Marcadores infecciosos asociados a factores demográficos en donantes de sangre peruanos / Infectious markers associated with demographic factors in Peruvian blood donors

Introducción: Las características de los donantes de sangre pueden variar entre centros de hemoterapia y pueden relacionarse con la seropositividad de marcadores infecciosos. Objetivo: Relacionar la seropositividad de marcadores infecciosos con los factores demográficos de los donantes de sangre peruanos. Métodos: Estudio observacional en los bancos de sangre del hospital nacional Cayetano Heredia y el Instituto Nacional Materno Perinatal durante el año 2019. La población la conformaron los 11 936 donantes que fueron tamizados para 7 agentes infecciosos según el Programa Nacional de Hemoterapia y Banco de Sangre. Se usó la prueba de correlación de Pearson para determinar la asociación entre las variables demográficas con los marcadores infecciosos. Resultados: Del total 8449 (70,8 por ciento) fueron varones y el grupo etario de 35 a 55 años fue el más frecuente en ambos hospitales (~ 44,5 por ciento). La mayoría de donantes procedían de la costa (4944; 41,4 por ciento), aunque en el Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia hubo 734 (8,9 por ciento) de la selva. La seropositividad fue de 507 (4,25 por ciento) donaciones; los más frecuentes fueron el antígeno del core del virus de Hepatitis B, los anticuerpos contra el virus linfotrópico de células T humanas 1-2, y sífilis, con 51,2 por ciento, 16,8 por ciento y 14,9 por ciento, respectivamente. La seropositividad de los marcadores infecciosos se asoció con factores demográficos como la edad, sexo y lugar de procedencia (p< 0,05). Conclusiones: Existe relación entre los factores demográficos con la seropositividad de los marcadores infecciosos en donantes peruanos(AU)

Introduction: The characteristics of blood donors may vary between hemotherapy centers and may be related to the seropositivity of infectious markers. Objective: To related the seropositivity of infectious markers with the demographic factors of Peruvian blood donors. Methods: Observational in the blood banks of the Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia and the Instituto Nacional Materno Perinatal during 2019. The population consisted of 11,936 donors who were screened for the seven infectious agents according to the National Hemotherapy and Blood Bank Program. Pearson's correlation test was used to determine the association between demographic variables and infectious markers. Results: Of the total, 8,449 (70.8 percent) were male and the age group from 35 to 55 years was the most frequent in both hospitals (~ 44.5 percent). Most donors came from the coast (4,944; 41.4 percent), although at the Cayetano Heredia National Hospital, there were 734 (8.9 percent) from the jungle. Seropositivity was 507 (4.25 percent) donations, then most frequent was Hepatitis B virus core antigen, antibodies against human T-cell lymphotropic virus 1-2, and syphilis, with 51.2 percent, 16.8 percent, and 14.9 percent, respectively. Seropositivity of infectious markers was associated with demographic factors such as age, gender, and place of origin (p< 0.05). Conclusions: There is a relationship between demographic factors with the seropositivity of infectious markers in Peruvian donors(AU)

Las donaciones de sangre en Cuba desde una perspectiva histórica / Blood donations in Cuba from a historical perspective

Introducción: Las donaciones de sangre constituyen una actividad sanitaria de importancia estratégica, su historia ha evolucionado junto a la del sistema de salud cubano. Objetivo: Describir el comportamiento de las donaciones de sangre desde una perspectiva histórica, según las etapas del desarrollo del sistema sanitario cubano. Métodos: Se realizó una investigación por el método histórico-lógico sobre los antecedentes históricos y la actualidad de las donaciones de sangre. La información se obtuvo mediante la entrevista y las revisiones bibliográfica y documental. Resultados: Durante la seudorepública se fundaron las primeras instituciones de salud para las donaciones y transfusiones de sangre, su administración se fundamentaba en las recolecciones provenientes de los donantes remunerados y familiares. En el período revolucionario se logró un programa de sangre organizado e integrado al sistema de salud, por primera vez unificado y de alcance nacional, con la participación coordinada entre el personal del nivel primario de atención y las organizaciones sociales. Esto permitió el creciente y considerable incremento de la disponibilidad de sangre y el desarrollo de la medicina transfusional, las especialidades médico-quirúrgicas y la industria médico-farmacéutica cubanas. Además, se consolidó la práctica de donar sangre como un acto voluntario. Conclusiones: La donación de sangre en Cuba constituye una actividad trazadora que muestra el desarrollo del sistema sanitario cubano en sus diferentes etapas y es reflejo de la voluntad política del gobierno, el pueblo y sus instituciones(AU)

Introduction: Blood donations are health care activity of a strategic importance. Their history has evolved together with the Cuban health system. Objective: To describe the behaviour of blood donations from a historical perspective according to the development stages of the Cuban health system. Method: It was carried out a research by the logic-historical method on the historical background and the current data on blood donations. The information was collected through interviews and the bibliographic and documentary reviews. Results: During the pseudo-republic times, the first institutions for blood donations and transfusions were created, and their managements was supported with the collections of paid donors and relatives. In the Revolution period, it was achieved an organized blood donation program which was integrated to the health system and for the fist time unified and of national scope, with coordinated participation between the staff of the first level of care and the social organizations. This allowed the significant increase of the availability of blood and the development of the Cuban transfusion medicine, medical-surgical specialties and medical-pharmaceutical industry. In addition, it was strengthen the practice of blood donation as a voluntary act. Conclusions: Blood donation in Cuba is a trace activity that shows the development of the Cuban health system in its different stages and it is a reflection of the political will of the Government, the people and the institutions(AU)

