The Effect of Preoperative Anemia on the Odds of Allogeneic Blood Transfusion and Patient Outcomes in Colorectal Neoplasm Patients.

BACKGROUND: The optimal preoperative hemoglobin (Hb) value of colorectal neoplasm patients is still being debated. This study aimed at determining the effect of preoperative anemia on patient outcomes and allogeneic blood transfusion (ABT). METHODS: This retrospective cohort study enrolled colorectal neoplasm patients, that underwent surgery, from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2021. The primary outcomes were the association between anemia and average length of stay (ALOS) and the odds of ABT. The secondary outcomes were the risk factors of the primary outcomes. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied to identify the association and risk factors. RESULTS: A total of 14,352 inpatients were included in the study, of whom 3,035 experienced (21.15%) mild anemia, 1,500 (10.45%) moderate anemia, and 104 (0.72%) severe anemia. Overall, 1,418 (9.88%) patients received ABT during the hospitalization, and 546 (3.80%) patients received perioperative ABT. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, compared with the no anemic group, the odds ratio [OR] of ABT during the hospitalization for patients with mild/moderate/severe anemia were 5.915, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.717 - 7.418; 104.777, 95% CI: 84.345 - 130.160; and 13,361.442, 95% CI: 816.004 - 218,783.511, respectively, and the OR of periopera¬tive ABT were 4.332, 95% CI: 3.245 - 5.785; 27.492, 95% CI: 20.974 - 36.037; and 20.912, 95% CI: 11.832 - 36.959, respectively. Besides, the ALOS was longer, ß were 0.619, 95% CI: 0.346 - 0.892; 1.188, 95% CI: 0.821 - 1.554; and 1.395, 95% CI: 0.107 - 2.684, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Anemia is a common phenomenon in colorectal neoplasm surgical patients, and even mild anemia could be a deleterious predictor on the outcomes of colorectal neoplasm patients that underwent surgery.

Mechanisms and treatment of anemia related to cardiac arrest. / å¿ƒè„éª¤åœåŽç›¸å ³æ€§è´«è¡€çš„æœºåˆ¶åŠæ²»ç–—.

Cardiac arrest is a common and fatal emergency situation. Recently, an increasing number of studies have shown that anemia in patients with cardiac arrest is closely related to high mortality rates and poor neurological outcomes. Anemia is prevalent among patients with post-cardiac arrest syndrome (PCAS), but its specific pathogenesis remains unclear. The mechanisms may involve various factors, including reduced production of erythropoietin, oxidative stress/inflammatory responses, gastrointestinal ischemic injury, hepcidin abnormalities, iatrogenic blood loss, and malnutrition. Measures to improve anemia related to cardiac arrest may include blood transfusions, administration of erythropoietin, anti-inflammation and antioxidant therapies, supplementation of hematopoietic materials, protection of gastrointestinal mucosa, and use of hepcidin antibodies and antagonists. Therefore, exploring the latest research progress on the mechanisms and treatment of anemia related to cardiac arrest is of significant guiding importance for improving secondary brain injury caused by anemia and the prognosis of patients with cardiac arrest.

Non-cardiac comorbidities in heart failure: an update on diagnostic and management strategies.

