Successful treatment with plasma exchange in life-threatening hyperhemolytic syndrome unrelated to sickle cell disease.

INTRODUCTION: Hyperhemolytic syndrome (HHS) is a severe form of delayed transfusion reaction primarily described in sickle cell anemia patients which is characterized by a hemoglobin decrease to pre-transfusion levels or lower, often with reticulocytopenia and no evidence of auto- or allo-antibodies. CASE PRESENTATION: We present two cases of severe HHS in patients without sickle cell anemia refractory to treatment with steroids, immunoglobulins, and rituximab. In one case, temporary relief was achieved with eculizumab. In both cases, plasma exchange resulted in a profound and immediate response allowing for splenectomy and resolution of hemolysis. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: We discuss the pathophysiology of HHS, its presentation and treatment and expand on the possible role of plasma exchange in this setting.

Intramuscular mRNA BNT162b2 vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 induces neutralizing salivary IgA.

Intramuscularly administered vaccines stimulate robust serum neutralizing antibodies, yet they are often less competent in eliciting sustainable "sterilizing immunity" at the mucosal level. Our study uncovers a strong temporary neutralizing mucosal component of immunity, emanating from intramuscular administration of an mRNA vaccine. We show that saliva of BNT162b2 vaccinees contains temporary IgA targeting the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 spike protein and demonstrate that these IgAs mediate neutralization. RBD-targeting IgAs were found to associate with the secretory component, indicating their bona fide transcytotic origin and their polymeric multivalent nature. The mechanistic understanding of the high neutralizing activity provided by mucosal IgA, acting at the first line of defense, will advance vaccination design and surveillance principles and may point to novel treatment approaches and new routes of vaccine administration and boosting.

Determination of red blood cell adhesion to vascular endothelial cells: A critical role for blood plasma.

Red blood cell (RBC) adhesion to vascular endothelial cells (EC) is considered a potent effector of circulatory disorders, and its enhancement is implicated in the pathophysiology of numerous conditions, mainly hemoglobinopathies. The actual RBC/EC interaction is determined by both cellular and plasmatic factors, and the differentiation between them is essential for understanding its physiological implications. Yet, RBC/EC adhesion has been studied predominantly in protein-free media. To explore the plasma contribution to RBC/EC adhesion, we examined the adhesion of human RBC to human vascular endothelial cells in the presence of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and compared it to that in a protein-free phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). RBC from blood samples freshly-collected from five healthy donors and from fifteen units of packed RBC units were used. The same FFP sample was used in all measurements. In FFP, the RBC form strongly adherent aggregates, which are dispersed as the shear stress (τ) increases to 3.0 Pa, and even at 5.0 Pa a large portion of the RBC are still adherent. In PBS, the RBC are singly dispersed and their adhesion becomes insignificant already at τ = 0.5 Pa. No cross-correlation was found between the adhesion in PBS vs. that in FFP at the same τ. However, in both media, under conditions that form singly dispersed adherent RBC, an inverse correlation between RBC/EC adhesion in PBS vs. that in FFP was observed. This study clearly implies that for understanding the physiological relevance of RBC/EC adhesion it should be determined in plasma.

Anti-RhD antibody therapy modulates human natural killer cell function.

Anti-RhD antibodies are widely used in clinical practice to prevent immunization against RhD, principally in hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn. Intriguingly, this disease is induced by production of the very same antibodies when an RhD negative woman is pregnant with an RhD positive fetus. Despite over five decades of use, the mechanism of this treatment is, surprisingly, still unclear. Here we show that anti-RhD antibodies induce human natural killer (NK) cell degranulation. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that NK cell degranulation is mediated by binding of the Fc segment of anti-RhD antibodies to CD16, the main Fcγ receptor expressed on NK cells. We found that this CD16 activation is dependent upon glycosylation of the anti-RhD antibodies. Furthermore, we show that anti-RhD antibodies induce NK cell degranulation in vivo in patients who receive this treatment prophylactically. Finally, we demonstrate that the anti-RhD drug KamRho enhances the killing of dendritic cells. We suggest that this killing leads to reduced activation of adaptive immunity and may therefore affect the production of anti-RhD antibodies.

