Targeting patient blood management's first pillar: A multicentric retrospective study on preoperative anemia

ABSTRACT Introduction: Anemia is a common issue in surgical patients and has been associated with worse clinical outcomes, such as a higher probability of transfusions and longer hospital stay. Therefore, Patient Blood Management programs are actively aiming to achieve early identification and treatment of anemia, previous to the surgery. Methods and materials: In this study, preoperative hemoglobin within the Blood Order Schedule (BOS) at 16 blood centers in several Brazilian regions were retrospectively evaluated. Data regarding hemoglobin, age, gender and Brazilian regions were further analyzed. Results: From the 20,201 BOSs evaluated, the mean age was 55.65 ± 23.52 years old, with an overall prevalence of preoperative anemia of 60.9%. Women had a lower mean preoperative hemoglobin (11.74 ± 2.84 for women and 12.27 ± 3.06 for men) and higher prevalence of anemia than men (66% of females and 52.2% of males). The individuals over 65 years old and under 18 were the most affected by preoperative anemia. All regions had a high prevalence of preoperative anemia, without any direct association with the Human Development Index. Conclusion: In summary, upon evaluating the BOS, our study showed a high prevalence of preoperative anemia in all Brazilian regions, regardless of the gender and age group, but that women and individuals less than 18 or over 65 years old have an even higher prevalence of preoperative anemia. This information can identify the institutions in which preoperative anemia is a critical issue and in which new strategies, such as preoperative screening clinics, might be helpful.

Frequency of the DI*A, DI*B and Band 3 Memphis polymorphism among distinct groups in Brazil

ABSTRACT Introduction: The Band 3 is a red blood cell protein that carries the Dia and Dib antigens from the Diego blood system. The SLC4A1 gene encodes Band 3; Band 3 Memphis is a polymorphism of normal Band 3 and has two variants, but only the variant II carries the Dia antigen. Objectives: Describe the frequencies of the DI*A and DI*B alleles and the Band 3 Memphis among blood donors, sickle cell disease (SCD) patients and Amazonian Indians. Methods: A total of 427 blood samples were collected and separated into three groups: 206 unrelated blood donors, 90 patients with SCD and 131 Amazonian Indians. We performed DI*A/B, normal Band 3 and Band 3 Memphis genotyping, using the Polymerase Chain Reaction Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Results: The frequency of the DI*A/DI*A genotype was 0.5% in blood donors and it was not found in other groups. The frequency of the DI*A/DI*B was higher in Amazonian Indians (33.6%) and the frequency of the DI*B/DI*B was highest in blood donors (92.2%). All 105 individuals tested were positive for the presence of normal Band 3 and of these individuals, only 5/105 (4.8%) presented the Band 3 Memphis mutation. Conclusion: We observed a higher frequency of the DI*B allele in blood donors and a low frequency of the DI*A/DI*A genotype in all groups studied. The Band 3 Memphis was found in a higher frequency in the blood donor group. Our findings highlight the importance of analyzing different population groups to gain a better understanding of the genetic association of blood group antigens.

Blood cells profile in umbilical cord of late preterm and term newborns / Perfil de hemograma em sangue de cordão umbilical de recém-nascidos pré-termo tardio e a termo