Implementation of a patient blood management program based on a low-income country-adapted clinical decision support system

ABSTRACT Introduction: Patient blood management (PBM) programs are associated with better patient outcomes, a reduced number of transfusions and cost-savings The Clinical Decision Support (CDS) systems are valuable tools in this process, but their availability is limited in developing countries This study assesses the feasibility and effectiveness of an adapted CDS system for low-income countries. Methods: This was a prospective study of the PBM program implementation, in a 200-bed tertiary hospital, between February 2019 and May 2020. Outcome measures were red blood cell (RBC), fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and platelet unit transfusions, the transfusion of a single unit of red blood cells and an RBC adequacy index (RAI). Results: Comparing the post-PBM program era with the pre-PBM system era, there was a decrease in red blood cell transfusions (p = 0.05), with an increase in single unit red blood cell transfusions (p = 0.005) and RAI (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The PBM programs, including electronic transfusion guidelines with pre-transfusion medical auditing, was associated with improved transfusion practices and reduced product acquisition-related costs.

Anti-Chido/Rodgers antibodies in a patient with infectious disease / Anticuerpos anti-Chido/Rodgers en paciente con enfermedad infecciosa

Introduction: Red cell alloimmunization is an immune response against foreign red cell antigens, usually occurring due to sensibilization in blood transfusions and pregnancies. The Chido (Ch) and Rodgers (Rg) antigens are present in about 96-98 percent of the population in general. Patients who have antibodies against antigens of high frequency in the population are a problem for transfusion medicine. Objectives: To describe the case of a patient diagnosed with AIDS and invasive cancer of the rectum with a recent hospitalization for lower gastrointestinal bleeding and anemia with the presence of anti-Ch and anti-Rg and the difficulties and solutions found for handling the case. Case presentation: Anti-Ch and anti-Rg have not been found to cause a hemolytic transfusion reaction (HTR) or hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN). However, the clinical presentation and laboratory findings including the immunohematological workups concerning the reaction are discussed, with a special emphasis on the benefit of identifying such an antibody and providing a compatible blood unit for transfusion support of the patient. Conclusions: When an antibody against a high-frequency erythrocyte antigen is identified in African or American-descent, anti-Ch or anti-Rg should be considered and that transfusion tests should not be delayed due to its clinical importance(AU)

Introducción: La aloinmunización de glóbulos rojos es una respuesta inmune frente a antígenos de glóbulos rojos extraños, que pueden ocurrir por sensibilización en transfusiones de sangre y embarazos. Los antígenos Chido (Ch) y Rodgers (Rg) están presentes en aproximadamente el 96-98 por ciento de la mayoría de la población. Los pacientes que tienen anticuerpos contra antígenos de alta frecuencia poblacional son un problema para la medicina transfusional. Objetivos: Describir caso de un paciente diagnosticado de AIDS y cáncer invasivo de recto con hospitalización reciente por hemorragia digestiva baja y anemia con presencia de anti-Ch y anti-Rg y las dificultades y soluciones encontradas para el manejo del caso. Presentación de caso: No se ha encontrado que Anti-Ch y anti-Rg causen reacciones hemolíticas transfusionales y enfermedad hemolítica del recién nacido. Sin embargo, se discuten la presentación clínica y los hallazgos de laboratorio, incluidos los estudios inmunohematológicos con respecto a la reacción, con especial énfasis en el beneficio de identificar dicho anticuerpo y obtener una unidad de sangre para transfusión que respalde al paciente con respecto a proporcionar una unidad compatible. Conclusiones: Cuando se identifica anticuerpos contra un antígeno eritrocitario de alta frecuencia, en afrodescendientes o americanos, se deben considerar Anti-Ch o anti-Rg y no retrasar las pruebas de transfusión por su importancia clínica(AU)

Ciencias básicas en el proceso docente del técnico superior en Análisis Clínico y Medicina Transfusional / Basic sciences in the teaching process of the lab technician in Clinical Analysis and Transfusion Medicine

RESUMEN Fundamento: el diseño curricular debe partir de las exigencias sociales; este permite la determinación de las cualidades a alcanzar por el egresado y la estructura organizacional del proceso docente a nivel de carrera. Objetivo: valorar la importancia de las ciencias básicas en el plan del proceso docente del técnico superior en Análisis Clínico y Medicina Transfusional, por su influencia en la formación laboral del futuro egresado. Métodos: se realizó una investigación documental en el período comprendido entre septiembre y noviembre de 2019 en la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Camagüey. Se emplearon métodos teóricos: análisis-síntesis e inductivo-deductivo; y empíricos: el análisis documental a partir del cual se realizaron valoraciones cualitativa y cuantitativa del plan del proceso docente del técnico superior en Análisis Clínico y Medicina Transfusional. Resultados: en el plan del proceso docente de esta carrera no aparecen las asignaturas clasificadas por ciclos y se evidencia una disminución considerable del ciclo básico. Conclusiones: la valoración realizada evidencia que falta precisión del papel que juega cada ciclo de las asignaturas en el plan del proceso docente, lo que influye negativamente en su cientificidad y se demuestra que tiene una elevada carga laboral, ya que el estudiante desde sus primeros años se encuentra vinculado al trabajo diario en el servicio asistencial en el que adquiere habilidades propias de la profesión.

