Mortality-associated risk factors for transfusion-associated circulatory overload.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Respiratory transfusion reactions associate strongly with morbidity and mortality, and transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO) is the leading cause of reaction-related deaths. Risk factors for TACO include transfusion speed and volume and cardiorenal comorbidities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An academic health network haemovigilance database was interrogated to assess variables associating with 371 cases of TACO and involved-visit outcomes, using univariate and multivariate regression analysis. RESULTS: TACO reactions over 11 years were reported in 179 males and 192 females, median age (interquartile range) 65 (53-75) years. In-hospital and 28-day mortality were 17.5% and 12.9%, respectively. In univariate regression modelling, male sex, injury severity grade, product volume administered, the use of platelets and intensive care admissions were each associated with in-hospital and 28-day mortality (p < 0.05). However, after multivariate regression analysis, only male sex in transfusion recipients independently associated with mortality (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In this cohort, male recipient sex and platelet administration were associated with TACO-involving admissions not ending in survival.

Echocardiographic assessment of cardiovascular physiology of preterm miniature piglets supported with a pumped artificial placenta system.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated fetal cardiovascular physiology and mode of cardiac failure in premature miniature piglets on a pumped artificial placenta (AP) circuit. METHODS: Fetal pigs were cannulated via the umbilical vessels and transitioned to an AP circuit composed of a centrifugal pump and neonatal oxygenator and maintained in a fluid-filled biobag. Echocardiographic studies were conducted to measure ventricular function, umbilical blood flow, and fluid status. In utero scans were used as control data. RESULTS: AP fetuses (n = 13; 102±4d gestational age [term 115d]; 616 ± 139 g [g]; survival 46.4 ± 46.8 h) were tachycardic and hypertensive with initially supraphysiologic circuit flows. Increased myocardial wall thickness was observed. Signs of fetal hydrops were present in all piglets. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) measurements increased in the left ventricle (LV) after transition to the circuit. Right ventricle (RV) and LV strain rate decreased early during AP support compared with in utero measurements but recovered toward the end of the experiment. Fetuses supported for >24 h had similar RV GLS to in utero controls and significantly higher GLS compared to piglets surviving only up to 24 h. CONCLUSIONS: Fetuses on a pump-supported AP circuit experienced an increase in afterload, and redistribution of blood flow between the AP and systemic circulations, associated with elevated end-diastolic filling pressures. This resulted in heart failure and hydrops. These preterm fetuses were unable to tolerate the hemodynamic changes associated with connection to the current AP circuit. To better mimic the physiology of the native placenta and preserve normal fetal cardiovascular physiology, further optimization of the circuit will be required.

Preservation of recipient plasma sphingosine-1-phosphate levels reduces transfusion-related acute lung injury.

Cold-stored (CS) platelets are once again being reintroduced for clinical use. Transfused CS platelets offer benefits over room temperature-stored (RTS) platelets such as increased hemostatic effects and prolongation of shelf-life. Despite these advantages little is known about their association with transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI). TRALI is associated with prolonged storage of RTS platelets and has a mortality of >15%. Determining the safety of CS platelets is important considering their proposed use in TRALI-vulnerable populations with inflammation such as surgical patients or patients with trauma. Donor platelet-derived ceramide causes TRALI, whereas donor platelet sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is barrier protective. Females have higher plasma levels of S1P than males. Cold temperatures increase S1P levels in cells. Therefore, we hypothesized that female (donors or recipients) and/or CS platelets would decrease TRALI. To test this, we compared how male and female donor and recipient allogeneic platelet transfusions of CS (4°C) versus RTS (23°C) platelets stored for 5 days influence murine TRALI. Transfusion of CS platelets significantly reduced recipient lung tissue wet-to-dry ratios, bronchoalveolar lavage total protein, lung tissue myeloperoxidase enzyme activity, histological lung injury scores, and increased plasma sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) levels compared with RTS platelet transfusions. Female as opposed to male recipients had less TRALI and higher plasma S1P levels. Female donor mouse platelets had higher S1P levels than males. Mouse and human CS platelets had increased S1P levels compared with RTS platelets. Higher recipient plasma S1P levels appear protective considering females, and males receiving platelets from females or male CS platelets had less TRALI.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) though relatively rare represents a severe lung injury. The sphingolipid sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) regulates the severity of platelet-mediated TRALI. Female platelet transfusion recipient plasmas or stored platelets from female donors have higher S1P levels than males, which reduces TRALI. Cold storage of murine platelets preserves platelet-S1P, which reduces TRALI in platelet-transfused recipients.