Inter-donor variability in deformability of red blood cells in blood units.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the donor-to-donor variability in the deformability of red blood cells (RBCs) from freshly collected blood donations (F-RBC) and packed RBCs. BACKGROUND: Packed RBCs are supplied for transfusion by the first-in-first-out (FIFO) criterion, assuming that their quality is the same for packed RBCs with equal storage duration. To challenge this notion, we determined the deformability of F-RBC and packed RBCs stored for different durations. METHODS: Three RBC groups were employed: A. 79 samples of F-RBC; B. 76 samples of packed RBC units, randomly used for transfusion at different storage durations; and C. 65 samples of outdated packed RBCs stored for 35 to 37 days. All packed RBC units were non-leukofiltrated and stored in Citrate-phosphate-dextrose solution with adenine (CPDA-1). RBC deformability was determined using a computerised cell-flow properties analyser, which monitors the shape change of cells directly visualised in a narrow-gap flow chamber and provides the cells' deformability distribution in a large RBC population. RESULTS: The F-RBC deformability exhibited a wide-range inter-donor variability. The cold storage of packed RBCs exerted a mild reduction of deformability, which became significant, compared to the initial inter-donor variability, only after 3 weeks of storage. CONCLUSION: Packed RBCs are generally supplied for transfusion by the FIFO criterion based on the assumption that the storage duration is a key factor of RBC quality. This study demonstrates that the deformability of red blood cells is significantly different in donors, and substantial variability persists throughout the entire process of their storage. Therefore, the FIFO criterion is not sufficient for assessing the RBC deformability, which should, therefore, be specifically characterised for each unit.

Unit-to-unit variability in the deformability of red blood cells.

BACKGROUND: In blood banking practice, the storage duration is used as the primary criterion for inventory management, and usually, the packed red blood cells (PRBC) units are supplied primarily according to first-in-first-out (FIFO) principle. However, the actual functionality of individual PRBC units is mostly ignored. One of the main features of the RBCs not accounted for under this approach is the deformability of the red cells, i.e., their ability to affect the recipients' blood flow. The objective of the study was to analyze unit-to-unit variability in the deformability of PRBCs during their cold storage. METHODS: RBC samples were obtained from twenty leukoreduced PRBC units, stored in SAGM. The deformability of cells was monitored from the day of donation throughout 42 days. RBC deformability was determined using the computerized cell flow-properties analyzer (CFA) based on cell elongation under a shear stress of 3.0 Pa, expressed by the elongation-ratio (ER). The image analysis determines the ER for each cell and provides the ER distribution in the population of 3000-6000 cells. RESULTS: The deformability of freshly-collected RBCs exhibited marked variability already on the day of donation. We also found that the aging curve of PRBC deformability varies significantly among donors. SIGNIFICANCE: The present study has demonstrated that storage duration is only one of the factors, and seemingly not even the major one, affecting the PRBCs functionality. Therefore, the FIFO approach is not sufficient for assessing the potential transfusion outcome, and the PRBC functionality should be determined explicitly for each unit.

Preparation of packed red blood cell units in the blood bank: Alteration in red blood cell deformability.

BACKGROUND: Donated blood is stored in the blood bank as packed red blood cell units. In the process of packed cells preparation, the red blood cells (RBCs) are subjectedto high level of shear stress, which can induce alterations in their properties. In the present study, we examined the effect of packed RBCs preparation (which included leuko-filtration) on red cell deformability. METHODS: Blood samples were collected from 25 healthy donors and from corresponding units of packed RBCs. The portion of undeformable cells (%UDFC) was determined for each sample. RESULTS: The median value of %UDFC was equal to 6.75 ± 0.70 %, for freshly-donated RBCs, and to 6.36 ± 0.51 %, for packed cells. Wherein, %UDFC may increase or decrease following packed cells preparation, depending upon the initial portion of undeformable cells. CONCLUSION: Likely, exposure of RBCs to high shear stress, during packed cells preparation, induces opposing effects: (a) removal/destruction of rigid (undeformable) cells, thereby reducing their total amount (i.e., decreasing the %UDFC) on the one hand, and (b) mechanical damage to the cell membrane and subsequent reduction of the cell deformability (thereby increasing the %UDFC) on the other. As a consequence, the final impact of packed cells preparation is primarily determined by the initial state of erythrocytes in the blood of the donor.