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the hematological profile in cord blood of late preterm and term newborns and compare blood indices according to sex, weight for gestational age and type of delivery. Methods: Cross-sectional study with late preterm and term newborns in a second-level maternity. Multiple gestation, chorioamnionitis, maternal or fetal hemorrhage, suspected congenital infection, 5-minute Apgar <6, congenital malformations, and Rh hemolytic disease were excluded. Percentiles 3, 5,10, 25, 50, 75, 90, 95 and 97 of blood indices were calculated for both groups. Results: 2,662 newborns were included in the sample, 51.1% males, 7.3% late preterms, 7.8% small for gestational age (SGA) and 81.2% adequate for gestational age (AGA). Mean gestational age was 35.6±1.9 and 39.3±1.0 weeks, respectively, for premature and term neonates. The erythrocytes indices and white blood cells increased from 34-36.9 to 37-41.9 weeks. Basophils and platelets remained constant during gestation. Premature neonates presented lower values ​​of all blood cells, except for lymphocytes and eosinophils. SGA neonates presented higher values ​​of hemoglobin, hematocrit and lower values of leukocytes, neutrophils, bands, segmented, eosinophils, monocytes and platelets. Male neonates presented similar values ​​of erythrocytes and hemoglobin and lower leukocytes, neutrophils, segmented and platelets. Neonates delivered by C-section had lower values ​​of red blood cells and platelets. Chronic or gestational hypertension induced lower number of platelets. Conclusions: Blood cells increased during gestation, except for platelets and basophils. SGA neonates had higher hemoglobin and hematocrit values and lower leukocytes. Number of platelets was smaller in male SGAs, born by C-section and whose mothers had hypertension.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever o perfil hematológico em sangue de cordão de recém-nascidos pré-termo tardio e a termo e comparar parâmetros hematimétricos segundo sexo, adequação peso idade gestacional e tipo de parto. Métodos: Estudo transversal com recém-nascidos pré-termo tardio e a termo, em maternidade de nível secundário. Excluíram-se gestação múltipla, corioamnionite, hemorragia materna ou fetal, suspeita de infecção congênita, Apgar no 5o minuto <6, malformações congênitas e doença hemolítica Rh. Calcularam-se os percentis 3, 5, 10, 25, 50, 75, 90, 95 e 97 dos parâmetros hematológicos. Resultados: Incluíram-se 2.662 recém-nascidos, 51,1% do sexo masculino, 7,3% prematuros tardios, 7,8% pequenos para a idade gestacional e 81,2% adequados. A idade gestacional foi 35,6±1,9 e 39,3±1,0 semanas, respectivamente, nos prematuros e termos. As séries vermelha e branca aumentaram de 34-36,9 para 37-41,9 semanas, exceto basófilos e plaquetas, que permaneceram constantes. Os prematuros apresentaram menores médias nas séries vermelha, plaquetária e branca, com exceção de linfócitos e eosinófilos. Recém-nascidos pequenos para a idade gestacional apresentaram maiores valores de hemoglobina e hematócrito e menores de leucócitos, neutrófilos, bastonetes segmentados, eosinófilos, monócitos e plaquetas. Recém-nascidos masculinos apresentaram taxas semelhantes de hemoglobina e hematócrito e menores de leucócitos, neutrófilos, segmentados e plaquetas. Na cesárea, as células vermelhas e as plaquetas foram menores que no parto vaginal. O número de plaquetas foi menor na hipertensão crônica ou gestacional. Conclusões: As células sanguíneas aumentaram durante a gestação, exceto plaquetas e basófilos. Recém-nascidos pequenos para a idade gestacional apresentaram maiores taxas de hemoglobina e hematócrito e menores de células brancas. O número de plaquetas foi menor no recém-nascido pequeno para a idade gestacional, masculino, nascido por cesárea e de mãe hipertensa.

Clinical and epidemiological profile of female blood donors with positive serology for viral hepatitis B

ABSTRACTINTRODUCTION:Since women are frequently the minority among blood donors worldwide, studies evaluating this population usually reflect male features. We assessed the features of female blood donors with positive serology for HBV and compared them with those of men.METHODS The study comprised consecutive blood donors referred to a specialized liver disease center to be evaluated due to HBsAg- and/or anti-HBc-positive tests.RESULTS: The study encompassed 1,273 individuals, 219 (17.2%) of whom were referred due to positive HBsAg test and 1,054 (82.8%) due to reactive anti-HBc test. Subjects' mean age was 36.8±10.9 years, and 28.7% were women. Female blood donors referred for positive HBsAg screening tests demonstrated higher prevalence of healthcare workers (9.3% vs 2.5%) and lower prevalence of sexual risk behaviors (15.1% vs 41.1%) and alcohol abuse (1.9% vs 19.8%) compared to men. Women had lower ALT (0.6 vs 0.8×ULN), AST (0.6 vs 0.8×ULN), direct bilirubin (0.2 vs 0.3mg/dL), and alkaline phosphatase (0.5 vs 0.6×ULN) levels and higher platelet count (223,380±50,293 vs 195,020±53,060/mm3). Women also had a higher prevalence of false-positive results (29.6% vs 17.0%). No differences were observed with respect to liver biopsies. Female blood donors referenced for reactive anti-HBc screening tests presented similar clinical, epidemiological, and biochemical characteristics to those reported for positive HBsAg screening tests and similarly had a higher prevalence of false-reactive results.CONCLUSIONS: Compared to men, female blood donors with positive HBsAg and/or anti-HBc screening tests demonstrated higher prevalence of professional risk and false-positive results and reduced alteration of liver chemistry.

