevante diante de um sistema de saúde sobrecarregado pela pandemia.

Preoperative rectal tumor embolization as an adjunctive tool for bloodless abdominoperineal excision: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Abdominoperineal excision (APE)-related hemorrhage can be challenging due to difficult access to pelvic organs and the risk of massive blood loss. The objective of the present study was to demonstrate the use of preoperative embolization (PE) as a strategy for blood preservation in a patient with a large low rectal tumor with a high risk of bleeding, scheduled for APE. CASE SUMMARY: A 56-year-old man presented to our institution with a one-year history of anal bleeding and rectal tenesmus. The patient was diagnosed with bulky adenocarcinoma limited to the rectum. As the patient refused any clinical treatment, surgery without previous neoadjuvant chemoradiation was indicated. The patient underwent a tumor embolization procedure, two days before surgery performed via the right common femoral artery. The tumor was successfully devascularized and no major bleeding was noted during APE. Postoperative recovery was uneventful and a one-year follow-up showed no signs of recurrence. CONCLUSION: Therapeutic tumor embolization may play a role in bloodless surgeries and increase surgical and oncologic prognoses. We describe a patient with a bulky low rectal tumor who successfully underwent preoperative embolization and bloodless abdominoperineal resection.

Conservation of both hematocrit and liver regeneration in hepatectomies: a vascular occlusion approach in rats / Hepatectomia hemoconservadora no rato: preservação do hematócrito e da regeneração hepática

ABSTRACT Background: Hepatectomies promote considerable amount of blood loss and the need to administrate blood products, which are directly linked to higher morbimortality rates. The blood-conserving hepatectomy (BCH) is a modification of the selective vascular occlusion technique. It could be a surgical maneuver in order to avoid or to reduce the blood products utilization in the perioperative period. Aim: To evaluate in rats the BCH effects on the hematocrit (HT) variation, hemoglobin serum concentration (HB), and on liver regeneration. Methods: Twelve Wistar rats were divided into two groups: control (n=6) and intervention (n=6). The ones in the control group had their livers partially removed according to the Higgins and Anderson technique, while the rats in the treatment group were submitted to BCH technique. HT and HB levels were measured at day D0, D1 and D7. The rate between the liver and rat weights was calculated in D0 and D7. Liver regeneration was quantitatively and qualitatively evaluated. Results: The HT and HB levels were lower in the control group as of D1 onwards, reaching an 18% gap at D7 (p=0.01 and p=0.008, respectively); BCH resulted in the preservation of HT and HB levels to the intervention group rats. BCH did not alter liver regeneration in rats. Conclusion: The BCH led to beneficial effects over the postoperative HT and serum HB levels with no setbacks to liver regeneration. These data are the necessary proof of evidence for translational research into the surgical practice.

RESUMO Racional: As hepatectomias compreendem considerável perda sanguínea e utilização de hemoderivados, o que diretamente estão relacionados com maior morbimortalidade. A hepatectomia hemoconservadora (HH) é modificação da técnica de oclusão vascular seletiva em hepatectomia. Ela pode ser alternativa cirúrgica para evitar ou diminuir o uso de hemoderivados no perioperatório. Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos da HH sobre o volume globular (VG), concentração de hemoglobina (HB) e sobre a regeneração hepática em ratos. Métodos: Dois grupos de ratos Wistar foram constituídos: controle (n=6) e intervenção (n=6). Os do grupo controle foram submetidos à hepatectomia parcial de Higgins e Anderson e os do grupo Intervenção à HH. VG e HB foram medidos nos dias D0, D1 e D7. A relação peso do fígado/peso do rato foi calculada em D0 e D7. A regeneração hepática foi analisada qualitativamente e quantitativamente. Resultados: Houve diminuição dos níveis de VG e HB nos ratos do grupo controle a partir de D1, atingindo decréscimo de 18% em D7 (p=0,01 e p=0,008 respectivamente); a HH permitiu a manutenção dos níveis de VG e HB nos ratos do grupo intervenção. A HH não alterou a regeneração hepática. Conclusão: HH resultou em níveis maiores de VG e HB pós-operatórios sem alterar a regeneração hepática. Pode-se considerar estes dados como a prova necessária para a translação à pesquisa clinicocirúrgica.