Successful treatment with daratumumab for post-HSCT refractory hemolytic anemia.

Autoimmune cytopenias (AIC) following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) may cause significant morbidity and mortality and are often challenging to treat. We present a case of a pediatric patient with primary myelofibrosis of infancy caused by VPS45 protein deficiency, who developed severe refractory hemolytic anemia and immune-mediated thrombocytopenia 3.5 months following HSCT. After the failure of several treatments, he received daratumumab, an anti-CD38 specific antibody, and demonstrated fast and sustained response. The only side effect was delayed recovery of humoral immunity. Daratumumab, by targeting antibody-producing plasma cells, may be a valid treatment option for refractory post-HSCT AIC.

Prothrombotic mechanisms in patients with congenital p.Cys89Tyr mutation in CD59.

BACKGROUND: Thrombosis is the prognostic factor with the greatest effect on survival in patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), who lack dozens of membrane surface proteins. We recently described a primary homozygous Cys89Tyr congenital nonfunctioning CD59 in humans with clinical manifestation in infancy, associated with chronic hemolysis, recurrent strokes, and relapsing peripheral demyelinating neuropathy. Here we investigated hypercoagulability mechanisms characterizing the syndrome. METHODS: Membrane attack complex (MAC) deposition (anti-SC5b-9) and free hemoglobin (colorimetric assay) were assessed. Platelet activation was identified (anti-CD61, anti-CD62P), and microparticles (MPs) of 0.5-0.9 µm, were characterized (Annexin V, anti-human GlyA, anti-CD15, anti-CD14, anti-CD61). Platelet-monocyte aggregation was assessed with FlowSight. FINDINGS: 2/7 patients (29%) with homozygosity for Cys89Tyr and 6/12 (50%) with any of four described CD59 mutations had recurrent strokes. In plasma samples from four patients carrying identical mutations, MAC deposition was increased on RBCs (p < 0.0003), neutrophils (p < 0.009), and platelets (p < 0.0003). Free-plasma hemoglobin levels were abnormally high, up to 100 mg/dl. Patients with CD59 mutation had RBC-derived MP levels 9-fold higher than those in healthy controls (p < 0.01), and 2-2.5 fold higher than PNH patients (p < 0.09). Leukocyte-activated platelet aggregation was increased (p < 0.0062). Loss of CD59 was shown in the endothelium of these patients. INTERPRETATION: Nonfunctioning CD59 is a major risk factor for stroke and hypercoagulability. Uncontrolled hemolysis causes massive MP release and endothelial heme damage. MAC attack on unprotected endothelium and platelet activation and aggregation with leukocytes mediate additional mechanisms leading to vascular occlusion. It is suggested that CD59 loss represents a major arterial prothrombotic factor in PNH and additional diseases.

Biophysical and Biochemical Markers of Red Blood Cell Fragility.