Managing non-cardiac comorbidities in heart failure (HF) requires a tailored approach that addresses each patient's specific conditions and needs. Regular communication and coordination among healthcare providers is crucial to providing the best possible care for these patients. Poorly controlled hypertension contributes to left ventricular remodeling and diastolic dysfunction, emphasizing the importance of optimal blood pressure control while avoiding adverse effects. Among HF patients with diabetes, SGLT2 inhibitors and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists have shown promise in reducing HF-related morbidity and mortality. Chronic kidney disease exacerbates HF and vice versa, forming the vicious cardiorenal syndrome, so disease-modifying therapies should be maintained in HF patients with comorbid CKD, even with transient changes in kidney function. Anemia in HF patients may be multifactorial, and there is growing evidence for the benefit of intravenous iron supplementation in HF patients with iron deficiency with or without anemia. Obesity, although a risk factor for HF, paradoxically offers a better prognosis once HF is established, though developing treatment strategies may improve symptoms and cardiac performance. In HF patients with stroke and atrial fibrillation, anticoagulation therapy is recommended. Among HF patients with sleep-disordered breathing, continuous positive airway pressure may improve sleep quality. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease often coexists with HF, and many patients can tolerate cardioselective beta-blockers. Cancer patients with comorbid HF require careful consideration of cardiotoxicity risks associated with cancer therapies. Depression is underdiagnosed in HF patients and significantly impacts prognosis. Cognitive impairment is prevalent in HF patients and impacts their self-care and overall quality of life.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices among patients with anemia towards disease management.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices among anemia patients toward disease management. Methods: This web-based cross-sectional study was conducted between September and December 2023 at The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine). A self-designed questionnaire was developed to collect demographic information of anemia patients, and assess their knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) toward disease management. Results: A total of 396 valid questionnaires were collected. The mean age of the participants was 57.44 ± 16.80 years, and 52.02% were female. The mean knowledge, attitudes, and practices scores were 11.47 ± 1.73 (possible range: 0-14), 27.32 ± 2.96 (possible range: 7-35), and 40.49 ± 6.06 (possible range: 10-50), respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that bachelor's degree or above was independently associated with sufficient knowledge (OR = 2.372, 95%CI: 1.160-4.853, p = 0.018). Knowledge (OR = 1.350, 95%CI: 1.166-1.563, p < 0.001) and hemoglobin within 60-90 g/L (OR = 1.782, 95%CI: 1.090-2.912, p = 0.021) were independently associated with positive attitudes. Moreover, attitudes (OR = 1.618, 95%CI: 1.454-1.799, p < 0.001) and diagnosis ≥1 year (OR = 1.949, 95%CI: 1.171-3.243, p = 0.010) were independently associated with proactive practices. The path analysis demonstrated that knowledge was directly and positively correlated with attitudes (ß = 0.484, 95% CI: 0.363-0.647, p = 0.008), and attitudes was directly and positively correlated with practices (ß = 1.195, 95% CI: 1.062-1.332, p = 0.007). Moreover, knowledge was indirectly and positively correlated with practice (ß = 0.579, 95% CI: 0.434-0.805, p = 0.004). Conclusion: Anemia patients have sufficient knowledge, negative attitudes, but proactive practices toward the toward disease management Comprehensive training programs are needed to improve anemia patients practices in this area.

Haemoglobin values, transfusion practices, and long-term outcomes in critically ill patients with traumatic brain injury: a secondary analysis of CENTER-TBI.

Haemoglobin (Hb) thresholds and red blood cells (RBC) transfusion strategies in traumatic brain injury (TBI) are controversial. Our objective was to assess the association of Hb values with long-term outcomes in critically ill TBI patients. We conducted a secondary analysis of CENTER-TBI, a large multicentre, prospective, observational study of European TBI patients. All patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with available haemoglobin data on admission and during the first week were included. During the first seven days, daily lowest haemoglobin values were considered either a continous variable or categorised as < 7.5 g/dL, between 7.5-9.5 and > 9.5 g/dL. Anaemia was defined as haemoglobin value < 9.5 g/dL. Transfusion practices were described as "restrictive" or "liberal" based on haemoglobin values before transfusion (e.g. < 7.5 g/dL or 7.5-9.5 g/dL). Our primary outcome was the Glasgow outcome scale extended (GOSE) at six months, defined as being unfavourable when < 5. Of 1590 included, 1231 had haemoglobin values available on admission. A mean Injury Severity Score (ISS) of 33 (SD 16), isolated TBI in 502 (40.7%) and a mean Hb value at ICU admission of 12.6 (SD 2.2) g/dL was observed. 121 (9.8%) patients had Hb < 9.5 g/dL, of whom 15 (1.2%) had Hb < 7.5 g/dL. 292 (18.4%) received at least one RBC transfusion with a median haemoglobin value before transfusion of 8.4 (IQR 7.7-8.5) g/dL. Considerable heterogeneity regarding threshold transfusion was observed among centres. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, the increase of haemoglobin value was independently associated with the decrease in the occurrence of unfavourable neurological outcomes (OR 0.78; 95% CI 0.70-0.87). Congruous results were observed in patients with the lowest haemoglobin values within the first 7 days < 7.5 g/dL (OR 2.09; 95% CI 1.15-3.81) and those between 7.5 and 9.5 g/dL (OR 1.61; 95% CI 1.07-2.42) compared to haemoglobin values > 9.5 g/dL. Results were consistent when considering mortality at 6 months as an outcome. The increase of hemoglobin value was associated with the decrease of mortality (OR 0.88; 95% CI 0.76-1.00); haemoglobin values less than 7.5 g/dL was associated with an increase of mortality (OR 3.21; 95% CI 1.59-6.49). Anaemia was independently associated with long-term unfavourable neurological outcomes and mortality in critically ill TBI patients.Trial registration: CENTER-TBI is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02210221, last update 2022-11-07.

