Intravenous iron versus blood transfusion for postpartum anemia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Intravenous iron (IV-iron) is used as an alternative to, or alongside, red blood cell transfusion (RBC-T) to treat more severe postpartum anemia (PPA), although optimal treatment options remain unclear. No previous systematic reviews have examined IV-iron and RBC-T, including patient-reported outcomes and hematological responses. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials comparing IV-iron and RBC-T with each other, oral iron, no treatment, and placebo for the treatment of PPA. Key inclusion criteria were PPA (hemoglobin < 12 g/dL) and IV-iron or RBC-T as interventions. Key exclusion criteria were antenatal IV-iron or RBC-T. Fatigue was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included hemoglobin and ferritin concentrations, and adverse events. From 27th August 2020 to 26th September 2022, databases, registries, and hand searches identified studies. A fixed-effect meta-analysis was undertaken using RevMan (5.4) software. The quality of the studies and the evidence was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias table, and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation. This review is registered with the Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42020201115). RESULTS: Twenty studies and 4196 participants were included: 1834 assigned IV-iron, 1771 assigned oral iron, 330 assigned RBC-T, and 261 assigned non-intervention. Six studies reported the primary outcome of fatigue (1251 participants). Only studies of IV-iron vs. oral iron (15 studies) were available for meta-analysis. Of these, three reported on fatigue using different scales; two were available for meta-analysis. There was a significant reduction in fatigue with IV-iron compared to oral iron (standardized mean difference - 0.40, 95% confidence interval (CI) - 0.62, - 0.18, I2 = 0%). The direction of effect also favored IV-iron for hemoglobin (mean difference (MD) 0.54 g/dL, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.47, 0.61, I2 = 91%), ferritin, (MD 58.07 mcg/L, 95% CI 55.74, 60.41, I2 = 99%), and total adverse events (risk-ratio 0.63, 95% CI 0.52, 0.77, I2 = 84%). The overall quality of the evidence was low-moderate. DISCUSSION: For all outcomes, the evidence for RBC-T, compared to IV-iron, non-intervention, or dose effects of RBC-T is very limited. Further research is needed to determine whether RBC-T or IV-iron for the treatment of PPA is superior for fatigue and hematological outcomes.

Donor pregnancies and transfusion recipient mortality: A role for red blood cell storage?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Donor characteristics have been implicated in transfusion-related adverse events. Uncertainty remains about whether sex, and specifically pregnancy history of the blood donor, could affect patient outcomes. Whether storage duration of the blood product could be important for patient outcomes has also been investigated, and a small detrimental effect of fresh products remains a possibility. Here, we hypothesize that fresh red blood cell products donated by ever-pregnant donors are associated with mortality in male patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used data from a cohort study of adult patients receiving a first transfusion between 2005 and 2015 in the Netherlands. The risk of death after receiving a transfusion from one of five exposure categories (female never-pregnant stored ≤10 days, female never-pregnant stored >10 days, female ever-pregnant stored ≤10 days, female ever-pregnant stored >10 days and male stored for ≤10 days), compared to receiving a unit donated by a male donor, which was stored for >10 days (reference), was calculated using a Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: The study included 42,456 patients who contributed 88,538 person-years in total, of whom 13,948 died during the follow-up of the study (33%). Fresh units (stored for ≤10 days) from ever-pregnant donors were associated with mortality in male patients, but the association was not statistically significant (hazard ratio 1.39, 95% confidence interval 0.97-1.99). Sensitivity analyses did not corroborate this finding. CONCLUSION: These findings do not consistently support the notion that the observed association between ever-pregnant donor units and mortality is mediated by blood product storage.