Cold-stored platelets for acute bleeding in cardiac surgical patients: a narrative review.

PURPOSE: Cold-stored platelets (CSP) are an increasingly active topic of international research. They are maintained at 1-6 °C, in contrast to standard room-temperature platelets (RTP) kept at 20-24 °C. Recent evidence suggests that CSP have superior hemostatic properties compared with RTP. This narrative review explores the application of CSP in adult cardiac surgery, summarizes the preclinical and clinical evidence for their use, and highlights recent research. SOURCE: A targeted search of MEDLINE and other databases up to 24 February 2022 was conducted. Search terms combined concepts such as cardiac surgery, blood, platelet, and cold-stored. Searches of trial registries ClinicalTrials.gov and WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform were included. Articles were included if they described adult surgical patients as their population of interest and an association between CSP and clinical outcomes. References of included articles were hand searched. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: When platelets are stored at 1-6 °C, their metabolic rate is slowed, preserving hemostatic function for increased storage duration. Cold-stored platelets have superior adhesion characteristics under physiologic shear conditions, and similar or superior aggregation responses to physiologic agonists. Cold-stored platelets undergo structural, metabolic, and molecular changes which appear to "prime" them for hemostatic activity. While preliminary, clinical evidence supports the conduct of trials comparing CSP with RTP for patients with platelet-related bleeding, such as those undergoing cardiac surgery. CONCLUSION: Cold-stored platelets may have several advantages over RTP, including increased hemostatic capacity, extended shelf-life, and reduced risk of bacterial contamination. Large clinical trials are needed to establish their potential role in the treatment of acutely bleeding patients.

RéSUMé: OBJECTIF: Les plaquettes conservées au froid (PCF) sont un sujet de recherche internationale de plus en plus populaire. Ces plaquettes sont maintenues à une température de 1-6 °C, contrairement aux plaquettes standard conservées à température ambiante (PTA), maintenues à 20­24 °C. Des données probantes récentes suggèrent que les PCF ont des propriétés hémostatiques supérieures aux PTA. Ce compte rendu narratif explore l'application de PCF en chirurgie cardiaque chez l'adulte, résume les données probantes précliniques et cliniques de leur utilisation, et met en évidence les recherches récentes. SOURCES: Une recherche ciblée dans MEDLINE et d'autres bases de données jusqu'au 24 février 2022 a été effectuée. Les termes de recherche combinaient des concepts en anglais tels que cardiac surgery, blood, platelet et cold-stored (soit chirurgie cardiaque, plaquette, et entreposage frigorifique). Des recherches dans les registres d'études ClinicalTrials.gov et le système d'enregistrement international des essais cliniques (ICTRP) de l'OMS ont été incluses. Les articles ont été inclus s'ils décrivaient des patient·es adultes de chirurgie en tant que population d'intérêt et une association entre les PCF et les issues cliniques. Les références des articles inclus ont fait l'objet d'une recherche manuelle. CONSTATATIONS PRINCIPALES: Lorsque les plaquettes sont conservées entre 1 et 6 °C, leur taux métabolique est ralenti, préservant la fonction hémostatique pour une durée d'entreposage accrue. Les plaquettes conservées au froid ont des caractéristiques d'adhésion supérieures dans des conditions de cisaillement physiologique et des réponses d'agrégation similaires ou supérieures aux agonistes physiologiques. Les plaquettes conservées au froid subissent des changements structurels, métaboliques et moléculaires qui semblent les « amorcer ¼ pour une activité hémostatique. Bien que préliminaires, les données probantes cliniques appuient la réalisation d'études comparant les PCF aux PTA chez la patientèle présentant des saignements liés aux plaquettes, tels que les personnes bénéficiant d'une chirurgie cardiaque. CONCLUSION: Les plaquettes conservées au froid peuvent présenter plusieurs avantages par rapport aux PTA, notamment une capacité hémostatique accrue, une durée de conservation prolongée et un risque réduit de contamination bactérienne. De grands essais cliniques sont nécessaires pour établir leur rôle potentiel dans le traitement de la patientèle en hémorragie aiguë.

Extracellular vesicles: effectors of transfusion-related acute lung injury.

