Major reduction in occurrence of anti-c and anti-E in pregnancy after more than 10 years of preventive matched transfusion with most benefit for c-matching.

Extension with cE-matching of the transfusion policy for women under 45 years to prevent alloimmunization and hemolytic disease of the foetus and newborn (HDFN) was evaluated. After implementation of cEK-matching, anti-c occurrence decreased from 46.8 to 30.4 per 100 000 pregnancies (RR 0.65, 95% CI 0.54-0.79), while anti-E occurrence decreased from 122.1 to 89.9 per 100 000 pregnancies (RR 0.74, 95% CI 0.66-0.84). The c-negative women showed a higher anti-E occurrence before cEK-matching and a more pronounced decline with the new policy. This indicates that cEK-matched transfusion effectively reduces alloimmunization, and that a cK-matched approach could prevent most transfusion-related alloimmunization and HDFN.

Development and Content Validation of a Nursing Clinical Simulation Scenario on Transfusion Reaction Management.

Blood transfusion is a life-saving procedure widely used in healthcare. However, complications such as transfusion reactions may occur. Knowledge of these reactions is essential for patient safety. Nurses play a crucial role in this process by identifying complications and adverse reactions early on. A lack of professional competence in blood transfusion can lead to errors and serious complications, such as death. The aim of this study was to present evidence of the content validity of a simulated clinical scenario on transfusion reactions for teaching and learning for nursing students. This methodological study was carried out in three phases: (1) development of the simulated scenario of a transfusion reaction; (2) analysis of evidence of content validity by experts (n = 11); and (3) determination of satisfaction and self-confidence in the use of the simulated scenario by the nursing students (n = 45). The Content Validity Index was 94%. After the scenario had been developed, the content was validated and approved by 100% of the experts. All the items in the simulated scenario obtained agreement scores above 0.90. The simulated scenario was validated in terms of content and can be used to teach the management of transfusion reactions.

Implementing pathogen reduction technology while discontinuing blood donor deferral criteria for sexual risk behaviors: A simulation study.

BACKGROUND: Combining pathogen reduction technology (PRT) with blood screening may alleviate concerns over the risk of transfusion-transmitted infections (TTI) and support changes in blood donor selection to potentially increase blood availability. This study aimed to estimate the residual risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) transfusion-transmission in Canada after implementing PRT, while eliminating deferrals for sexual risk behaviors. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A probabilistic approach that combined Bayesian networks with Monte Carlo simulations was used to estimate the risk of transfusing HIV-, HBV-, or HCV-contaminated blood components. Different scenarios were considered to compare the current residual risk after PRT implementation, with and without donor deferral criteria for sexual risk behaviors. Donor profiles and blood component outcomes were simulated based on a literature review including the prevalence and incidence of HIV, HBV, and HCV in the Canadian blood donor population; the use of current blood screening assays; and HIV, HBV, and HCV blood donor viral loads. RESULTS: In the universal PRT scenario (i.e., with PRT/without deferral criteria), the estimated risks of HIV, HBV, and HCV transmission were significantly lower than those in the currently observed scenario (i.e., without PRT/with deferral criteria). CONCLUSIONS: This risk model suggests that PRT for platelets and plasma (and eventually for RBCs when available) significantly reduces the residual risks of HIV, HBV and HCV transfusion-transmission and could enable the removal of blood donor deferral criteria for sexual risk behaviors.

Evaluation of transfusion reactions in patients following transfusion of blood components containing antibodies to HLA class I - An attempt to prevent TRALI in patients.

In an attempt to mitigate transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI), the Oslo Blood Center screened 1369 thrombapheresis donors for human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-specific antibodies. Anti-HLA antibodies were found in 200 donors who were deferred from donation of plasma-rich products. In a retrospective study, 2562 transfusions of thrombocytes (both apheresis and whole blood-derived) from 150 of these donors were subject to a thorough look back-investigation. Reports of 14 transfusion reactions were identified, none of which were classified as TRALI. Our study supports previous data indicating that the risk of TRALI is low. The value of screening for anti-HLA antibodies and subsequent deferral of donors with high levels of such antibodies remains questionable.

