Use of cell salvage in obstetrics in Germany: analysis of national database of 305 610 cases with peripartum haemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: One of the leading causes of maternal death worldwide is severe obstetric haemorrhage after childbirth. Use of intraoperative cell salvage is strongly recommended by international guidelines on patient blood management. Recent data provide strong evidence that use of cell salvage in obstetrics is effective and safe in women with postpartum haemorrhage resulting in fewer transfusion-related adverse events and shorter hospital stay. We retrospectively analysed the use of cell salvage in bleeding women during delivery for a period of 10 yr in German hospitals. METHODS: Data from the German Federal Statistical Office were used that covers all in-hospital birth deliveries from 2011 to 2020. Prevalence of peripartum haemorrhage (pre-, intra-, and post-partum haemorrhage), comorbidities, peripartum complications, administration of blood products, and use of cell salvage were analysed. RESULTS: Of 6 356 046 deliveries in Germany, 305 610 women (4.8%) suffered from peripartum haemorrhage. Of all women with peripartum haemorrhage, postpartum haemorrhage was the main cause for major obstetric haemorrhage (92.33%). Cell salvage was used in only 228 (0.07%) of all women with peripartum haemorrhage (cell salvage group). In women undergoing Caesarean delivery with postpartum haemorrhage, cell salvage was used in only 216 out of 70 450 women (0.31%). CONCLUSION: Cell salvage during peripartum haemorrhage is rarely used in Germany. There is tremendous potential for the increased use of cell salvage in peripartum haemorrhage nationwide.

Supplemental findings of the 2019 National Blood Collection and Utilization Survey.

INTRODUCTION: Supplemental data from the 2019 National Blood Collection and Utilization Survey (NBCUS) are presented and include findings on donor characteristics, autologous and directed donations and transfusions, platelets (PLTs), plasma and granulocyte transfusions, pediatric transfusions, transfusion-associated adverse events, cost of blood units, hospital policies and practices, and implementation of blood safety measures, including pathogen reduction technology (PRT). METHODS: National estimates were produced using weighting and imputation methods for a number of donors, donations, donor deferrals, autologous and directed donations and transfusions, PLT and plasma collections and transfusions, a number of crossmatch procedures, a number of units irradiated and leukoreduced, pediatric transfusions, and transfusion-associated adverse events. RESULTS: Between 2017 and 2019, there was a slight decrease in successful donations by 1.1%. Donations by persons aged 16-18 decreased by 10.1% while donations among donors >65 years increased by 10.5%. From 2017 to 2019, the median price paid for blood components by hospitals for leukoreduced red blood cell units, leukoreduced apheresis PLT units, and for fresh frozen plasma units continued to decrease. The rate of life-threatening transfusion-related adverse reactions continued to decrease. Most whole blood/red blood cell units (97%) and PLT units (97%) were leukoreduced. CONCLUSION: Blood donations decreased between 2017 and 2019. Donations from younger donors continued to decline while donations among older donors have steadily increased. Prices paid for blood products by hospitals decreased. Implementation of PRT among blood centers and hospitals is slowly expanding.

Impact of intraoperative high-volume autologous blood collection on allogeneic transfusion during and after cardiac surgery: a propensity score matched analysis.

BACKGROUND: Perioperative use of allogeneic blood products is associated with higher morbidity, mortality, and hospital costs after cardiac surgery. Blood conservation techniques such as acute normovolemic hemodilution (ANH) report variable success. We hypothesized that large-volume ANH with limited hemodilution would reduce allogeneic blood transfusion compared to the standard practice. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Retrospective observational study of cardiac surgery patients at the University of Maryland Medical Center between January 2014 and September 2017. Using the institutional Society of Thoracic Surgeons database 91 autologous and 981 control patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting, aortic valve replacement, or both were identified. After propensity matching of 13 preoperative characteristics, 84 autologous and 84 control patients were evaluated. Our primary endpoint was avoidance of blood transfusion during index hospitalization, and secondary endpoints were postoperative bleeding and major adverse outcomes. RESULTS: The median harvest volumes in the ANH and control groups were 1100 mL and 400 mL, respectively. Of the ANH group, 25% received any transfusion versus 45.2% of the control group after propensity score matching (p < 0.006). When controlling for preoperative platelet count, the transfusion rate ratios for ANH were 0.58 (95% confidence interval, 0.39-0.88) for RBCs and 0.63 (0.44-0.89) for non-RBC components, which were both found to be statistically significant. There was no difference found in major adverse events. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that large-volume ANH is beneficial in reducing both RBC and non-RBC component usage in cardiac surgery. A further prospective validation is warranted.