Respiratory transfusion reactions represent some of the most severe adverse reactions related to receiving blood products. Of those, transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) is associated with elevated morbidity and mortality. TRALI is characterized by severe lung injury associated with inflammation, pulmonary neutrophil infiltration, lung barrier leak, and increased interstitial and airspace edema that cause respiratory failure. Presently, there are few means of detecting TRALI beyond clinical definitions based on physical examination and vital signs or preventing/treating TRALI beyond supportive care with oxygen and positive pressure ventilation. Mechanistically, TRALI is thought to be mediated by the culmination of two successive proinflammatory hits, which typically comprise a recipient factor (1st hit-e.g., systemic inflammatory conditions) and a donor factor (2nd hit-e.g., blood products containing pathogenic antibodies or bioactive lipids). An emerging concept in TRALI research is the contribution of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in mediating the first and/or second hit in TRALI. EVs are small, subcellular, membrane-bound vesicles that circulate in donor and recipient blood. Injurious EVs may be released by immune or vascular cells during inflammation, by infectious bacteria, or in blood products during storage, and can target the lung upon systemic dissemination. This review assesses emerging concepts such as how EVs: 1) mediate TRALI, 2) represent targets for therapeutic intervention to prevent or treat TRALI, and 3) serve as biochemical biomarkers facilitating TRALI diagnosis and detection in at-risk patients.

Detection of clot formation & lysis In-Vitro using high frequency photoacoustic imaging & frequency analysis.

Clotting is a physiological process that prevents blood loss after injury. An imbalance in clotting factors can lead to lethal consequences such as exsanguination or inappropriate thrombosis. Clinical methods to monitor clotting and fibrinolysis typically measure the viscoelasticity of whole blood or optical density of plasma over time. Though these methods provide insights into clotting and fibrinolysis, they require milliliters of blood which can worsen anemia or only provide partial information. To overcome these limitations, a high-frequency photoacoustic (HFPA) imaging system was developed to detect clotting and lysis in blood. Clotting was initiated in vitro in reconstituted blood using thrombin and lysed with urokinase plasminogen activator. Frequency spectra measured using HFPA signals (10-40 MHz) between non-clotted blood and clotted blood differed markedly, allowing tracking of clot initiation and lysis in volumes of blood as low as 25 µL/test. HFPA imaging shows potential as a point-of-care examination of coagulation and fibrinolysis.

Impact of the Addition of a Centrifugal Pump in a Preterm Miniature Pig Model of the Artificial Placenta.

The recent demonstration of normal development of preterm sheep in an artificial extrauterine environment has renewed interest in artificial placenta (AP) systems as a potential treatment strategy for extremely preterm human infants. However, the feasibility of translating this technology to the human preterm infant remains unknown. Here we report the support of 13 preterm fetal pigs delivered at 102 ± 4 days (d) gestation, weighing 616 ± 139 g with a circuit consisting of an oxygenator and a centrifugal pump, comparing these results with our previously reported pumpless circuit (n = 12; 98 ± 4 days; 743 ± 350 g). The umbilical vessels were cannulated, and fetuses were supported for 46.4 ± 46.8 h using the pumped AP versus 11 ± 13 h on the pumpless AP circuit. Upon initiation of AP support on the pumped system, we observed supraphysiologic circuit flows, tachycardia, and hypertension, while animals maintained on a pumpless AP circuit exhibited subphysiologic flows. On the pumped AP circuit, there was a progressive decline in umbilical vein (UV) flow and oxygen delivery. We conclude that the addition of a centrifugal pump to the AP circuit improves survival of preterm pigs by augmenting UV flow through the reduction of right ventricular afterload. However, we continued to observe the development of heart failure within a matter of days.

Perioperative blood conservation strategies for pediatric scoliosis surgery.

PURPOSE: Many pediatric patients with severe scoliosis requiring surgery have baseline anemia. Pediatric scoliosis fusion surgery is associated with perioperative blood loss requiring transfusion. As such, many patients in this surgical population could benefit from a perioperative blood conservation program. METHODS: Here we present a narrative review of perioperative blood conservation strategies for pediatric scoliosis surgery involving nurses, transfusion medicine physicians, anesthesiologists, surgeons, dieticians, perfusionists and neurophysiologists spanning the pre-, intra- and postoperative phases of care. RESULTS: The review highlights how perioperative blood conservation strategies, have the potential to minimize exposures to exogenous blood products. Further, we describe a relevant example of blood conservation related to the care of a Jehovah's Witness patient undergoing staged scoliosis repair. Lastly, we outline areas which would benefit from clinical studies to further elucidate perioperative blood conservation interventions and their outcomes relevant to pediatric scoliosis surgery patients. CONCLUSION: Interdisciplinary communication and meticulous blood conservation strategies are proving to be a means of reducing if not eliminating the need for allogeneic blood products for surgical correction of pediatric scoliosis.

