Performance and safety of therapeutic erythrocytapheresis in polycythemia and hemochromatosis treatment: single centre experience.

INTRODUCTION: Therapeutic erythrocytapheresis has some advantages over therapeutic phlebotomy, the standard treatment for cytoreduction in polycythemia and hemochromatosis. Erythrocytapheresis can be performed on different cell separators, each with its own characteristics. We present our experience of therapeutic erythrocytapheresis in the treatment of polycythemia and hemochromatosis with an analysis of the performance of cytoreduction, and a comparison between the characteristics of intermittent- and continuous-flow cell separators. MATERIAL AND METHODS: During a 20-year period, 1731 procedures were performed in 125 patients, 1634 (94.4%) with a Haemonetics MCS+ separator and 97 (5.6%) with a Spectra Optia system device. The performance of cytoreduction using the Haemonetics MCS+ separator was analysed in 442 procedures performed in 56 patients and the performance of the two apheresis devices was compared. RESULTS: Haemoglobin (Hb) and haematocrit (Hct) values were significantly reduced after erythrocytapheresis with the Haemonetics MCS+ device (Hb: 18.69%; Hct: 18.73%; p-values both <0.001). The reductions of Hb and Hct were significantly higher in the Haemonetics MCS+ procedure (p-value <0.001), but the Spectra Optia procedure depleted a significantly higher RBC volume (495 mL versus 442 mL) in a shorter time (18 min versus 36 min). CONCLUSION: Both the Haemonetics MCS+ and Spectra Optia systems proved to be highly efficient and safe in RBC cytoreduction with short procedure times. Erythrocytapheresis reduces the frequency of necessary procedures thereby justifying its therapeutic use especially in eligible patients of working age.

Evaluation of blood cell count using an automatic hematology analyzer to optimize collection of peripheral blood progenitor cells by leukapheresis.

BACKGROUND: Autologous stem cell transplantation is a treatment modality for several diseases. Prediction of successful mobilization may be useful to optimize hematopoietic stem cell collection. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study with data from transplantation candidates between September 2015 and December 2021 being analyzed. The medical record of each patient was reviewed to mine mobilization information. The laboratory data analyzed were CD34+ cell enumeration and pre-collection peripheral blood cell count. The primary outcome, good mobilization, was defined as a CD34+ cell count ≥20/µL. RESULTS: This study included 807 patients. Increased patient weight, low mean corpuscular volume, high nucleated red blood cells, peripheral blood mononuclear cell and immature granulocyte counts were significantly associated with good mobilization. In addition, patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma were two times more likely to be good mobilizers than patients with lymphoma. The model was applied to a validation set to identify patients who underwent apheresis (CD34+ cell count ≥10 µL), resulting in a sensitivity of 69 %, a specificity of 95 %, positive predictive value of 98 %, and a negative predictive value of 50 %. CONCLUSION: Success in mobilization was greater in patients who underwent the first mobilization cycle and who had a diagnosis of multiple myeloma. Furthermore, higher body weight, and nucleated red blood cells, immature granulocytes and mononuclear cell counts, as well as low mean corpuscular volumes, were associated with successful mobilization.

The Use of a High Flow PICC Catheter for Stem Cell and Lymphocyte Apheresis: The Initial Experience of a Pediatric Oncology Center in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT), characterized by high intensity chemotherapy followed by the infusion of HSC previously collected from the peripheral blood, is a procedure used in the treatment of several malignancies. In pediatrics, the apheresis procedure represents a challenge, due to the need for insertion of a rigid central venous catheter (CVC) in small children. The CVC is usually used for stem cell collection and then removed. Later, the patient will need a new device for cell infusion. AIM: We propose the use of one single catheter for both apheresis and infusion. METHODS: We present five children between 1 and 13 years of age who underwent apheresis using a high flow PICC catheter surgically inserted. RESULTS: All patients utilized a PICC line double lumen 5Fr (PowerPICC™ 5Fr DL BARD/USA) placed in the brachiocephalic vein tunneled on the chest, inserted under 24 h prior to apheresis to assure the devices were pervious. Three of the patients were diagnosed with solid tumor and one with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) awaiting Car-T Cell therapy. The four children who underwent autologous HSCT used the same catheter for cell infusion and remained with the catheter following discharge. The child who was submitted for Car-T Cell still awaits infusion and the catheter was removed. CONCLUSIONS: High flow PICC is a viable alternative for apheresis to maintain an adequate flow of 5 ml/s and can be used as a single catheter throughout the HSCT process, reducing the risks from anesthesia and the catheter insertion procedure. TYPE OF STUDY: Clinical Research.

