O ciclo de produção do sangue e a transfusão: o que o médico deve saber / The production cycle of blood and transfusion: what the clinician should know

Desde a história da humanidade, o sangue foi associado ao conceito de vida. Entretanto, o uso inadequado do sangue e produtos sanguíneos aumenta o risco de complicações relacionadas à transfusão e eventos adversos para os destinatários. Também contribui para a escassez de produtos derivados do sangue e a possibilidade de não estarem disponíveis, quando necessário, para outros pacientes que deles realmente necessitem. Objetivo: este estudo visa a descrever o histórico da transfusão de sangue e a maneira correta de se utilizar a hemoterapia, visando esclarecer, aos estudantes de Medicina e residentes, bem como médicos interessados, a importância desse conhecimento ao se prescrever um hemocomponente. Metodologia: os tópicos descritos correspondem ao sumário do conhecimento ministrado durante os estágios oferecidos pela Fundação Hemominas para estudantes e residentes de Medicina. Conclusão: a atuação do médico está inegavelmente ligada à concepção científica de seus fundamentos, obtidos, gradual e continuamente, desde o início da formação médica. Nessa perspectiva, melhor capacitação dos profissionais médicos e a elaboração de currículos educacionais, em conformidade com os mais recentes avanços em hemoterapia, podem melhorar o conhecimento médico relativo à medicina transfusional.

Since the history of mankind, blood has been associated with the concept of life. However, improper use of blood and blood products increases the risk of transfusion-related complications and adverse events to recipients. It also contributes to the shortage of blood products and possibility of unavailability to patients in real need. Objective: this study aims to describe the history of blood transfusion and correct way of using hemotherapy,aiming to clarify to medical students and residents, as well as interested doctors, the importance of this knowledge when prescribing a hemo-component. Methodology: the topics described correspond to the summary of knowledge taught during the training courses offered by the Hemominas Foundation for medical students and residents. Conclusion: the doctor?s performance is undeniably linked to the scientific conception ofhis fundamentals gradually and continuously obtained since the beginning of medical training. In this perspective, a better training of medical professionals and development of educational curricula in accordance with the most recent advances in hematology can improve the medical knowledge related to transfusion medicine.

Teaching transfusion medicine: current situation and proposals for proper medical training.

The current curricula in medical schools and hospital residence worldwide lack exposure to blood transfusion medicine, and require the reformulation of academic programs. In many countries, training in blood transfusion is not currently offered to medical students or during residency. Clinical evidence indicates that blood transfusions occur more frequently than recommended, contributing to increased risk due to this procedure. Therefore, the rational use of blood and its components is essential, due to the frequent undesirable reactions, to the increasing demand of blood products and the cost of the process. Significant improvements in knowledge of and skills in transfusion medicine are needed by both students and residents. Improvements are needed in both background knowledge and the practical application of this knowledge to improve safety. Studies prove that hemovigilance has an impact on transfusion safety and helps to prevent the occurrence of transfusion-related adverse effects. To ensure that all these aspects of blood transfusion are being properly addressed, many countries have instituted hospital transfusion committees. From this perspective, the interventions performed during the formation of medical students and residents, even the simplest, have proven effective in the acquisition of knowledge and medical training, thereby leading to a reduction in inappropriate use of blood. Therefore, we would like to emphasize the importance of the exposure of medical students and residents to blood services and transfusion medicine in order for them to acquire adequate medical training, as well as to discuss some changes in the current medical curricula regarding transfusion medicine that we judge critical.

Teaching transfusion medicine: current situation and proposals for proper medical training

The current curricula in medical schools and hospital residence worldwide lack exposure to blood transfusion medicine, and require the reformulation of academic programs. In many countries, training in blood transfusion is not currently offered to medical students or during residency. Clinical evidence indicates that blood transfusions occur more frequently than recommended, contributing to increased risk due to this procedure. Therefore, the rational use of blood and its components is essential, due to the frequent undesirable reactions, to the increasing demand of blood products and the cost of the process. Significant improvements in knowledge of and skills in transfusion medicine are needed by both students and residents. Improvements are needed in both background knowledge and the practical application of this knowledge to improve safety. Studies prove that hemovigilance has an impact on transfusion safety and helps to prevent the occurrence of transfusion-related adverse effects. To ensure that all these aspects of blood transfusion are being properly addressed, many countries have instituted hospital transfusion committees. From this perspective, the interventions performed during the formation of medical students and residents, even the simplest, have proven effective in the acquisition of knowledge and medical training, thereby leading to a reduction in inappropriate use of blood. Therefore, we would like to emphasize the importance of the exposure of medical students and residents to blood ser- vices and transfusion medicine in order for them to acquire adequate medical training, as well as to discuss some changes in the current medical curricula regarding transfusion medicine that we judge critical.