Achieving sustained extrauterine life: Challenges of an artificial placenta in fetal pigs as a model of the preterm human fetus.

Artificial placenta (AP) technology aims to maintain fetal circulation, while promoting the physiologic development of organs. Recent reports of experiments performed in sheep indicate the intrauterine environment can be recreated through the cannulation of umbilical vessels, replacement of the placenta with a low-resistance membrane oxygenator, and incubation of the fetus in fluid. However, it remains to be seen whether animal fetuses similar in size to the extremely preterm human infant that have been proposed as a potential target for this technology can be supported in this way. Preterm Yucatan miniature piglets are similar in size to extremely preterm human infants and share similar umbilical cord anatomy, raising the possibility to serve as a good model to investigate the AP. To characterize fetal cardiovascular physiology, the carotid artery (n = 24) was cannulated in utero and umbilical vein (UV) and umbilical artery were sampled. Fetal UV flow was measured by MRI (n = 16). Piglets were delivered at 98 ± 4 days gestation (term = 115 days), cannulated, and supported on the AP (n = 12) for 684 ± 228 min (range 195-3077 min). UV flow was subphysiologic (p = .002), while heart rate was elevated on the AP compared with in utero controls (p = .0007). We observed an inverse relationship between heart rate and UV flow (r2  = .4527; p < .001) with progressive right ventricular enlargement that was associated with reduced contractility and ultimately hydrops and circulatory collapse. We attribute this to excessive afterload imposed by supraphysiologic circuit resistance and augmented sympathetic activity. We conclude that short-term support of the preterm piglet on the AP is feasible, although we have not been able to attain normal fetal physiology. In the future, we propose to investigate the feasibility of an AP circuit that incorporates a centrifugal pump in our miniature pig model.

General medical publications during COVID-19 show increased dissemination despite lower validation.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has yielded an unprecedented quantity of new publications, contributing to an overwhelming quantity of information and leading to the rapid dissemination of less stringently validated information. Yet, a formal analysis of how the medical literature has changed during the pandemic is lacking. In this analysis, we aimed to quantify how scientific publications changed at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional bibliometric study of published studies in four high-impact medical journals to identify differences in the characteristics of COVID-19 related publications compared to non-pandemic studies. Original investigations related to SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 published in March and April 2020 were identified and compared to non-COVID-19 research publications over the same two-month period in 2019 and 2020. Extracted data included publication characteristics, study characteristics, author characteristics, and impact metrics. Our primary measure was principal component analysis (PCA) of publication characteristics and impact metrics across groups. RESULTS: We identified 402 publications that met inclusion criteria: 76 were related to COVID-19; 154 and 172 were non-COVID publications over the same period in 2020 and 2019, respectively. PCA utilizing the collected bibliometric data revealed segregation of the COVID-19 literature subset from both groups of non-COVID literature (2019 and 2020). COVID-19 publications were more likely to describe prospective observational (31.6%) or case series (41.8%) studies without industry funding as compared with non-COVID articles, which were represented primarily by randomized controlled trials (32.5% and 36.6% in the non-COVID literature from 2020 and 2019, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In this cross-sectional study of publications in four general medical journals, COVID-related articles were significantly different from non-COVID articles based on article characteristics and impact metrics. COVID-related studies were generally shorter articles reporting observational studies with less literature cited and fewer study sites, suggestive of more limited scientific support. They nevertheless had much higher dissemination.