Reduction of exposure to blood donors in preterm infants submitted to red blood cell transfusions using pediatric satellite packs / Reduccion de la exposicion a donantes de sangre en prematuros sometidos a transfusiones de hematies con uso de bolsas de transferencia pediatrica / Reducao da exposicao a doadores de sangue em prematuros submetidos a transfusoes de hemaciascom uso de bolsas de transferencia pediatricas

OBJECTIVE: In preterm newborn infants transfused with erythrocytes stored up to 28 days, to compare the reduction of blood donor exposure in two groups of infants classified according to birth weight. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted with preterm infants with birth weight <1000g (Group 1) and 1000-1499g (Group 2), born between April, 2008 and December, 2009. Neonates submitted to exchange transfusions, emergency erythrocyte transfusion, or those who died in the first 24 hours of life were excluded. Transfusions were indicated according to the local guideline using pediatric transfusion satellite bags. Demographic and clinical data, besides number of transfusions and donors were assessed. . Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine factors associated with multiple transfusions. RESULTS: 30 and 48 neonates were included in Groups 1 and 2, respectively. The percentage of newborns with more than one erythrocyte transfusion (90 versus 11%), the median number of transfusions (3 versus 1) and the median of blood donors (2 versus 1) were higher in Group 1 (p<0.001), compared to Group 2. Among those with multiple transfusions, 14 (82%) and one (50%) presented 50% reduction in the number of blood donors, respectively in Groups 1 and 2. Factors associated with multiple transfusions were: birth weight <1000g (OR 11.91; 95%CI 2.14-66.27) and presence of arterial umbilical catheter (OR 8.59; 95%CI 1.94-38.13), adjusted for confounders. CONCLUSIONS: The efficacy of pediatrics satellites bags on blood donor reduction was higher in preterm infants with birth weight <1000g. .

OBJETIVO En prematuros transfundidos con hematíes preservados por hasta 28 días, comparar la reducción de exposición a donantes en dos grupos de pacientes, según el peso al nacer. MÉTODO Se trata de un estudio prospectivo con prematuros con peso al nacer <1000g (Grupo 1) y de 1000-1499g (Grupo 2), nacidos entre abr/2008 a dic/2009. Se excluyeron recién-nacidos sometidos a exsanguineotransfusión, transfusión de emergencia u óbito antes de 24 horas de vida. Las transfusiones fueron indicadas según la rutina del servicio, utilizando bolsas de transferencia pediátrica. Se analizaron datos demográficos, clínicos y número de transfusiones y donantes. Variables categóricas fueron comparadas por la prueba de chi-cuadrado y numéricas por la prueba t o Mann-Whitney. Se utilizó regresión logística para análisis de factores asociados a las múltiples transfusiones. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 30 prematuros en el Grupo 1 y 48 en el Grupo 2. El porcentaje de prematuros que recibió más de una transfusión de hematíes (89,5 versus 10,5%), la mediana del número de transfusiones (3 versus 1) y la mediana de donantes (2 versus 1) fue mayor en el Grupo 1, comparado al Grupo 2 (p<0,001). Entre aquellos con transfusiones múltiples, 14 (82,4%) y 1 (50,0%) prematuros presentaron reducción de 50% de donantes respectivamente en los Grupos 1 y 2. Los factores asociados a múltiples transfusiones fueron peso al nacer <1000g (OR 11,91; IC95% 2,14-66,27) y presencia de catéter arterial umbilical (8,59; 1,94-38,13), controlados para variables de confusión. CONCLUSIONES La eficacia de las bolsas de transferencia pediátricas para reducir la exposición a donantes de sangre fue mayor en prematuros con peso al nacer <1000g. .

