Utility of hemoglobin electrophoresis to distinguish between severe delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction versus hyperhemolysis syndrome.

Delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction (DHTR) and hyperhemolysis syndrome (HHS) are both complications of red blood cell transfusions in patients with sickle cell disease.Clinically, both present with hemolysis and can be difficult to differentiate. Hemoglobin electrophoresis may aid in the diagnosis. Herein we describe a case in which a patient with hemoglobin SC disease presented with features of severe hemolysis several days after initiation of red blood cell exchange. Increase in reticulocyte count and complete absence of hemoglobin A on electrophoresis during this event supported the diagnosis of severe DHTR, indicating a rapid and selective destruction of the transfused red blood cells. Ability to interpret the hemoglobin electrophoresis can help clinicians distinguish between these two severe transfusion complications in patients living with sickle cell disease. It is important to identify the presence or absence of concomitant HHS, as patients with HHS tend to have a worse prognosis and there is a higher rate of recurrence of HHS with subsequent transfusions. Accurate diagnosis can lead to prompt management and decrease morbidity and mortality.

Current advances in 2022: A critical review of selected topics by the Association for the Advancement of Blood and Biotherapies (AABB) Clinical Transfusion Medicine Committee.

BACKGROUND: The Association for the Advancement of Blood and Biotherapies Clinical Transfusion Medicine Committee (CTMC) composes a summary of new and important advances in transfusion medicine (TM) on an annual basis. Since 2018, this has been assembled into a manuscript and published in Transfusion. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: CTMC members selected original manuscripts relevant to TM that were published electronically and/or in print during calendar year 2022. Papers were selected based on perceived importance and/or originality. References for selected papers were made available to CTMC members to provide feedback. Members were also encouraged to identify papers that may have been omitted initially. They then worked in groups of two to three to write a summary for each new publication within their broader topic. Each topic summary was then reviewed and edited by two separate committee members. The final manuscript was assembled by the first and senior authors. While this review is extensive, it is not a systematic review and some publications considered important by readers may have been excluded. RESULTS: For calendar year 2022, summaries of key publications were assembled for the following broader topics within TM: blood component therapy; infectious diseases, blood donor testing, and collections; patient blood management; immunohematology and genomics; hemostasis; hemoglobinopathies; apheresis and cell therapy; pediatrics; and health care disparities, diversity, equity, and inclusion. DISCUSSION: This Committee Report reviews and summarizes important publications and advances in TM published during calendar year 2022, and maybe a useful educational tool.

Cryoprecipitated anti-hemophiliac factor manufactured from plasma frozen within 24 h after phlebotomy meets AABB quality standards.

BACKGROUND: Cryoprecipitated antihemophiliac factor (CryoAHF) manufacturing in the US has not kept pace with the increasing demand for hospital transfusion services. Association for Advancement of Blood and Biologics (AABB) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) require that CryoAHF be manufactured from fresh frozen plasma within 8 h (FFP). We evaluated whether CryoAHF manufactured from plasma frozen within 24 h (PF24) met regulatory quality control (QC) requirements to increase available plasma for CryoAHF. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: In a "worst-case scenario" feasibility study, we produced 21 single units of CryoAHF from type-O whole blood-derived PF24 frozen between 20 and 24 h after collection. A follow-up QC validation was conducted wherein 69 PF24 units across three sites were manufactured into CryoAHF. Factor VIII (FVIII) and fibrinogen levels were measured. RESULTS: CryoAHF manufactured in our feasibility study from PF24 contained FVIII levels of 208 ± 61 IU (mean ± SD) and 509 ± 152 mg of fibrinogen levels per unit. CryoAHF manufactured in our QC validation from PF24 yielded FVIII levels of 214 ± 58 IU and 607 ± 176 mg of fibrinogen levels per unit. The coagulation factor levels from each of the individual CryoAHF units exceeded the minimum AABB and FDA requirement of ≥80 IU of FVIII per unit and ≥150 mg of fibrinogen per unit. There was no decrease in FVIII or fibrinogen levels in CryoAHF produced from PF24 as compared to historic QC results of CryoAHF produced from FFP. CONCLUSION: These studies demonstrated that CryoAHF produced from PF24 meets AABB and FDA QC requirements. FDA approved the American Red Cross request to manufacture CryoAHF singles and pools from PF24 as source material.