Optimal preoperative autologous blood storage volume required in surgeries for placenta previas and low-lying placentas.

AIM: The high rate of stored preoperative autologous blood wastage is concerning. This study analyzed patients who provided preoperative autologous blood donations (PABDs) for massive bleeding during surgery for placenta previas and low-lying placentas, and investigated the optimal PABD storage volume required to avoid allogeneic transfusion. METHODS: Of 386 patients who provided PABDs at our hospital from 2008 to 2013, 269 patients with placenta previas or low-lying placentas were retrospectively analyzed. The PABD storage volumes were stratified into four groups based on the amounts stored, and the allogeneic transfusion usage frequencies were compared. RESULTS: A total of 124 patients (46.1%) received PABDs and 12 patients (4.5%) received allogeneic transfusions. The average PABD volume wasted was 23 940 mL/year. The allogeneic transfusion utilization rate was significantly higher in the 1- to 300-mL group (17.2%) than in the 301- to 600-mL (1.69%), 601- to 900-mL (3.82%), and 901- to 1200-mL (0%) groups (P < 0.05). The PABD cut-off volume for avoiding allogeneic blood transfusion was 300 mL, and the odds ratio for ≤300-mL PABD in a multivariate analysis was 14.3 (95% confidence interval 1.3-149.3; P = 0.03). The maximum surgical blood order schedule was 2.16 units (432 mL), and the surgical blood order equation was 2.15 units (430 mL). CONCLUSION: The allogeneic transfusion utilization rate did not differ between the 600-mL group and the groups with higher PABD storage volumes; hence, storing 600 mL of PABD was appropriate for surgery for placenta previas and low-lying placentas.

[Mortality after high-risk surgery in Jehovah's Witness patients]. / Letalität nach operativen Risikoeingriffen bei Zeugen Jehovas.

BACKGROUND: Jehovah's Witness (JW) patients strictly refuse allogeneic blood transfusion for religious reasons. Nevertheless, JW also wish to benefit from modern therapeutic concepts including major surgical procedures without facing an excessive risk of death. The Northwest Hospital in Frankfurt am Main Germany is a confidential clinic of JW and performs approximately 100 surgical interventions per year on this patient group. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of closed medical cases performed in the years 2008-2018 at the Northwest Hospital aimed to clarify (1) the frequency of surgical procedures in JW patients associated with a statistical allogeneic transfusion risk (presence of preoperative anemia and/or in-house transfusion probability >10%) during this time period, (2) the degree of acceptance of strategies avoiding blood transfusion by JW and (3) the anemia-related postoperative mortality rate in JW patients. RESULTS: In the 11- year observation period 123 surgical procedures with a relevant allogeneic transfusion risk were performed in 105 JW patients. Anemia according to World Health Organization (WHO) criteria was present in 44% of cases on the day of surgery. Synthetic and recombinant drugs (tranexamic acid, desmopressin, erythropoetin, rFVIIa) were generally accepted, acute normovolemic hemodilution (ANH) in 92% and cell salvage in 96%. Coagulation factor concentrates extracted from human plasma and therefore generally refused by JW so far, were accepted by 83% of patients following detailed elucidation. Out of 105 JW patients 7 (6.6%) died during the postoperative hospital stay. In 4 of the 7 fatal cases the cause of death could be traced back to severe postoperative anemia. CONCLUSION: Given optimal management JW patients can undergo major surgery without an excessive risk of death. The 6.6% in-hospital mortality observed in this institution was in the range of the 4% generally observed after surgery in Europe. The majority of JW patients accepted a variety of blood conservation strategies following appropriate elucidation. This also included coagulation factor concentrates extracted from human plasma enabling an effective treatment of even severe bleeding complications. In this analysis postoperative hemoglobin concentrations below 6 g/dl in older JW patients were associated with a high mortality risk due to anemia.

Intraoperative cell salvage with autologous transfusion in elective right or repeat hepatectomy: a propensity-score-matched case-control analysis.