Effects of transfusing older red blood cells and platelets on obstetric patient outcomes: A retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate associations between transfusion of blood products close to the end of shelf-life and clinical outcomes in obstetric inpatients. METHODS: Mortality and morbidity were compared in patients transfused exclusively with red blood cells (RBC) stored for less than 21 days (fresh) versus RBC stored for 35 days or longer (old), and platelets (PLT) stored for 3 days or fewer (fresh) versus 4 days or longer (old) in Queensland, Australia from 2007 to 2013. Multivariable models were used to examine associations between these groups of blood products and clinical end points. RESULTS: There were 3371 patients who received RBC and 280 patients who received PLT of the eligible storage durations. Patients transfused with old RBC received fewer transfusions (2.7 ± 1.8 vs. 2.3 ± 1.0 units; P < 0.001). However, a higher rate of single-unit transfusions was also seen in those patients who exclusively received old RBC (252 [9.3%] vs. 92 [13.7%]; P = 0.003). Comparison of fresh vs. old blood products revealed no differences in the quantities of transfused RBC (9.5 ± 5.9 vs. 9.1 ± 5.2 units; P = 0.680) or PLT (1.5 ± 0.8 vs. 1.4 ± 1.1 units; P = 0.301) as well as the length of hospital stay for RBC (3 [2-5] vs. 3 [2-5] days; P = 0.124) or PLT (5 [4-8] vs. 6 [4-9] days; P = 0.120). CONCLUSION: Transfusing exclusively older RBC or PLT was not associated with increased morbidity or mortality.

The fatigue after infusion or transfusion pilot trial and feasibility study: A three-armed randomized pilot trial of intravenous iron and blood transfusion for the treatment of postpartum anemia.

BACKGROUND: Evidence for the management of moderate-to-severe postpartum anemia is limited. A randomized trial is needed; recruitment may be challenging. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Randomized pilot trial with feasibility surveys. INCLUSION: hemoglobin 65-79 g/L, ≤7 days of birth, hemodynamically stable. EXCLUSION: ongoing heavy bleeding; already received, or contraindication to intravenous (IV)-iron or red blood cell transfusion (RBC-T). Intervention/control: IV-iron; RBC-T; or IV-iron and RBC-T. PRIMARY OUTCOME: number of recruits; proportion of those approached; proportion considered potentially eligible. SECONDARY OUTCOMES: fatigue, depression, baby-feeding, and hemoglobin at 1, 6 and 12 weeks; ferritin at 6 and 12 weeks. Surveys explored attitudes to trial participation. RESULTS: Over 16 weeks and three sites, 26/34 (76%) women approached consented to trial participation, including eight (31%) Maori women. Of those potentially eligible, 26/167 (15.6%) consented to participate. Key participation enablers were altruism and study relevance. For clinicians and stakeholders the availability of research assistance was the key barrier/enabler. Between-group rates of fatigue and depression were similar. Although underpowered to address secondary outcomes, IV-iron and RBC-T compared with RBC-T were associated with higher hemoglobin concentrations at 6 (mean difference [MD] 11.7 g/L, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.7-20.7) and 12 (MD 12.8 g/L, 95% CI 1.5-24.2) weeks, and higher ferritin concentrations at 6 weeks (MD 136.8 mcg/L, 95% CI 76.6-196.9). DISCUSSION: Willingness to participate supports feasibility for a future trial assessing the effectiveness of IV-iron and RBC-T for postpartum anemia. Dedicated research assistance will be critical to the success of an appropriately powered trial including women-centered outcomes.

Transfusion of packed red blood cells in adults with sickle cell anemia treated at an emergency hospital

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the prescription of packed red blood cells performed by emergency physicians for adults with sickle cell anemia. METHODS: Transfusions performed in adults with sickle cell anemia treated at an emergency service in São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo Brazil, between January 2018 and January 2022 were evaluated. For data comparison, the chi-square2 test was used. The significance level adopted was 5%. RESULTS: A total of 114 transfusions were performed. The mean age was 41.8±16.4 years, and pretransfusion hemoglobin was 6.1±1.23 g/dL. Regarding the indication, the adequacy of transfusions performed in symptomatic individuals was significantly higher compared to asymptomatic individuals (100% vs. 3.9%, p<0.001). Symptomatic individuals received excessive volumes of packed red blood cells less frequently than asymptomatic individuals (17.5% vs. 56.9%, p<0.001). The filtered subtype, indicated for sickle cell anemia, was prescribed in only a quarter of the patients. However, non-indicated subtypes were frequently prescribed. CONCLUSION: This study found low adequacy in the indication and calculation of the transfusion volume of packed red blood cells in asymptomatic individuals. Few patients received filtered red blood cells, resulting in increased risks of transfusion reactions. On the contrary, non-indicated subtypes were prescribed in a quarter of transfusions, which resulted in higher costs and delay in receiving packed red blood cells.