Divide et Vinces, Therapeutic Apheresis in Nephrological Clinical Practice.

Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) or plasmapheresis has been used in various life-threatening diseases as a primary treatment or in combination with other therapies. It was first successfully employed in the 1960s for diseases like Waldenström's disease and myeloma. Since then, TPE techniques using apheresis membranes have been introduced. Apheresis therapies separate plasma components from blood using membrane screening or centrifugation methods. TPE aims to remove substances involved in the pathophysiology of diseases. It selectively removes high-molecular-weight molecules, substances with prolonged half-life, and those associated with disease pathogenesis. TPE can be performed using membranes or centrifugation, with replacement of extracted plasma volume using albumin or fresh frozen plasma. TPE requires specific competencies in nephrology and can be prescribed and monitored by nephrologists and performed by dialysis nursing staff. TPE can be combined with adsorption-based therapies to enhance its effect, and this approach is called plasma filtration adsorption. Another variation is double plasma filtration, which selectively removes substances based on molecular size. TPE can also be combined with lipoprotein removal strategies for managing familial hypercholesterolemia. TPE is an affordable extracorporeal therapy that benefits patients with life-threatening diseases. It requires collaboration between nephrologists and other specialists, and our results demonstrate successful TPE without anticoagulation in general hospitalization or outpatient settings.

Application of mass cytometry to characterize hematopoietic stem cells in apheresis products of patients with hematological malignancies.

INTRODUCTION: Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a widely used therapy, but its success largely depends on the number and quality of stem cells collected. Current evidence shows the complexity of the hematopoietic system, which implies that, in the quality assurance of the apheresis product, the hematopoietic stem cells are adequately characterized and quantified, in which mass cytometry (MC) can provide its advantages in high-dimensional analysis. OBJECTIVE: This research aimed to characterize and enumerate CD45dim/CD34+ stem cells using the MC in apheresis product yields from patients with chronic lymphoid malignant diseases undergoing autologous transplantation at the Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center. METHODS: An analytical and cross-sectional study was performed on 31 apheresis products from 15 patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma (n = 9) and non-Hodgkin lymphomas (n = 6) eligible for HSCT. The MC was employed using the MaxPar Kit for stem cell immunophenotyping. The analysis was performed manually in the Kaluza and unsupervised by machine learning in Cytobank Premium. RESULTS: An excellent agreement was found between mass and flow cytometry for the relative and absolute counts of CD45dim/CD34+ cells (Bland-Altman bias: -0.029 and -64, respectively), seven subpopulations were phenotyped and no lineage bias was detected for any of the methods used in the pool of collected cells. A CD34+/CD38+/CD138+ population was seen in the analyses performed on four patients with multiple myeloma. CONCLUSIONS: The MC helps to characterize subpopulations of stem cells in apheresis products. It also allows cell quantification by double platform. Unsupervised analysis allows results completion and validation of the manual strategy. The proposed methodology can be extended to apheresis products for purposes other than HSCT.

Evaluación de los parámetros eritrocitarios en donantes recurrentes de plaquetas, Medellín / Evaluation of the red blood cell parameters in recurrent platelet donors from Medellín

Introducción: El efecto de la donación a repetición de plaquetas por aféresis sobre el eritrograma se desconoce para población colombiana. Objetivo: Evaluar los cambios en la línea eritroide de donantes habituales de plaquetoaféresis de dos bancos de sangre de Medellín. Métodos: Estudio longitudinal con 100 donantes repetitivos de plaquetoaféresis con 3 donaciones o más. La fuente de información fueron las bases de datos de los bancos de sangre participantes. Los datos demográficos, tiempo entre donaciones y parámetros eritocitarios fueron consignados en una base de datos de excel y analizados empleando el software SPSS versión 27.0. Se realizó descripción de variables mediante medidas de resumen y se emplearon las siguientes pruebas estadísticas: T de Student, U de Mann Whitney, correlaciones, T pareada y Wilcoxon, considerándose un nivel de significación estadística de <0,05. Resultados: El 58% de los donantes fueron mujeres, el 75% tenían 30 años o más y 70% residían en el área metropolitana. No se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas para la hemoglobina según sexo y grupo etario, el VCM aumentó en la segunda, tercera y cuarta donación respecto a la primera, el HCM disminuyó en la cuarta donación respecto a la primera y el CHCM disminuyó continuamente entre donaciones. Conclusiones: Se observaron cambios en los parámetros eritrocitarios en los donantes recurrentes de plaquetas correspondientes a mecanismos medulares compensatorios normales sin afectación clínica de los donantes. Se sugiere realizar estudios complementarios para evaluar otras variables relacionadas con la eritropoyesis y los efectos de la circulación extracorpórea durante la plaquetoaféresis.