BACKGROUND: Red blood cells (RBCs) undergo a natural aging process occurring in the blood circulation throughout the RBC lifespan or during routine cold storage in the blood bank. The aging of RBCs is associated with the elevation of mechanical fragility (MF) or osmotic fragility (OF) of RBCs, which can lead to cell lysis. The present study was undertaken to identify RBC properties that characterize their susceptibility to destruction under osmotic/mechanical stress. METHODS: RBCs were isolated from freshly donated blood or units of packed RBCs (PRBCs) and suspended in albumin-supplemented phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). In addition, PRBCs were separated by filtration through a microsphere column into two fractions: enriched with rigid (R-fraction) and deformable (D-fraction) cells. The RBCs were subjected to determination of deformability, MF and OF, moreover, the level of cell surface phosphatidylserine (PS) and the stomatin level in isolated RBC membranes were measured. RESULTS: In the RBC population, the cells that were susceptible to mechanical and osmotic stress were characterized by low deformability and increased level of surface PS. The OF/MF was higher in the R-fraction than in the D-fraction. Stomatin was depleted in destroyed cells and in the R-fraction. CONCLUSION: RBC deformability, the levels of surface PS, and membrane stomatin can be used as markers of RBC fragility.

The dielectric spectroscopy of human red blood cells: the differentiation of old from fresh cells.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to gauge the effect of storage lesions on the dielectric response of red blood cells (RBC), in particular those processes linked to deformations of the cellular membrane known as the ß-dispersion. APPROACH: The dielectric response of RBC suspensions, exposed to blood-bank cold storage, was studied using time-domain dielectric spectroscopy (TDDS) in the frequency range of 500 kHz up to 1 GHz. The measured dielectric processes are characterized by their dielectric strength (Δε) and relaxation time (τ). Changes in the dielectric properties of the RBC suspensions due to storage-related lesions were evaluated. For a quantitative characterization of RBC lesions, we measured the deformability of fresh and stored RBC as expressed by their elongation ratio (ER), which was achieved under a shear stress of 3.0 Pa. MAIN RESULT: The results show that the storage of RBC induced a statistically significant decrease of dielectric relaxation times. In addition, a sound correlation between the mean values of ER and the relaxation times was observed (Spearman's correlation coefficient ρ = 0.847). We draw the conclusion that those alterations in the relaxation time are induced by changes in the shape of the RBC that happen during cold-storage. SIGNIFICANCE: The evolution of the ß-dispersion of RBC opens new possibilities in the blood bank inventory management.

Deformability of transfused red blood cells is a potent determinant of transfusion-induced change in recipient's blood flow.

OBJECTIVE: There is a growing concern regarding the risks in the transfusion of PRBC, as numerous studies have reported negative transfusion outcomes, including reduced blood perfusion. In search of this phenomenon's mechanism, the effect of PRBC deformability, a major determinant of blood flow, on transfusion outcome was explored. METHODS: The effect of PRBC deformability was examined by the transfusion-induced change in recipients' ∆SBF, in ß-TM patients, who are routinely treated with lifelong frequent transfusions. SBF was determined using a laser Doppler imager. RESULTS: ∆SBF was examined vs PRBC deformability, the transfusion-induced increase in ∆Hct and the recipients' SBF before transfusion (SBFB ). ∆SBF elevated with increasing PRBC deformability, with a highly significant dependence, while its elevation with ∆Hct was much less significant. ∆SBF was inversely proportional to the SBFB . CONCLUSIONS: This study provides, for the first time in humans, direct evidence that the deformability of transfused PRBC is a potent effector of transfusion outcome. Currently, PRBC are supplied primarily by the first-in-first-out criteria, while their functionality is ignored. The testing of PRBC hemodynamic quality would introduce a new paradigm into blood banking, which would contribute substantially to improving transfusion therapy.

Storage-induced damage to red blood cell mechanical properties can be only partially reversed by rejuvenation.