Anemia to Median Nerve Palsy.

Mesenteric angina has a high mortality rate. Occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery is the most common cause. Increasingly, it is managed endovascularly instead of by open revascularization. Despite the lower risk of complications in minimally invasive procedures, it is important to be mindful of long-term sequelae of minor complications. Patient education regarding risks and complications is paramount for better clinical outcomes. The risks of transbrachial angiography procedures are low. Postprocedural vigilance for interventionists and written educational advice to patients are paramount in all minimally invasive endovascular procedures, especially because most of these patients with a complication require urgent operative correction.

How anti-c in a D- patient prompted lifesaving work between a transfusion service and a blood center reference laboratory.

This case report showcases an extraordinary collaboration to support the transfusion needs of a patient with a rare phenotype and long-standing anemia due to gastrointestinal bleeding. This report describes the Immunohematology Reference Laboratory testing and logistics of rare blood provision over an 11-year period, as well as a summary of the hematologic, gastroenterologic, and surgical interventions. This case illustrates how a strong collaboration among the clinical team, laboratory, blood center, and the rare donor community facilitated successful management of this patient's anemia until the patient could receive life-changing treatment.

In transfusion-dependent, angiodysplasia-related anemia, adding octreotide to usual care reduced transfusions at 1 y.

SOURCE CITATION: Goltstein LC, Grooteman KV, Bernts LH, et al. Standard of care versus octreotide in angiodysplasia-related bleeding (the OCEAN study): a multicenter randomized controlled trial. Gastroenterology. 2024;166:690-703. 38158089.

Restrictive versus liberal red blood cell transfusion strategies for people with haematological malignancies treated with intensive chemotherapy or radiotherapy, or both, with or without haematopoietic stem cell support.