Managing the risk of transfusion-transmitted malaria from Australian blood donations: Recommendation of a new screening strategy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To reduce the risk of transfusion-transmitted malaria (TTM) from transfusible components, Australia tests for malaria antibodies in both travellers returning from and former residents of malaria-endemic areas. The testing is performed a minimum of 120 days after last potential exposure. TTM is an extremely rare event and managing the risk adds considerable complexity. The objectives of this study were to analyse various testing and deferral strategies, considering the risk, donation numbers and operational complexities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A residual risk model was developed to calculate the risk of TTM in five testing/deferral strategies. Australian blood donor data from 2020 and 2021 were used and incorporated the incidence of parasitaemia, Plasmodium species and the malaria enzyme immunoassay test's failure rate. Donor and donation loss or gain and an operational assessment were performed. RESULTS: The current model's estimated risk of TTM is 1 in 67.9 million transfused units. Testing residents with a 120-day plasma restriction for visitors without testing was found to have the same estimated risk, with an expected increase of 342 donations per year, significant cost savings and a 62% reduction in the number of donors requiring assessment. CONCLUSION: A strategy that involves testing residents of malaria areas only and a 120-day plasma travel restriction would not significantly increase the risk of TTM, is operationally simpler, costs less and results in a small increase in donations.

The International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) Public Health Research Toolkit: A report from the Surveillance, Risk Assessment and Policy Sub-group of the ISBT Transfusion Transmitted Infectious Diseases Working Party.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Data provided from blood donors have contributed to the understanding of public health epidemiology and policy decisions. A recent example was during the severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic when blood services monitored the seroprevalence in blood donors. Based on this experience, blood services have the opportunity to expand their role and participate in public health surveillance and research. The aim of this report is to share available resources to assist blood services in this area. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Surveillance, Risk Assessment and Policy (SRAP) Sub-group of the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) Transfusion Transmitted Infectious Diseases (TTID) Working Party developed a Public Health Research Toolkit to assist blood services and researchers interested in expanding their role in public health research. RESULTS: The ISBT Public Health Research Toolkit provides resources for what blood services can offer to public health, examples of donor research studies, the utility of donor data and website links to public health agencies. The toolkit includes a customizable template for those interested in establishing and managing a biobank. CONCLUSION: The ISBT Public Health Research Toolkit includes resources to increase the recognition of the role blood donors can play in public health and to help blood services gain commitment and funding from various agencies for new research and surveillance.

Decreasing Premedication for Blood Transfusions: A Quality Improvement Project.

BACKGROUND: Premedication administration to patients who are to receive blood transfusions continues despite evidence of a lack of benefit when given to prevent febrile nonhemolytic or mild allergic transfusion reactions. Reviews of ordering practices and staff surveys on an adult inpatient hematology-oncology unit in our multisite oncology medical center indicated a lack of standardization and overuse of premedication in blood transfusions and a lack of knowledge of when it was appropriate to use premedication. METHODS: A literature search was performed, and the evidence led to a proposal for a quality improvement (QI) project focused on development of an evidence-based algorithm to guide clinicians in when to administer which premedication, development of clear documentation for premedication plans, integration of the documented premedication plans into electronic orders for blood products, and staff education. Interventions included a hospital-wide algorithm and an electronic order to be integrated with a premedication plan for each patient on the adult hematology-oncology unit. RESULTS: Seven months after implementation of the intervention, premedication use among patients decreased by 57.6%, and the transfusion reaction rate decreased from 1% to 0.8%. Staff knowledge as measured by responses to pre- and postintervention surveys on the appropriate use of premedication also improved. CONCLUSION: Evidence-based interventions can reduce the incidence of premedication use in patients receiving blood transfusions.

Insight into hazards and control of transfusion-transmitted infections in Egypt: A narrative review.

Blood transfusion is a critical life-saving medical intervention, but it carries the risk of transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) that can lead to serious consequences. TTIs include viral, bacterial, parasitic, and prion infections, transmitted through asymptomatic donor blood, contamination of stored blood products, or transfusion-related immunosuppression. Recognized global agents posing challenges to blood safety include human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), Syphilis, etc. Emerging pathogens like SARS-CoV-2, hepatitis E, and others present additional risks. The residual risk of TTIs, representing the likelihood of infected donations passing screening tests, varies globally. High-income countries generally show lower prevalence rates than low-income countries. In Egypt, the estimated prevalence rates for HIV, HBV, HCV, and syphilis markers among the donors are 0.23 %, 0.76 %, 2.33 %, and 0.24 %, respectively. In Egypt, specific residual risk estimates are scarce, but prevalence rates for key infections highlight existing challenges. The World Health Organization promotes a global blood safety strategy, advocating for national blood systems, voluntary non-remunerated donors, and quality-assured testing. Despite these measures, the establishment of a haemovigilance system which is critical for monitoring and preventing adverse events, including TTIs, is reported as lacking in Egypt. This highlights the importance of comprehensive surveillance and safety measures in the blood donation process to ensure universal access to safe blood. Primary health care can play a pivotal role in preventing TTIs.