Introduction: The effect of repeated platelet donation by apheresis on the erythrogram is unknown for the Colombian population. Objective: evaluate the changes in the erythroid line in regular plateletpheresis donors from two blood banks in Medellin. Methods: Longitudinal study with 100 repetitive plateletpheresis donors with 3 donations or more. The source of information was the databases of the participating blood banks. Demographic data, time between donations and erythrocyte parameters were recorded in an excel database and analyzed using SPSS version 27.0 software. Variables were described using summary measures and the following statistical tests were used: Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney U, correlations, paired t-test, and Wilcoxon, considering a level of statistical significance of <0.05. Results: 58% of the donors were women, 75% were 30 years old or older, and 70% resided in the metropolitan area. No statistically significant differences were observed for hemoglobin according to sex and age group, the MCV increased in the second, third and fourth donations compared to the first, the HCM decreased in the fourth donation compared to the first, and the CHCM decreased continuously between donations. Conclusions: Changes in erythrocyte parameters were observed in recurrent platelet donors corresponding to normal compensatory medullary mechanisms without clinical involvement of the donors. Complementary studies are suggested to evaluate other variables related to erythropoiesis and the effects of extracorporeal circulation during plateletpheresis.

Streptococcus gallolyticus bacteremia detected in apheresis platelets and its link to colonic neoplasms

Introduction: Streptococcus gallolyticus belongs to theStreptococcus bovis complex, and it is a common bacterium colonizing the gastrointestinal tract. Its presence in the blood may suggest an underlying pathology such as a colonic neoplasm. We report herein a case of S. bovis bacteremia in an apheresis platelet donor, review similar cases in the literature, and suggest a flowchart for the management of similar cases in other blood donation centers. Case Presentation: A 61-year-old subject presented to a Hemotherapy Service to make an apheresis platelet donation. On quality control testing, S. gallolyticus was identified in hemoculture, and the donor was called back for follow-up. At first, a new hemoculture was requested, and the patient was referred to the outpatient department of infectious diseases to further investigate pathologies associated with S. gallolyticus. A subsequent colonoscopy investigation evidenced a polypoid structure in the ascending colon. Pathology reported the resected specimen as a low-grade tubular adenoma. Conclusion: Isolation of S. bovis in blood products requires further investigation and should be managed with precision by Hemotherapy Services. A standard protocol for the management of asymptomatic patients with S. bovis positive hemoculture, with the requests of a new blood culture, a colonoscopy, and an echocardiogram is crucial, as it may ensure early diagnosis and reduce morbidity and mortality. (AU)

Plasmaféresis terapéutica en paciente pediátrico con encefalitis autoinmune / Therapeutic apheresis in pediatric patient with autoimmune encephalitis

La encefalitis autoinmune es un cuadro con una expresión neuropsiquiátrica especialmente en pediatría, aunque existen diversas opciones de tratamiento, otras alternativas terapéuticas se relacionan con procedimientos que pueden tener un mayor beneficio para el paciente, como es la plasmaféresis. Este procedimiento, representa una de las terapias de primera línea en este padecimiento. Hace poco se cuenta con la disponibilidad de estos equipos, motivo por el cual describimos este primer procedimiento en pediatría a nivel Bolivia describiendo el manejo en un paciente con encefalitis autoinmune.

Autoimmune encephalitis is a condition with a neuropsychiatric expression, especially in pediatrics, although there are various treatment options, other therapeutic alternatives are related to procedures that may have a greater benefit for the patient, such as plasmapheresis. This procedure represents one of the first line therapies in this condition. This equipment has recently become available, which is why we describe this first procedure in pediatrics at the Bolivian level, describing the management of a patient with autoimmune encephalitis.

The Crawford variant as a cause of RhD typing discrepancies in blood banks: A case report.