A Paradigm Shift: Perioperative Iron and Erythropoietin Therapy for Patient Blood Management / 한양의대학술지

Allogeneic blood transfusion is often restricted due to its adverse effects, a lack of blood supply, and religious or cultural constraints. As a result, patient blood management (PBM) has been gaining attention. PBM is an evidence-based, patient-centered bundle of technologies that manages perioperative anemia and reduces bleeding during surgery. PBM improves the postoperative prognoses. Perioperative anemia is the main concern in PBM; therefore, to diagnose and treat it is important. This review focuses on the perioperative use of oral or intravenous iron and erythropoietin (EPO), in relevant fields such as cardiac surgery, orthopedics, and neurosurgery. IV administration of iron has been controversial due to safety concerns, such as increased risk of infection. However, using IV iron appropriately is beneficial in most surgical settings. Although recombinant human EPO may increase thromboembolic risks, this can be mitigated through various methods including limiting the target Hb level, using it in combination with IV iron, or prophylaxis for deep venous thrombosis. EPO is recommended in patients undergoing cardiac or orthopedic surgery. As PBM becomes globally implemented, the blood management methods, including tranexamic acid, hemostatic agents, and cell salvage have become more variable as well. Among them, administration of iron and EPO would be the most common pharmacologic choices based on current practice. However, controversy still exists. Therefore, further studies on iron and EPO are needed to ensure better and safer patient care.

Blood transfusion and increased perioperative risk in coronary artery bypass grafts

Abstract Objective: To correlate blood transfusions and clinical outcomes during hospitalization in coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABG). Methods: Transfusion, clinical and hematological data were collected for 1,378 patients undergoing isolated or combined CABG between January 2011 and December 2012. The effect of blood transfusions was evaluated through multivariate analysis to predict three co-primary outcomes: composite ischemic events, composite infectious complications and hospital mortality. Because higher risk patients receive more transfusions, the hospital mortality outcome was also tested on a stratum of low-risk patients to isolate the effect of preoperative risk on the results. Results: The transfusion rate was 63.9%. The use of blood products was associated with a higher incidence of the three coprimary outcomes: composite infectious complications (OR 2.67, 95% CI 1.70 to 4.19; P<0.001), composite ischemic events (OR 2.42, 95% CI 1.70 to 3.46; P<0.001) and hospital mortality (OR 3.07, 95% CI 1.53 to 6.13; P<0.001). When only patients with logistic EuroSCORE ≤ 2% were evaluated, i.e., low-risk individuals, the mortality rate and the incidence of ischemic events and infectious complications composites remained higher among the transfused patients [6% vs. 0.4% (P<0.001), 11.7% vs. 24,3% (P<0.001) and 6.5% vs. 12.7% (P=0.002), respectively]. Conclusion: The use of blood components in patients undergoing CABG was associated with ischemic events, infectious complications and hospital mortality, even in low-risk patients.

Liver transplantation in Jehovah's Witnesses: two cases report.

Liver transplantation is especially challenging in patients who are Jehovah's Witnesses because their religious beliefs prohibit the receipt of blood products. We present two cases of living donor liver transplantation performed in adult Jehovah's Witnesses in South Korea without the use of blood products. In the first case, preoperative erythropoiesisstimulation therapy increased hemoglobin levels from 8.1 to 13.1 g/dl after 9 weeks. In the second case, hemoglobin levels increased from 7.4 to 10.8 g/dl after 6 months of erythropoiesis-stimulation therapy. With the combination of acute normovolemic hemodilution, intraoperative cell salvage, and use of transfusion alternatives, liver transplantation was successfully performed without transfusion of blood products.

Vancomycin added to the wash solution of the cell-saver. Effect on bacterial contamination. / Adición de vancomicina al suero de lavado del recuperador de sangre. Efecto sobre la contaminación bacteriana.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to test whether the addition of a low-dose of antibiotic (vancomycin) to the wash solution (saline) of the cell-saver reduces the incidence of bacterial contamination of the autologous red blood cell (RBCs) concentrate recovered. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Experimental, randomized, double-blind, parallel group study performed on 20 consecutive patients scheduled for posterior spinal fusion surgery. Intraoperative bleeding was processed through a cell-saver: HaemoLite® 2+, in which the RBCs were washed according to randomization group, with saline (control group) or saline+10µg/ml-1 vancomycin (vanco group). Data regarding age, weight, processed and recovered volume, blood count, blood culture, and vancomycin concentration in RBCs concentrates obtained and incidence of fever after reinfusion were collected. RESULTS: Processed volume was 843±403ml and recovered volume 121±29ml, with haemoglobin concentration 10.4±5.0g/dl-1 and haematocrit 29.1±15.9% (mean±SD). Recovered RBC concentrate cultures were positive for coagulase-negative Staphylococcus in 5 cases (50%) of the control group while all cultures were negative in the vanco group (P=.016). The difference between the theoretical concentration of vancomycin administered and the concentration determined in the recovered RBC concentrate was 1.31µg/ml-1 (95% CI 1.19 to 1.43; P=.074). CONCLUSIONS: The addition of vancomycin at a concentration of 10ug/ml-1 to the wash solution of the cell-saver achieved similar concentrations in the autologous blood concentrate recovered allowing for bacterial removal, with negative blood cultures in all cases.