How do we conduct a national transfusion related lookback program?

BACKGROUND: Lookback investigations are conducted by blood services when a risk of transmission of infection from a donor to a recipient has been identified. They involve tracing transfusion recipients and offering them testing for the relevant infectious agent. Results are relayed to the recipient to provide reassurance that there has been no transmission or to ensure appropriate treatment and care if required, and blood services are able to learn lessons from the planning, delivery, and outcomes of the investigation. A national lookback exercise was conducted in Scotland following the introduction of a test to identify occult hepatitis B infection, as recommended by the UK Advisory Committee for the Safety of Blood, Tissues and Organs (SaBTO) in 2021. METHODS AND MATERIALS: This paper outlines the development and delivery of a national lookback program. It discusses the logistical, economic, ethical, regulatory, and scientific issues that were considered during the planning and delivery of the lookback exercise. RESULTS: Development and delivery of a national lookback required robust governance, engagement of all relevant stakeholders and a shared understanding of aims, effective communication, systems, resources, limitations, and project management. Outcomes included a high testing uptake, low levels of reported anxiety, and a comprehensive data set. CONCLUSION: Key aspects for delivery of a successful large-scale lookback program include a patient-centered approach, clear and accessible communication, and whole-systems multiagency collaboration. Major challenges include stakeholder engagement and capacity.

A national surveillance system for continuous monitoring of blood transfusion safety: German haemovigilance data.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Haemovigilance (HV) systems aim to improve transfusion outcomes in patients and donor safety. An important question for blood regulators is how to ensure an effective HV system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analysed the HV reports submitted to Paul-Ehrlich-Institut over the last two decades. RESULTS: Between 2011 and 2020, 50.86 million units of blood components were used, and 8931 suspected serious donor and recipient adverse reactions (SARs), 874 serious adverse events (SAEs) and 12,073 donor look-backs were reported. Following implementation of specific risk-minimization measures (RMMs) between 2000 and 2010, SAR reporting rates decreased for transfusion-transmitted viral infections (TTVIs), transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) and transfusion-transmitted bacterial infections (TTBIs), while increasing for other serious adverse transfusion reactions. Within this decade, the overall blood component use decreased. CONCLUSION: Long-term data collection forms the basis to establish trends and changes in reporting and to evaluate the effect of RMM. Standardized criteria for reaction types, seriousness and imputability assessments and availability of a denominator are important elements. Central data collection and independent assessment allow for monitoring HV data in a nationwide context over time. Stakeholder involvement and transparent feedback on the benefit of RMM will help to achieve the objectives of HV.

Assessing the risk of transfusion-transmitted variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease: a European perspective.

Several countries have recently reassessed the international risk of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) transmission through transfusion of blood and blood components (red blood cells, platelets and plasma) and relaxed donor deferrals based on geographic and transfusion exposure in countries formerly considered to be high risk, such as the UK. In this regard, the European Blood Alliance organised a consensus meeting of experts and involved professionals to discuss current knowledge, epidemiological data, prevention and various methods for assessing the risk of transfusion-transmitted vCJD, as well as to develop an appropriate position on possible approaches to address these challenges in Europe. Participants reached a consensus that the current risk of transfusion-transmitted vCJD associated with blood donors who either travelled to or received transfusions in the UK during the vCJD outbreak is minimal. In addressing such risks, it would be pragmatic that assessments and guidelines are developed by European expert bodies, rather than individual assessments by Member States. Regardless of the approach used, European or national, a qualitative risk assessment based on a review and analysis of available data, considering all the uncertainties and experiences of other countries, would provide crucial information to reassess blood donation strategies regarding the transfusion-associated vCJD risk.

Prevention of potential delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction in two sickle cell patients using intravenous immunoglobulins and steroids before and after red blood cell exchange with antigen positive units and review literature.