We present the case of a 55-year-old Colombian male who showed a discrepancy in the serological typing of the RhD antigen in his first platelet donation. The discrepancy persisted after a serological investigation with multiple Anti-D monoclonal reagents (IgG and IgM) under different conditions (22°C and 37°C, saline, and LISS/Coombs). Furthermore, partial RhD typing was performed, obtaining negative results with a commercially available panel of six Anti-D reagents. Molecular analysis showed a homozygous deletion of RHD and heterozygosity for the Crawford variant (RHCE*ce, RHCE*ceCF), with a predicted phenotype of C-, c+, E-, e+, Vs+, V+. Following the investigation of this case, this man has made 14 platelet donations showing variable reactivity, with agglutinations ranging from - to 2+. Since Crawford red blood cells express some RhD antigen epitopes, they could cause alloimmunization in RhD negative receptors. Likewise, Anti-D alloantibodies have been documented in Crawford variant carriers. Therefore, it is recommended that carriers of this variant be classified as RhD positive if they are blood donors and RhD negative if they are transfusion recipients. Also, in pregnant women carrying a Crawford variant, Anti-D immunoprophylaxis is recommended.

Development and implementation of a COVID-19 convalescent plasma program in a middle-income economy

Abstract Introduction Convalescent Plasma therapy is one of the therapeutic strategies that has been used for patients with the Covid-19 disease. Implementing a program with national extension to supply hospitals with this blood component is a great challenge mainly in a middle-income economy. Objectives Our objective was to develop and implement a Covid-19 Convalescent Plasma Program which met established quality standards and was adapted to a reality of limited resources. Methods A multicentric convalescent plasma collection program was developed and implemented, based on four main sequential procedures: selective donor recruitment, pre-donation antibody screening (Anti-SARS-CoV-2- Chemiluminescence IgG Abbott), convalescent plasma collection by apheresis or whole-blood processing and distribution to the hospitals according to local demand. Results From the 572 candidates submitted to the pre-donation antibody screening, only 270 (47%) were considered eligible for plasma donation according to the established criteria. Higher levels of total antibody were associated with the donor age being above 45 years old (p= 0.002), hospital admission (p= 0.018), and a shorter interval between the diagnosis of the SARS-CoV-2 infection and plasma donation (p < 0.001). There was no association between the ABO and Rh blood groups and their antibody levels. Of the 468 donations made, 61% were from the collection of whole-blood and 39%, from apheresis. The Covid-19 Convalescent Plasma units obtained were distributed to 21 different cities throughout the country by air or ground transportation. Conclusion The implementation of a Covid-19 Convalescent Plasma program in a continental country with relatively scarce resources is feasible with alternative strategies to promote lower cost procedures, while complying with local regulations and meeting quality standards.

The impact of immediate adverse donation reactions on the return of volunteers undergoing platelet apheresis.

INTRODUCTION: Immediate adverse reactions experienced during donation decrease return rates among whole-blood donors, but little is known about this effect among platelet apheresis donors. We investigated the impact of immediate adverse reactions on the return rates of volunteer apheresis platelet donors. METHODS: In a sample of 4108 consecutive platelet apheresis donors seen from August 2016 through June 2019, we evaluated whether immediate adverse reactions were associated with returning for a subsequent platelet apheresis donation within a 12-month period. We used propensity score matching to compare donors with and without adverse reactions. RESULTS: An immediate adverse reaction occurred in 312 (7.6%) donors; 98.5% were mild, and 0.3% were severe. Of the original 4108 platelet apheresis donors, only 3211 (72.3%) returned for a subsequent donation within 12 months. Experiencing an immediate adverse reaction during the donation process significantly decreased the return rate for a subsequent donation [HR= 0.74 (0.63-0.87)], especially among female donors [HR= 0.70 (0.53-0.93)], donors aged < 30 years [HR= 0.71 (0.54-0.94)], with a high school educational level [0.63 (0.49-0.81)], donors donating for the first time [HR= 0.73 (0.59-0.90)], and repeat donors with a previous platelet apheresis donation more than 180 days prior [HR= 0.68 (0.50-0.93)]. CONCLUSION: Even mild adverse events reduce the return rates for a subsequent donation among platelet apheresis donors. Female donors, younger donors, and first-time donors are at higher risk of not returning after an immediate adverse reaction. Preventing the incidence of immediate adverse reactions during platelet apheresis donation may increase the rate of donor retention.

Mobilized and apheresis-collected endothelial progenitor cells with plerixafor.