BACKGROUND: An estimated one-quarter to one-half of people diagnosed with haematological malignancies experience anaemia. There are different strategies for red blood cell (RBC) transfusions to treat anaemia. A restrictive transfusion strategy permits a lower haemoglobin (Hb) level whereas a liberal transfusion strategy aims to maintain a higher Hb. The most effective and safest strategy is unknown. OBJECTIVES: To determine the efficacy and safety of restrictive versus liberal RBC transfusion strategies for people diagnosed with haematological malignancies treated with intensive chemotherapy or radiotherapy, or both, with or without a haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). SEARCH METHODS: We searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomised studies (NRS) in MEDLINE (from 1946), Embase (from 1974), CINAHL (from 1982), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2023, Issue 2), and eight other databases (including three trial registries) to 21 March 2023. We also searched grey literature and contacted experts in transfusion for additional trials. There were no language, date or publication status restrictions. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included RCTs and prospective NRS that evaluated restrictive versus liberal RBC transfusion strategies in children or adults with malignant haematological disorders receiving intensive chemotherapy or radiotherapy, or both, with or without HSCT. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors independently screened references, full-text reports of potentially relevant studies, extracted data from the studies, and assessed the risk of bias. Any disagreement was discussed and resolved with a third review author. Dichotomous outcomes were presented as a risk ratio (RR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Narrative syntheses were used for heterogeneous outcome measures. Review Manager Web was used to meta-analyse the data. Main outcomes of interest included: all-cause mortality at 31 to 100 days, quality of life, number of participants with any bleeding, number of participants with clinically significant bleeding, serious infections, length of hospital admission (days) and hospital readmission at 0 to 3 months. The certainty of the evidence was assessed using GRADE. MAIN RESULTS: Nine studies met eligibility; eight RCTs and one NRS. Six hundred and forty-four participants were included from six completed RCTs (n = 560) and one completed NRS (n = 84), with two ongoing RCTs consisting of 294 participants (260 adult and 34 paediatric) pending inclusion. Only one completed RCT included children receiving HSCT (n = 6); the other five RCTs only included adults: 239 with acute leukaemia receiving chemotherapy and 315 receiving HSCT (166 allogeneic and 149 autologous). The transfusion threshold ranged from 70 g/L to 80 g/L for restrictive and from 80 g/L to 120 g/L for liberal strategies. Effects were reported in the summary of findings tables only for the trials that included adults to reduce indirectness due to the limited evidence contributed by the prematurely terminated paediatric trial. Evidence from RCTs Overall, there may be little to no difference in the number of participants who die within 31 to 100 days using a restrictive compared to a liberal transfusion strategy, but the evidence is very uncertain (three studies; 451 participants; RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.27 to 3.70, P=0.99; very low-certainty evidence). There may be little to no difference in quality of life at 0 to 3 months using a restrictive compared to a liberal transfusion strategy, but the evidence is very uncertain (three studies; 431 participants; analysis unable to be completed due to heterogeneity; very low-certainty evidence). There may be little to no difference in the number of participants who suffer from any bleeding at 0 to 3 months using a restrictive compared to a liberal transfusion strategy (three studies; 448 participants; RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.78 to 1.06, P = 0.22; low-certainty evidence). There may be little to no difference in the number of participants who suffer from clinically significant bleeding at 0 to 3 months using a restrictive compared to a liberal transfusion strategy (four studies; 511 participants; RR: 0.94, 95% CI 0.74 to 1.19, P = 0.60; low-certainty evidence). There may be little to no difference in the number of participants who experience serious infections at 0 to 3 months using a restrictive compared to a liberal transfusion strategy (three studies, 451 participants; RR: 1.20, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.55, P = 0.17; low-certainty evidence). A restrictive transfusion strategy likely results in little to no difference in the length of hospital admission at 0 to 3 months compared to a liberal strategy (two studies; 388 participants; analysis unable to be completed due to heterogeneity in reporting; moderate-certainty evidence). There may be little to no difference between hospital readmission using a restrictive transfusion strategy compared to a liberal transfusion strategy (one study, 299 participants; RR: 0.89, 95% CI 0.52 to 1.50; P = 0.65; low-certainty evidence). Evidence from NRS The evidence is very uncertain whether a restrictive RBC transfusion strategy: reduces the risk of death within 100 days (one study, 84 participants, restrictive 1 death; liberal 1 death; very low-certainty evidence); or decreases the risk of clinically significant bleeding (one study, 84 participants, restrictive 3; liberal 8; very low-certainty evidence). No NRS reported on the other eligible outcomes. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Findings from this review were based on seven studies and 644 participants. Definite conclusions are challenging given the relatively few included studies, low number of included participants, heterogeneity of intervention and outcome reporting, and overall certainty of evidence. To increase the certainty of the true effect of a restrictive RBC transfusion strategy on clinical outcomes, there is a need for rigorously designed and executed studies. The evidence is largely based on two populations: adults with acute leukaemia receiving intensive chemotherapy and adults with haematologic malignancy requiring HSCT. Despite the addition of 405 participants from three RCTs to the previous review's results, there is still insufficient evidence to answer this review's primary outcome. If we assume a mortality rate of 3% within 100 days, we would need a total of 1492 participants to have an 80% chance of detecting, at a 5% level of significance, an increase in all-cause mortality from 3% to 6%. Further RCTs are needed overall, particularly in children.