Erythrocyte transfusions are associated with retinopathy of prematurity in extremely low gestational age newborns.

AIM: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a major morbidity in preterm infants causing visual impairment including blindness. Prevention and timely treatment are critical. We investigated the potential role of red blood cell (RBC) transfusions as risk factor for ROP development. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of data from 68 tertiary level neonatal intensive care units in Germany. Preterm infants born at 22 + 0 to 28 + 6 weeks of gestation between January 2009 and December 2021 were enrolled. RESULTS: We included n = 12 565 infants. Prevalence of any ROP was 49.2% with most infants being diagnosed with stage 1 (21.5%) and 2 disease (17.2%). ROP stage 3 was present in 10.2%, stage 4 in 0.3%, and ROP requiring treatment in 6.6%. Infants with ROP had significantly more frequently a history of RBC transfusions. Adjusting for confounders, RBC transfusions were associated with increased odds of ROP (OR 1.4, p < 0.001), ROP progression (OR 2.1, p < 0.01) and ROP requiring treatment (OR 3.6, p < 0.001). Restrictive transfusion approaches correlated with decreased (OR 0.7, p < 0.001), liberal regimes with increased odds (OR 1.2, p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The present study confirmed an association of RBC transfusions and ROP. Our findings emphasise the need for anaemia prevention and critical re-evaluation of transfusion practices in preterm infants.

Factors influencing pediatric transfusion: A complex decision impacting quality of care.

BACKGROUND: The risks of red blood cell transfusion may outweigh the benefits for many patients in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs), but guidelines from the Transfusion and Anemia eXpertise Initiative (TAXI) have not been consistently adopted. We sought to identify factors that influenced transfusion decision-making in PICUs to explore potential barriers and facilitators to implementing the guidelines. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 50 ICU providers working in eight US ICUs of different types (non-cardiac PICUs, cardiovascular ICUs, combined units) and variable sizes (11-32 beds) completed semi-structured interviews. Providers included ICU attendings and trainees, nurse practitioners, nurses, and subspecialty physicians. Interviews examined factors that influenced transfusion decisions, transfusion practices, and provider beliefs. Qualitative analysis utilized a Framework Approach. Summarized data was compared between provider roles and units with consideration to identify patterns and unique informative statements. RESULTS: Providers cited clinical, physiologic, anatomic, and logistic factors they considered in making transfusion decisions. Improving oxygen carrying capacity, hemodynamics and perfusion, respiratory function, volume deficits, and correcting laboratory values were among the reasons given for transfusion. Other sought-after benefits included alleviating symptoms of anemia, improving ICU throughput, and decreasing blood waste. Providers in different roles approached transfusion decisions differently, with the largest differences noted between nurses and subspecialists as compared with other ICU providers. While ICU attendings most often made the decision to transfuse, all providers influenced the decision-making. DISCUSSION: Implementation of transfusion guidelines requires multi-professional approaches that emphasize the known risks of transfusion, its limited benefits, and highlight evidence around the safety and benefit of restrictive approaches.

A Retrospective Cohort Study of Red Cell Alloimmunisation in Rural, Remote, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Admitted to Intensive Care in the Northern Territory, Australia.