BACKGROUND: Liver resection may be associated with substantial blood loss, and cell saver use has been recommended for patients at high risk. We performed a study to compare the allogenic erythrocyte transfusion rate after liver resection between patients who had intraoperative cell salvage with a cell saver device versus patients who did not. Our hypothesis was that cell salvage with autologous transfusion would reduce the allogenic blood transfusion rate. METHODS: Cell salvage was used selectively in patients at high risk for intraoperative blood loss based on preoperatively known predictors: right and repeat hepatectomy. Patients who underwent elective right or repeat hepatectomy between Nov. 9, 2007, and Jan. 27, 2016 were considered for the study. Data were retrieved from a liver resection database and were analyzed retrospectively. Patients with cell saver use (since January 2013) constituted the experimental group, and those without cell salvage (2007-2012), the control group. To reduce selection bias, we matched propensity scores. The primary outcome was the allogenic blood transfusion rate within 90 days postoperatively. Secondary outcomes were the number of transfused erythrocyte units, and rates of overall and infectious complications. RESULTS: Ninety-six patients were included in the study, 41 in the cell saver group and 55 in the control group. Of the 96, 64 (67%) could be matched, 32 in either group. The 2 groups were balanced for demographic and clinical variables. The allogenic blood transfusion rate was 28% (95% confidence interval [CI] 12.5%-43.7%) in the cell saver group versus 72% (95% CI 56.3%-87.5%) in the control group (p < 0.001). The overall and infectious complication rates were not significantly different between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative cell salvage with autologous transfusion in elective right or repeat hepatectomy reduced the allogenic blood transfusion rate.

CONTEXTE: La résection hépatique peut s'accompagner de pertes sanguines importantes et l'utilisation d'un système de récupération de sang autologue est recommandée chez les patients à risque élevé. Nous avons procédé à une étude pour comparer le taux de transfusion de sang allogénique après la résection hépatique selon que les patients avaient ou non été soumis à une intervention de récupération de sang autologue. Notre hypothèse est que la récupération de sang autologue peropératoire pourrait réduire le taux de transfusion de sang allogénique. MÉTHODES: La récupération de sang autologue a été utilisée sélectivement chez des patients exposés à un risque élevé à l'égard de pertes sanguines peropératoires, en fonction de facteurs prédictifs préopératoires connus : hépatectomie droite et reprise de l'hépatectomie. Les patients ayant subi une intervention chirurgicale non urgente pour hépatectomie droite ou reprise d'hépatectomie entre le 9 novembre 2007 et le 27 janvier 2016 ont été considérés comme admissibles à l'étude. Les données ont été récupérées à partir d'une base de données sur la résection hépatique et analysées de manière rétrospective. Les patients soumis à la récupération de sang autologue (à partir de janvier 2013) ont constitué le groupe expérimental, et les autres (2007-2012) ont constitué le groupe témoin. Pour réduire le risque de biais de sélection, nous avons apparié les scores de propension. Le paramètre principal était le taux de transfusion de sang allogénique dans les 90 jours suivant l'opération. Les paramètres secondaires étaient le nombre d'unités transfusées, le taux de complications infectieuses et le taux global de complications. RÉSULTATS: Quatre-vingt-seize patients ont pris part à l'étude, 41 dans le groupe soumis à la récupération de sang autologue et 55 dans le groupe témoin. Parmi les 96 patients de l'étude, 64 (67 %) ont pu être assortis, 32 dans chaque groupe. Les 2 groupes étaient équilibrés aux plans des variables démographiques et cliniques. Le taux d'allotransfusions a été de 28 % (intervalle de confiance [IC] de 95 % 12,5 %-43,7 %) dans le groupe soumis à la récupération de sang autologue, contre 72 % (IC de 95 % 56,3 %-87,5 %) dans le groupe témoin (p < 0,001). Le taux de complications infectieuses et le taux global de complications n'ont pas été significativement différents entre les 2 groupes. CONCLUSION: La récupération de sang autologue peropératoire dans les cas d'hépatectomie droite ou d'hépatectomie répétée a réduit le taux de transfusion de sang allogénique.

Necessity for autologous blood storage and transfusion in patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy.