Retrospective evaluation of the prevalence and risk factors associated with red blood cell transfusions in cats with urethral obstruction (2009-2019): 575 cases.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of red blood cell (RBC) transfusions and factors associated with the need for transfusion in cases of feline urethral obstruction (FUO). Secondarily, to compare survival to discharge in cats receiving an RBC transfusion versus those that did not. DESIGN: Retrospective, multi-institutional study from 2009 to 2019. SETTING: Four university teaching hospitals. ANIMALS: Six hundred twenty-two total occurrences of FUO in 575 cats. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Medical records were retrospectively reviewed for pertinent information. The overall prevalence of severe anemia (PCV < 0.20 L/L [<20%]) at presentation was 1.0% (6/622). The prevalence of RBC transfusions during hospitalization was 2.1% (13/622). Cats that received an RBC transfusion weighed significantly less than those that did not (4.9 vs 5.8 kg; P = 0.034) and had a lower PCV at presentation (0.30 L/L [30%] vs 0.41 L/L [41%]; P < 0.001). Hospitalization time (240 vs 72 h) and indwelling urinary catheter time (168 vs 48 h) were significantly longer in cats receiving a transfusion compared with those that did not (P < 0.001). Creatinine concentrations were not significantly associated with transfusion administration, while BUN was higher in cats receiving a transfusion (15.35 mmol/L [43 mg/dL] vs. 11.78 mmol/L [33 mg/dL]; P = 0.043). Transfusion rates were significantly higher in cats undergoing perineal urethrostomy (5.5%) compared with those that did not undergo surgery (0.97%; P < 0.001). The overall survival to discharge rate was 96%. Cats not receiving an RBC transfusion were significantly more likely to survive to discharge than those that did (odds ratio: 14.7, 95% confidence interval: 1.8-37; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: FUO is rarely associated with severe anemia and the need for RBC transfusions. In this study, cats receiving an RBC transfusion were less likely to survive to discharge; therefore, requiring a blood transfusion may be associated with a worse prognosis. In addition, the need for surgical intervention was associated with a higher prevalence of RBC transfusions.

Preoperative Blood Transfusion Requirements for Hemorrhoidal Severe Anemia: A Retrospective Study of 128 Patients.

BACKGROUND Severe anemia caused by hemorrhoidal hematochezia is typically treated preoperatively with reference to severe anemia treatment strategies from other etiologies. This retrospective cohort study included 128 patients with hemorrhoidal severe anemia admitted to 3 hospitals from September 1, 2018, to August 1, 2023, and aimed to evaluate preoperative blood transfusion requirements. MATERIAL AND METHODS Of 5120 patients with hemorrhoids, 128 (2.25%; male/female: 72/56) experienced hemorrhoidal severe anemia, transfusion, and Milligan-Morgan surgery. Patients were categorized into 2 groups based on their preoperative hemoglobin (PHB) levels after transfusion: PHB ≥70 g/L as the liberal-transfusion group (LG), and PHB <70 as the restrictive-threshold group (RG). The general condition, bleeding duration, hemoglobin level on admission, transfusion volume, length of stay, immune transfusion reaction, surgical duration, and hospitalization cost were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS Patients with severe anemia (age: 41.07±14.76) tended to be younger than those with common hemorrhoids (age: 49.431±15.59 years). The LG had a significantly higher transfusion volume (4.77±2.22 units), frequency of immune transfusion reactions (1.22±0.58), and hospitalization costs (16.69±3.31 thousand yuan) than the RG, which had a transfusion volume of 3.77±2.09 units, frequency of immune transfusion reactions of 0.44±0.51, and hospitalization costs of 15.00±3.06 thousand yuan. Surgical duration in the LG (25.69±14.71 min) was significantly lower than that of the RG (35.24±18.72 min). CONCLUSIONS Patients with hemorrhoids with severe anemia might require a lower preoperative transfusion threshold than the currently recognized threshold, with an undifferentiated treatment effect and additional benefits.

Impact of anemia on outcomes and resource utilization in patients with myocardial infarction: A national database analysis.

BACKGROUND: Although anemia is common in patients with myocardial infarction (MI), management remains controversial. We quantified the association of anemia with in-hospital outcomes and resource utilization in patients admitted with MI using a large national database. METHODS: All hospitalizations with a primary diagnosis code for acute MI in the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) between 2014 and 2018 were identified. Among these hospitalizations, patients with anemia were identified using a secondary diagnosis code. Data on demographic and clinical variables were collected. Outcomes of interest included in-hospital adverse events, length of stay (LOS), and total cost. Multivariable logistic regression and generalized linear models were used to evaluate the relationship between anemia and outcomes. RESULTS: Among 1,113,181 MI hospitalizations, 254,816 (22.8%) included concomitant anemia. Anemic patients were older and more likely to be women. After adjustment for demographics and comorbidities, anemia was associated with higher mortality (7.1 vs. 4.3%; odds ratio 1.09; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07-1.12, p < 0.001). Anemia was also associated with a mean of 2.71 days longer LOS (average marginal effects [AME] 2.71; 95% CI 2.68-2.73, p < 0.05), and $ 9703 mean higher total costs (AME $9703, 95% CI $9577-$9829, p < 0.05). Anemic patients who received blood transfusions had higher mortality as compared with those who did not (8.2% vs. 7.0, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In MI patients, anemia was associated with higher in-hospital mortality, adverse events, total cost, and length of stay. Transfusion was associated with increased mortality, and its role in MI requires further research.