BACKGROUND: Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are immature cells able to proliferate and contribute to endothelial repair, vascular homeostasis, neovascularization, and angiogenesis. It therefore seems likely that circulating EPCs have therapeutic potential in ischemic and vascular diseases. In this study we evaluated the efficiency of EPC mobilization and collection by large volume leukapheresis in subjects with hematological diseases, treated with plerixafor in association with G-CSF. METHODS: Twenty-two patients with lymphoid malignancies underwent rHuG-CSF and plerixafor treatment followed by leukapheresis. Blood samples before and after treatment and apheresis liquid sample were taken and analyzed by flow cytometry in order to quantified EPC. RESULTS: The percentage of CD34+ cells and EPCs among circulating total nuclear cells (TNCs) increased significantly by approximately 2-fold and 3-fold, respectively, after plerixafor treatment. Consequently, the absolute number of CD34+ cells and EPCs were increased 4-fold after plerixafor treatment. The median PB concentration of EPCs before and after treatment were 0.77/µL (0.31-2.15) and 3.41/µL (1.78-4.54), respectively, P < .0001. The total EPCs collected per patient were 3.3×107 (0.8×107 -6.8×107 ). CONCLUSION: We have shown that plerixafor in combination with G-CSF allows the mobilization and collection of large amounts of EPCs along with CD34+ cells in lymphoid neoplasm patients. The possibility to collect and to store these cells could represent a promising therapeutic tool for the treatment of ischemic complications without the need of in vitro expansion.

Development and implementation of a COVID-19 convalescent plasma program in a middle-income economy.

Introduction: Convalescent Plasma therapy is one of the therapeutic strategies that has been used for patients with the Covid-19 disease. Implementing a program with national extension to supply hospitals with this blood component is a great challenge mainly in a middle-income economy. Objectives: Our objective was to develop and implement a Covid-19 Convalescent Plasma Program which met established quality standards and was adapted to a reality of limited resources. Methods: A multicentric convalescent plasma collection program was developed and implemented, based on four main sequential procedures: selective donor recruitment, pre-donation antibody screening (Anti-SARS-CoV-2- Chemiluminescence IgG Abbott), convalescent plasma collection by apheresis or whole-blood processing and distribution to the hospitals according to local demand. Results: From the 572 candidates submitted to the pre-donation antibody screening, only 270 (47%) were considered eligible for plasma donation according to the established criteria. Higher levels of total antibody were associated with the donor age being above 45 years old (p = 0.002), hospital admission (p = 0.018), and a shorter interval between the diagnosis of the SARS-CoV-2 infection and plasma donation (p < 0.001). There was no association between the ABO and Rh blood groups and their antibody levels. Of the 468 donations made, 61% were from the collection of whole-blood and 39%, from apheresis. The Covid-19 Convalescent Plasma units obtained were distributed to 21 different cities throughout the country by air or ground transportation. Conclusion: The implementation of a Covid-19 Convalescent Plasma program in a continental country with relatively scarce resources is feasible with alternative strategies to promote lower cost procedures, while complying with local regulations and meeting quality standards.

Lipoprotein apheresis efficacy and challenges: single center experience

Abstract Introduction Lipoprotein apheresis (LA) is an extracorporeal therapy which removes apolipoprotein B-containing particles from the circulation. We evaluated techniques and efficiency of lipoprotein apheresis procedures applied to patients with familial and non-familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) at our center. Methods We retrospectively evaluated 250 LA procedures applied to 27 patients with dyslipidemia between March 2011 and August 2019. Results A total of 27 patients, of whom 19 (70.4%) were male and 8 (29.6%), female, were included. Eighteen (66.7%), 6 (22.2%) and 3 (11.1%) patients were diagnosed with non-FH, homozygous FH (HoFH) and heterozygous FH (HeFH), respectively. Two different apheresis techniques, direct adsorption of lipoproteins (DALI) (48.8%) and double filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP) (51.2%), were used. The change in the serum total cholesterol (TC) level was the median 302 mg/dl (171-604 mg/dl) (60.4%) in HoFH patients, 305 mg/dl (194-393 mg/dl) (60.8%) in HeFH patients and 227 mg/dl (75-749 mg/dl) (65.3%) in non-FH patients. The change in the serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) level was the median 275 mg/dl (109-519 mg/dl) (64.2%), 232 mg/dl (207-291 mg/dl) (64.5%) and 325 mg/dl (22-735 mg/dl) (70.9%) in patients with HoFH, HeFH and non-FH, respectively. A significantly effective reduction in serum lipid levels, including TC, LDL and triglycerides, was achieved in all patients, regardless of the technique, p< .001. The decrease in the serum TC and LDL levels was significantly higher in the DFPP, compared to the DALI, being 220 mg/dl (-300 to 771) vs 184 mg/dl (64-415), p< .001 and 196 mg/dl (11-712) vs 157 mg/dl (54-340), p< .001, respectively. Conclusions Our results showed that LA is a highly effective treatment in reducing serum lipid levels and safe, without any major adverse event.