Uso de hemocomponentes em hospital de médio porte em Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais / Use of blood in mid-sized hospital in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais

Introdução: a transfusão de sangue tem como objetivo restaurar o volume de sangue e manter a concentração de oxigênio. Pode ser um procedimento essencial para a melhoria do estado geral e preservação da vida dos pacientes, mas pode ter efeitos indesejáveis e até mesmo letais. Objetivos: avaliar o perfil de transfusão hospitalar e adesão aos protocolospesquisados. Métodos: estudo descritivo de série de casos com amostra coletada de forma sistemática, a partir dos registros de solicitações de hemocomponentes do ano de 2012. A distribuição dos dados coletados foi analisada após soma do total em número absoluto e cálculo da sensibilidade. Resultados: a proporção de solicitações foi maior para pacientes do sexo masculino (54,6%) e a faixa etária com maior prevalência de solicitações de hemotransfusão foi de 60 anos ou mais (40,4% do total). O concentrado de hemácias (CH) foi o componente do sangue com o maior número de pedidos (72,4%), seguido de plasma congelado fresco (PFC) (22,2%) e de concentrados de plaquetas (CP) (6,2%). Entre as indicações de CH, a anemia foi o mais encontrado, seguido por sangramento. O sangramento também foi a principal indicação clínica do PFC. Outras indicações do PFC foram anemia e terapia de coagulopatias/anticoagulação. Pedidos, transfusões e internações não mostraram relação direta temporal durante o ano estudado. Conclusões: o estudo das características da demanda de sangue pode auxiliar na observação e previsão de tendências e desfechos. Considerando a análise temporal da demanda de sangue, por exemplo, destaca-se a importância de manter o banco de sangue com reservas suficientespara atender às exigências. Além disso, foram encontrados registros de uso acima do esperado de PFC, com indicações não preconizadas pelo hospital e literatura nacional.

Introduction: Blood transfusion is aimed to restore blood volume and maintain the oxygen concentration. It can be an essential procedure for improving the general condition and preserve the lives of patients, but it may have unwanted and even lethal effects. Aims: To evaluate the characteristics and adherence to hospital transfusion protocols surveyed. Methods: Descriptive case series study with samples collected systematically from the records of requests for blood products of the year 2012. The distribution of the collected data was analyzed after the totalsum in absolute numbers and calculation of sensitivity. Results: The proportion of requests was higher for male patients (54.3%) and the age group with the highest prevalence of requests for blood transfusion was 60 years or more (40.4% of the total). The packed red blood cells (RBC)was the blood component with the highest number of requests (72.4%), followed by fresh frozen plasma (FFP) (22.2%) and platelet concentrates (PC) (6.2%). Among the indications for RBC, anemia was most frequently found, followed by bleeding. Bleeding was also the main clinical indication FFP. Other indications of the FFP were anemia and coagulopathies / anticoagulation therapy. Orders, transfusions and hospitalizationsdid not show a direct temporal relationship during the year studied. Conclusions: The study of the characteristics of the demand for blood can aid in the detection and prediction of trends and outcomes. Considering the temporal analysis of the demand for blood, for example, emphasize the importance of maintaining the blood bank with sufficient reserves to meet the requirements. Furthermore, usage records higher than expected FFP, with no indications recommended by the hospital and national literature were found.

Sickle Cell Disease: quality of life in patients with hemoglobin SS and SC disorders.