OBJETIVO Em prematuros transfundidos com hemácias preservadas por até 28 dias, comparar a redução de exposição a doadores em dois grupos de pacientes, de acordo com o peso ao nascer. MÉTODOS Estudo prospectivo de prematuros com peso ao nascer <1000g (Grupo 1) e de 1000-1499g (Grupo 2), nascidos entre abril de 2008 e dezembro de 2009. Excluíram-se os recém-nascidos submetidos a exsanguineotransfusão, transfusão de emergência ou óbito antes de 24 horas de vida. As transfusões foram indicadas conforme rotina do serviço, utilizando-se bolsas de transferência pediátricas. Analisaram-se dados demográficos, clínicos e número de transfusões e doadores. Utilizou-se regressão logística para análise de fatores associados às múltiplas transfusões. RESULTADOS Incluíram-se 30 prematuros no Grupo 1 e 48 no Grupo 2. A porcentagem de prematuros que receberam mais de uma transfusão de hemácias (90 versus 11%), a mediana do número de transfusões (3 versus 1) e mediana de doadores (2 versus 1) foram maiores no Grupo 1, comparado ao Grupo 2 (p<0,001). Entre aqueles com transfusões múltiplas, 14 (82%) e um (50%) prematuros apresentaram redução de 50% de doadores respectivamente nos Grupos 1 e 2. Os fatores associados a múltiplas transfusões foram peso ao nascer <1000g (OR 11,91; IC95% 2,14-66,27) e presença de cateter arterial umbilical (OR 8,59; IC95% 1,94-38,13), controlados para variáveis de confusão. CONCLUSÕES A eficácia das bolsas de transferência pediátricas para reduzir a exposição a doadores de sangue foi maior em prematuros com peso ao nascer <1000g. .

Multiple myeloma with cells typically seen in storage diseases

We report on a rare case of multiple myeloma with atypically large cells containing a great amount of azurophilic inclusions usually seen in storage diseases.

Association between Knops blood group polymorphisms and susceptibility to malaria in an endemic area of the Brazilian Amazon

Complement receptor 1 (CR1) gene polymorphisms that are associated with Knops blood group antigens may influence the binding of Plasmodium parasites to erythrocytes, thereby affecting susceptibility to malaria. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genotype and allele and haplotype frequencies of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of Knops blood group antigens and examine their association with susceptibility to malaria in an endemic area of Brazil. One hundred and twenty-six individuals from the Brazilian Amazon were studied. The CR1-genomic fragment was amplified by PCR and six SNPs and haplotypes were identified after DNA sequence analysis. Allele and haplotype frequencies revealed that the Kn b allele and H8 haplotype were possibly associated with susceptibility to Plasmodium falciparum. The odds ratios were reasonably high, suggesting a potentially important association between two Knops blood antigens (Kn b and KAM+) that confer susceptibility to P. falciparum in individuals from the Brazilian Amazon.

Lesão pulmonar aguda associada à transfusão / Transfusion-related acute lung injury

Lesão pulmonar aguda associada à transfusão (transfusion-related acute lung injury, TRALI) é uma complicação clínica grave relacionada à transfusão de hemocomponentes que contêm plasma. Recentemente, TRALI foi considerada a principal causa de morte associada à transfusão nos Estados Unidos e Reino Unido. É manifestada tipicamente por dispnéia, hipoxemia, hipotensão, febre e edema pulmonar não cardiogênico, que ocorre durante ou dentro de 6 h, após completada a transfusão. Embora o exato mecanismo não tenha sido totalmente elucidado, postula-se que TRALI esteja associada à infusão de anticorpos contra antígenos leucocitários (classes I ou II ou aloantígenos específicos de neutrófilos) e a mediadores biologicamente ativos presentes em componentes celulares estocados. A maioria dos doadores implicados em casos da TRALI são mulheres multíparas. TRALI, além de ser pouco diagnosticada, pode ainda ser confundida com outras situações de insuficiência respiratória aguda. Um melhor conhecimento sobre TRALI pode ser crucial na prevenção e tratamento desta severa complicação transfusional.

Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) is a serious clinical syndrome associated with the transfusion of plasma-containing blood components. Recently, TRALI has come to be recognized as the leading cause of transfusion-related death in the United States and United Kingdom. This complication typically presents as shortness of breath, hypoxemia, hypotension, fever and noncardiogeneic pulmonary edema, all occurring during or within 6 h after transfusion. Although the mechanism of TRALI has not been fully elucidated, it has been associated with human leukocyte antigen antibodies (class I, class II or neutrophil alloantigens) and with biologically active mediators in stored cellular blood components. Most of the donors implicated in cases of TRALI are multiparous women. Rarely diagnosed, TRALI can be confused with other causes of acute respiratory failure. Greater knowledge regarding TRALI on the part of clinicians could be crucial in preventing and treating this severe complication of blood transfusion.

Avaliação da hemorragia feto-materna em puérperas com indicação para ministração de imunoglobulina anti-D / Evaluation of fetomaternal hemorrhage in postpartum patients with indication for administration of anti-D immunoglobulin

Avaliamos a ocorrência da hemorragia feto-materna entre 343 puérperas que receberiam profilaxia da aloimunização Rh com emprego de imunoglobulina anti-D. Realizamos o teste de roseta para triagem dos casos que necessitariam determinação quantitativa do volume de sangue fetal transferido para circulação materna, que foi então apurado pelo teste de Kleihauer-Betke (K-B). O teste de roseta apresentou resultado positivo em 22 casos (6,4 por cento). Em cinco dessas amostras o teste de K-B não apontou hemorragia feto-materna (falso positivo do teste de roseta de 1,45 por cento) e noutra a leitura do teste não foi conclusiva. Tivemos oito casos com volume apurado de hemorragia feto-materna < 10ml (2,3 por cento), seis com hemorragia feto-materna entre 10 e 30ml (1,7 por cento) e duas puérperas apresentaram transferência sangüínea feto-materna maior que 30ml (0,58 por cento), necessitando suplementação além da dose padrão de anti-D. O teste de roseta dispensou 93,6 por cento das pacientes da avaliação adicional da hemorragia feto-materna por método quantitativo.

Porque usamos imunoglobulina anti-D em excesso no abortamento precoce? / Why do we waste anti-D immunoglobulin in early miscarriage?

OBJETIVO: avaliação da hemorragia feto-materna (HFM) nas pacientes que receberiam profilaxia da aloimunização Rh com emprego de imunoglobulina anti-D (300 mig), pós-aborto precoce. MÉTODO: foram admitidas no estudo pacientes do grupo sanguíneo Rh negativo, com parceiro Rh positivo ou ignorado, com quadro de aborto até 12 semanas de gestação internadas para curetagem uterina. Uma amostra de 5 ml de sangue venoso destas pacientes foi obtida após o procedimento, na qual realizamos o teste qualitativo de roseta para detectar quais casos necessitariam determinação quantitativa do volume de sangue fetal transferido para circulação materna, que foi então apurado pelo teste de Kleihauer-Betke (K-B). RESULTADOS: das 26 pacientes avaliadas, em uma o teste de roseta foi positivo, e o teste de K-B apontou HFM de 1,5 ml. CONCLUSÕES: a dose de imunoglobulina anti-D nos casos de abortamento até a 12ª semana de gestação deveria ser substancialmente reduzida, parecendo-nos oportuna a disponibilização no mercado nacional de apresentação com 50 mig, que representaria além da economia, maior racionalidade.