ABSTRACT Background: curricular design must start from social demands; this allows the determination of the qualities to be achieved by the graduate and the organizational structure of the teaching process at degree level. Objective: to assess the importance of basic sciences in the plan of the teaching process of the lab technician in Clinical Analysis and Transfusion Medicine, due to its influence on the job training of future graduates. Methods: a documentary research was carried out in the period from September to November 2019 at Camagüey University of Medical Sciences. Theoretical methods were used: analysis-synthesis and inductive-deductive; and empirical ones: the documentary analysis from which qualitative and quantitative evaluations were made of the plan of the teaching process of the lab technician in Clinical Analysis and Transfusion Medicine. Results: in the plan of the teaching process of this degree, the subjects classified by cycles do not appear and there is a considerable decrease in the basic cycle. Conclusions: the assessment carried out shows that there is a lack of precision in the role that each cycle of the subjects play in the plan of the teaching process, which negatively influences its scientific approach and shows that it has a high workload, since the student from its early years is linked to daily work in the healthcare service in which it acquires distinctive skills of the profession.

Elementos de las competencias en medicina transfusional para la especialidad Anestesiología y Reanimación / Elements of transfusion medicine competencies in Anesthesiology and Reanimation

Introducción: El desempeño competente del personal médico en medicina transfusional implica profundos conocimientos que no recibe durante el proceso formativo. Objetivo: Identificar elementos para la normalización de la competencia en medicina transfusional para la especialidad Anestesiología y Reanimación. Métodos: Estudio educacional de corte transversal. Se realizó un análisis documental sobre normalización de las competencias profesionales en Cuba y sobre los componentes de la competencia en medicina transfusional para la especialidad. Asimismo, se examinaron los contenidos y habilidades de medicina transfusional en el programa de la residencia. Finalmente, fueron entrevistados profesores de la especialidad. Resultados: La competencia abarca conocimientos sobre riesgos de transmisión de infecciones al paciente, prescripción segura de componentes sanguíneos, reconocimiento de las reacciones transfusionales, ejecución y enseñanza al no graduado de los procedimientos para la transfusión de sangre alogénica. Implica conocer y actualizarse en los aspectos éticos, científicos y legales involucrados. Incluye demostrar conocimientos, habilidades y valores para la preparación preoperatoria de los pacientes con anemia, riesgo hemorrágico y otras enfermedades hematológicas, para el empleo de alternativas y para el ahorro de componentes sanguíneos. Los profesores reconocieron que al comenzar la residencia es necesario un entrenamiento, para luego poder realizar una práctica transfusional segura. Conclusiones: Ser competente en medicina transfusional, subdisciplina de la especialidad Anestesiología y Reanimación, demanda movilizar un conjunto de conocimientos, habilidades, actitudes y valores de manera simultánea, interrelacionada y oportuna para transfundir menos y mejor, con más seguridad y menor costo(AU)

Introduction: Competent performance by the health care personnel in transfusion medicine implies deep knowledge not received during training. Objective: Identify elements of competence standardization in transfusion medicine for the specialty of anesthesiology and resuscitation. Methods: A cross-sectional educational study was conducted. A document analysis was carried out about standardization of professional competences in Cuba and about the components of competence in transfusion medicine for the specialty. Examination was also performed of transfusion medicine contents and skills in the residency program. Finally, professors from the specialty were interviewed. Results: Competence comprises knowledge about risks for the transmission of infections to patients, safe prescription of blood components, identification of transfusion reactions, and performance of and undergraduate training in allogeneic blood transfusion procedures. It implies knowledge and updated awareness of the ethical, scientific and legal aspects involved. It includes demonstrating knowledge, skills and values related to preoperative preparation of patients with anemia, hemorrhagic risk and other hematologic diseases, to use alternatives and save blood components. The professors recognized that training is required at the start of the residency program to ensure the performance of safe transfusion practices. Conclusions: Being competent in transfusion medicine, a subdiscipline of the specialty of Anesthesiology and Resuscitation, requires mobilization of a set of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values in a simultaneous, interrelated and timely fashion to transfuse less but better, with greater safety and at a lower cost(AU)

Características clinicoepidemiológicas de pacientes tratados con hemoderivados en un hospital de Santiago de Cuba / Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients treated with blood-derivatives in a hospital from Santiago de Cuba

Introducción: El uso de hemoderivados es una práctica habitual en los hospitales y muy efectiva en determinadas situaciones clínicas. Objetivo: Caracterizar clínica y epidemiológicamente a pacientes tratados con hemoderivados en el Hospital Provincial Docente Dr. Joaquín Castillo Duany de Santiago de Cuba. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal de 394 pacientes que estuvieron ingresados en el Hospital Provincial Docente Dr. Joaquín Castillo Duany de Santiago de Cuba, desde enero hasta junio de 2018, que recibieron transfusión de hemoderivados. Los datos se obtuvieron de las historias clínicas y para el procesamiento se empleó el paquete estadístico SPSS, versión 23. Resultados: En la serie predominaron el sexo masculino (50,7 %), la transfusión de eritrocitos y los pacientes transfundidos con cifras de hemoglobina entre 70 y 89 g/L (47,7 %). En el Servicio de Cirugía General fue donde más se transfundió (43,2 %) y, en general, se detectaron múltiples deficiencias en las órdenes de transfusiones. Conclusiones: No existieron diferencias significativas en cuanto al sexo y los pacientes intervenidos quirúrgicamente fueron los que más recibieron este tratamiento. Hubo incumplimiento del protocolo hospitalario previsto y la omisión de datos en las órdenes de transfusiones afectó la calidad de la hemovigilancia.