Current advances in transfusion medicine 2021: A critical review of selected topics by the AABB Clinical Transfusion Medicine Committee.

BACKGROUND: Each year the AABB Clinical Transfusion Medicine Committee (CTMC) procures a synopsis highlighting new, important, and clinically relevant studies in the field of transfusion medicine (TM). This has been made available as a publication in Transfusion since 2018. METHODS: CTMC members reviewed and identified original manuscripts covering TM-related topics published electronically (ahead-of-print) or in print from December 2020 to December 2021. Selection of publications was discussed at committee meetings and chosen based on perceived relevance and originality. Next, committee members worked in pairs to create a synopsis of each topic, which was then reviewed by additional committee members. The first and senior authors assembled the final manuscript. Although this synopsis is extensive, it is not exhaustive, and some articles may have been excluded or missed. RESULTS: The following topics are included: blood products; convalescent plasma; donor collections and testing; hemoglobinopathies; immunohematology and genomics; hemostasis; patient blood management; pediatrics; therapeutic apheresis; and cell therapy. CONCLUSIONS: This synopsis highlights and summarizes recent key developments in TM and may be useful for educational purposes.

Therapeutic plasma exchange for the treatment of refractory necrotizing autoimmune myopathy.

INTRODUCTION: Necrotizing autoimmune myopathy (NAM) is strongly associated with pathognomonic autoantibodies targeting 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) or signal recognition particle (SRP), whose levels in turn are correlated with serum creatine kinase (CK) and necrosis. Thus, NAM may be amenable to therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) to remove pathogenic antibodies and improve patient symptoms. METHODS: A retrospective case series and literature review of patients presenting with NAM and undergoing treatment with TPE was performed. Clinical data including patient demographics, symptoms, physical exam findings, muscle biopsy, lower extremity imaging, prior therapy, and duration from diagnosis to TPE initiation were collected retrospectively for adult patients with NAM treated with TPE after failing to respond to immunomodulatory therapy. Laboratory data including change in CK levels and myositis-specific antibody titers from baseline were measured in some patients. RESULTS: Six patients (median age at diagnosis 52.5 years, interquartile range [IQR] 35.8-64.5 years, four male/two female) underwent a median of 7.5 (IQR: 5-10) TPE procedures with 5% albumin as replacement. All patients exhibited a statistically significant reduction in CK level from pre-TPE baseline (range: 43.0%-58.7% reduction). Responses in this cohort were best in patients with antibodies targeting HMGCR and SRP, which are most strongly associated with NAM. These results compare favorably to a literature review of NAM patients (n = 19) treated with TPE, who also exhibited positive clinical and laboratory responses across varying treatment lengths. CONCLUSION: TPE can play a role in the management of NAM, particularly in patients with HMGCR or SRP antibodies who are refractory to pharmacologic immunosuppression.

Algorithm-based selection of automated red blood cell exchange procedure goals reduces blood utilization in chronically transfused adults with sickle cell disease.