PURPOSE: To establish which patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) need autologous blood storage and transfusion. METHODS: Autologous blood was collected and stored for 69 patients scheduled to undergo PD, and not used in 50 patients. Based on the use of the deposited autologous blood and the estimated postoperative hemoglobin (Hb) level when blood was not deposited, we divided the patients into a "transfusion necessary" group and a "transfusion unnecessary" group. By comparing the two groups, we proposed a method of scoring to predict the necessity for storing autologous blood. RESULTS: The "transfusion necessary" group comprised 6 patients (2 who received homologous blood transfusion and 4 with an estimated postoperative Hb of <8.0 g/dL) and the "transfusion unnecessary" group comprised 63 patients (24 whose autologous blood was discarded and 39 with an estimated Hb ≥8.0 g/dL). By analyzing the differences between the groups, including the preoperative hemoglobin level and the need for portal vein resection, we devised a scoring system to predict the necessity of collecting autologous blood. The scoring significantly correlated with the proportion of patients who did not require autologous blood storage and transfusion. CONCLUSIONS: Not all patients benefited from autologous blood storage and transfusion. Our scoring system proved useful for identifying which patients required autologous blood storage and transfusion during PD.

Topical Tranexamic Acid is Equivalent to Targeted Preoperative Autologous Blood Donation in Total Hip Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Topical tranexamic acid (TXA) was introduced to replace the previous targeted preoperative autologous blood donation (PABD) program. This study aims to analyze the efficacy of topical TXA compared with targeted PABD in anemic patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). METHODS: Two thousand two hundred fifty-one patients underwent primary THA between 2009 and 2013 using targeted autologous blood donation for 280 anemic patients (12%; Hb <12.5 g/dL). One thousand nine hundred seventy-one nonanemic patients (88%; ≥12.5 Hb/dL) received no blood management intervention. Starting in 2014, 505 consecutive patients were operated using 3 grams of topical TXA and abandoning PABD. Ninety-one patients (18%) were anemic and 414 (82%) nonanemic. RESULTS: The utilization of topical TXA in anemic patients resulted in higher hemoglobin levels on the first postoperative day (P = .014), but not on the second postoperative day (P = .198) compared with PABD. There was no difference in allogeneic transfusion rates between both groups: 12% vs 13% (P = .848). In the nonanemic group, TXA significantly increased hemoglobin levels on the first postoperative day (P = .001) as well as on the second postoperative day (P < .001), and resulted in a reduction in allogeneic transfusion rates from 8% to 1%. CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that topical TXA is equivalent to PABD in anemic patients and reduces transfusion rates and increases Hb-levels in nonanemic patients.

Risk factors for intraoperative allogeneic blood transfusion during craniotomy for brain tumor removal in children.

BACKGROUND: Several clinical and surgical factors can influence the occurrence of allogeneic blood transfusion (ABT) during oncologic neurosurgery. OBJECTIVES: To identify the potential predictive factors of ABT during craniotomy for the removal of brain tumors in children and the potential impact of intraoperative ABT on early postoperative outcome. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed in all pediatric patients younger than 18 years who underwent craniotomy for brain tumor removal from December 2009 to December 2012 in our institution. Pre-, intra-, and postoperative data were collected from medical and stored electronic anesthesia records. The predictors of intraoperative ABT were determined using multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 110 patients were included. Twenty-seven patients (25%) received intraoperative ABT with a volume of 16 ± 8 ml·kg(-1) . On multivariate analysis, an age <4 years, a duration of surgery >270 min, and a preoperative hemoglobin <12.2 g·dl(-1) were independently associated with the need for intraoperative ABT. We did not show any significant difference concerning postoperative early outcome and length of stay between the transfused and non-transfused patients except for the duration of postoperative mechanical ventilation that was significantly higher in the transfused group (P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: In children, craniotomy for brain tumor removal is at risk of intraoperative ABT. An age <4 years, a duration of surgery >270 min, and a preoperative hemoglobin <12.2 g·dl(-1) are the main factors associated with intraoperative ABT during this surgery.

Comparison between autologous blood transfusion drainage and closed-suction drainage/no drainage in total knee arthroplasty: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Autologous blood transfusion (ABT) drainage system is a new unwashed salvaged blood retransfusion system for total knee replacement (TKA). However, whether to use ABT drainage, closed-suction (CS) drainage or no drainage in TKA surgery remains controversial. This is the first meta-analysis to assess the clinical efficiency, safety and potential advantages regarding the use of ABT drains compared with closed-suction/no drainage. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were comprehensively searched in March 2015. Fifteen randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified and pooled for statistical analysis. The primary outcome evaluated was homologous blood transfusion rate. The secondary outcomes were post-operative haemoglobin on days 3-5, length of hospital stay and wound infections after TKA surgery. RESULTS: The pooled data included 1,721 patients and showed that patients in the ABT drainage group might benefit from lower blood transfusion rates (16.59 % and 37.47 %, OR: 0.28 [0.14, 0.55]; 13.05 % and 16.91 %, OR: 0.73 [0.47,1.13], respectively). Autologous blood transfusion drainage and closed-suction drainage/no drainage have similar clinical efficacy and safety with regard to post-operative haemoglobin on days 3-5, length of hospital stay and wound infections. CONCLUSIONS: Autologous blood transfusion drainage offers a safe and efficient alternative to CS/no drainage with a lower blood transfusion rate. Future large-volume high-quality RCTs with extensive follow-up will affirm and update this system review.