Introduction: The use of blood-derivatives is an usual practice in hospitals and very effective in certain clinical situations. Objective: To characterize clinical and epidemiologically patients treated with blood-derivatives at Dr. Joaquín Castillo Duany Teaching Provincial Hospital in Santiago de Cuba. Methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional study of 394 patients that were admitted to Dr. Joaquín Castillo Duany Teaching Provincial Hospital and received blood-derivatives transfusion was carried out in Santiago de Cuba, from January to June, 2018. The data were obtained from the medical records and for its processing the SPSS statistical package, version 23 was used. Results: In the series there was a prevalence of the male sex (50.7 %), transfusion of erythrocytes and transfused patients with hemoglobin figures between 70 and 89 g/L (47.7 %). There were more transfusions in the General Surgery Service (43.2 %) and, in general, multiple deficiencies were detected in the orders of transfusions. Conclusions: As for sex there were no significant differences and patients surgically intervened were those that received this treatment more times. There was no fulfilment of the foreseen hospital protocol and the omission of data in the orders of transfusions affected the blood safety quality.

Implicaciones clínicas de las quimiocinas y sus receptores en la medicina transfusional y el trasplante / Clinical implications of chemokines and their receptors in transfusion medicine and transplantation

Introducción: Las quimiocinas son proteínas secretadas con tamaño en el rango de 8-10 kDa, con numerosas funciones en la fisiología normal y patológica. El término deriva de las palabras citocinas quimiotácticas, que refleja su importante participación en la quimioatracción de leucocitos. Sin embargo, las evidencias muestran que las quimiocinas tienen muchas otras funciones como la comunicación intercelular, la activación celular y la regulación del ciclo celular. Objetivo: Analizar los conocimientos actuales sobre las quimiocinas y sus receptores, y la significación clínica de estas en la medicina transfusional y el trasplante. Métodos: Se realizó revisión de la literatura, en inglés y español, a través del sitio web PubMed y el motor de búsqueda Google académico de artículos publicados en los últimos 10 años. Se efectuó análisis y resumen de la bibliografía revisada. Análisis y síntesis de la información: La transcripción de la mayoría de los genes de quimiocinas es inducible y se produce en respuesta a estímulos celulares específicos. Las quimiocinas son importantes en la movilización de células progenitoras hematopoyéticas para el trasplante y localización de células progenitoras hematopoyéticas trasplantadas. En los modelos de incompatibilidad ABO, las quimiocinas CXC y CC se producen en niveles elevados. Conclusiones: Muchas son las oportunidades de futuras investigaciones sobre las quimiocinas en la medicina transfusional por la considerable redundancia y superposición en la función biológica de estas moléculas y sus receptores. Son solo una parte de un proceso mucho más grande y complejo dentro de la red de citoquinas y otras moléculas del sistema inmune(AU)

Introduction: Chemokines are secreted proteins with size in the range of 8-10 kDa, with numerous functions in normal and pathological physiology. The term derives from the words chemotactic cytokines, reflecting its important role in the chemoattraction of leukocytes. However, the evidence shows that chemokines have many other functions such as intercellular communication, cell activation and cell cycle regulation. Objetive: To present current knowledge about chemokines and their receptors, and the clinical significance of these in transfusion medicine and transplantation. Method: A review of the literature was made, in English and Spanish, through the PubMed website and the Google academic search engine of articles published in the last 10 years. An analysis and summary of the revised bibliography was made. Developing: The transcription of most of the chemokine genes is inducible and occurs in response to specific cellular stimuli. Chemokines play an important role in the mobilization of hematopoietic progenitor cells for the transplantation and localization of transplanted hematopoietic progenitor cells. In the ABO incompatibility models, the CXC and CC chemokines are produced at high levels. Conclusions: There are many opportunities for future research on chemokines in transfusion medicine due to their considerable redundancy and superposition in the biological function of these molecules and their receptors. They are just one part of a much larger and more complex process within the network of cytokines and other molecules of the immune system(AU)

Programa de superación profesional en medicina transfusional para la especialidad Anestesiología y Reanimación / A professional upgrading program in transfusion medicine for the specialty of anesthesiology and resuscitation

Introducción: La superación profesional debe propiciar el desarrollo de competencias para un mejor desempeño laboral. El desempeño competente del personal médico en medicina transfusional requiere profundos conocimientos teóricos y prácticos que no recibe durante el proceso formativo. Objetivo: Diseñar un programa de posgrado dirigido a la especialidad Anestesiología y Reanimación para el desarrollo de la competencia en medicina transfusional. Métodos: Estudio realizado en la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Camagüey entre marzo 2016 a diciembre de 2018. Se efectuó un análisis documental para identificar los componentes de la competencia. Se investigaron las actividades provinciales de superación profesional sobre medicina transfusional y, en el programa de la residencia, las habilidades relacionadas. Se identificaron mediante cuestionario las necesidades sentidas de aprendizaje, estas guiaron el diseño del programa de posgrado que se validó por criterio de especialistas y un preexperimento. Resultados: Fueron pocas las actividades de superación profesional referidas sobre medicina transfusional; el programa de la residencia solo incluye algunas habilidades. Se diseñó el programa de un diplomado basado en las etapas de planificación curricular en educación médica, las necesidades de aprendizaje identificadas y los componentes de la competencia. La mayoría de los especialistas lo evaluaron de excelente. En el preexperimento la valoración de los educandos fue positiva. Conclusiones: El programa del diplomado se corresponde con las proyecciones, normativas y estrategias del MINSAP para el desempeño profesional competente en medicina transfusional en la especialidad Anestesiología y Reanimación; está avalado científica, técnica y pedagógicamente y es adaptable a otros contextos(AU)