Red cell (RC) alloantibodies occur on exposure to non-self RC antigens in transfusion and pregnancy (typically IgG and clinically significant) or in association with non-RC immune environmental factors (typically IgM and not clinically significant). In Australia, the risk of RC alloimmunisation in First Nations peoples is unknown. We assessed the epidemiology, specificity, and antecedents of RC alloimmunisation via a data linkage retrospective cohort study of Northern Territory (NT) intensive care unit (ICU) patients (2015-2019). Of 4183 total patients, 50.9% were First Nations. In First Nations versus non-First Nations patients, the period prevalence of alloimmunisation was 10.9% versus 2.3%, with 390 versus 72 prevalent alloantibodies detected in 232 versus 48 alloimmunised patients, of which 135 (34.6%) versus 52 (72.2%) were clinically significant specificities. Baseline and follow-up alloantibody testing were available for 1367 patients, in whom new incident clinically significant alloantibodies developed in 4.5% First Nations versus 1.1% non-First Nations patients. On Cox proportional hazards modelling, adjusted hazard ratios (HR) showed First Nations status (HR 2.67 (95% CI 1.05-6.80), p = 0.04) and cumulative RC unit transfusion exposure (HR 1.03 (95% CI 1.01-1.05), p = 0.01) were independent predictors of clinically significant alloimmunisation. First Nations Australian patients are at increased risk of alloimmunisation due to RC transfusion, underscoring the importance of very judicious use of RC transfusions and shared decision-making with patients. Further studies are recommended to explore the role of other (non-RC) immune host factors, given the relative high prevalence of non-clinically significant IgM alloantibodies within alloimmunised First Nations patients.

Effect of a Patient Blood Management Program on the Appropriateness of Red Blood Cell Transfusion and Clinical Outcomes in Elderly Patients Undergoing Hip Fracture Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Elderly patients with hip fractures frequently receive perioperative transfusions, which are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a patient blood management (PBM) program on the appropriateness of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion and clinical outcomes in geriatric patients undergoing hip fracture surgery. METHODS: In 2018, the revised PBM program was implemented at the Korea University Anam Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea. Elderly patients aged ≥ 65 years who underwent hip fracture surgery from 2017 to 2020 were evaluated. Clinical characteristics and outcomes were analyzed according to the timing of PBM implementation (pre-PBM, early-PBM, and late-PBM). Multiveriate regression analysis was used to evaluate the risk factors of the adverse outcomes, such as in-hospital mortality or 30-day readmission. RESULTS: A total of 884 elderly patients were included in this study. The proportion of patients who received perioperative RBC transfusions decreased significantly (43.5%, 40.1%, and 33.2% for pre-PBM, early-PBM, and late-PBM, respectively; P = 0.013). However, the appropriateness of RBC transfusion significantly increased (54.0%, 60.1%, and 94.7%, respectively; P < 0.001). The duration of in-hospital stay and 30-day readmission rates significantly decreased. Multivariable regression analysis revealed that RBC transfusion (odds ratio, 1.815; 95% confidence interval, 1.137-2.899; P = 0.013) was significantly associated with adverse outcomes. CONCLUSION: Implementing the PBM program increased the appropriateness of RBC transfusion without compromising transfusion quality and clinical outcomes. Therefore, adopting the PBM program may improve the clinical management of elderly patients following hip fracture surgery.

Short-Term Results of Ivabradine versus Metoprolol: The Effects on Atrial Fibrillation in Patients Undergoing Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

ABSTRACT Introduction: Classic coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery involves diastolic cardiac arrest under cardiopulmonary bypass, while off-pump CABG (OPCABG) has become widespread in recent years. Methods: 174 patients who underwent OPCABG were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups. Group I (n=90) received ivabradine and Group M (n=84) received metoprolol before surgery until postoperative day 10. Intraoperative arrhythmias and hypotension were recorded. Postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) and arrhythmia, mortality and morbidity rates were assessed based on the 30-day postoperative follow-up. Results: There were no significant differences in the intraoperative amount of inotropic support and red blood cell transfusion between groups (P=0.87 and P=0.31). However, the rates of intraoperative arrhythmias and hypotension were not significantly higher in Group M (P=0.317 and P=0.47). Ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation (VT/VF) was observed in 2 patients in both groups. Postoperative AF occurred in 7 patients (7.7%) in Group I and in 10 patients (11.9%) in Group M. Although there was a trend towards a higher prevalence of AF in Group M patients, this did not reach statistical significance. In addition, mortality and morbidity rates were comparable between groups.