Frequency and timing of all-cause deaths in visits involving suspected transfusion reactions, and the significance of cardiopulmonary disturbances.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Transfusion reactions (TRs) may cause or contribute to death. Cardiopulmonary TRs are distressing, and collectively account for most transfusion fatalities, though the degree to which they alter survival more broadly is unclear. Deaths (and their timing) after TRs may provide further insights. MATERIALS/METHODS: Adult (tri-hospital network) haemovigilance data (2013-2016) recorded referrals with conclusions ranging from unrelated to transfusion (UTR) to entities such as: septic TRs, serologic/haemolytic reactions, transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO), transfusion-associated dyspnoea (TAD), transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI), allergic transfusion reaction (ATR), and others. For (in- or out-patient) visits involving suspected TRs (VISTRs), all-cause mortalities (% [95% confidence interval]) and associated time-to-death (TTD) (median days, [interquartile range]) were compared. Diagnoses were defined inclusively (possible-to-definite) or strictly (probable-to-definite). RESULTS: Of 1144 events, rank order VISTR mortality following (possible-to-definite) TRs, and associated TTDs, were led by: DHTR 33% [6-19], 1 death at 123d; TRALI 32% [15-54], 6 deaths: 3d [2-20]; BaCon 21% [14-31], 17 deaths: 10d [3-28]; TACO 18% [12-26], 23 deaths: 16d [6-28]; TAD 17% [11-26]: 18 deaths, 6d [3-12]. Higher-certainty TRs ranked similarly (DHTR 50% [9-91]; BaCon 29% [12-55], 4 deaths: 12d [3-22]; and TACO 25% [16-38], 15 deaths: 21d [6-28]). VISTR mortality after TACO or TRALI significantly exceeded ATR (3·3% [2·4-5·8], P < 0·00001) but was not different from UTR events (P = 0·3). CONCLUSIONS: Only half of cardiopulmonary TRs constituted high certainty diagnoses. Nevertheless, cardiopulmonary TRs and suspected BaCon marked higher VISTR mortality with shorter TTDs. Short (<1 week) TTDs in TAD, BaCon or TRALI imply either contributing roles in death, treatment refractoriness and/or applicable TR susceptibilities in the dying.

Inflammasome activation in acute lung injury.

Inflammasomes are multiprotein complexes tasked with sensing endogenous or exogenous inflammatory signals and integrating this signal into a downstream response. Inflammasome activation has been implicated in a variety of pulmonary diseases, including pulmonary hypertension, bacterial pneumonia, COPD, and asthma. Of increasing interest is the contribution of inflammasome activation in the context of acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ALI/ARDS). Inflammasome activation in both the lung parenchyma and resident immune cells generates intereukin-1ß (IL-1ß) and IL-18, both of which drive the cascade of lung inflammation forward. Blockade of these responses has been shown to be beneficial in animal models and is a focus of translational research in the field. In this review, we will discuss the assembly and regulation of inflammasomes during lung inflammation, highlighting therapeutically viable effector steps. We will examine the importance of IL-1ß and IL-18, two key products of inflammasome activation, in ALI, as well as the contribution of the pulmonary endothelial cell to this process. Finally, we will explore translational research moving toward anti-inflammasome therapies for ALI/ARDS and speculate toward future directions for the field.

Platelet extracellular vesicles mediate transfusion-related acute lung injury by imbalancing the sphingolipid rheostat.

Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) is a hazardous transfusion complication with an associated mortality of 5% to 15%. We previously showed that stored (5 days) but not fresh platelets (1 day) cause TRALI via ceramide-mediated endothelial barrier dysfunction. As biological ceramides are hydrophobic, extracellular vesicles (EVs) may be required to shuttle these sphingolipids from platelets to endothelial cells. Adding to complexity, EV formation in turn requires ceramide. We hypothesized that ceramide-dependent EV formation from stored platelets and EV-dependent sphingolipid shuttling induces TRALI. EVs formed during storage of murine platelets were enumerated, characterized for sphingolipids, and applied in a murine TRALI model in vivo and for endothelial barrier assessment in vitro. Five-day EVs were more abundant, had higher long-chain ceramide (C16:0, C18:0, C20:0), and lower sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) content than 1-day EVs. Transfusion of 5-day, but not 1-day, EVs induced characteristic signs of lung injury in vivo and endothelial barrier disruption in vitro. Inhibition or supplementation of ceramide-forming sphingomyelinase reduced or enhanced the formation of EVs, respectively, but did not alter the injuriousness per individual EV. Barrier failure was attenuated when EVs were abundant in or supplemented with S1P. Stored human platelet 4-day EVs were more numerous compared with 2-day EVs, contained more long-chain ceramide and less S1P, and caused more endothelial cell barrier leak. Hence, platelet-derived EVs become more numerous and more injurious (more long-chain ceramide, less S1P) during storage. Blockade of sphingomyelinase, EV elimination, or supplementation of S1P during platelet storage may present promising strategies for TRALI prevention.