OBJECTIVE: Sickle cell disease comprises chronic, genetically determined disorders, presenting significant morbidity and high prevalence in Brazil. The goal of this study was to evaluate the quality of life of sickle cell disease patients (hemoglobin SS and SC) and their sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. METHODS: Data was collected from clinical records and semi-structured interviews consisting of clinical questionnaires and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-brief questionnaire. RESULTS: Interviews were conducted with 400 patients, aged between 18 and 72, treated in the Fundação HEMOMINAS in Belo Horizonte. The participants predominantly had sickle cell disease hemoglobin SS variant (65.5%), were female (61.8%), single (55.3), with up to 8 years of schooling (49.6%), and self-defined as mulattos (50%). Pain crises, hospitalizations, blood transfusions, and other morbidities of sickle cell disease had a significant impact on the quality of life of these patients. CONCLUSION: Within this group, the social profile was that of low income and unemployed with sickle cell disease considered to be a significant impediment to finding a job. Evaluating quality of life as a determining factor of health is essential for the creation of specific policies and measures, appropriate for the specific characteristics and social context of sickle cell disease.

Temporal distribution of blood donations in three Brazilian blood centers and its repercussion on the blood supply.

BACKGROUND: Seasonal distribution of blood donation hinders efforts to provide a safe and adequate blood supply leading to chronic and persistent shortages. This study examined whether holidays, geographical area and donation type (community versus replacement) has any impact on the fluctuation of donations. METHODS: The numbers of blood donations from 2007 through 2010 in three Brazilian Retrovirus Epidemiological Donor Study II (REDS-II) participating centers were analyzed according to the week of donation. The weeks were classified as holiday or non-holiday. To compare donations performed during holiday versus non-holiday weeks, tabulations and descriptive statistics for weekly donations by blood center were examined and time series analysis was conducted. RESULTS: The average weekly number of donations varied according to the blood center and type of week. The average number of donations decreased significantly during Carnival and Christmas and increased during the Brazilian National Donor Week. The fluctuation was more pronounced in Recife and Belo Horizonte when compared to São Paulo and higher among community donors. CONCLUSION: National bank holidays affect the blood supply by reducing available blood donations. Blood banks should take into account these oscillations in order to plan local campaigns, aiming at maintaining the blood supply at acceptable levels.

Sickle Cell Disease: quality of life in patients with hemoglobin SS and SC disorders

OBJECTIVE Sickle cell disease comprises chronic, genetically determined disorders, presenting significant morbidity and high prevalence in Brazil. The goal of this study was to evaluate the quality of life of sickle cell disease patients (hemoglobin SS and SC) and their sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. METHODS Data was collected from clinical records and semi-structured interviews consisting of clinical questionnaires and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-brief questionnaire. RESULTS Interviews were conducted with 400 patients, aged between 18 and 72, treated in the Fundação HEMOMINAS in Belo Horizonte. The participants predominantly had sickle cell disease hemoglobin SS variant (65.5%), were female (61.8%), single (55.3), with up to 8 years of schooling (49.6%), and self-defined as mulattos (50%). Pain crises, hospitalizations, blood transfusions, and other morbidities of sickle cell disease had a significant impact on the quality of life of these patients. CONCLUSION Within this group, the social profile was that of low income and unemployed with sickle cell disease considered to be a significant impediment to finding a job. Evaluating quality of life as a determining factor of health is essential for the creation of specific policies and measures, appropriate for the specific characteristics and social context of sickle cell disease.

Temporal distribution of blood donations in three Brazilian blood centers and its repercussion on the blood supply

BACKGROUND:Seasonal distribution of blood donation hinders efforts to provide a safe and adequate blood supply leading to chronic and persistent shortages. This study examined whether holidays, geographical area and donation type (community versus replacement) has any impact on the fluctuation of donations. METHODS: The numbers of blood donations from 2007 through 2010 in three Brazilian Retrovirus Epidemiological Donor Study II (REDS-II) participating centers were analyzed according to the week of donation. The weeks were classified as holiday or non-holiday. To compare donations performed during holiday versus non-holiday weeks, tabulations and descriptive statistics for weekly donations by blood center were examined and time series analysis was conducted. RESULTS: The average weekly number of donations varied according to the blood center and type of week. The average number of donations decreased significantly during Carnival and Christmas and increased during the Brazilian National Donor Week. The fluctuation was more pronounced in Recife and Belo Horizonte when compared to São Paulo and higher among community donors. CONCLUSION: National bank holidays affect the blood supply by reducing available blood donations. Blood banks should take into account these oscillations in order to plan local campaigns, aiming at maintaining the blood supply at acceptable levels. .

Monitoring the HTLV-1 proviral load in the peripheral blood of asymptomatic carriers and patients with HTLV-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis from a Brazilian cohort: ROC curve analysis to establish the threshold for risk disease.