Emergent Red Blood Cell (RBC) exchange is indicated in sickle cell disease (SCD) patients with severe acute chest syndrome. However, fully matched RBC units may not be available for patients with multiple RBC antibodies. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and steroids were reported for preventing potential delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction (HTR) in simple transfusion of antigen-positive RBCs. We investigated the efficacy and safety of IVIG and steroids in two SCD patients presented with acute chest syndrome receiving RBC exchange with multiple incompatible units. The first patient had multiple historical alloantibodies, including anti-Jsb, although none of them were reactive. IVIG (1 g/kg) was given before and after RBC exchange with methylprednisolone (500 mg IV) one hour before exchange. Her sickle hemoglobin (HbS) was reduced from 89.4% to 17.4% after the exchange with five Jsb-positive units. The patient improved clinically without acute or delayed hemolysis. The second patient had reactive anti-Jsb on two different admissions 18 months apart. Only one of the sixteen units used in the exchanges was Jsb negative. He received the same IVIG regimen during both admissions but 100 mg IV hydrocortisone instead of methylprednisolone. His HbS was reduced from 63.4% to 22.4% after the first exchange. Significant clinical improvements were achieved after both exchanges. No delayed HTR was observed. Our experience of these two patients suggested that IVIG and steroids may be used in preventing potential delayed HTR in some SCD patients with rare antibodies receiving large amounts of antigen-positive RBC products.

Current challenges of blood transfusions in patients with thalassemia in India and future perspectives.

The introduction of regular red blood cell transfusions transformed thalassemia major from a fatal childhood disease into a chronic disorder. Thalassemia is highly prevalent in South Asia, including the Indian subcontinent, and blood transfusion remains the cornerstone of management for these patients. But safe blood transfusions still remain a major problem in India. Difficulties in maintaining adequate blood inventory, a lack of a national blood act, and fragmented blood transfusion services are some of the major contributing factors for the delay in blood supply. In most of the blood centers, alloantibody detection facilities and extended red cell antigen typing are unavailable. Awareness is the key to reducing alloimmunization, which limits the effectiveness of transfusions and the potential availability of blood. Patients with thalassemia are also at high risk of transfusion-transmitted infections unless appropriate blood screening is in place. Hence, many patients remain under-transfused, resulting in decreased health and quality-of-life outcomes. Facilities such as leucoreduction and immunohematological monitoring following a blood transfusion are often lacking in India, especially at the sub-district level. Continuous efforts to raise community awareness, regular training of health-care workers, and proper utilization of available resources are essential to ensuring safe blood transfusions for patients with thalassemia. Access to the new treatments at an affordable cost may reduce the blood transfusion burden for thalassemia patients in India.

Trend towards reduction of transfusion reactions using prestorage leukocyte-reduced and pooled whole blood-derived platelets and cost savings compared with poststorage whole blood-derived random platelets as evidenced by real-time hemovigilance.

BACKGROUND: Due to chemotherapy-induced neutropenia or hematologic malignancies, immunocompromised cancer patients may have higher incidence of febrile nonhemolytic transfusion reactions compared with the general population and frequently require platelet transfusions. This quality improvement project compared the safety of transfusion using prestorage leukocyte-reduced and pooled whole blood-derived platelets (Acrodose/WBD) with conventionally produced poststorage WBD platelets (RDP) using an active hemovigilance system. METHODS: Every patient receiving a blood product at the hospital was virtually monitored in real time by trained nurses from a remote hemovigilance unit. These nurses monitor a digital dashboard, which populates a watch list of patients from the time blood product administration is initiated until 12 hours posttransfusion. Over the course of 6 months, 371 patients receiving 792 RDP transfusions and 423 patients receiving 780 Acrodose/WBD platelets transfusions were monitored for transfusion reactions. RESULTS: We identified 26 transfusion reactions in RDP but only 12 transfusion reactions in the Acrodose/WBD platelet group. CONCLUSION: Acrodose platelet transfusion was associated with fewer transfusion reactions, which resulted in significant cost savings.

Notification and follow-up of blood donors reactive for transfusion-transmitted infections: A narrative review of the literature from India.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Notifying blood donors of their reactive status for transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) plays a vital role in enabling early diagnosis and management while also preventing these donors from making future donation and transmission of the infectious agent. Given the limited data on donor notification processes in India, a narrative review was conducted to assess the existing notification process and identify areas requiring enhancement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted literature searches using PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus, employing various keywords. The review included data on the year of the study, study design, donor numbers, TTI screening methods, sero-reactive donor confirmation, notification frequency and methods, donor responses, post-test counselling and risk factor assessment. RESULTS: Out of the 29 identified articles, 16 studies were included in the analysis. Repeat testing for initially reactive results was conducted in nine studies for 24.3% reactive donors. Phone calls were the primary notification method in most studies (8; 50%), with letters sent in cases of no response. Only 12 studies provided data on notified donors, revealing a notification rate of 71.2%. Of all initially reactive donors, 33.3% sought post-test counselling. Data from six studies indicated that 74.3% of responsive donors had identifiable TTI risk factors. CONCLUSION: Our review revealed significant variability in the notification processes across different studies. To enhance the management of TTI-reactive donor notifications and responses, we recommend the establishment of universal protocols encompassing pre-donation counselling, repeat/confirmatory testing, notification methods and comprehensive follow-up and treatment.