Tratamento cirúrgico e seguimento a longo prazo das micoses subcutâneas causadas por fungos demáceos: cromoblastomicose, feoifomicose e eumicetoma / Surgical treatment and long-term follow-up of subcutaneous mycoses caused by dematiaceous fungi: chromoblastomycosis, phaeohyphomycosis and eumicetoma

Introdução: As micoses subcutâneas provocadas por fungos demáceos (MSCFD)são classificadas conforme sua apresentação no tecido: cromoblastomicose com presença de corpúsculos fumagoides, feoifomicose com hifas septadas demáceas e eumicetoma com grãos compostos por hifas septadas demáceas. Diversos tratamentos são propostos, entre eles a exérese cirúrgica. O tratamento cirúrgico é mais indicado nos casos em que há infecção localizada e passível de exérese, com bons resultados terapêuticos e baixa taxa de recidiva. Objetivo: Apresentar a experiência de um serviço dermatológico no tratamento cirúrgico dos casos de MSCFD, discutindo as abordagens cirúrgicas e seus resultados. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo com análise descritiva dos casos atendidos no período de abril de 2014 a dezembro de 2016 em clínica dermatológica da cidade de São Paulo. Foram incluídos todos os casos com diagnóstico de MSCFD que foram submetidos à terapêutica cirúrgica com exérese total da lesão. Resultados: Foram totalizados sete casos: dois de eumicetoma, um de cromoblastomicose e quatro de feoifomicose. De todos os casos apenas um não foi abordado em regime de centro cirúrgico ambulatorial. Todos evoluíram sem sequelas e sem recidivas no seguimento clínico. Conclusões: A remoção da lesão cutânea é um boa opção terapêutica nos casos de MSCFD em que o procedimento cirúrgico for viável.

Introduction: Subcutaneous mycoses caused by dematiaceous fungi are classified according to their characteristics in the tissue: chromoblastomycosis (with the presence of fumagoid corpuscles), phaeohyphomycosis (with dematiaceous septate hyphae) and eumicetoma (with grains composed of septate hyphae). Several treatments are proposed, among them, surgical excision. Surgical treatment is more indicated in cases where there is localized infection and where excision is possible, yielding good therapeutic outcomes and low recurrence rates. Objective: To describe the experience of a dermatological service in the surgical treatment of subcutaneous mycosis cases caused by dematiaceous fungi, discussing the surgical approach and its results. Methods: A retrospective study was carried out with the descriptive analysis of cases treated from April 2014 to December 2016, at a dermatological clinic in the Brazilian Southeast city of São Paulo. All cases diagnosed with subcutaneous mycoses caused by dematiaceous fungi were included and surgically treated with total exeresis of the lesion. Results: A total of 7 cases were analyzed ­ 2 eumicetomas, 1 chromoblastomycosis and 4 phaeohyphomycoses. Only one on the cases was not treated at an ambulatory surgical center. All cases progressed without sequelae or recurrences during the clinical follow-up. Conclusions: When surgical treatment is possible, the exeresis of the lesion is a good therapeutic option in cases of subcutaneous mycoses caused by dematiaceous fungi.

Liver transplantation in Jehovah's Witnesses: two cases report / 대한마취과학회지

Liver transplantation is especially challenging in patients who are Jehovah's Witnesses because their religious beliefs prohibit the receipt of blood products. We present two cases of living donor liver transplantation performed in adult Jehovah's Witnesses in South Korea without the use of blood products. In the first case, preoperative erythropoiesisstimulation therapy increased hemoglobin levels from 8.1 to 13.1 g/dl after 9 weeks. In the second case, hemoglobin levels increased from 7.4 to 10.8 g/dl after 6 months of erythropoiesis-stimulation therapy. With the combination of acute normovolemic hemodilution, intraoperative cell salvage, and use of transfusion alternatives, liver transplantation was successfully performed without transfusion of blood products.

A clinical procedures curriculum for undergraduate medical students: the eight-year history of a third-year immersive experience.