BACKGROUND: Automated red cell exchange (RCE) is a common treatment for patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). Two key parameters are used to determine the volume of blood for RCE to reduce sickle hemoglobin (eg, HbS): fraction of cells remaining (FCR) and target hematocrit. We evaluated how the calculated FCR-using the manufacturer's algorithm-impacted blood utilization and incidence of acute care encounters. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Retrospective chart review was conducted of 15 adults with SCD who underwent chronic RCE from July 1, 2015 to August 31, 2019. Blood utilization and acute care encounters were compared across three time periods: (a) when a fixed FCR of 30% was used (12 months); (b) transition period during which physicians made ad hoc changes to the FCR (25 months); (c) algorithm phase when a procedural FCR between 30% and 50% was selected using an algorithm generated by the manufacturer's built-in software to target a HbS fraction of 8% post-procedure (12 months). Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to determine statistical significance. RESULTS: Median blood utilization per procedure decreased from 2398 mL (interquartile range [IQR]: 2271-2759 mL) during the fixed FCR phase to 1887 mL (IQR: 1495-2241 mL) during the algorithm phase (P < 0.001). Similarly, median number of units transfused decreased from 10 (9-11) to 7 (5-9) during the respective phases (P < 0.001). Visits to the emergency department were 1 (0-4) in the fixed FCR phase and 0 (0-3) in the algorithm phase. CONCLUSION: Algorithm-based selection of a procedural FCR significantly reduced blood utilization (~21%) without appearing to increase acute care encounters.

Low rates of transfusion-transmitted infection screening in chronically transfused adults with sickle cell disease.

BACKGROUND: Adults with sickle cell disease (SCD) on chronic transfusion therapy are exposed to a large volume of blood products, thus increasing their risk of transfusion-associated human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C (HCV), and hepatitis B (HBV). METHODS: We performed a systematic chart review of chronically transfused SCD subjects at the Johns Hopkins Sickle Cell Center for Adults between October 2014 and September 2019 to determine our Center's adherence to the 2014 National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) SCD guidelines for annual screening for Transfusion Transmitted infections (TTI) and assessed HBV immunity and HBV vaccination rates. RESULTS: The study included 85 subjects with a median age of 34 years (23-63); 52% were female. No subject received annual screening; 68 subjects (80%) were screened for HIV, 60 subjects (71%) for HCV and 53 subjects (62%) for HBV infections at least once in the study period. Of those screened, one patient was newly diagnosed with HCV infection, and none with HIV or HBV infection. Among 31 subjects tested for anti-Hepatitis B surface antibody, 16 subjects (52%) tested negative. Nineteen (20%) subjects had HBV vaccination documented. CONCLUSIONS: Low adherence to the NHLBI TTI screening guidelines, especially for HBV, highlights the resource intensiveness of this patient population. The low rates of anti-Hepatitis B surface antibody positivity highlight the need to confirm vaccination, provide boosters as indicated, and investigate the adults with SCD's immune response to HBV vaccination.

Current advances in transfusion medicine 2020: A critical review of selected topics by the AABB Clinical Transfusion Medicine Committee.

BACKGROUND: The AABB Clinical Transfusion Medicine Committee (CTMC) compiles an annual synopsis of the published literature covering important developments in the field of transfusion medicine (TM), which has been made available as a manuscript published in Transfusion since 2018. METHODS: CTMC committee members reviewed original manuscripts including TM-related topics published electronically (ahead) or in print from December 2019 to December 2020. The selection of topics and manuscripts was discussed at committee meetings and chosen based on relevance and originality. Next, committee members worked in pairs to create a synopsis of each topic, which was then reviewed by two additional committee members. The first and senior authors of this manuscript assembled the final manuscript. Although this synopsis is extensive, it is not exhaustive, and some papers may have been excluded or missed. RESULTS: The following topics are included: COVID-19 effects on the blood supply and regulatory landscape, COVID convalescent plasma, adult transfusion practices, whole blood, molecular immunohematology, pediatric TM, cellular therapy, and apheresis medicine. CONCLUSIONS: This synopsis provides easy access to relevant topics and may be useful as an educational tool.

Financial analysis of large-volume delayed sampling to reduce bacterial contamination of platelets.

