Reevaluation of the medical necessity of washed red blood cell transfusion in chronically transfused adults.

BACKGROUND: Washing red blood cell (RBC) units mitigates severe allergic transfusion reactions. However, washing reduces the time to expiration and the effective dose. Automated washing is time- and labor-intensive. A shortage of cell processor tubing sets prompted review of medical necessity for washed RBC for patients previously thought to require washing. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A single-center, retrospective study investigated discontinuing wash RBC protocols in chronically transfused adults. In select patients with prior requirements for washing, due to a history of allergic transfusion reactions, trials of unwashed transfusions were performed. Patient demographic, clinical, laboratory, and transfusion data were compiled. The per-unit washing cost was the sum of the tubing set, saline, and technical labor costs. RESULTS: Fifteen patients (median age 34 years interquartile range [IQR] 23-53 years, 46.7% female) were evaluated. These patients had been transfused with a median of 531 washed RBC units (IQR 244-1066) per patient over 12 years (IQR 5-18 years), most commonly for recurrent, non-severe allergic reactions. There were no transfusion reactions with unwashed RBCs aside from one patient with one episode of pruritus and another with recurrent pruritus, which was typical even with washed RBC. We decreased the mean number of washed RBC units per month by 72.9% (104 ± 10 vs. 28.2 ± 25.2; p < .0001) and saved US $100.25 per RBC unit. CONCLUSION: Washing of RBCs may be safely reconsidered in chronically transfused patients without a history of anaphylaxis. Washing should be implemented judiciously due to potential lack of necessity and logistical/operational challenges.

Overcoming challenges in managing a high-risk pregnancy with placenta previa and newly diagnosed Bombay phenotype.

BACKGROUND: Bombay phenotype is rare and characterized by a lack of H antigen on the surface of red blood cells (RBCs) with naturally occurring anti-H antibodies. The presence of anti-H necessitates the exclusive use of Bombay phenotype RBCs for transfusion. We present a case of a pregnant woman with Bombay phenotype who required urgent cesarean section delivery due to high-risk placenta previa. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 36-year-old G1P0 woman of Indian origin presented at 36 weeks and 4 days gestation for management of a high-risk pregnancy with complete placenta previa. Bombay phenotype was unexpectedly identified on routine testing. Given the rarity of the blood, advanced gestation, and risk of post-partum hemorrhage associated with complete placenta previa and spontaneous labor, prompt strategic planning commenced for a successful delivery. Two frozen allogeneic Bombay phenotype RBCs were available as part of a concise transfusion plan. Intraoperative cell salvage was successfully employed and allogeneic transfusion was not required. CONCLUSION: Management of patients with rare blood types can be extremely challenging and guidance for those presenting later in pregnancy is scarce. Our patient's gestational age precluded the use of well-known effective strategies, including hemoglobin optimization, autologous and directed donation, and procurement of large quantities of rare blood. Rather, our approach utilized multidisciplinary expertise and strategic planning to yield a successful outcome.

Hemostatic properties of cold-stored whole blood leukoreduced using a platelet-sparing versus a non-platelet-sparing filter.

BACKGROUND: Whole blood (WB) is an appealing alternative to component-based transfusion in patients with significant bleeding. Historically, WB was transfused less than 48 hours after collection and was not leukoreduced (LR). However, LR components are now standard in many hospitals and LR WB is desirable. We investigated the effect of the type of LR filter used, as well as storage duration, on coagulation laboratory testing of WB. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Ten units of LR WB-5 units manufactured with a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved platelet (PLT)-sparing filter (WB-PS) and 5 units manufactured with an FDA-approved non-PLT-sparing filter (WB-NPS)-underwent complete blood count, PLT function analyzer (PFA [PFA-100]), thromboelastography (TEG), prothrombin time (PT), partial thromboplastin time (PTT), Factor (F)V activity, chromogenic FVIII, thrombin generation, and microparticle quantification on Storage Days 3, 5, 7, 10, and 14. RESULTS: WB-PS contains more PLTs than WB-NPS (mean, 71 × 109 /L vs. 1 × 109 /L, p < 0.001). WB-PS yielded essentially normal TEG tracings, while TEG tracings of WB-NPS were grossly abnormal (mean reaction time, 7.0 min for WB-PS vs. 9.7 min for WB-NPS, p < 0.001; mean alpha-angle 54.9° vs. 38.1°, p < 0.001; mean maximum amplitude, 54.9 mm vs. 13.9 mm, p < 0.001). PFA-100 closure was more common among units of WB-PS compared to units of WB-NPS (72% vs. 4%, p < 0.001). PT, PTT, and factor activities were not dramatically affected by the LR filter. CONCLUSION: The choice LR filter has a major impact on the hemostatic properties of WB. Although storage of WB is associated with a rapid decline in PLT count, hemostasis as assessed by TEG and PFA-100 is not diminished over a 2-week storage period.