BACKGROUND: The storage of red blood cells (RBC) is associated with impairment of their properties that can induce a circulatory risk to recipients. In a preceding study (2009), we reported that post-storage rejuvenation (RJ) of stored RBC (St-RBC) efficiently reduced the storage-induced RBC/endothelial cell interaction, while only partially reversing the level of intracellular Ca(2+), reactive oxygen species, and surface phosphatidylserine. In the present study, we examined the RJ effectiveness in repairing St-RBC mechanical properties. METHODS: RBC, stored in CPDA-1 without pre-storage leukoreduction, were subjected to post-storage RJ, and the deformability, osmotic fragility (OF), and mechanical fragility (MF) of the rejuvenated St-RBC (St-RBCRj) were compared to those of untreated St-RBC and of freshly-collected RBC (F-RBC). RESULTS: 5-week storage considerably increased OF and MF, and reduced the deformability of St-RBC. All alterations were only partially (40-70%) reversed by RJ, depending on the extent of the damage: the greater the damage, the lesser the relative effect of RJ. CONCLUSION: The findings of the present and preceding studies suggest that different St-RBC properties are differentially reversed by RJ, implying that some of the changes occur during storage and are irreversible.

Selective splenic artery embolization for the treatment of thrombocytopenia and hypersplenism in paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria.

BACKGROUND: PNH is associated with abdominal vein thrombosis, which can cause splenomegaly and hypersplenism. The combination of thrombosis, splenomegaly, and thrombocytopenia (TST) is challenging because anticoagulants are indicated but thrombocytopenia may increase the bleeding risk. Splenectomy could alleviate thrombocytopenia and reduce portal pressure, but it can cause post-operative thromboses and opportunistic infections. We therefore sought to determine whether selective splenic artery embolization (SSAE) is a safe and effective alternative to splenectomy for TST in patients with PNH. METHODS: Four patients with PNH and TST received successive rounds of SSAE. By targeting distal vessels for occlusion, we aimed to infarct approximately 1/3 of the spleen with each procedure. RESULTS: Three of 4 patients had an improvement in their platelet count, and 3 of 3 had major improvement in abdominal pain/discomfort. The one patient whose platelet count did not respond had developed marrow failure, and she did well with an allo-SCT. Post-procedure pain and fever were common and manageable; only one patient developed a loculated pleural effusion requiring drainage. One patient, who had had only a partial response to eculizumab, responded to SSAE not only with an improved platelet count, but also with an increase in hemoglobin level and decreased transfusion requirement. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that SSAE can decrease spleen size and reverse hypersplenism, without exposing the patient to the complications of splenectomy. In addition, SSAE probably reduces the uptake of opsonised red cells in patients who have had a limited response to eculizumab, resulting in an improved quality of life for selected patients.

Defining the need for blood and blood products transfusion following suicide bombing attacks on a civilian population: a level I single-centre experience.

INTRODUCTION: Knowledge of patterns of blood use in the care of mass casualty settings is important for preparedness of medical centre resources and for maximising survival when blood supplies are limited. Our objectives were to review of our experience with the use of blood products and define the utilisation of blood transfusion following suicide bombing attacks. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of blood and blood product transfusion following civilian bombing attacks at a level I trauma centre in Jerusalem, Israel from 2000 to 2005. The study group consisted of 137 patients who were admitted following 17 suicide bombing attacks which were carried out in Jerusalem during the 5-year period. Demographic data, number of units of blood and blood products transfused and the need for massive transfusions were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: Fifty-three patients received blood transfusions (38.7%). There were 33 males (62.2%) with a median ISS of 13 (range 4-25). These 53 patients received 524 PRBC, 42 WB, and 449 FFP. The mean number of PRBC transfused/admitted patient was 3.82 units (range 0-59). Thirty patients (21.9%) received 236 PRBC (45% of total PRBC) at the first 2h. The ratio of ordered to transfused blood was 946:524. The FFP:PRBC ratio for all transfused patients was 1:1.17. The number of PRBC transfused per attack correlated with the number of patients admitted per attack. The most commonly transfused blood type was A (52.3%). Only 18 units of uncrossed-matched blood were transfused (3.3% of total). 14 patients (10.2%) received massive transfusions. These patients received 399 PRBC (76.1% of total units transfused) and the average number of PRBC transfused was 28.5/patient (10-59). CONCLUSIONS: More than 1/3 of casualties admitted following civilian bombing attacks received transfusions, most in the first 2h. Large-scale attacks will require more blood and blood products than small-scale attacks. Twice the number of PRBC ordered than transfused reflects a known trend for over-triage during the initial assessment following bombing attacks. One tenth of patients received massive transfusion.