BACKGROUND: Procedural skills training is a critical component of medical education, but is often lacking in standard clinical curricula. We describe a unique immersive procedural skills curriculum for medical students, designed and taught primarily by emergency medicine faculty at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. OBJECTIVES: The primary educational objective of this program was to formally introduce medical students to clinical procedures thought to be important for success in residency. The immersion strategy (teaching numerous procedures over a 7-day period) was intended to complement the student's education on third-year core clinical clerkships. PROGRAM DESIGN: The course introduced 27 skills over 7 days. Teaching and learning methods included lecture, prereading, videos, task trainers, peer teaching, and procedures practice on cadavers. In year 4 of the program, a peer-team teaching model was adopted. We analyzed program evaluation data over time. IMPACT: Students valued the selection of procedures covered by the course and felt that it helped prepare them for residency (97%). The highest rated activities were the cadaver lab and the advanced cardiac life support (97 and 93% positive endorsement, respectively). Lectures were less well received (73% positive endorsement), but improved over time. The transition to peer-team teaching resulted in improved student ratings of course activities (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: A dedicated procedural skills curriculum successfully supplemented the training medical students received in the clinical setting. Students appreciated hands-on activities and practice. The peer-teaching model improved course evaluations by students, which implies that this was an effective teaching method for adult learners. This course was recently expanded and restructured to place the learning closer to the clinical settings in which skills are applied.

Caring for pregnant women for whom transfusion is not an option. A national review to assist in patient care.

Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is the leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity globally. Obstetric bleeding can be catastrophic and management is challenging, involving a coordinated multidisciplinary approach, which may include blood products. In settings where blood transfusion is not an option, either because of patient refusal (most commonly in Jehovah Witnesses) or because of unavailability of blood, management becomes even more challenging. Observational studies have demonstrated an association between refusal of blood products in major obstetric haemorrhage and increased morbidity and mortality. This review draws upon evidence in the literature, physiological principles and expert opinion for strategies and guidance to optimise the outcomes of pregnant women in whom blood transfusion is either refused or impossible. The importance of a multidisciplinary antenatal and perinatal management plan, including optimisation of haemoglobin and iron stores pre-delivery, blood loss minimisation, early haemorrhage control and postpartum anaemia treatment, is discussed.

Characteristics and quality of intra-operative cell salvage in paediatric scoliosis surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the haematological and microbiological characteristics of blood recovered by using a cell saver with a rigid centrifuge bowl (100ml) in paediatric scoliosis surgery and to determine whether it conforms to the standard expected in adult patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional, descriptive cohort study was performed on 24 consecutive red blood cell (RBC) units recovered from the surgical field and processed by a Haemolite® 2+ (Haemonetics Corp., Braintree, MA, EE. UU.) cell saver. Data were collected regarding age, weight, surgical approach (anterior or posterior), processed shed volume and volume of autologous RBC recovered, full blood count, and blood culture obtained from the RBC concentrate, and incidence of fever after reinfusion. RESULTS: The processed shed volume was very low (939±569ml) with high variability (coefficient of variation=0.6), unlike the recovered volume 129±50ml (coefficient of variation=0.38). A statistically significant correlation between the processed shed volume and recovered RBC concentrate haematocrit was found (Pearson, r=.659, P=.001). Haematological parameters in the recovered concentrate were: Hb 11±5.3g dl(-1); haematocrit: 32.1±15.4% (lower than expected); white cells 5.34±4.22×103 ul(-)1; platelets 37.88±23.5×103 ul(-1) (mean±SD). Blood culture was positive in the RBC concentrate recovered in 13 cases (54.2%) in which Staphylococcus coagulase (-) was isolated. CONCLUSIONS: Cell salvage machines with rigid centrifuge bowls (including paediatric small volume) do not obtain the expected haematocrit if low volumes are processed, and therefore they are not the best choice in paediatric surgery.

Implementation of a patient blood management program in pediatric scoliosis surgery.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether the implementation of a blood conservation program, and the adoption and progressive association of different methods, reduces transfusion requirements in pediatric patients undergoing scoliosis surgery of different origins. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Quasi-experimental, nonrandomized, descriptive study, approved by the Ethics Committee for Research of our institution. 50 pediatric patients (ASA I-III) aged 5 to 18 years, undergoing scoliosis surgery of any etiology by a single posterior or double approach (anterior and posterior) were included. A historical group with no alternatives to transfusion: Group No ahorro=15 patients (retrospective data collection) was compared with another 3 prospective study groups: Group HNA (acute normovolemic hemodilution)=9 patients; Group HNA+Rec (intraoperative blood salvage)=14 patients, and Group EPO (HNA+Rec+erythropoietin±preoperative donation)=12 patients; according with the implementation schedule of the transfusion alternatives in our institution. RESULTS: The rate of transfusion in different groups (No ahorro, HNA, HNA+Rec, EPO) was 100, 66, 57, and 0% of the patients, respectively, with a mean±SD of 3.40±1.59; 1.33±1.41; 1.43±1.50; 0±0 RBC units transfused per patient, respectively. Statistically significant differences (P<.001) were found in both the transfusion rate and number of RBC units. CONCLUSIONS: The application of a multimodal blood transfusion alternatives program, individualized for each pediatric patient undergoing scoliosis surgery can avoid transfusion in all cases.