Treatment of Anemia in Lower-Risk Myelodysplastic Syndrome.

OPINION STATEMENT: A majority of patients with lower-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) will present with or develop anemia. Anemia in MDS is associated with decreased quality of life and may correlate with decreased progression-free survival and overall survival. In this state of the art review we summarize current risk stratification approaches to identify lower-risk MDS (LR-MDS), the natural history of the disease, and meaningful clinical endpoints. The treatment landscape of LR-MDS with anemia is also rapidly evolving; we review the role of supportive care, erythropoietin stimulating agents, lenalidomide, luspatercept, hypomethylating agents (HMAs), and immunosuppressive therapy (IST) in the management of LR-MDS with anemia. In patients with deletion 5q (del5q) syndrome lenalidomide has both efficacy and durability of response. For patients without del5q who need treatment, the management approach is impacted by serum erythropoietin (EPO) level, SF3B1 mutation status, and ring sideroblast status. Given the data from the Phase III COMMANDS trial, we utilize luspatercept in those with SF3B1 mutation or ring sideroblasts that have an EPO level < 500 U/L; in patients without an SF3B1 mutation or ring sideroblasts there is equipoise between luspatercept and use of an erythropoietin stimulating agent (ESA). For patients who have an EPO level ≥ 500 U/L or have been previously treated there is not a clear standard of care. For those without previous luspatercept exposure it can be considered particularly if there is an SF3B1 mutation or the presence of ring sideroblasts. Other options include HMAs or IST; the Phase III IMERGE trial supports the efficacy of the telomerase inhibitor imetelstat in this setting and this may become a standard option in the future as well.

Development of a Risk Assessment Model for Predicting Red Blood Cell Transfusion in Neonatal Patients.

BACKGROUND: The goal was to develop a risk assessment model for predicting red blood cell (RBC) transfusion in neonatal patients to assist hospital blood supply departments in providing small portions of RBCs to those requiring RBC transfusion on time. METHODS: Clinical information was collected from 1,201 children admitted to the neonatal unit. Clinical factors associated with predicting RBC transfusion were screened, and prediction models were developed using stepwise and multifactorial logistic regression analyses, followed by the evaluation of prediction models using receiver operating characteristic curves, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA). RESULTS: Overall, 81 neonatal patients were transfused with RBCs, and the variables of gestational age at birth, age < 1 month, receipt of mechanical ventilation, and infant anemia were included in the final prediction model. The area under the curve of the prediction model was 0.936 (0.921 - 0.949), which was significantly higher than that of the individual indicators of gestational age at birth, age at admission < 1 month, receipt of mechanical ventilation, and infant anemia (p < 0.001). DCA showed a standardized net benefit for the possible risk of infant RBC transfusion at 0.1 - 1.0. CONCLUSIONS: We developed a risk assessment model to predict the risk of RBC transfusion in neonatal patients that can effectively assess the risk of RBC transfusion in children.

Management of peri-surgical anemia in elective surgery. Conclusions and recommendations according to Delphi-UCLA methodology.