Bone Turnover Markers Changes Induced by Plateletpheresis May Be Minimized with Oral Supplementation of Calcium, Minerals, and Vitamin D before the Procedures: A Non-Randomized, Controlled Study.

Apheresis allows the collection of specific blood components but changes serum calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and hormones involved in bone metabolism due to citrate infusion. We assessed the effect of oral supplementation of calcium, vitamin D, and minerals as pills or an enriched diet before plateletpheresis donation on levels of divalent cations, hormones, and bone turnover markers that may prevent metabolic changes. Methods: Non-randomized controlled study including 134 donors. Serum parathyroid hormone (PTH), Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu, osteocalcin (OC), vitamin D, and type-1 collagen C-terminal telopeptide (CTX-1) levels were measured at baseline and post-procedure. Donors were divided into four groups: supplemented with calcium carbonate and vitamin D (cal + vitd); those receiving calcium, minerals, and vitamin D (cal + vitd + min); those receiving a calcium-rich diet (diet) and a control group (control). Results: PTH levels increased >1-fold, whereas tCa, tMg, Zn, Cu, iCa, iMg, and vitamin D levels decreased immediately after apheresis amongst donors of any group; when these levels were measured two weeks later, donors in the calcium-vitd and cal + vitd + min groups returned to basal values; donors in the cal + vitd + min group were the only group that kept their levels of OC and CTX unchanged at the different study times. Conclusions: Bone turnover markers changes induced by plateletpheresis may be minimized with oral supplementation of calcium, minerals, and vitamin D two days before the procedures.

Lipoprotein apheresis efficacy and challenges: single center experience.

INTRODUCTION: Lipoprotein apheresis (LA) is an extracorporeal therapy which removes apolipoprotein B-containing particles from the circulation. We evaluated techniques and efficiency of lipoprotein apheresis procedures applied to patients with familial and non-familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) at our center. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 250 LA procedures applied to 27 patients with dyslipidemia between March 2011 and August 2019. RESULTS: A total of 27 patients, of whom 19 (70.4%) were male and 8 (29.6%), female, were included. Eighteen (66.7%), 6 (22.2%) and 3 (11.1%) patients were diagnosed with non-FH, homozygous FH (HoFH) and heterozygous FH (HeFH), respectively. Two different apheresis techniques, direct adsorption of lipoproteins (DALI) (48.8%) and double filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP) (51.2%), were used. The change in the serum total cholesterol (TC) level was the median 302 mg/dl (171-604 mg/dl) (60.4%) in HoFH patients, 305 mg/dl (194-393 mg/dl) (60.8%) in HeFH patients and 227 mg/dl (75-749 mg/dl) (65.3%) in non-FH patients. The change in the serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) level was the median 275 mg/dl (109-519 mg/dl) (64.2%), 232 mg/dl (207-291 mg/dl) (64.5%) and 325 mg/dl (22-735 mg/dl) (70.9%) in patients with HoFH, HeFH and non-FH, respectively. A significantly effective reduction in serum lipid levels, including TC, LDL and triglycerides, was achieved in all patients, regardless of the technique, p < .001. The decrease in the serum TC and LDL levels was significantly higher in the DFPP, compared to the DALI, being 220 mg/dl (-300 to 771) vs 184 mg/dl (64-415), p < .001 and 196 mg/dl (11-712) vs 157 mg/dl (54-340), p < .001, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that LA is a highly effective treatment in reducing serum lipid levels and safe, without any major adverse event.

Severe hepatopulmonary syndrome with hypoxemia refractory to liver transplant: Recovery after 67 days of ECMO support.

Hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a complication of end stage liver disease (ESLD) and is manifested by severe hypoxemia, which usually responds to liver transplantation (LT). As compared to patients undergoing LT for other etiologies, patients with HPS present an increased risk of postoperative morbidity and mortality. There is no effective treatment for patients whose hypoxemia does not respond to LT. This subset of patients is at a highly increased risk of death. There are very few reports on the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in this setting with rapid response. However, there is no prior report of ECMO utilization for longer than 4 weeks. We present the case of a 17 year-old male patient who underwent LT for ESLD secondary to chronic portal vein thrombosis and HPS. He received a liver from a deceased donor and presented with severe HPS after LT, requiring ECMO support for 67 days. The patient was discharged home and is breathing in ambient air. He is currently asymptomatic and has a normal liver function.

Profile of apheresis donors at Professor Alberto Antunes University Hospital of the Federal University of Alagoas

Hemotherapy services play a key role in attracting donors and providing safe blood to the population. The apher-esis platelet collection procedure is a relatively simple, safe and important procedure for increasing the stocks of these services. However, the recruitment and retention of these donors still represent a major challenge. Objec-tive: Evaluating the profile of donors of blood components by apheresis in the Transfusion Unit of Professor Alberto Antunes University Hospital - UFAL, as well as knowing the hematological parameters pre- and post-donation, the occurrence of the main adverse events related to the procedure and the difficulties faced by the donor. Method:This was a cross-sectional observational study. We analyzed a total of 160 forms of apheresis donors from March 2017 to June 2018. The data were tabulated using the Excel program, and then analyzed in order to determine the objectives. Results: Most donors were male (93.13%), aged between 25 and 40 years (48.75%) and brown (25.62%). There was a slight prevalence of singles (49.37%) and 73.75% were from Maceió. The most prevalent ABO and Rh phenotyping was O+ (39.3%). Most of the procedures were simple platelet collection (75.60%) and the occurrence of adverse events during donations was 30.63%. Conclusion: Evaluation of apheresis donor profile and the knowledge of the possible side effects related to the procedure provided a better understanding of this type of donation and may improve the capture and retention processes of these individuals, minimizing the effects of lack of blood for Alagoana population. (AU)

Os serviços de hemoterapia desempenham um papel fundamental na atração de doadores e no fornecimento de sangue seguro à população. No entanto, o recrutamento e a retenção desses doadores ainda representam um gran-de desafio. Objetivo: Avaliar o perfil dos doadores de hemocomponentes por aférese na Unidade de Transfusão do Hospital Universitário Professor Alberto Antunes - UFAL, bem como conhecer os parâmetros hematológicos pré e pós-doação, a ocorrência dos principais eventos adversos relacionados à procedimento e as dificuldades enfrenta-das pelo doador. Método: Estudo observacional transversal. Foram analisadas 160 fichas de doadores de aférese de março de 2017 a junho de 2018. Os dados foram tabulados no programa Excel e analisados para determinar os objetivos. Resultados: A maioria dos doadores era do sexo masculino (93,13%), com idade entre 25 e 40 anos (48,75%) e parda (25,62%). Houve uma leve prevalência de solteiros (49,37%) e 73,75% eram de Maceió. A feno-tipagem ABO e Rh mais prevalente foi O+ (39,3%). A maioria dos procedimentos foi de coleta simples de plaquetas (75,60%) e a ocorrência de eventos adversos durante as doações foi de 30,63%. Conclusão: A avaliação do perfil do doador de aférese e o conhecimento dos possíveis efeitos colaterais relacionados ao procedimento proporcio-naram uma melhor compreensão sobre esse tipo de doação e podem ajudar a melhorar os processos de captura e retenção desses indivíduos, minimizando os efeitos da falta de sangue para a população Alagoana.(AU)

Aféresis terapéutica. Con una nueva técnica de reposición con hidroxietil almidón (voluven) / Therapeutic apheresis. With a new hydroxyethyl starch (Voluven) replacement technique