Introduction: Professional upgrading should promote the development of skills for better occupational performance. The competent performance of the medical personnel in transfusion medicine requires in-depth theoretical and practical knowledge that they do not receive during the training process. Objective: To design a postgraduate program aimed at the specialty Anesthesiology and Resuscitation for the development of competence in transfusion medicine. Methods: Study carried out at the University of Medical Sciences of Camagüey, between March 2016 and December 2018. A documental analysis was carried out to identify the competence components. We investigated the provincial professional upgrading activities on transfusion medicine together with related skill in the residence program, related skills. We identified, though questionnaire, the learning needs experienced; these guided the design of the postgraduate program, which was validated by criteria of specialists and through pre-experiment. Results: There were few professional upgrading activities referred to about transfusion medicine; the residence program includes only some skills. A diploma course program was designed based on the stages of curricular planning in medical education, the learning needs identified, and the competence components. Most of the specialists evaluated it as excellent. In the pre-experiment, the evaluation by the students was positive. Conclusions: The diploma course program is in correspondence with the projections, regulations and strategies of the MINSAP for competent professional performance in transfusion medicine within the specialty of Anesthesiology and Resuscitation; it is scientifically, technically and pedagogically validated and is adaptable to other settings(AU)

Sistema Rh-Hr y variantes del antígeno D en tres poblaciones afroecuatorianas del Valle del Chota / Rh-Hr system and D antigen variants in three Afro-Ecuadorian populations in the Chota Valley / Sistema Rh-Hr e variantes do antígeno D em três populações afro-equatorianas no vale do Chota

Resumen La identificación inequívoca del antígeno D en medicina transfusional es de vital importancia para evitar reacciones postransfusionales y la enfermedad hemolítica del recién nacido. Es común el uso de reactivos serológicos monoclonales o tarjetas de gel y su interpretación está definida por cruces, de acuerdo con la reacción serológica. El propósito de este estudio fue determinar la frecuencia del factor Rh y las variantes del antígeno D en una población afroecuatoriana. Se trató de un estudio descriptivo, transversal con muestreo aleatorio simple de 541 pobladores. Para la tipificación del factor Rh se utilizó la metodología en tubo con antisueros monoclonales y para la detección de las variantes de D se utilizaron tarjetas de gel IDCoombs Anti-IgG. Las lecturas se verificaron mediante el análisis del índice kappa. Se aplicó estadística descriptiva y el análisis de Chi cuadrado para establecer la relación de las variables y su significación. Se identificó una frecuencia del 92% de individuos Rh(D) positivo y un 8% Rh(D) negativo. El 4,80% de los individuos presentaban la variante D débil y el 79% reacciones serológicas entre 2 y 3(+) indicativas de otras variantes del antígeno D. El fenotipo más común fue el R0/R0. Estos datos demuestran la necesidad de confirmar la existencia de variantes del antígeno D en esta población para un mejor manejo de la sangre. Una limitante constituye la disponibilidad de técnicas moleculares para la genotipificación de D; sin embargo, se podría implementar la fenotipificación RHCE como estrategia pretransfusional.

Abstract The unequivocal identification of D antigen in transfusion medicine is of vital importance to avoid post-transfusion reactions and hemolytic disease of the newborn. The use of monoclonal serological reagents or gel cards is common and their interpretation is defined according to the serological reaction by crosses. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of Rh factor and D antigen variants in the Afro-Ecuadorian population. This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study with simple random sampling of 541 residents. Tube typing with monoclonal antisera was used to typify Rh factor and ID-Coombs Anti-IgG gel cards were used to detect D variants, and the readings were verified by analysis of the kappa index. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square analysis were applied for the relationship of the variables and their significance. A frequency of 92% of Rh(D) positive individuals and 8% Rh(D) negative individuals were identified. Almost 5% (4.80%) of the individuals presented the weak D variant and 79% serological reactions between 2-3(+) indicative of other D antigen variants, the most common phenotype being R0/R0. These data demonstrate the need to confirm the existence of D antigen variants in this population for better management and availability of blood. A limitation is the availability of molecular techniques for D genotyping, however, RHCE phenotyping could be implemented as a pretransfusion strategy.

Resumo A identificação inequívoca do antígeno D na medicina transfusional é de vital importância para evitar reações pós-transfusionais e a doença hemolítica do recém-nascido. É comum o uso de reagentes sorológicos monoclonais ou cartões de gel e sua interpretação é definida por cruzamentos de acordo com a reação sorológica. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a frequência do fator Rh e as variantes do antígeno D numa população afro-equatoriana. Foi um estudo descritivo, transversal, com amostragem aleatória simples de 541 residentes. Para a tipagem do fator Rh foi utilizada a metodologia em tubo com anti-soros monoclonais e para a detecção das variantes de D, os cartões de gel ID-Coombs Anti-IgG. As leituras foram verificadas por análise do índice kappa. Foi aplicada estatística descritiva e para estabelecer a relação das variáveis e sua significação se utilizou a análise do qui-quadrado. Identificando uma frequência de 92% dos indivíduos Rh (D) positivos e 8% Rh (D) negativos. 4,80% dos indivíduos apresentavam a variante D fraca e 79% reações sorológicas entre 2 e 3(+) indicativas de outras variantes do antígeno D, sendo o fenótipo mais comum o R0/R0. Esses dados demonstram a necessidade de confirmar a existência de variantes do antígeno D nessa população para melhor gerenciamento e disponibilidade de sangue. Uma limitação é a disponibilidade de técnicas moleculares para a genotipagem de D, no entanto, a fenotipagem de RHCE poderia ser implementada como uma estratégia de pré-transfusão.