Blood transfusion, colloid therapy and the possible saving of albumin volumes during surgery: data analysis of the survey for certified hospitals of the Japanese Society of Anesthesiologists.

PURPOSE: Third-generation hydroxyethyl starch (HES) 130/0.4 has a larger dose limitation (up to 50 mL/kg/day) than HES 70/0.5 (up to 1000 mL/day) which has been used in Japan for 40 years. The aim of this study was to survey the current intraoperative blood transfusion and volume therapy and to predict the possible reduction of intraoperative albumin consumption assuming further replacement by HES 130/0.4 using data obtained from a survey by the Japanese Society of Anesthesiologists (JSA), although HES130/0.4 was not launched in Japan during this survey period. METHODS: In a JSA survey conducted at JSA-certified hospitals, 12,856 patients with a certain amount of blood loss were analyzed for 1 month (April, 2012). The patients were divided into two groups-group A included patients aged ≥11 years and group B included patients aged <10 years. The possible lower volume of intraoperative albumin was calculated assuming that HES 130/0.4 was used up to a dose of 50 mL/kg. RESULTS: Blood loss (total 15,111 L; 15,057 L in group A and 54 L in group B) was treated with allogeneic transfusion (total 7970 L; 7893 L in group A and 77 L in group B) and auto-transfusion (total 1777 L; 1771 L in group A and 6 L in group B) in both groups (n = 11,670 and 119). Albumin (total 1391 L; 1376 L in group A and 15 L in group B), and HES 70/0.5 (total 7645 L; 7638 L in group A and 7 L in group B) were used in both groups (n = 10,850 and 116). Five percent and 4.4 % albumin (total 1189 L; 1180 L in group A and 9 L in group B) could be replaced by HES 130/0.4 if HES 130/0.4 had been used up to a dose of 50 mL/kg. CONCLUSION: Blood loss (15,111 L) was replaced with allogeneic transfusion (53 %), auto-transfusion (12 %), albumin (9 %) and HES 70/0.5 (51 %) during surgery in April 2012. The predicted volume of 5 and 4.4 % albumin saved during this 1-month period if HES 130/0.4 had been used up to a dose of 50 mL/kg was 1189 L (86 % of actual amount used).

[Sealing of Femoral Tunnel with Autologous Bone Graft Decreases Blood Loss]. / Utesnení femorálního kanálu autologním kostním stepem snizuje krevní ztrátu.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY Total knee arthroplasty is commonly used procedure with advanced stage arthritis which causes extensive blood loss intraoperatively and postoperatively. Purpose of this study is to show the effectiveness of sealing of femoral tunnel with bone grafting in preventing blood loss. MATERIAL AND METHODS 288 patients with primary bicompartmental knee arthroplasty who were operated in between April 2012 and June 2015 are retrospectively studied. Two groups are formed according to sealing of femoral tunnel with autologous bone graft or not. Group 1 was the plugged group with 192 patients and group 2 was the unplugged group with 96 patients. Operation time, arthrotomy method, anticoagulant therapy, postoperative care were similar in between two groups.'Independent sample t-test' is used to compare two groups as statistical method. RESULTS Postoperative lowest hemoglobin levels are higher in plugged group (p < 0.001). Drain outputs are much less than unplugged group (p < 0.001). There is no statistically significant difference between amount of given erythrocyte suspensions. DISCUSSION In the literature there are many attempts to reduce blood loss and allogenic blood transfusion. Some systemic or local usage of medical therapies, mechanical interventions such as cold application or intraoperative fibrin sealers are some of them. There are a few studies favoring usage of plugs and a few do not. Our findings showed less blood loss with usage of autologous bone grafting but did not significantly affect the blood transfusion amount. CONCLUSION Autologous bone grafting is a free to use, non-time consuming and an effective method to reduce blood loss. Key words: knee arthroplasty, plug, sealing of femoral tunnel, blood loss.