Human T-lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV-1) infection is associated with HTLV-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP), which affects approximately 5% of carriers. High proviral load is a risk marker for HAM/TSP, although there is an overlap of proviral load levels in peripheral blood between asymptomatic carriers and HAM/TSP patients. In this study, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to define a set point of HTLV-1 proviral load that better indicates an increased risk for HAM/TSP. Proviral load was quantified in 75 asymptomatic carriers and 78 HAM/TSP patients in a Brazilian cohort. The cut-off of proviral load was defined as 114 copies/10(4) cells, with 78.2% sensitivity to identify true HAM/TSP patients. The mean proviral load levels were not significantly different between males and females with the same clinical status, and there was no significant correlation between proviral load and age at blood sampling, age at the onset of illness, or duration of disease. In HAM/TSP patients, proviral load was significantly higher in wheelchair-bound patients than in individuals able to walk without support and in those with the worst spinal cord injuries. Follow-up of HTLV-1-infected individuals showed that proviral load was more stable in asymptomatic carriers than in HAM/TSP patients. In a cohort study, periodically quantifying proviral load in asymptomatic carriers is necessary to identify those at risk for developing neurological disease, and it is necessary for HAM/TSP patients to monitor spinal injury and progression to walking disability. The measure of proviral load in clinical practice implicates the definition of the cut-off of proviral load and its validation during follow-up.

[Human T cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV-1): when to suspect infection?].

Human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV) infections have occurred for thousands of years. However, knowledge about their pathogenesis is recent. The virus is endemic in several regions around the world. In Brazil, it is present in all states at varying prevalence rates and it has been estimated that around 2.5 million Brazilians are infected. Genetic and immunological parameters of the host are the most important determinants of the clinical manifestations associated with infection. These can be divided into three categories: neoplastic, inflammatory and infectious. HTLV-associated myelopathy (HAM/TSP) and adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) were the first diseases to be related to this retrovirus. More recently, countless other diseases have been correlated with the virus. The objective of this review is to provide an update on epidemiological, pathophysiologic, therapeutic and, primarily, diagnostic knowledge about HTLV, in order to encourage etiologic suspicion of HTLV in all its diverse clinical manifestations, which are currently rarely associated with this agent.

[Spatial-temporal distribution of potential blood donors at the Hemominas Foundation, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, in 1994 and 2004]. / Distribuição espaço-temporal dos candidatos à doação de sangue da Fundação Hemominas, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil, nos anos de 1994 e 2004.

The main goal of this study was to describe the spatial and temporal distribution of candidates for blood donation in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, who appeared at the Hemominas Foundation in 1994 and 2004. The study also compared the candidates for age, gender, and clinical approval for blood donation in space and space-time. Data were obtained from a cross-sectional study for 1994 and were randomly selected from all donor candidates for 2004. The samples were georeferenced using the residential address. The spatial analysis techniques employed were: Kernel maps, thematic maps of Bayesian empirical rates and crude rates, and Moran Global. According to the findings, spatial distribution of candidates was non-random. The Kernel maps helped detect points with higher or lower concentration of candidates. Thematic maps described the concentration of candidates in relation to the population for the various categories. The results could help detect areas for actions targeting donor recruitment and areas with specific blood donation public campaign needs.

Distribuição espaço-temporal dos candidatos à doação de sangue da Fundação Hemominas, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil, nos anos de 1994 e 2004 / Spatial-temporal distribution of potential blood donors at the Hemominas Foundation, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, in 1994 and 2004

Este estudo teve como objetivo descrever a distribuição espacial e temporal dos candidatos à doação de sangue, do Município de Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil, que se apresentaram no hemocentro da Fundação Hemominas, nos anos de 1994 e 2004. Comparou no espaço e no espaço-tempo as características idade, sexo e aptidão clínica destes candidatos. As informações de 1994, obtidas de estudo transversal, e as de 2004, amostrados entre os candidatos à doação durante o ano. As amostras foram georreferenciadas através dos endereços de residência. As técnicas espaciais utilizadas foram: mapas Kernel, mapas temáticos de taxas Bayesianas empíricas e de taxas brutas e o índice de Moran global. Os resultados indicaram que a distribuição espacial de candidatos não foi aleatória. Os mapas Kernel auxiliaram na detecção de locais com maior ou menor concentração de candidatos. Os mapas temáticos descreveram a concentração de candidatos relativos à população para as diferentes categorias analisadas. Estes resultados ajudam na detecção de locais para ações direcionadas à captação de candidatos à doação bem como locais com necessidades de campanhas a públicos específicos.