Lineamientos técnicos para la atención a personas que rechazan la terapia con transfusión de hemocomponentes / Technical guidelines for the care of people who refuse blood component transfusion therapy

Los presentes lineamientos están dirigidos a todo el personal del Sistema Nacional Integrado de Salud (SNIS) que labora en los establecimientos hospitalarios, particularmente al personal médico que participa de los servicios de medicina transfusional y que debe proporcionar información pertinente y suficiente para orientar a los pacientes que rechazan la transfusión de sangre indicada como una medida terapéutica, así como, establecer pautas de actuación para que se tomen las mejores decisiones en beneficio del paciente en estas situaciones asistenciales

These guidelines are aimed at all personnel of the National Integrated Health System (SNIS) who work in hospital establishments, particularly medical personnel who participate in transfusion medicine services and who must provide relevant and sufficient information to guide patients. who reject the blood transfusion indicated as a therapeutic measure, as well as establish guidelines for action so that the best decisions are made for the benefit of the patient in these care situations

Importancia de la sangre, hemoderivados y las donaciones voluntarias de sangre / Importance of voluntary blood donations. Blood and blood products

RESUMEN La terapia transfusional demanda de sólidos conocimientos para lograr planear y ejecutar un plan de trabajo integral para el logro del bienestar de la persona que lo requiera. El personal que desarrolla su profesión en aspectos relacionados con las transfusiones sanguíneas debe estar en una actualización continua de conocimientos, orientados a desarrollar nuevas técnicas así como medidas de seguridad. El objetivo de este trabajo fue abordar acerca de la importancia del uso de la sangre como recurso terapéutico, y el valor hermanado de la donación voluntaria y generoso de sangre lo que vincula al individuo a una nueva conducta y actitud hacia el mundo exterior natural, socia. La sangre constituye la materia prima esencial para los bancos de sangre, de ella se obtiene el plasma, glóbulos rojos, glóbulos blancos, plaquetas, hemoderivados y otros productos biológicos para terapias en la medicina transfusional. La donación voluntaria es una acción desprendida por el solo hecho de ayudar a otros a los que no se conoce, no sólo es la más generosa y la más ética, es el pilar de los servicios modernos de donación y transfusión sanguínea (AU).

SUMMARY Transfusion therapy demands solid knowledge to plan and perform a comprehensive work plan to achieve the wellbeing of persons needing it. The staff whose profession is related with blood transfusions should be continuously updating their knowledge, trying to develop new techniques and secure practices. The aim of this article was approaching the importance of using blood as therapeutic resource and the associated value of generous and voluntary donation, linking individuals to a new behavior and attitude to the natural and social outside world. Blood is the essential raw material for blood banks, obtaining from it plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, blood products and other biological products for therapies in transfusion medicine. Voluntary donation is a disinterested action just for the fact of helping unknown persons. It is not only the most generous and the most ethical action, but it is also the support of the modern blood donation and transfusion services (AU).

Prevalence and trends in transfusion-transmissible infections among blood donors in Brazil from 2010 to 2016

ABSTRACT Background: Assessing trends in the rate of transfusion-transmissible infections (TTIs) in blood donors is critical to the monitoring of the blood supply safety and the donor screening effectiveness. The objective of this study was to conduct a trend analysis of TTIs and associated demographic factors of donors at a public blood bank in the central Brazil. Methods: A retrospective analysis (2010-2016) of blood donation data was performed to determine the prevalence of markers for TTIs. Multinomial and multivariate logistic regression were used to verify the association between the explanatory variables and TTIs. The trend was evaluated with the Prais Winsten's regression analysis. Results: The prevalence of TTIs was 4.04% (5,553 donors) among 137,209 donors, with a steady trend in the analyzed period. The seroprevalence for the hepatitis B virus (HBV), syphilis, hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Chagas disease, and human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV) were 1.63%, 0.87%, 0.46%, 0.21%, 0.21% and 0.09%, respectively. The prevalence of HBV decreased (b = −0.021, p < 0.001), while syphilis increased (b = 0.112; p = 0.001), during the period investigated. The probability for a positive test for TTI was higher among donors with a low level of education, aged ≥30 years old, without stable marital status, and first-time donors. Conclusions: Even with the reduction in HBV, the increased rate of syphilis may have contributed to the fact that the overall rate of TTIs did not decrease in the evaluated period.

Medicina y Cirugía sin Sangre La Experiencia de Solca Guayaquil / Medicine and Surgery without Blood The Experience of Solca Guayaquil

Introducción: Los riesgos asociados con las Transfusiones de Sangre Alogénicas (TSA) son ampliamente conocidos y han contribuido a nuevos paradigmas de tratamiento para la medicina y cirugía sin sangre. Por tanto, es importante contar con estrategias terapéuticas efectivas y prácticas que sirvan como alternativas al uso de TSA. Este informe describirá las estrategias aplicadas a los pacientes de este reporte. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo descriptivo de alternativas a la TSA utilizadas en SOLCA Guayaquil con pacientes que no aceptaron TSA bajo ninguna circunstancia, entre los años 2011 y 2017. La estrategia terapéutica se basó en un diagnóstico temprano y un tratamiento agresivo de la anemia y cualquier tipo de sangrado activo. Se utilizó eritropoyetina, hierro y folato, según requerimientos del paciente. Todos los pacientes quirúrgicos recibieron ácido tranexámico y otros hemostáticos tópicos según necesidad. Resultados: De 73 pacientes oncológicos, el 68.5 % eran no quirúrgicos, de este grupo el 62 % recibió quimioterapia. La hemoglobina aumentó hasta 12.6 g/dL. Por tratamiento global por paciente se administraron hasta 3000 mg de hierro, 140.000 unds de eritropoyetina y megadosis de vitamina C fue aplicada con una media de 24 gramos. Todos los pacientes aumentaron sus niveles de hemoglobina en un promedio de 25 días. Conclusión: Es esencial iniciar un tratamiento temprano, preventivo y coordinado con un equipo multidisciplinario comprometido a estos esquemas. Los pacientes respondieron bien a los medicamentos y las dosis recibidas y no se informaron efectos secundarios. También podemos ver que estas estrategias son efectivas y factibles de aplicar.