Prevalência da infecçao pelo citomegalovírus em uma unidade de oncologia pediátrica / Prevalence of cytomegalovirus infection in a pediatric oncology unit

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a prevalência da infecção pelo citomegalovírus (CMV) em crianças e adolescentes com câncer. Os portadores de neoplasias malignas constituem um grupo de alto risco, predisposto a infecções graves pelo CMV. Os marcadores séricos do CMV (IgG) foram avaliados em 267 pacientes com câncer. A idade destes pacientes variou de 1 mês a 25 anos e as neoplasias foram divididas em leucemias e linfomas, tumores ósseos e outros. Cerca de 193 (72,3 por cento) pacientes dos 267 pesquisados apresentaram anticorpos anti-CMV e a imunoglobulina IgM anti-CMV foi positiva em 37 (19,1 por cento) dos 193 pacientes com marcadores sorológicos para o CMV. E, este anticorpo foi encontrado em 59,4 por cento (22/37) das crianças com idade inferior a dez anos. Na população estudada a infecção pelo CMV ocorreu precocemente, atingindo crianças de baixa idade. A alta prevalência dos marcadores para o CMV constituti um alerta para o perigo de suas complicações nas fases mais acentuadas de imunodepressão, mesmo em crianças com idade inferior a dez anos.

Removal of Trypanosoma cruzi by white cell-reduction filters: an electronmicroscopic study

Os filtros de leucócitos säo eficazes em remover agentes infecciosos de hemocomponentes infectados. Neste estudo, foram avaliados os mecanismos de retençäo de Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi) por filtros de leucócitos. Amostras de concentrado de glóbulos vermelhos (CGV) e concentrado de plaquetas (CP) foram contaminados com parasitas T. cruzi (cepa Y, 3,4 x 10(6)/ml), e filtrados com filtros experimentais de leucócitos, com capacidade de remoçäo de aproximadamente 3 log(10) leucócitos. A análise das fibras dos filtros através de microscopia eletrônica de transmissäo mostrou que os parasitas T. cruzi foram removidos dos CGV e CP contaminados por mecanismo físico, sem interaçäo com células sangüíneas. Além disso, foi demonstrado que os parasitas T. cruzi foram também removidos por adesäo direta às fibras dos filtros, sugerindo um mecanismo biológico, provavelmente mediado por proteínas da superfície do parasita

Delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction presenting as a painful crisis in a patient with sickle cell anemia

Context: Patients with sickle cell anemia (SCA) are frequently transfused with red blood cells (RBC). Recently, we reported that the calculated risk of RBC alloimmunization per transfused unit in Brasilian patients with SCA is 1.15 per cent. We describe a delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction (DHTR) presenting as a painful crisis in a patient with SCA. Case report: A 35-year-old Brazilian female with homozygous SCA was admitted for a program of partial exchange transfusion prior to cholecystectomy. Her blood group was. O RhD positive and no atypical RBC alloantibody was detected using the indirect antiglobulin technique. Pre-transfusional hemoglobin (Hb) was 8.7 g/dl and isovolumic partial exchange transfusion was performed using 4 units of ABO compatible packed RBC. Five days after the last transfusion she developed generalized joint pain and fever of 39 degrees Celsius. Her Hb level dropped from 12.0 g/dL to 9.3 g/dL and the unconjugated bilirrubin level rose to mmol/L. She was joundiced and had hemoglobinuria. Hemoglobin electrophoresis showed 48.7 per cent HbS, 46.6 per cent HbA, 2.7 per cent HbA, and 2.0 per cent HbF. The patient's extended RBC phenotype was Cde, K-k+, Kp(a-b+), Fy (a-b-), M+N+s+. Le (a+b), Di(a-). An RBC alloantibody with specificity to the Rh system (anti-c, titer 1:16.384) was identified by the indirect antiglobulin test. The Rh phenotype of the RBC used in the last packed RBC transfusion was CcDEe. The patient discharged, asymptomatic, 7 days after admission.