BACKGROUND: Effective and financially viable mitigation approaches are needed to reduce bacterial contamination of platelets in the US. Expected costs of large-volume delayed sampling (LVDS), which would be performed by a blood center prior to shipment to a hospital, were compared to those of pathogen reduction (PR), point-of-release testing (PORt), and secondary bacterial culture (SBC). METHODS: Using a Markov-based decision-tree model, the financial and clinical impact of implementing all variants of LVDS, PR, PORt, and SBC described in FDA guidance were evaluated from a hospital perspective. Hospitals were assumed to acquire leukoreduced apheresis platelets, with LVDS adding $30 per unit. Monte Carlo simulations were run to estimate the direct medical costs for platelet acquisition, testing, transfusion, and possible complications associated with each approach. Input parameters, including test sensitivity and specificity, were drawn from existing literature and costs (2018US$) were based on a hospital perspective. A one-way sensitivity analysis varied the assumed additional cost of LVDS. RESULTS: Under an approach of LVDS (7-day), the total cost per transfused unit is $735.78, which falls between estimates for SBC (7-day) and PORt. Assuming 20,000 transfusions each year, LVDS would cost $14.72 million annually. Per-unit LVDS costs would need to be less than $22.32 to be cheaper per transfusion than all other strategies, less than $32.02 to be cheaper than SBC (7-day), and less than $196.19 to be cheaper than PR (5-day). CONCLUSIONS: LVDS is an effective and cost-competitive approach, assuming additional costs to blood centers and associated charges to hospitals are modest.

Solvent detergent treated pooled plasma and reduction of allergic transfusion reactions.

BACKGROUND: Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) patients have increased risk for allergic transfusion reactions (ATR) due to the number of plasma products they require. This study evaluated the efficacy of solvent detergent treated plasma (S/D treated plasma) to reduce ATRs. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: All TTP patients who presented from April 2014 to February 2015 and experienced a moderate-severe ATR to untreated plasma with TPE were switched to S/D treated plasma (Octaplas) for their remaining procedures and included in the study. Patient records were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: The overall ATR rate per procedure decreased from 35.0% (95% CI = 15.4%-59.2%) with untreated plasma to 1.4% ([1/73] 95% CI = 0.0%-7.4%) with S/D treated plasma. The moderate-severe ATR rate decreased from 20.0% ([4/20] 95% CI = 5.7%-43.7%) with untreated plasma to 0.0% ([0/73] 95% CI = 0.0%-4.9%) with S/D treated plasma. The overall ATR rate per plasma unit decreased from 2.6% (95%CI = 1.0%-5.1%) with untreated plasma to 0.1% (95% CI = 0.0%-0.4%) with S/D treated plasma. No patients experienced VTE while receiving untreated plasma. Four patients experienced VTE events while receiving S/D treated plasma. All patients who experienced a VTE had additional risk factors for VTE. CONCLUSION: S/D plasma has promise as an effective product to reduce the risk of ATRs in TTP patients. Given the high risk of ATR in TTP patients, consideration of S/D plasma instead of untreated plasma for TPE in these patients may be warranted, especially for patients with a history of moderate to severe ATR. More extensive studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Comparative changes of pre-operative autologous transfusions and peri-operative cell salvage in the United States.

BACKGROUND: With improved safety of allogeneic blood supply, the use of preoperative autologous donations (PADs) and perioperative autologous cell salvage (PACS) has evolved. This study evaluated temporal trends in PAD and PACS use in the United States. METHODS: The National Inpatient Sample database, a stratified probability sample of 20% of hospitalizations in the United States, was used to compare temporal trends in hospitalizations reporting use of PADs and PACS from 1995 to 2015. Factors associated with their use were examined between 2012 and 2015 with use of multivariable Poisson regression. Sampling weights were applied to generate nationally representative estimates. RESULTS: There was a steady decrease in hospitalizations reporting PAD transfusions from 27.90 per 100 000 in 1995 to 1.48 per 100 000 hospitalizations in 2015 (P-trend <.001). In contrast, PACS increased from a rate of 1.16 per 100 000 in 1995 to peak of 20.51 per 100 000 hospitalizations in 2008 and then steadily declined (P-trend<.001). Higher odds of PACS and PADs were observed in older patients, elective procedures (vs urgent), and urban teaching/nonteaching hospitals (vs rural hospitals) (P < .001). PACS was more common in hospitalizations in patients with higher levels of severity of illness as compared to those with minor severity (adjusted prevalence ratio [adjPR], 2.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.08-2.73; P<.001), while PADs were performed less often in patients with higher underlying severity of illness (All Patient Refined Diagnosis Related Groups, 4 vs 1, adjPR, 0.61; 95% CI, [0.39-0.95]; P = .028). CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant decrease in PAD red blood cell transfusions, while PACS has increased and subsequently decreased; PACS plays an important role in surgical blood conservation. The subsequent decline in PACS likely reflects further optimization of transfusion practice through patient blood management programs and improvement of surgical interventions.