Introduction: Risks associated with the Allogeneic Blood Transfusions (ABT) are widely known and have contributed to new treatment paradigms for bloodless medicine and surgery. Therefore, it is essential to have effective therapeutic strategies that serve as alternatives to ABTs. This report describes the strategies applied to patients in this paper. Methods: A Retrospective descriptive study of ABT alternatives used in SOLCA Guayaquil with patients who did not accept ABTs under any circumstances, between 2011 and 2017. The therapeutic strategy was an early diagnosis and an aggressive treatment of anemia and any active bleeding. Erythropoietin, iron, and folate were applied, according to the patient's requirements. All surgical patients received tranexamic acid and other hemostatics as needed. Results: Of 73 cancer patients, 68.5% were non-surgical, 62% of the group received chemotherapy. For global treatment per patient, up to 3000 mg of iron was administered, 140,000 units of erythropoietin and megadoses of vitamin C were applied with an average of 24 grams. All patients increased their hemoglobin levels by an average of 25 days. All patients increased their hemoglobin levels by an average of 25 days. Conclusion: It is essential to start early treatment, prevent and coordinate with a multidisciplinary team committed to these schemes. The patients responded well to the medications, and the doses received, and no side effects were reported. We can also see that these strategies are practical and feasible to apply.

Assessment of the knowledge and perceptions of Brazilian medical residents on transfusion medicine

Abstract Background Medical education has a major social impact because it ultimately influences the quality and safety of the health service offered to the population. Several studies have acknowledged the relationship between medical knowledge on transfusion medicine and the proper use of this therapy. The rational use of blood has become a worldwide concern. In this context, the aim of the present study was to evaluate medical residents' knowledge on transfusion medicine in hospitals located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and their training during their medical education. Methods One hundred and six residents from eight medical specialties of four hospitals participated. A questionnaire developed by the Biomedical Excellence for Safer Transfusion (BEST) group was applied to evaluate the participants' medical knowledge. Another questionnaire was also applied to evaluate participant profiles regarding frequency of transfusion prescriptions, self-perceived knowledge and relevance of the subject. Results The mean number of correct answers to the questionnaire on knowledge about transfusion practices was 43.5% (range: 15-80%). A relationship between training during medical residency and the obtained result was observed (p-value = 0.0007). Most residents (73%) did not receive training in transfusion medicine during their graduation or residency and 93% would like to receive additional training. Conclusion A clear deficit in the knowledge of transfusion medicine was verified, indicating the need for change in the teaching of this specialty. This result is similar to some developed countries.

Quality control in the different stages of producing red blood cell concentrate from dogs / Controle de qualidade nas diferentes etapas de produção do concentrado de hemácias em cães

The objective of this study was to perform a quality control assessment of red blood cells after standardization of the blood production stages. For this purpose, separation of the blood components to obtain red blood cells, the storage of the blood packets and an evaluation of blood quality were performed. The mean (± SD) volume, globular volume, hemoglobin and hemolysis percentage of the red blood cell concentrate were 299.77±30.08mL, 60.87±2.60%, 20.57±0.93g/DL and 0.09±0.07%, respectively. The means (± SD) of the volume, globular volume, total hemoglobin percentage of hemolysis and hemoglobin per unit of packed red blood cells after the storage period (8.83±6.73 days) were 57.55±3.01%, 20.30±0.89 0, 20±0.12%, and 60.90±7.65. The red blood cell packets were within the parameters of quality control established by Health Ministry legislation in humans and allow us to conclude that the standardization of blood production stages involves the selection of donors until the end of storage and is necessary to produce quality red blood cells. Quality control aims to find possible flaws in the procedures to be repaired, increasing transfusion safety.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar o controle de qualidade do concentrado de hemácias após a padronização das etapas de produção do sangue. Para isso, realizou-se separação de hemocomponentes para obtenção de concentrado de hemácias, armazenamento das bolsas de sangue e avaliação da qualidade delas. Os valores médios (± DP) do volume, do volume globular, da hemoglobina e do percentual de hemólise do concentrado de hemácias foram: 299,77±30,08mL, 60,87±2,60%, 20,57±0,93g/DL e 0,09±0,07%, respectivamente. Os valores médios (± DP) do volume globular, da hemoglobina total percentual de hemólise e da hemoglobina por unidade de concentrado de hemácias após o período de armazenamento (8,83±6,73 dias) foram: 57,55±3,01%, 20,30±0,89 0,20±0,12%, 60,90±7,65. As bolsas de concentrado de hemácias ficaram dentro dos parâmetros de controle de qualidade estabelecidos pela legislação do Ministério da Saúde em humanos e possibilitaram concluir que a padronização das etapas de produção do sangue envolve desde a seleção de doadores até o final do armazenamento e é necessária para produzir concentrado de hemácias com qualidade. O controle de qualidade visa encontrar possíveis falhas nos procedimentos para que estas possam ser reparadas, aumentando, assim, a segurança transfusional.(AU)

Annual Report of the Korean Association of External Quality Assessment Service on Transfusion Medicine (2018)