Multi-center Retrospective Study of Factors Affecting Perioperative Transfusion of Packed Red Blood Cells for Pelvic Fracture Patients.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the use of packed red blood cells (PRBCs) for patients with pelvic fracture and evaluate factors associated with PRBC transfusion for patients with pelvic fracture. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study collected 551 patients with pelvic fractures from six hospitals between September 1, 2012, and June 31, 2019. The age span of patients varied from 10 to 95 years old, and they were classified into two groups based on high-energy pelvic fractures (HE-PFs) or low-energy pelvic fractures (LE-PFs). The study's outcome was the use of PRBCs, fresh frozen plasma (FFP), and albumin. Demographic data, characteristics, laboratory tests, clinical treatment details, and clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups. Factors that were statistically associated with perioperative PRBCs in univariate analyses were included to conduct an optimal scale regression to determine the independent factors for perioperative PRBCs. RESULTS: A total of 551 patients were screened from six hospitals, and after inclusion and exclusion, 319 were finally included and finished the follow-up from admission to discharge, while four patients died during hospitalization. Three hundred and nineteen patients were classified into two groups by their injury mechanisms. A total of 230/319 (72.1%) patients were classified into the HE-PF group, and 89/319 (27.8%) patients were classified into the LE-PF group. Patients in the HE-PF group were transfused with 4.5 (3-8) units of PRBCs, 300 (0-600) ml of FFP, and 0 (0-30) g of albumin, while patients in the LE-PF group were transfused with 3.5 (2-4.5) units of PRBCs, 0 (0-295) ml of FFP, and 0 (0-0) g of albumin (all P < 0.001). There were higher proportions of male patients and patients under 65 in the HE-PF group (all P < 0.001). HE-PF group patients were more severely injured and likely to take external fixation. The optimal scale regression revealed four significant factors associated with perioperative transfused PRBCs, which were patients on admission with hemorrhagic shock (importance = 0.283, P = 0.004), followed by fracture types identified by Tile classification (importance = 0.156, P < 0.001), hemoglobin levels below 70 g/L on admission (importance = 0.283, P = 0.004), followed by fracture types identified by Tile classification (importance = 0.156, P < 0.001), hemoglobin levels below 70 g/L on admission (importance = 0.148, P = 0.039), and methods of pelvic fixation (importance = 0.008, P = 0.026), ranked by the importance. CONCLUSION: Patients with HE-PFs had increased transfusions of PRBCs, FFP, and albumin, and hemorrhagic shock on admission, Tile classification, Hb levels, and stabilization methods were found to be associated with perioperative PRBCs.

O impacto da automação da fenotipagem eritrocitária estendida na rotina de um serviço de hemoterapia / The impact of automation of extended erythrocyte phenotyping in the routine of a blood transfusion center

Objetivos. Avaliar o impacto da automação na fenotipagem eritrocitária expandida e o nível de concordância dessa com a metodologia manual em amostras de doadores de sangue atendidos no hemocentro coordenador da Fundação HEMOPA no período de janeiro a dezembro de 2019. Material e Métodos. Foram analisadas 2.700 fenotipagens eritrocitárias realizadas por metodologia manual e automatizada através do equipamento IH500 da BioRad®. Os resultados foram testados quanto ao nível de concordância através do teste de Coeficiente Kappa. Resultados. Das amostras fenotipadas 98,6% (2.662/2.700) foram concordantes em ambas as metodologias e apenas 1,4% (38/2700) foram discordantes. Das 38 amostras discordantes 31,6% referiram-se ao fenótipo Lu(b); 15,8% ao fenótipo Lu(a); 13,1% ao fenótipo Fy(b); 7,9% aos fenótipos Le(b), E, c; 5,3% aos fenótipos N, S, s, Kp(a), P1; e 2,6% aos fenótipos M, Jk(a), Jk(b), Fy(a). Conclusões. O nível de concordância entre os dados obtidos através das técnicas de fenotipagem eritrocitária manual e automatizada foi de 98,6%. Já a implantação dessa metodologia teve um impacto positivo com o aumento em 1.649 amostras processadas a mais em relação ao mesmo período do ano anterior. [au]