Association between preoperative hemoglobin levels after iron supplementation and perioperative blood transfusion requirements in children undergoing scoliosis surgery.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: In this study, we assessed the association between preoperative hemoglobin and red blood cell transfusion in children undergoing spine surgery after the implementation of our preoperative iron supplementation protocol. METHOD: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent posterior spinal fusion surgery between January 2013 and December 2017 and received preoperative iron supplementation. We used uni- and multivariable logistic regression to determine the association between preoperative hemoglobin level and red blood cell transfusion in patients receiving iron supplementation. RESULTS: A total of 382 patients treated with preoperative oral iron were included. Of these, 175 (45.5%) patients were transfused intraoperatively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed nonidiopathic etiology of the scoliosis (OR 4.178 [95% CI: 2.277-7.668], P < .001), the Cobb angle (OR 1.025 [95% CI: 1.010-1.040], P = .001), and number of vertebrae fused (OR 1.169 [95% CI: 1.042-1.312], P = .008) were associated with red blood cell transfusion. In addition, patients with a preoperative hemoglobin ≥ 140 g/L (OR 0.157 [95% CI: 0.046-0.540], P = .003), and hemoglobin between 130 and 140 g/L (OR 0.195 [95% CI: 0.057-0.669], P = .009) were less likely to be transfused compared with patients with preoperative hemoglobin between 120 and 130 g/L (OR 0.294 [95% CI: 0.780-1.082], P = .066) or <120 g/L (reference). CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that higher preoperative hemoglobin levels (>130 g/L) are associated with a reduced need for red blood cell transfusion in pediatric patients who have received iron supplementation before undergoing posterior spinal fusion in our institution. The effect of iron supplementation, the optimal dosing, and duration of supplemental iron therapy remains unclear at this time.

Efficacy and safety of decontamination for N95 respirator reuse: a systematic literature search and narrative synthesis.

PURPOSE: Under times of supply chain stress, the availability of some medical equipment and supplies may become limited. The current pandemic involving severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has highlighted limitations to the ordinary provision of personal protective equipment (PPE). For perioperative healthcare workers, N95 masks provide a stark example of PPE in short supply necessitating the creation of scientifically valid protocols for their decontamination and reuse. METHODS: We performed a systematic literature search of MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL databases, and ClinicalTrials.gov to identify peer-reviewed articles related to N95 mask decontamination and subsequent testing for the integrity of mask filtration and facial seal. To expand this search, we additionally surveyed the official statements from key health agencies, organizations, and societies for relevant citations. RESULTS: Our initial database search resulted in five articles that met inclusion criteria, with 26 articles added from the expanded search. Our search did not reveal any relevant randomized clinical trials or cohort studies. We found that moist mask heating (65-80°C at 50-85% relative humidity for 20-30 min) and vaporous hydrogen peroxide treatment were supported by the literature to provide consistent viral decontamination without compromising mask seal and filtration efficiency. Other investigated decontamination methods lacked comprehensive scientific evidence for all three of these key criteria. CONCLUSIONS: N95 mask reprocessing using either moist heat or vaporous hydrogen peroxide is recommended to ensure healthcare worker safety.

RéSUMé: OBJECTIF: Lorsque les chaînes d'approvisionnement sont mises sous pression, la disponibilité de certains équipements et fournitures médicaux pourrait devenir restreinte. La pandémie actuelle du syndrome respiratoire aigu sévère du coronavirus 2 a mis en lumière les limites de l'approvisionnement usuel des équipements de protection individuelle (EPI). Pour les travailleurs de la santé périopératoires, les masques N95 sont un exemple frappant d'EPI pouvant rapidement venir à manquer et nécessitant l'élaboration de protocoles scientifiquement rigoureux pour leur décontamination et leur réutilisation. MéTHODE: Nous avons réalisé une recherche de littérature systématique dans les bases de données MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL et sur ClinicalTrials.gov afin d'identifier les articles révisés par les pairs portant sur la décontamination des masques N95 et les tests subséquents pour vérifier l'intégrité de la filtration du masque et son étanchéité sur le visage. Afin d'étendre notre recherche, nous avons également passé en revue les énoncés officiels émanant des agences de santé, ainsi que des organismes et sociétés médicales majeurs pour en extraire les citations pertinentes. RéSULTATS: Notre recherche initiale des bases de données nous a permis d'extraire cinq articles respectant nos critères d'inclusion, et 26 articles ont été ajoutés à la suite de notre recherche étendue. Notre recherche n'a pas découvert d'études cliniques randomisées ou d'études de cohorte pertinentes. Nous avons observé que la décontamination du masque par chaleur humide (65­80°C à une humidité relative de 50­85 % pendant 20-30 min) et le traitement par vapeur de peroxyde d'hydrogène constituaient les deux mesures endossées par la littérature. En effet, ces modalités offrent une décontamination virale constante sans pour autant compromettre l'étanchéité du masque ou son efficacité de filtration. Les autres méthodes de décontamination étudiées ne possédaient pas de données probantes scientifiques exhaustives quant à ces trois critères clés. CONCLUSION: Le retraitement des masques N95 à l'aide de chaleur humide ou de vapeur de peroxyde d'oxygène est recommandé pour assurer la sécurité des travailleurs de la santé.