Les anémies aiguës et la stratégie transfusionnelle chez les drépanocytaires adultes: Acute anemias transfusion strategy in adult sickle cell patients.

Worsening of anemia is very common in sickle cell disease. It is important to investigate specific complications related to sickle cell disease but also other causes of anemia in general. Transfusions or exchange transfusions are major therapeutic options and are frequently used for acute complications of sickle cell disease but also for primary and secondary prevention of some of the chronic complications. The transfusion strategy has been modified since the awareness of post-transfusion hemolysis by taking into account the transfusion risk score. A strong collaboration between the patient's expert center, the Blood center and the patient's hospitalization unit is required to make decisions. © 2023 Société nationale française de médecine interne (SNFMI). Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Battle of the (Chat)Bots: Comparing Large Language Models to Practice Guidelines for Transfusion-Associated Graft-Versus-Host Disease Prevention.

Published guidelines and clinical practices vary when defining indications for irradiation of blood components for the prevention of transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease (TA-GVHD). This study assessed irradiation indication lists generated by multiple artificial intelligence (AI) programs, or chatbots, and compared them to 2020 British Society for Haematology (BSH) practice guidelines. Four chatbots (ChatGPT-3.5, ChatGPT-4, Bard, and Bing Chat) were prompted to list the indications for irradiation to prevent TA-GVHD. Responses were graded for concordance with BSH guidelines. Chatbot response length, discrepancies, and omissions were noted. Chatbot responses differed, but all were relevant, short in length, generally more concordant than discordant with BSH guidelines, and roughly complete. They lacked several indications listed in BSH guidelines and notably differed in their irradiation eligibility criteria for fetuses and neonates. The chatbots variably listed erroneous indications for TA-GVHD prevention, such as patients receiving blood from a donor who is of a different race or ethnicity. This study demonstrates the potential use of generative AI for transfusion medicine and hematology topics but underscores the risk of chatbot medical misinformation. Further study of risk factors for TA-GVHD, as well as the applications of chatbots in transfusion medicine and hematology, is warranted.

The impact of pre-donation viral markers screening of new blood donors on blood safety.

BACKGROUND: The risk of transfusion-transmissible infections (TTIs) remains a concern in transfusion medicine. Since the rate of infection among first-time blood donors is higher than repeated donors, strategies to enhance blood safety can focus on new donors. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of pre-donation viral screening of new donors on blood safety. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The pre-donation screening of new donors was implemented in the Kurdistan blood center. In this program, new donors who met the blood donation criteria were informed about the program and only a blood sample was donated for HBs Ag, HCV Ab, and HIV Ab testing. New donors with negative results were invited to donate blood after 12 weeks. A unit of blood was collected from eligible returned donors. Laboratory tests were performed again using the same methods. Finally, the prevalence of confirmed positive TTI results among donated blood in Kurdistan blood center was compared before and after the establishment of program. RESULTS: During the study, 4,434 new donors were screened for viral markers. A total of 41 new donors (0.92%, 95% CI, 0.007-0.13) had repeatedly reactive results and infection was confirmed in blood sample of 24 donors (0.54%, 95% CI, 0.003-0.008). Overall, 56% of new donors returned for blood donation. Prevalence of confirmed TTIs markers in collected blood units was 0.27% and 0 before and after implementing program, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicated that Pre-donation screening can reduce the risk of TTI transmission by identifying infected donors at the pre-donation phase.

Preventing transfusion-associated circulatory overload in acute care settings.

ABSTRACT: Transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO) is a potentially life-threatening complication that can occur with the transfusion of any blood component, and accounts for up to 24% of transfusion-associated patient fatalities. This article discusses how to develop evidence-based continuing education and guideline recommendations that will increase nursing staff awareness of TACO and guide nurses in prevention and prompt intervention.