Objective. Evaluate the impact of automation on expanded erythrocyte phenotyping and the level of agreement between it and the manual methodology in samples from blood donors treated at the blood center coordinating the Fundação HEMOPA from january to december 2019. Material and Methods. 2,700 erythrocyte phenotyping performed by manual and automated methodology using BioRad® IH500 equipment was analyzed. The results were tested for the level of agreement using the Kappa Coefficient test. Results. Of the phenotyped samples, 98,6% (2,662 / 2,700) were in agreement in both methodologies and only 1,4% (38/2700) were in disagreement. Of the 38 discordant samples, 31,6% referred to the Lu(b) phenotype; 15,8% to the Lu(a) phenotype; 13,1% to the Fy phenotype (b); 7,9% to Le(b), E, c phenotypes; 5,3% to N, S, s, Kp (a), P1 phenotypes; and 2,6% for phenotypes M, Jk(a), Jk(b), Fy(a). Conclusions. The level of agreement between data obtained through manual and automated erythrocyte phenotyping techniques was 98.6%. The implementation of this methodology had a positive impact, with an increase of 1,649 more processed samples compared to the same period of the previous year. [au]

Blood Transfusion Reactions-A Comprehensive Review of the Literature including a Swiss Perspective.

Blood transfusions have been the cornerstone of life support since the introduction of the ABO classification in the 20th century. The physiologic goal is to restore adequate tissue oxygenation when the demand exceeds the offer. Although it can be a life-saving therapy, blood transfusions can lead to serious adverse effects, and it is essential that physicians remain up to date with the current literature and are aware of the pathophysiology, initial management and risks of each type of transfusion reaction. We aim to provide a structured overview of the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic approach and management of acute transfusion reactions based on the literature available in 2022. The numbers of blood transfusions, transfusion reactions and the reporting rate of transfusion reactions differ between countries in Europe. The most frequent transfusion reactions in 2020 were alloimmunizations, febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reactions and allergic transfusion reactions. Transfusion-related acute lung injury, transfusion-associated circulatory overload and septic transfusion reactions were less frequent. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the healthcare system with decreasing blood donations and blood supplies, as well as rising concerns within the medical community but also in patients about blood safety and transfusion reactions in COVID-19 patients. The best way to prevent transfusion reactions is to avoid unnecessary blood transfusions and maintain a transfusion-restrictive strategy. Any symptom occurring within 24 h of a blood transfusion should be considered a transfusion reaction and referred to the hemovigilance reporting system. The initial management of blood transfusion reactions requires early identification, immediate interruption of the transfusion, early consultation of the hematologic and ICU departments and fluid resuscitation.

Short-Term Results of Ivabradine versus Metoprolol: The Effects on Atrial Fibrillation in Patients Undergoing Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

INTRODUCTION: Classic coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery involves diastolic cardiac arrest under cardiopulmonary bypass, while off-pump CABG (OPCABG) has become widespread in recent years. METHODS: 174 patients who underwent OPCABG were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups. Group I (n=90) received ivabradine and Group M (n=84) received metoprolol before surgery until postoperative day 10. Intraoperative arrhythmias and hypotension were recorded. Postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) and arrhythmia, mortality and morbidity rates were assessed based on the 30-day postoperative follow-up. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the intraoperative amount of inotropic support and red blood cell transfusion between groups (P=0.87 and P=0.31). However, the rates of intraoperative arrhythmias and hypotension were not significantly higher in Group M (P=0.317 and P=0.47). Ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation (VT/VF) was observed in 2 patients in both groups. Postoperative AF occurred in 7 patients (7.7%) in Group I and in 10 patients (11.9%) in Group M. Although there was a trend towards a higher prevalence of AF in Group M patients, this did not reach statistical significance. In addition, mortality and morbidity rates were comparable between groups.

Red blood cell transfusion in myelodysplastic syndromes: A systematic review.

Patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) frequently receive red blood cell (RBC) transfusions for anaemia resulting from ineffective erythropoiesis. While RBC transfusions may rapidly increase haemoglobin values, their impact on clinical and health services outcomes in MDS patients has not previously been summarized. We conducted a systematic review of the literature to evaluate risks and benefits of RBC transfusions in MDS patients. We searched electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, CINAHL) from inception through June 4, 2021 to identify studies reporting data on RBC transfusions in MDS patients. Full text publications that assessed RBC transfusions as an intervention and reported at least one clinical, laboratory, or healthcare outcome associated with transfusion were included. Study characteristics, transfusion information and transfusion-related outcomes were extracted and reported. We identified 1243 original studies, of which 38 met eligibility requirements and were included. Fourteen reported on survival following diagnosis of MDS, with the majority reporting poorer survival among patients receiving or requiring more frequent transfusions. Nine reported on transfusion-related iron overload and its complications. Other outcomes included rates of allo/autoimmunization and adverse transfusion reactions, and healthcare costs incurred by patients with a greater transfusion burden. Only two studies reported on symptom relief following transfusion. This review underscores transfusion dependence as a negative prognostic factor for MDS patients and highlights the paucity of evidence surrounding quality of life and symptom-related outcomes following RBC transfusions in this population. Further study of patient-important outcomes associated with transfusion in MDS patients is warranted to improve therapeutic recommendations and inform resource allocation.

Peripherally inserted central catheter obstruction in packed red blood cell transfusions in neonates / Obstrucción de catéter central insertado periféricamente en transfusiones de concentrado de glóbulos rojos en neonatos / Obstrução do cateter central de inserção periférica nas transfusões de concentrado de hemácias em neonatos

ABSTRACT Objectives: to estimate incidence and free time of peripherally inserted central catheter obstruction in newborns undergoing red blood cell transfusion in the first 24 hours after the procedure. Methods: a longitudinal study, carried out with neonates in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at a teaching hospital in Paraná, between January and July 2019. The sample consisted of 46 transfusion events performed in neonates through a peripherally inserted central catheter. Analysis performed according to descriptive statistics. Results: thirty-one catheters were analyzed, inserted in 24 neonates, through which 46 red blood cell transfusions were performed. Most neonates were male, gestational age <32 weeks, weight <1,500 grams, hospitalized mainly for prematurity. Among the 31 catheters, one (3.2%) presented obstruction after transfusion. Conclusions: The occurrence of obstructions immediately after transfusion was low and the catheters remained complication free for the next 24 hours.

RESUMEN Objetivos: estimar la incidencia y el tiempo libre de obstrucción del catéter central de inserción periférica en recién nacido sometidos a transfusión de glóbulos rojos en las primeras 24 horas después del procedimiento. Métodos: estudio longitudinal, realizado con neonatos en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Neonatales de un hospital escuela de Paraná, entre enero y julio de 2019. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 46 eventos transfusionales realizados en neonatos a través de un catéter central de inserción periférica. Análisis realizado según estadística descriptiva. Resultados: se analizaron 31 catéteres, insertados en 24 neonatos, a través de los cuales se realizaron 46 transfusiones de glóbulos rojos. La mayoría de los recién nacidos eran varones, edad gestacional <32 semanas, peso <1.500 gramos, hospitalizados principalmente por prematuridad. Entre los 31 catéteres, uno (3,2%) presentó obstrucción 15 minutos después del final después de la transfusión. Conclusiones: La ocurrencia de obstrucciones inmediatamente después de la transfusión fue baja y los catéteres permanecieron libres de complicaciones durante las siguientes 24 horas.

RESUMO Objetivos: estimar incidência e tempo livre de obstrução do cateter central de inserção periférica em recém-nascidos submetidos à transfusão de hemácias nas primeiras 24 horas após o procedimento. Métodos: estudo longitudinal, realizado com neonatos em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal em hospital de ensino do Paraná, entre janeiro e julho de 2019. Amostra foi composta por 46 eventos de transfusões realizadas em neonatos pelo cateter central de inserção periférica. Análise realizada segundo estatística descritiva. Resultados: foram analisados 31 cateteres, inseridos em 24 neonatos, por meio dos quais foram realizadas 46 transfusões de hemácias. A maioria dos neonatos era do sexo masculino, idade gestacional <32 semanas, peso <1.500 gramas, internados principalmente por prematuridade. Dentre os 31 cateteres, um (3,2%) apresentou obstrução após a transfusão. Conclusões: A ocorrência de obstruções imediatamente após transfusão foi baixa e os cateteres permaneceram livres da complicação nas 24h seguintes.

