Underdiagnosing of antibody-mediated transfusion-related acute lung injury: evaluation of cellular-based versus bead-based techniques.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) is the leading cause of transfusion-related mortality. To support the diagnosis of antibody-mediated TRALI, HLA and HNA antibodies are tested in involved blood donors. Identification of antibody positive donors is important as exclusion of these donors is part of preventative strategies against TRALI. We compared cellular-based versus bead-based techniques for diagnosis of antibody-mediated TRALI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All reported TRALI cases in the Netherlands during a 5-year period were evaluated. Donors were screened for the presence of HLA class I and class II antibodies using both cellular-based and bead-based techniques. RESULTS: In total, 100 TRALI cases were reported of which 91 were fully tested. In 113 donors, HLA antibodies were detected of which 84 were only detected by bead-based techniques, 12 only by cellular-based tests and 17 by both assays. Antibody-mediated TRALI was diagnosed in 44 of 91 reported cases. Twenty-one (48%) of these cases would not have been identified using only cellular-based assays. CONCLUSION: Bead-based techniques show a higher sensitivity for detecting incompatible donors in TRALI cases than cellular-based assays. These results suggest that the use of bead-based assays will result in a significant reduction of future TRALI reactions as more antibody positive donors will be excluded from future donations.

[Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) in the Netherlands in 2002-2005]. / Transfusiegerelateerde acute longbeschadiging (TRALI) in Nederland in 2002-2005.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the number of reported cases of transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) in the Netherlands in 2002-2005 and to determine how many cases were associated with incompatibility between leukocyte-reactive antibodies in the donor plasma and leukocytes or antigens in the recipient. DESIGN: Retrospective national case review. METHOD: Cases of TRALI reported in 2002-2005 were assessed according to the national clinical definition of TRALI, and the relationship between TRALI and transfusion was assessed. Additional clinical details were requested from the treating hospital as necessary. The results of leukocyte serological tests from donors and recipients were linked to clinical cases. For cases with positive leukocyte serological tests, the relevant blood components and the sex of the donor were recorded. RESULTS: Of the 46 cases reported, 6 had insufficient information. 8 cases did not meet the definition or had another more likely diagnosis. There was a trend toward an increase in the number of reports: 12 cases were reported in 2005, corresponding with 1:60,000 blood components. Of the 40 evaluable cases, 32 (80%) met the definition of TRALI and were deemed to be definitely (n = 16), probably (n = 5) or possibly (n = 11) related to transfusion. Severity ranged from moderate to life-threatening, and there was one TRALI-related death. Leukocyte serology was fully investigated in 18 cases: 13 (72%) had leukocyte incompatibility and in 5 cases exclusively fresh frozen plasma from a female donor was implicated.

Hypercoagulability states in upper-extremity deep venous thrombosis.

Deep venous thrombosis of the upper extremity (DVTUE) is a rare thrombotic disorder that may occur spontaneously but is most often related to predisposing factors, such as an indwelling central venous catheter, malignancy, or exercise. The role of coagulation disorders, i.e., a hypercoagulable state in the pathogenesis of DVTUE is not well known. We have evaluated both genetic and acquired thrombophilia parameters in consecutive patients with DVTUE. A hypercoagulable state was found in 32% of the patients. The most frequent coagulation abnormality was the presence of lupus anticoagulant or anticardiolipin antibodies (27%). Factor V Leiden mutation was detected in two patients, antithrombin deficiency in one, and none of the patients had the prothrombin G20210A gene variant or protein C or S deficiency. The prevalence of coagulation abnormalities was not significantly different in a subgroup of patients with spontaneous DVTUE as compared to those with an obvious predisposing factor, such as an indwelling central venous catheter. We conclude that antiphospholipid antibodies are frequently found in patients with DVTUE. Factor V Leiden mutation, prothrombin 20210A gene variant, protein C deficiency, and protein S deficiency do not seem to play a major pathogenetic role in DVTUE.