Resumen Introducción: la aféresis plasmática, ampliamente utilizada, con indicaciones renales y no renales, así mismo con diferentes niveles de evidencia descritos por la Sociedad Americana de Aféresis, siendo un tratamiento antiguo y muy utilizado, en la literatura se disponen de escasos estudios que comparen el uso de las diferentes soluciones de reposición (cristaloides, coloides, plasma, albúmina) en cuanto a su respuesta clínica y paraclínica, específicamente en resultados de la función renal. Objetivo: describir la experiencia de pacientes llevados a aféresis plasmática en una institución de cuarto nivel, haciendo énfasis en los desenlaces de función renal y seguridad, con una nueva estrategia de solución de reposición con voluven. Métodos: estudio tipo serie de casos, se incluyeron pacientes tratados con plasmaféresis, quienes ingresaron entre enero 2012 y abril 2019 al servicio de nefrología del Hospital San José. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo. Resultados: se realizaron 608 sesiones de plasmaféresis. La indicación más frecuente el rechazo humoral agudo en el trasplante renal. Al final del periodo de tratamiento, los pacientes en plasma e hidroxietil almidón (hydroxyethyl starch, HES por sus siglas en inglés) presentaron similar proporción de hipocalcemia y trombocitopenia, las pruebas de función renal se conservan normales después del tratamiento. Conclusión: los efectos secundarios de la aféresis terapéutica como los trastornos hematológicos (alteración de los factores de coagulación, trombocitopenia o anemia), además de hipocalcemia, o posibles alteraciones de la función renal comparados entre los diferentes líquidos de reemplazo plasmático, albúmina o HES, en nuestro trabajo demostró que las alteraciones no son mayores y la función renal se mantiene conservada durante la terapia, además, se encontró que el uso de HES no generó lesión renal aguda, al contrario, se observa estabilidad de la función renal, por lo tanto se debe considerar su uso, siendo un producto de bajo costo, con excelentes resultados clínicos. (Acta Med Colomb 2021; 46. DOI: https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2021.2028).

Abstract Introduction: while plasma apheresis is a longstanding, widely used treatment for renal and non-renal indications, with different levels of evidence described by the American Society for Apheresis, there are few studies in the literature comparing the use of different replacement solutions (crystalloids, colloids, plasma, albumin) with regard to their clinical and paraclinical response, specifically in kidney function results. Objective: to describe the experience of patients undergoing plasma apheresis in a quaternary care institution with a new replacement solution strategy using Voluven, emphasizing kidney function and safety outcomes. Methods: a case series which included patients treated with plasmapheresis who were admitted to the nephrology service at Hospital San José between January 2012 and April 2019. A descriptive analysis was performed. Results: 608 plasmapheresis sessions were performed. The most common indication was acute humoral rejection in kidney transplantation. At the end of treatment, patients receiving plasma and hydroxyethyl starch (HES) had a similar proportion of hypocalcemia and thrombocytopenia. Kidney function tests remained normal after treatment. Conclusion: our study's comparison between the different plasma replacement fluids (albumin or HES) with regard to the side effects of therapeutic apheresis such as blood disorders (altered coagulation factors, thrombocytopenia or anemia), hypocalcemia or possible kidney function disorders, showed no major disorders and preserved kidney function during treatment. In addition, we found that HES did not cause acute kidney injury; on the contrary, kidney function was stable. Therefore, its use should be considered as a low-cost product with excellent clinical results. (Acta Med Colomb 2021; 46. DOI: https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2021.2028).

Assessing the performance of a plateletpheresis unit at a tertiary-care academic medical center in Mexico: A 6-year experience.

BACKGROUND: Optimization of platelet (PLT) apheresis collection is a priority to satisfy the increasing demand of hemato-oncology patients. We assessed the performance of a plateletpheresis unit supporting hematology patients. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This descriptive retrospective study included 561 plateletpheresis collections from 2013 to 2018. For data analysis, descriptive statistics and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used. A 5-item satisfaction questionnaire was analyzed. RESULTS: Ninety percent of the donors were males. The median plateletpheresis time was 89 minutes; its success rate was 92.5%; median donor PLT count was 232 × 109 /L, women median PLT count was 247 × 109 /L vs 231x109 /L in men (P = .017). Seventy-seven percent donors were candidates for a double product and 24.5% were processed; 20.8% of these donors had a weight ≤75 and 79.2% >75 kg, P = .003, and 6.6% were women and 93.4% men, P = .161. Thirty-six of donors had ≥250 × 109 /L and 16.8% was processed as a triple product. ROC analysis showed that with donor PLT counts ≥200 × 109 /L the sensitivity for obtaining double products was 0.981 and specificity 0.714, with an area under the curve (AUC) = 0.877. The adverse effect rate was 4.3%. Of the potential donors, 6.3% were rejected. The cost of processing single or double products was 430 USD. Comfort and time spent during plateletpheresis were areas for improvement. CONCLUSION: Platelet count and donor weight predicted PLT yield and obtaining double products. Women had higher PLT counts, but no significant difference was found between donor gender and processed products. Assessment of the apheresis unit can help to improve its performance.