Preoperative Acute Normovolemic Hemodilution for Minimizing Allogeneic Blood Transfusion: A Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have evaluated the efficacy of preoperative acute normovolemic hemodilution (PANH) in reducing the need for allogeneic blood transfusion. However, the results to date have been controversial. In this study, we sought to reassess the efficacy and safety of PANH based on newly emerging evidence. METHODS: Medline, EMBASE, ISI Web of Knowledge, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were searched using the key words "hemodilution," "autotransfusion," or "hemorrhage" to retrieve all randomized controlled trials examining the benefits of PANH compared with control patients not undergoing PANH in any type of surgery. RESULTS: Sixty-three studies involving 3819 patients were identified. The risk of requiring an allogeneic blood transfusion and the overall volume of allogeneic red blood cell transfused during the perioperative period were reduced in the PANH group compared with the control group (relative risk, 0.74; 95% confidence interval, 0.63 to 0.88; P = 0.0006; weighted mean difference, -0.94 units; 95% confidence interval, -1.27 to -0.61 units; P < 0.0001). However, there was significant heterogeneity (I2 = 79.6%, χ2 = 151.95, P < 0.0001; I2 = 95.3%, χ2 = 574.28, P < 0.0001) and publication bias (P = 0.001; P = 0.009) for both outcomes, limiting conclusions regarding the efficacy of PANH for reducing allogeneic transfusion. Perioperative blood loss, adverse events, and the length of hospitalization were comparable between these groups. CONCLUSIONS: Although these results suggest that PANH is effective in reducing allogeneic blood transfusion, we identified significant heterogeneity and publication bias, which raises concerns about the true efficacy of PANH.

Does intraoperative cell salvage system effectively decrease the need for allogeneic transfusions in scoliotic patients undergoing posterior spinal fusion? A prospective randomized study.

PURPOSE: To determine the safety and efficacy of intraoperative cell salvage system in decreasing the need for allogeneic transfusions in a cohort of scoliosis patients undergoing primary posterior spinal fusion with segmental spinal instrumentation. METHODS: A total of 110 consecutive scoliosis patients undergoing posterior instrumented spinal fusion were randomized into two groups according to whether a cell saver machine for intraoperative blood salvage was used or not. Data included age, body mass index, perioperative hemoglobin levels, surgical time, levels fused, perioperative estimated blood loss, perioperative transfusions and incidence of transfusion-related complications. A Chi-square test and t tests were performed for intraoperative and perioperative allogeneic transfusion between groups. A regression analysis was performed between selected covariates to investigate the predictive factors of perioperative transfusion. RESULTS: Perioperative allogenic blood transfusion rate was lower in the cell saver group (14.5 versus 32.7%, p = 0.025). Mean intraoperative red blood cell transfusion requirement was also lower (0.21 U/pt versus 0.58 U/pt, p = 0.032). A multivariate analysis demonstrated that no. of fused segments (OR: 1.472; p = 0.005), preoperative hemoglobin level (OR: 0.901; p = 0.001), and the use of cell saver system (OR: 0.133; p = 0.003) had a trend toward significance in predicting likelihood of transfusion. CONCLUSIONS: Cell saver use significantly reduces the need for allogeneic blood in spine deformity surgery, particularly in patients with low preoperative hemoglobin or longer operation time. This study confirms the utility of routine cell saver use during PSF with segmental spinal instrumentation for scoliosis patients.

Evaluation of the minimum volume of salvage blood required for the successful use of two different autotransfusion devices.

BACKGROUND: Autotransfusion in pediatric anesthesia is beneficial in several clinical settings; however, more frequent usage is deterred by process-related costs and the fact that the absolute volume of blood returned may be minimal. OBJECTIVE: Two autotransfusion devices (CATS, Fresenius Kabi AG, and Sorin Xtra, Sorin GmbH) with different technologies were evaluated to determine the minimum volume necessary to efficiently process salvage blood. METHODS: Banked blood was diluted to simulate different clinical scenarios. Volume and red cell mass in returned blood were analyzed as a function of initial volume and red cell mass in the collection reservoir using incremental increases in the volume of blood added to the reservoir. RESULTS: The volume of the returned processed blood for infusion was dependent on degree of dilution and blood volume in the reservoir. The CATS required a smaller initial minimum volume to process and successfully return; however, the Xtra provided a more efficient recovery at low initial collected volumes. Using test blood of various degrees of dilution, the CATS and Xtra were able to return blood for retransfusion after a mean initial red cell mass of 48.7 ml (±4.9 ml) and 53.7 ml (±5.0 ml) were processed, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Red cell mass rather than salvaged blood volume represents a reliable predictor of the successful use of an autotransfusion device. Measuring the hematocrit of the salvaged blood could improve the use of the devices. The investigated devices are likely to be roughly equivalent in effectiveness.