Herein, we report the results of the 2018 survey on the external quality assessment (EQA) scheme for the Transfusion Medicine Program (TMP) in Korea. The proficiency testing specimens were prepared at Ajou University Hospital and were sent to the participants biannually. The average accuracy rates for ten different test items on the regular survey were as follows: ABO typing, 99.5%–99.8% (N=841); RhD typing, 99.8%–100.0% (N=827); crossmatching, 89.4%–99.6% (N=708); ABO subtyping, 94.2% and 94.4% (N=53); Rh CcEe antigen testing, all 100.0% (N=51); weak D test, 80.9% (N=207) for the first trial and not graded for the second trial; antibody screening, 99.7%–100.0% (N=304); direct antiglobulin test (DAT) using a polyspecific reagent, 98.9%–100.0% (N=264); DAT using an immunoglobulin-G monospecific reagent, all 100.0% (N=66); DAT using a C3d monospecific reagent, 97.0%–100.0% (N=67); antibody identification, 98.4%–100.0% (N=127); and ABO antibody titration, 84.6%–100.0% (N=73). There were approximately 10.5% more participants in the 2018 EQA scheme than that in 2017. Excellent survey results were obtained in the 2018 EQA scheme compared with those in 2017, except for the weak D test. The 2018 EQA scheme for the TMP should be helpful for improving the quality of the participating laboratories.

The top 10 things to know about transfusion medicine before intern year: an evidence-based course for graduating medical students

BACKGROUND: Transfusion medicine (TM) knowledge varies widely among physician trainees. In addition, there have been few instances in which curricular changes have been meaningfully assessed for TM education in medical school. METHODS: We created and presented a novel lecture to improve TM knowledge for graduating medical students using eight objectives designed to reinforce critical information about blood management. Each objective was coded according to unique color schemes, fonts, and graphics to create visual associations while quickly and clearly presenting complex concepts. The validated BEST Collaborative exam was used to measure changes in student TM knowledge, while a survey was conducted to gauge changes in confidence for each objective. Students were asked to submit anonymous feedback about their experiences. RESULTS: The mean student post-course exam score was 50.0%, while the pre-course baseline score was 27.5% (P<0.0001). Mean confidence levels increased significantly for all objectives. Student feedback was universally positive. CONCLUSION: This study improved knowledge and confidence for graduating medical students by utilizing engaging and visually stimulating presentations to display high-impact TM material. However, further efforts are needed to optimize learning.

Resultados de un programa de hemovigilancia / Results of a haemovigilance program

Introducción: La hemovigilancia es el conjunto de procedimientos de vigilancia que cubre toda la cadena transfusional para el mejoramiento continuo de la seguridad y calidad de la cadena transfusional. Incluye el monitoreo, reporte, investigacion y análisis de los eventos adversos ocasionados por la donación, los procesos y la transfusión, para prevenir su ocurrencia o recurrencia. Objetivo: Mostrar los resultados de la implementación de un programa de hemovigilancia en el municipio de Jovellanos, provincia Matanzas, Cuba. Métodos: Entre enero de 2003 y diciembre de 2015 se implementó en el municipio de Jovellanos, un programa de hemovigilancia como parte del programa territorial iniciado en esa provincia, en igual fecha; para incrementar la seguridad y calidad transfusional. Previamente se realizó un diagnóstico del estado de las donaciones, las transfusiones y sus efectos adversos; de los casi errores, la hemoterapia, del grado de conocimientos en medicina transfusional de los médicos e indicadores de transfusiones; esto último mediante la aplicacion de una encuesta. Se inició un programa de capacitación, se creó el comité de transfusiones, se fortaleció el sistema de gerencia de calidad y la participación de las enfermeras en la transfusión. Resultados : Se elevó el grado de conocimientos en medicina transfusional de los profesionales, se logró la disminución de las reacciones de donantes y receptores; de una tasa en el 2002 de 14 y 63 por mil, respectivamente, a 1,1 y 0 por mil en el 2015; además disminuyó la gravedad de las reacciones. Hubo disminución del porcentaje de pacientes ingresados que fueron transfundidos de 18,5 a 7,3; además, disminuyó el número de transfusiones realizadas en 40,5 por ciento. Conclusiones: El programa es factible y sustentable con los recursos existentes y optimizó significativamente la seguridad y calidad transfusional(AU)

Introduction: Haemovigilance is the set of surveillance procedures that covers the entire transfusion chain for the continuous improvement of the safety and quality of this. It includes monitoring, reporting, research and analysis of adverse events caused by donation, processes and transfusion, to prevent its occurrence or recurrence. Objective: To show the results of the implementation of a haemovigilance program in the municipality of Jovellanos, Matanzas province, Cuba. Methods: Between January 2003 and December 2015, a haemovigilance program was implemented in the municipality of Jovellanos as part of the territorial program initiated in that province, on the same date; to increase transfusional safety and quality. Previously, a diagnosis of the state of donations, transfusions and their adverse effects was made; as well as the quasi-errors, the hemotherapy, the degree of knowledge of the doctors in transfusion medicine and the indicators of transfusions; the latter through the application of a survey. A training program was initiated, the transfusion committee was created, the quality management system and the participation of nurses in transfusion were strengthened. Results: The degree of knowledge of the professionals was increased, in transfusion medicine, the decrease in the reactions of donors and recipients was achieved; from an existing rate in 2002 of 14 and 63 per thousand, respectively, to 1.1 and 0 per thousand in 2015; in addition, the severity of the reactions decreased. There was a decrease in the percentage of admitted patients who were transfused from 18.5 to 7.3. In addition, the number of transfusions performed by 40.5 percent decreased. Conclusions: The program is feasible and sustainable with existing resources and significantly optimized transfusional safety and quality(AU)