Resuscitation with aged blood exacerbates liver injury in a hemorrhagic rat model.

OBJECTIVE: Blood loss and transfusion are frequent among patients undergoing liver surgery. Concerns have been raised about the safety and efficacy of transfusing stored blood. The influence of transfusing fresh vs. stored blood on the liver has not been studied to date. We tested the hypothesis that transfusion of stored, but not fresh blood, adversely affects liver outcome in vivo following acute hemorrhage. Additionally, possible mechanisms linking adverse liver outcome with increased storage duration were evaluated. DESIGN: Prospective, controlled, animal study. SETTING: University research laboratory. SUBJECTS: Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats INTERVENTIONS: Anesthetized rats were randomized to control, hemorrhagic and shock group (acute bleeding; HSG), or hemorrhagic and blood resuscitation groups (BR) (with fresh blood [BR-d0], blood stored for 4 [BR-d4] or 7 [BR-d7] days, or packed RBCs stored for 7 days [packed RBC-d7]). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Administration of blood or packed RBC stored for 7 days exacerbated liver injury as reflected by liver necrosis and enhanced apoptosis (p < 0.001). Functional MRI analysis of the liver demonstrated significant improvement in liver perfusion with fresh blood (% change in functional MRI signal intensity due to hyperoxia was 16% ± 3% in BR-d0 vs. 4% ± 3% in hemorrhagic group, p < 0.001) but not with stored blood (12% ± 2% and 9% ± 5% for BR-d4 and BR-d7, respectively). Analysis of stored blood showed reduction in RBC deformability at 7 days of storage, reflecting a five-fold increase in the number of undeformable cells. CONCLUSION: Liver injury is exacerbated by the transfusion of stored blood, primarily due to the change in the rheological properties of RBC. This data call for clinical studies in patients undergoing liver resection or transplantation.

Is routine screening needed for coagulation abnormalities before oocyte retrieval?

A cross-sectional retrospective study was performed to question the utility of coagulation screening to prevent procedure-related bleeding before oocyte retrieval in IVF. Among 1,032 patients evaluated we found that 534 coagulation tests were needed to prevent one case of bleeding associated with an abnormal coagulation test result.

Rejuvenation treatment of stored red blood cells reverses storage-induced adhesion to vascular endothelial cells.

BACKGROUND: Blood banking procedures are associated with elevated adherence of red blood cells (RBCs) to blood vessel wall endothelial cells (ECs), which can introduce a circulatory risk to recipients. This study was undertaken to examine the possibility of repairing this damage by a poststorage "rejuvenation" procedure before transfusion. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Stored RBCs were treated with rejuvenation solution (Rejuvesol, enCyte Systems, Inc.), and their adhesion to cultured human microvascular ECs was determined as a function of shear stress using a cell flow properties analyzer. The adherence of rejuvenation-treated stored RBCs (stRBCs) was compared to that of untreated stRBCs and of freshly donated RBCs. RESULTS: Strong elevation of stRBC/EC adhesion was induced by cold storage and it correlated with translocation of phosphatidylserine (PS) to the RBC surface, a known mediator of RBC/EC adhesion. The role of RBC surface PS in stRBC/EC interaction was confirmed by the suppression of adhesion after the blocking of the stRBC surface PS with annexin V. Concomitantly, RBC storage elevated intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Ca(2+), the latter known to facilitate PS externalization. Poststorage rejuvenation treatment of stRBCs reversed all the above changes (ROS, Ca(2+), PS), along with complete suppression of the enhanced RBC/EC adhesion, restoring it to that of normal, freshly collected RBCs. CONCLUSION: Poststorage RBC rejuvenation treatment is effective in reversing the storage-induced RBC/EC interaction. This provides further documentation for the potential clinical benefit of poststorage rejuvenation.