Blood transfusion in primary total shoulder arthroplasty: incidence, trends, and risk factors in the United States from 2000 to 2009.

BACKGROUND: Total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) may be associated with substantial blood loss, and some patients require perioperative blood transfusion. Possible blood transfusion methods include predonated autologous blood transfusion, perioperative autologous blood transfusion, and allogeneic blood transfusion (ALBT). The purposes of the present study were to assess the incidence and recent trends over time of blood transfusion in TSA and analyze patient and hospital characteristics that affect the risk of ALBT. METHODS: This study used national hospital discharge data from the National Inpatient Sample between 2000 and 2009. The data were used to generate the overall blood transfusion rate, and linear regression was used to assess trends in transfusion patterns over time. Logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze which patient and hospital characteristics independently influence the likelihood that a given patient undergoes ALBT. RESULTS: The overall blood transfusion rate (ie, the proportion of patients who received at least 1 transfusion of any kind) was 6.7%. This rate increased over time, from 4.9% in 2000 to 7.1% in 2009 (P < .001). Risk factors associated with ALBT included age, gender, race, insurance status, hospital region, and hospital annual caseload. CONCLUSIONS: The increase in overall blood transfusion rate in TSA found in the present study may be related to factors specific to TSA, such as the introduction of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty during the study period. A variety of patient and hospital characteristics contribute to the risk of undergoing ALBT.

Leukocyte invasion of the brain after experimental intracerebral hemorrhage in mice.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Neuroinflammatory processes contribute to secondary neuronal damage after intracerebral hemorrhage. We aimed to characterize the time course of brain immigration of different leukocyte subsets after striatal injection of either autologous blood or collagenase in mice. METHODS: Intracerebral hemorrhage was induced by injection of either autologous blood (20 µL) or collagenase (0.03 U) in C57Bl/6J mice. Hematoma volumetry was performed on cryosections. Blood volume was measured by hemoglobin spectrophotometry. Leukocytes were isolated from hemorrhagic hemisphere 1, 3, 5, and 14 days after intracerebral hemorrhage, stained for leukocyte markers, and measured by flow cytometry. Heterologous blood injection from CD45.1 mice was used to investigate the origin of brain-invading leukocytes. RESULTS: Collagenase injection induced a larger hematoma volume but a similar blood content compared with blood injection. Cerebral leukocyte infiltration in the hemorrhagic hemisphere was similar in both models. The majority of leukocytes isolated from the brain originated from the circulation. CD4+ T lymphocytes were the predominant brain leukocyte population in both models. However, cerebral granulocyte counts were higher after collagenase compared with blood injection. CONCLUSIONS: Brain infiltration of systemic immune cells is similar in both murine intracerebral hemorrhage models. The pathophysiological impact of invading leukocytes and, in particular, of T cells requires further investigation.

Plasmodium genome in blood donors at risk for malaria after several years of residence in Italy.

BACKGROUND: At present, the main risk of transfusion-transmitted malaria (TTM) in nonendemic countries is chronic, asymptomatic immigrants from malaria-endemic areas. Semi-immune donors may carry undetected parasitemia. This study examines Plasmodium infection in at-risk blood donors in Northern Italy. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Plasma samples from 97 candidate donors and 80 controls were tested for malarial antibodies using a commercial enzyme immunoassay. The conserved 18S rRNA and the mitochondrial genes of Plasmodium were amplified to detect and quantify parasite genomes (copies/mL). Plasmodium species were identified with a species-specific nested polymerase chain reaction. Parasitemic samples were further tested by amplification of polymorphic repetitive regions in MSP-1 Block 2, MSP-2 Block 3, and glutamate-rich protein (GLURP) confirmed by sequencing. RESULTS: Three of 83 seropositive (3.6%) and one of 14 seronegative at-risk candidate donors carried Plasmodium genome (4 × 10(3) -8.5 × 10(4) copies/mL): two P. falciparum, one P. malariae (seronegative sample), and one coinfection with P. malariae and P. ovale. Alleles of MSP-1 (MAD20 and K1), MSP-2 (3D7 and FC27), and GLURP were amplified from Sample 261. In Sample 282 only one allele in MSP-2 (FC27) and GLURP was amplified. No alleles were detected in Samples 283 and 331. CONCLUSIONS: Immigrants from endemic countries might carry infectious Plasmodium after 2 to 5 years of continuous residence in Italy. Serologic screening may miss donors carrying P. malariae. Permanent exclusion or screening for both antibodies and genome are needed to prevent TTM.