[Clinical presentation of bleeding in critically ill patients in the intensive care unit : Organ systems and clinical implications]. / Klinisches Bild der Blutung bei kritisch kranken Patienten auf der Intensivstation : Organsysteme und klinische Implikationen.

Bleedings are frequent and clinically important complications in critically ill patients in the intensive care unit, and-depending on location and intensity-are associated with high morbidity and mortality. The clinical impact of different bleeding entities is affected by the location (e.g. intracerebral bleedings), the severity (e.g. fulminant variceal bleeding) and the incidence (e.g. gastrointestinal bleeding) of the respective bleeding type. Therapy varies among bleeding entities, but consists of stabilization of the patient, control of the bleeding, and prevention of complications. This review describes relevant therapeutic aspects of selected bleeding complications in critically ill patients.

Erythrocyte transfusion restored heart rate variability in children with thalassemia major.

Thalassemia major (TM) is a severe transfusion-dependent anemia. Regular erytrocyte transfusion is required for the treatment of thalassemia patients. However, repeated transfusion may result in impairements in heart function. In this study, we aimed to investigate short-term effects of erythrocyte transfusion on autonomic control of heart in children with thalassemia major. For that purpose heart rate variability (HRV), which is a non-invasive method used to evaluate the effects of the autonomic nervous system on the heart rhythym, was measured before and after erythrocyte transfusion and compared to the healthy controls. Children diagnosed with TM (n = 17) and sex and age matched healthy children (HC, n = 30) were included in the study. HRV values of TM patients were measured 5 min before erythrocyte transfusion (BET, n = 17) and 5 min after erythrocyte transfusion (AET, n = 17). Parameters of time-domain and frequency-domain of HRV were evaluated in all participants. Heart rate (HR) was higher in the BET than AET (P = 0.002) but there was no difference between AET and HC groups (P > 0.05). HRV parameters were lower in BET than AET (P < 0.05) but there were no statistical difference between AET and HC (P> 0.05). The data suggest that, in thalassemia major patients, erythrocyte transfusion restores HR and HRV parameters to the levels observed in healthy controls and, thus, in short-terms, appears to be beneficial for the autonomic control of the heart.

Oclusión de la arteria central de la retina como complicación postransfusional de glóbulos rojos / Central retinal artery occlusion as a post-transfusion complication of red blood cells

Mujer de 32 años con antecedente de miomatosis uterina y metrorragias a repetición durante seis meses que condicionan una concentración de hemoglobina de 6,5 g/dL con requerimiento de transfusión de eritrocitos. Presentó una hora postransfusión, pérdida visual súbita e indolora del ojo derecho (OD) sin otra sintomatología, siendo remitida al departamento de Neuro-oftalmología. Al ingreso su agudeza visual corregida fue movimiento de manos en OD y 0,6 en el izquierdo (OI). El segmento anterior fue normal, salvo un defecto pupilar aferente relativo en OD. Funduscópicamente el OD resaltó una retina pálida difusa con mancha rojo cereza, compatible con oclusión de la arteria central de la retina, OI normal. Se intentó manejo sin mejoría. Los estudios oculares corroboraron isquemia retiniana en OD. Durante la evaluación sistémica los estudios de neuroimágenes, paneles autoinmunes y hematológicos fueron negativos, por lo que se atribuyó dicha complicación a la transfusión de glóbulos rojos (AU)

A 32-year-old woman presented with a history of uterine myomatosis and repeated bleeding for 6 months. This produced a haemoglobin concentration of 6.5 g/dL, with a requirement for a red blood cell transfusion. One hour after the transfusion, she presented with a sudden and painless loss of vision in the right eye (RE). As she had no other symptoms, she was referred to the Neuro-Ophthalmology Department. On admission, her corrected visual acuity was hand movement in RE, and 0.6 in the left eye (LE). The anterior segment was unremarkable, except for a relative afferent pupillary defect in RE. In the fundus examination, the RE showed a diffuse pale retina with a cherry spot, consistent with occlusion of the central artery of the retina. Management was attempted but with no improvement. The studies corroborated retinal ischaemia in RE. During the systemic evaluation, the neuroimaging, autoimmune and haematology studies were negative, thus this complication was attributed to the red blood cell transfusion (AU)