Vox sanguinis
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Comparative Study
Quality control on mononuclear cells collected for extracorporeal photochemotherapy: comparison between two UV-A irradiation devices.
Recently, MacoPharma released a new UV-A cell irradiator device (Macogenic G2) for extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP), smaller and lighter than the Macogenic G1 but with no integrated cooling system. We compared the two devices at different working temperatures (G1 at standard irradiation temperature - 21°C - and G2 set by purpose at 34°C) in patients affected with chronic graft-versus-host disease and chronic lung allograft dysfunction treated by ECP. We demonstrate that both G1 and G2 devices are efficient in inducing the inhibition of lymphocytic proliferation and mononuclear cells apoptosis after 48 h even when G2 is set at higher-than-standard temperature.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Intravenous iron isomaltoside 1000 (Monofer®) reduces postoperative anaemia in preoperatively non-anaemic patients undergoing elective or subacute coronary artery bypass graft, valve replacement or a combination thereof: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial (the PROTECT trial).
This trial explores whether intravenous iron isomaltoside 1000 (Monofer®) results in a better regeneration of haemoglobin levels and prevents anaemia compared to placebo in preoperative non-anaemic patients undergoing cardiac surgery. ⋯ A single perioperative 1000 mg dose of intravenous iron isomaltoside 1000 significantly increased the haemoglobin level and prevented anaemia 4 weeks after surgery, with a short-term safety profile similar to placebo. Future trials on potential clinical benefits of preoperative treatment with intravenous iron in non-anaemic patients are needed.
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Excessive bleeding is a risk associated with cardiac surgery. Treatment invariably requires transfusion of blood products; however, the transfusion itself may contribute to postoperative sequelae. Our objective was to analyse a quality initiative designed to provide an evidenced-based approach to bleeding management. ⋯ The implementation of a bleeding management protocol supported by POCCT in a cardiac surgery programme was associated with significant reductions in the transfusion of allogeneic blood products, improved outcomes and reduced cost.
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Platelet (PLT) transfusion has been considered contraindicated in patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). However, adverse clinical outcomes and death in patients with TTP after receiving PLT transfusion were based on case reports prior to routine use of plasma exchange (PEX) therapy. PLT transfusions are often required by the interventional radiologist before the insertion of a central venous catheter. In this study, we evaluate whether PLT transfusions are harmful in patients with TTP undergoing PEX. ⋯ All deaths in the transfused group happened in very ill patients that had alternative causes of death. PLT transfusions in patients with TTP do not appear harmful in regard to thrombotic complications.
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Preoperative anaemia is a well-established risk factor for use of blood transfusions and postoperative morbidity. Consequently, focus on preoperative evaluation of haemoglobin levels is increasing. In this context, iron deficiency anaemia may be a symptom of undiscovered gastrointestinal (GI) cancer requiring further investigation. However, the association between preoperative anaemia and cancer 1 year after elective total hip (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is unknown. We evaluated 1-year cancer diagnoses, particularly GI cancers, in anaemic and non-anaemic THA and TKA patients. ⋯ Preoperative anaemia per se may not be related to being diagnosed with cancer 1 year after THA and TKA. The optimal criteria for preoperative referral of anaemic patients to gastroenterologist in elective THA and TKA need further investigation.