Utility of cell salvage in women undergoing abdominal myomectomy.

OBJECTIVE: We examined the use and cost of autologous blood cell salvage in women who undergo abdominal myomectomy. STUDY DESIGN: Patients who underwent abdominal myomectomy from 2007-2011 were identified. Use of the cell salvage system and reinfusion of autologous blood in women who had the system set-up were analyzed. Cost was examined by directly reported data. RESULTS: We identified 607 patients who underwent abdominal myomectomy. Four hundred twenty-five women (70%) had the set-up of the cell salvage system. Cell-salvaged blood was processed and reinfused into 85 of these subjects (20%). In a multivariable model, performance of myomectomy by a gynecologic-specific surgeon (odds ratio [OR], 2.14; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.28-3.59), >5 myomas (OR, 2.49; 95% CI, 1.27-4.89), and larger uterine size statistically were associated significantly with cell-salvage device set-up. Conversely, having a reproductive-endocrinology-infertility specialist as the surgeon was associated with a significant reduction in cell-salvage system set-up (OR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.21-0.66). For the women who had cell-salvage system set-up, uterine size of >15-19 weeks of gestation (OR, 3.22; 95% CI, 1.56-8.95) or ≥20 weeks of gestation (OR, 4.62; 95% CI, 1.45-14.73), operating time of >120 minutes (OR, 3.98; 95% CI, 1.70-9.29), and intraoperative blood loss of >1000 mL (OR, 26.31; 95% CI, 10.49-65.99) were associated significantly with a higher incidence of reinfusion of cell-salvaged blood. CONCLUSION: The routine use of cell salvage in women who undergo abdominal myomectomy does not appear to be warranted. Cell-salvage set-up appears to be cost-effective only when reinfused, but clinical characteristics cannot predict accurately which women will require reinfusion of cell-salvaged blood.

Minorities are less likely to receive autologous blood transfusion for major elective orthopaedic surgery.

BACKGROUND: Surgeons commonly arrange for patients to perform autologous blood donation before elective orthopaedic surgery. Understanding sociodemographic patterns of use of autologous blood transfusion can help improve quality of care and cost containment. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We sought to determine whether there were (1) racial disparities, (2) insurance-based disparities, or (3) income-based disparities in autologous blood use. Additionally, we evaluated the combined effect of (4) race and insurance and (5) race and income on autologous blood use, and we compared ratios of autologous with allogeneic blood use. METHODS: Of the more than 3,500,000 patients undergoing major elective orthopaedic surgery identified in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample between 2008 and 2011, 2.4% received autologous blood transfusion and 12% received allogeneic blood transfusion. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine the influence of race, insurance status, and income on autologous blood use. RESULTS: Compared with white patients, Hispanic patients had lower odds of autologous blood use for elective hip (odds ratio [OR], 0.75; 95% CI, 0.69-0.82) and knee arthroplasties (OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.67-0.75). Black patients had lower odds of receiving autologous blood transfusion for hip arthroplasty (OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.74-0.83). Compared with the privately insured, uninsured and publicly insured patients were less likely to receive autologous blood for total joint arthroplasty and spinal fusion. Patients with low and medium income were less likely to have autologous blood transfusion for total joint arthroplasty and spinal fusion compared with high-level income earners. Even at comparable income and insurance levels with whites, Hispanic and black patients tended to be less likely to receive autologous blood transfusion. Ratios of autologous to allogeneic blood use were lower among minority patients. CONCLUSIONS: Historically disadvantaged populations receive fewer autologous blood transfusions for elective orthopaedic surgery. Whether the differential use is attributable to patient preference or unequal access to this practice should be investigated further. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, prognostic study. See the Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.