The main goal of this study was to describe the spatial and temporal distribution of candidates for blood donation in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, who appeared at the Hemominas Foundation in 1994 and 2004. The study also compared the candidates for age, gender, and clinical approval for blood donation in space and space-time. Data were obtained from a cross-sectional study for 1994 and were randomly selected from all donor candidates for 2004. The samples were georeferenced using the residential address. The spatial analysis techniques employed were: Kernel maps, thematic maps of Bayesian empirical rates and crude rates, and Moran Global. According to the findings, spatial distribution of candidates was non-random. The Kernel maps helped detect points with higher or lower concentration of candidates. Thematic maps described the concentration of candidates in relation to the population for the various categories. The results could help detect areas for actions targeting donor recruitment and areas with specific blood donation public campaign needs.

O vírus linfotrópico de células T humanos tipo 1 (HTLV-1): quando suspeitar da infecção?: [revisão] / Human T cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV)1: when should infection be suspected?: [review]

A infecção pelo vírus linfotrópico de células T humanas (HTLV) ocorre há milhares de anos. No entanto, o conhecimento sobre a sua patogênese é recente. Esse vírus é endêmico em várias regiões do mundo. No Brasil encontra-se presente em todos os estados, com prevalências variadas, sendo estimado cerca de 2,5 milhões de infectados. Fatores genéticos e imunológicos do hospedeiro são os principais responsáveis pelas manifestações clínicas associadas, que podem ser divididas em três categorias: neoplásicas, inflamatórias e infecciosas. Destacam-se a mielopatia associada ao HTLV (HAM/TSP) e a leucemia/linfoma de células T do adulto (ATLL) como as primeiras doenças associadas a esse retrovírus. Posteriormente, inúmeras outras doenças têm sido correlacionadas a esse vírus. Esta revisão atualiza conhecimentos epidemiológicos, fisiopatológicos, terapêuticos e principalmente diagnósticos do HTLV. O objetivo é permitir a suspeita etiológica do HTLV em suas diversas manifestações clínicas, hoje pouco correlacionadas com este agente.

Human T Lymphotropic Virus (HTLV) infection has occurred for thousands of years. However, knowledge about this pathogenesis is recent. This virus is endemic worldwide. In Brazil it is present throughout the country , with different prevalence and about 2 5 million infected. Genetic and immunologic characteristics of the host are chiefly responsible for clinically associated manifestations which may be: neoplasic, inflammatory and infectious diseases. HTLV associated myelopathy (TSP/ HAM) and adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) stand out as the first diseases associated to this retrovirus. Further, several diseases have been correlated to this virus. This review updates epidemiologic, physiopathologic, therapeutic and diagnostic knowledge of HTLV. The purose is to orient suspicion of HTLV etiology and several clinically associated manifestations, which currenty are seldom correlated with this virus.

Infecções virais e depressão / Viral infections and depression

Objetivo: a associação entre depressão e virose é estudada há quase dois séculos, com resultados conflitantes. O objetivo deste trabalho é fazer uma análise crítica dos estudos existentes na literatura sobre essa relação. Métodos: a pesquisa bibliográfica utilizou as fontes eletrônicas de busca MEDLINE e LILACS (1966 a agosto 2005). As referências dos artigos foram utilizados como fonte adicional de consulta. Resultados: foram abordados os trabalhos que tratavam da associação entre depressão e os vírus HIV, EBV, influenza, HSV, HBV, HAV, BDV e HTLV. A relação entre HIV e depressão mostrou-se bem documentada na literatura. Existem indícios de que a prevalência desse transtorno nos indivíduos infectados pelo HIV seja maior do que a encontrada nos soronegativos. Além disso, estudos constataram que a depressão está associada a pior prognóstico da infecção. Quanto à associação entre HCV e depressão, os trabalhos sugeriam maior prevalência desse transtorno psiquiátrico nos portadores do HCV comparados à população geral. Não existem evidências científicas suficientes para dar suporte à relação entre os demais vírus e depressão. Conclusão: as associações mais bem fundamentadas foram aquelas entre depressão e os vírus HIV e HCV. A relação entre as demais viroses e depressão precisa ser mais bem estudada, e trabalhos com delineamento adequado se fazem necessários.