Current advances in transfusion medicine: a 2019 review of selected topics from the AABB Clinical Transfusion Medicine Committee.

BACKGROUND: The AABB Clinical Transfusion Medicine Committee (CTMC) compiles an annual synopsis of the published literature covering important developments in the field of transfusion medicine (TM) for the board of director's review. This synopsis is now made available as a manuscript published in TRANSFUSION. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: CTMC committee members review original manuscripts including TM-related topics published in different journals between late 2018 and 2019. The selection of topics and manuscripts are discussed at committee meetings and are chosen based on relevance and originality. After the topics and manuscripts are selected, committee members work in pairs to create a synopsis of the topics, which is then reviewed by two committee members. The first and senior authors of this manuscript assembled the final manuscript. Although this synopsis is comprehensive, it is not exhaustive, and some papers may have been excluded or missed. RESULTS: The following topics are included: infectious risks to the blood supply, iron donor studies, pre-transfusion testing interference and genotyping, cold agglutinin disease (CAD), HLA alloimmunization in platelet transfusions, patient blood management, updates to TACO and TRALI definitions, pediatric TM, and advances in apheresis medicine. CONCLUSION: This synopsis provides easy access to relevant topics and may be useful as an educational tool.

Clinical mutational profiling and categorization of BRAF mutations in melanomas using next generation sequencing.

BACKGROUND: Analysis of melanomas for actionable mutations has become the standard of care. Recently, a classification scheme has been proposed that categorizes BRAF mutations based on their mechanisms for activation of the MAPK pathway. METHODS: In this analysis BRAF, KIT, NRAS, and PIK3CA mutations were examined by next generation sequencing (NGS) in 446 melanomas in a clinical diagnostic setting. KRAS and HRAS were also analyzed to elucidate coexisting BRAF and RAS mutations. BRAF mutations were categorized into class-1 (kinase-activated, codon 600), class-2 (kinase-activated, non-codon 600) and class-3 (kinase-impaired), based on the newly proposed classification scheme. RESULTS: NGS demonstrated high analytic sensitivity. Among 355 mutations detected, variant allele frequencies were 2-5% in 21 (5.9%) mutations and 2-10% in 47 (13%) mutations. Mutations were detected in BRAF (42%), NRAS (25%), KIT (4.9%) and PIK3CA (2.7%). The incidence of class-1, class-2 and class-3 mutations were 33% (26% p.V600E and 6.1% p.V600K), 3.1 and 4.9% respectively. With a broader reportable range of NGS, class-1, class-2 and class-3 mutations accounted for 77, 7.4 and 12% of all BRAF mutations. Class-3 mutations, commonly affecting codons 594, 466 and 467, showed a higher incidence of coexisting RAS mutations, consistent with their RAS-dependent signaling. Significant association with old age and primary tumors of head/neck/upper back suggest chronic solar damage as a contributing factor for melanomas harboring BRAF p.V600K or class-3 mutations. CONCLUSION: This study categorizes the range, frequency, coexisting driver mutations and clinical characteristics of the three classes of BRAF mutations in a large cohort of melanomas in a clinical diagnostic setting. Further prospective studies are warranted to elucidate the clinical outcomes and benefits of newly developed targeted therapy in melanoma patients carrying each class of BRAF mutation.

Financial impact of alternative approaches to reduce bacterial contamination of platelet transfusions.