A regional massive hemorrhage protocol developed through a modified Delphi technique.

BACKGROUND: A massive hemorrhage protocol (MHP) enables rapid delivery of blood components in a patient who is exsanguinating pending definitive hemorrhage control, but there is variability in MHP implementation rates, content and compliance owing to challenges presented by infrequent activation, variable team performance and patient acuity. The goal of this project was to identify the key evidence-based principles and quality indicators required to develop a standardized regional MHP. METHODS: A modified Delphi consensus technique was performed in the spring and summer of 2018. Panellists used survey links to independently review and rate (on a 7-point Likert scale) 43 statements and 8 quality indicators drafted by a steering committee composed of transfusion medicine specialists and technologists, and trauma physicians. External stakeholder input from all hospitals in Ontario was sought. RESULTS: Three rounds were held with 36 experts from diverse clinical backgrounds. Consensus was reached for 42 statements and 8 quality indicators. Additional modifications from external stakeholders were incorporated to form the foundation for the proposed MHP. INTERPRETATION: This MHP template will provide the basis for the design of an MHP toolkit, including specific recommendations for pediatric and obstetrical patients, and for hospitals with limited availability of blood components or means to achieve definitive hemorrhage control. We believe that harmonization of MHPs in our region will simplify training, increase uptake of evidence-based interventions, enhance communication, improve patient comfort and safety, and, ultimately, improve patient outcomes.

Transfusion-related Acute Lung Injury in the Perioperative Patient.

Transfusion-related acute lung injury is a leading cause of death associated with the use of blood products. Transfusion-related acute lung injury is a diagnosis of exclusion which can be difficult to identify during surgery amid the various physiologic and pathophysiologic changes associated with the perioperative period. As anesthesiologists supervise delivery of a large portion of inpatient prescribed blood products, and since the incidence of transfusion-related acute lung injury in the perioperative patient is higher than in nonsurgical patients, anesthesiologists need to consider transfusion-related acute lung injury in the perioperative setting, identify at-risk patients, recognize early signs of transfusion-related acute lung injury, and have established strategies for its prevention and treatment.

Extracellular vesicles in lung health, disease, and therapy.

Both physiological homeostasis and pathological disease processes in the lung typically result from complex, yet coordinated multicellular responses that are synchronized via paracrine and endocrine intercellular communication pathways. Of late, extracellular vesicles have emerged as important information shuttles that can coordinate and disseminate homeostatic and disease signals. In parallel, extracellular vesicles in biological fluids such as sputum, mucus, epithelial lining fluid, edema fluid, the pulmonary circulation, pleural fluid, and lymphatics have emerged as promising candidate biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis in lung disease. Extracellular vesicles are small, subcellular, membrane-bound vesicles containing cargos from parent cells such as lipids, proteins, genetic information, or entire organelles. These cargos endow extracellular vesicles with biologically active information or functions by which they can reprogram their respective target cells. Recent studies show that extracellular vesicles found in lung-associated biological fluids play key roles as biomarkers and effectors of disease. Conversely, administration of naïve or engineered extracellular vesicles with homeostatic or reparative effects may provide a promising novel protective and regenerative strategy to treat lung disease. To highlight this rapidly developing field, the American Journal of Physiology-Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology is now launching a special Call for Papers on extracellular vesicles in lung health, disease, and therapy. This review aims to set the stage for this call by introducing extracellular vesicles and their emerging roles in lung physiology and pathobiology.