INTRODUCTION: Preoperative anemia affects approximately one third of surgical patients. It increases the risk of blood transfusion and influences short- and medium-term functional outcomes, increases comorbidities, complications and costs. The "Patient Blood Management" (PBM) programs, for integrated and multidisciplinary management of patients, are considered as paradigms of quality care and have as one of the fundamental objectives to correct perioperative anemia. PBM has been incorporated into the schemes for intensified recovery of surgical patients: the recent Enhanced Recovery After Surgery 2021 pathway (in Spanish RICA 2021) includes almost 30 indirect recommendations for PBM. OBJECTIVE: To make a consensus document with RAND/UCLA Delphi methodology to increase the penetration and priority of the RICA 2021 recommendations on PBM in daily clinical practice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A coordinating group composed of 6 specialists from Hematology-Hemotherapy, Anesthesiology and Internal Medicine with expertise in anemia and PBM was formed. A survey was elaborated using Delphi RAND/UCLA methodology to reach a consensus on the key areas and priority professional actions to be developed at the present time to improve the management of perioperative anemia. The survey questions were extracted from the PBM recommendations contained in the RICA 2021 pathway. The development of the electronic survey (Google Platform) and the management of the responses was the responsibility of an expert in quality of care and clinical safety. Participants were selected by invitation from speakers at AWGE-GIEMSA scientific meetings and national representatives of PBM-related working groups (Seville Document, SEDAR HTF section and RICA 2021 pathway participants). In the first round of the survey, the anonymized online questionnaire had 28 questions: 20 of them were about PBM concepts included in ERAS guidelines (2 about general PBM organization, 10 on diagnosis and treatment of preoperative anemia, 3 on management of postoperative anemia, 5 on transfusion criteria) and 8 on pending aspects of research. Responses were organized according to a 10-point Likter scale (0: strongly disagree to 10: strongly agree). Any additional contributions that the participants considered appropriate were allowed. They were considered consensual because all the questions obtained an average score of more than 9 points, except one (question 14). The second round of the survey consisted of 37 questions, resulting from the reformulation of the questions of the first round and the incorporation of the participants' comments. It consisted of 2 questions about general organization of PBM programme, 15 questions on the diagnosis and treatment of preoperative anemia; 3 on the management of postoperative anemia, 6 on transfusional criteria and finally 11 questions on aspects pending od future investigations. Statistical treatment: tabulation of mean, median and interquartiles 25-75 of the value of each survey question (Tables 1, 2 and 3). RESULTS: Except for one, all the recommendations were accepted. Except for three, all above 8, and most with an average score of 9 or higher. They are grouped into: 1.- "It is important and necessary to detect and etiologically diagnose any preoperative anemia state in ALL patients who are candidates for surgical procedures with potential bleeding risk, including pregnant patients". 2.- "The preoperative treatment of anemia should be initiated sufficiently in advance and with all the necessary hematinic contributions to correct this condition". 3.- "There is NO justification for transfusing any unit of packed red blood cells preoperatively in stable patients with moderate anemia Hb 8-10g/dL who are candidates for potentially bleeding surgery that cannot be delayed." 4.- "It is recommended to universalize restrictive criteria for red blood cell transfusion in surgical and obstetric patients." 5.- "Postoperative anemia should be treated to improve postoperative results and accelerate postoperative recovery in the short and medium term". CONCLUSIONS: There was a large consensus, with maximum acceptance,strong level of evidence and high recommendation in most of the questions asked. Our work helps to identify initiatives and performances who can be suitables for the implementation of PBM programs at each hospital and for all patients.

A lentivirus-vectored feline erythropoietin gene therapy strategy in tissue culture and rodent models for the potential treatment of chronic renal disease-associated anemia.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of a third-generation lentivirus-based vector encoding the feline erythropoietin (EPO) (feEPO) gene in vitro and in rodent models in vivo. This vector incorporates a genetic mechanism to facilitate the termination of the therapeutic effect in the event of supraphysiologic polycythemia, the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-TK) "suicide gene." ANIMALS: CFRK cells and replication-defective lentiviral vectors encoding feEPO were used for in vitro experiments. Eight Fischer rats were enrolled in the pilot in vivo study, 24 EPO-deficient mice were used in the initial mouse study, and 15 EPO-deficient mice were enrolled in the final mouse study. METHODS: Efficacy of a third-generation lentivirus encoding feEPO was determined in vitro using western blot assays. Subsequently, in a series of rodent experiments, animals were administered the viral vector in progressively increasing inoculation doses with serial measurements of blood packed cell volume (PCV) over time. RESULTS: We documented production of feEPO protein in transduced CRFK cells with subsequent cessation of production when treated with the HSV-TK substrate ganciclovir. In vivo, we demonstrated variably persistent elevated PCV values in treated rats and mice with eventual return to baseline values over time. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These results provide justification for a lentiviral gene therapy approach to the treatment of nonregenerative anemia associated with chronic renal disease in cats.