BACKGROUND: Bacterial contamination of platelets remains the leading infectious risk from blood transfusion. Pathogen reduction (PR), point-of-release testing (PORt), and secondary bacterial culture (SBC) have been proposed as alternative risk control strategies, but a comprehensive financial comparison has not been conducted. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A Markov-based decision tree was constructed to model the financial and clinical impact of PR, PORt, and SBC, as well as a baseline strategy involving routine testing only. Hospitals were assumed to acquire leukoreduced apheresis platelets on Day 3 after collection, and, in the base case analysis, expiration would occur at the end of Day 5 (PR and SBC) or 7 (PORt). Monte Carlo simulations assessed the direct medical costs for platelet acquisition, testing, transfusion, and possible complications. Input parameters, including test sensitivity and specificity, were drawn from existing literature, and costs (2018 US dollars) were based on a hospital perspective. RESULTS: The total costs per unit acquired by the hospital under the baseline strategy, PR, PORt, and SBC were $651.45, $827.82, $686.33, and $668.50, respectively. All risk-reduction strategies decreased septic transfusion reactions and associated expenses, with the greatest reductions from PR. PR would add $191.09 in per-unit acquisition costs, whereas PORt and SBC would increase per-unit testing costs by $31.79 and $17.26, respectively. Financial outcomes were sensitive to platelet dating; allowing 7-day storage with SBC would lead to a cost savings of $12.41 per transfused unit. Results remained robust in probabilistic sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS: All three strategies are viable approaches to reducing bacterially contaminated platelet transfusions, although SBC is likely to be the cheapest overall.

Sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics associated with blood donation in the United States: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Contemporary population-based data on characteristics associated with blood donation in the United States (U.S.) are limited. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis was performed among 28,739 persons aged 18 years and older who participated in the 2016 National Health Interview Survey, a household survey of the noninstitutionalized U.S. civilian population. Analyses were weighted and accounted for the complex survey design. Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) were estimated by multivariable log-binomial regression. RESULTS: The percentage of individuals reporting a past-year history of blood donation was 5.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.3%-6.1%) and was highest in the youngest age group (18-24 years, 8.4%). A past-year history of blood donation was more common in males compared to females (6.3% vs. 5.1%; aPR, 1.12 [95% CI, 0.99-1.27]) and those born in the U.S. compared to individuals born outside the U.S. (6.4% vs. 2.4%; aPR, 1.92 [95% CI, 1.49-2.47]). The percentage of individuals with a past-year history of blood donation was significantly lower in blacks (3.9%; aPR, 0.60 [95% CI, 0.47-0.75]) and Hispanics (3.0%; aPR, 0.63 [95% CI, 0.48-0.83]) in comparison to whites (6.9%). Being a college graduate, being employed, being physically active, and never being a cigarette smoker were factors positively associated with blood donation. The percentage of individuals with a past-year history of blood donation varied by geographic census region, with prevalence being higher in the Midwest (7.3%) and South (6.0%) compared to the Northeast (4.7%) and West (4.4%). CONCLUSION: Continued differences in the blood donor population with reference to the U.S. population underscore the need to understand barriers or deterrents to blood donation. Evidence-based donor recruitment and related policies remain imperative to ensure that there is a sustainable blood supply.

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

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

Association of blood donation with iron deficiency among adolescent and adult females in the United States: a nationally representative study.

BACKGROUND: Blood donation results in a loss of iron stores, which is particularly concerning for young female blood donors. This study examines the association of blood donation and iron deficiency among adolescent and adult females in the United States. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis was performed using data from the 1999-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Females who reported their blood donation history in the preceding year and had serum ferritin (SF) measurements were included. Analyses were weighted and stratified by adolescents (16-19 years; n = 2419) and adults (20-49 years; n = 7228). Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) were estimated by multivariable Poisson regression. Standard errors were estimated by Taylor series linearization. RESULTS: Geometric mean SF levels (ng/mL) were lower in blood donors compared to nondonors among adolescents (21.2 vs. 31.4; p < 0.001) and among adults (26.2 vs. 43.7; p < 0.001). The prevalence of absent iron stores (SF < 12 ng/mL) was higher in blood donors compared to nondonors among adolescents (22.6% vs. 12.2%; aPR = 2.03 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.45-2.85]) and among adults (18.3% vs. 9.8%; aPR = 2.06 [95% CI = 1.48-2.88]). Additionally, the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia (SF < 26 ng/mL and hemoglobin < 12.0 g/dL) was also higher in blood donors compared to nondonors among adolescents (9.5% vs. 6.1%; aPR = 2.10 [95% CI = 1.13-3.90]) and among adults (7.9% vs. 6.1%; aPR = 1.74 [95% CI = 1.06-2.85]). Similar results were observed in a sensitivity analysis restricted to adolescents aged 16 to 18 years. CONCLUSIONS: Blood donation is associated with iron deficiency among adolescent and adult females in the United States. These national data call for further development and implementation of blood donation practices aimed toward mitigating iron deficiency.

Hemostatic profile and safety of pooled cryoprecipitate up to 120 hours after thawing.

BACKGROUND: AABB standards state that cryoprecipitate should be transfused within 4 to 6 hours after thawing. We evaluated coagulation factor levels and sterility of thawed pooled cryoprecipitate to assess whether shelf life can be safely extended. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Donor cryoprecipitate pools (n = 20, 10 group A, 10 group O) were held at ambient temperature and sampled at 0, 4, 8, 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 hours post-thawing for fibrinogen, Factor (F)VIII, and von Willebrand factor (vWF) levels. Samples were tested at 0 and 120 hours for sterility (BacT/Alert system). Sixty additional cryoprecipitate pools were evaluated after 72 hours. Longitudinal differences in component levels were determined by linear fixed-effects regression. RESULTS: Group O cryoprecipitate had significantly lower FVIII (p = 0.002) and vWF activity (p = 0.006) compared to group A at 0 hours, but were not statistically different in fibrinogen levels (p = 0.33). Fibrinogen levels were stable over 5 days: 501 ± 81 mg/unit (mean ± standard deviation) at 0 hours to 506 ± 102 mg/unit at 120 hours (p = 0.73). Similarly, there was no decline in vWF activity: 200 ± 53 IU/unit at 0 hours to 209 ± 57 IU/unit at 120 hours (p = 0.084). The FVIII activity significantly declined on average by 9.6 IU (95% confidence interval, 5.5-13.8) between 0 hours (111 ± 33 IU/unit) and 120 hours post-thaw (101 ± 33) (p < 0.001). No organisms were detected when cryoprecipitate pools were cultured at 0 hours, but at 120 hours Staphylococcus epidermidis was identified from one pool, potentially a contaminant introduced during repeated sampling. No cultures were positive among the 60 additional cryoprecipitate pools assessed at 72 hours. CONCLUSION: Extended cryoprecipitate storage at ambient temperature did not affect fibrinogen levels over 120 hours. Sterility of products held at ambient temperature for an extended period of time could be assessed by secondary culture.

Therapeutic plasma exchange for hyperviscosity syndrome secondary to high rheumatoid factor.

Hyperviscosity syndrome (HVS) is most commonly associated with Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia, where it may be life-threatening. HVS may also occur in autoimmune diseases; data pertaining to efficacy of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) in HVS arising in non-malignant gammopathy are limited. We report a case of 71-year-old female with erosive rheumatoid arthritis with profoundly elevated rheumatoid factor (57,400 IU/ml; normal <35) who presented with findings consistent with HVS: profound weakness, headache, epistaxis and plasma viscosity (8.5 centipoise). She was successfully treated with pulsed high-dose steroids and TPE. Her symptoms of HVS have not recurred and the plasma viscosity has remained less than 3 centipoise. Given a slow onset of non-specific symptoms, HVS may be missed, incurring high risk of adverse effect. In symptomatic patients with high RF activity, a high index of suspicion for HVS is necessary to ensure timely identification and treatment with TPE, a safe and effective therapy.