Transfusion
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While transfusion of red blood cells (RBCs) is effective at preventing morbidity and mortality in anemic patients, studies have indicated that some RBC components have functional defects ("RBC storage lesions") that may actually cause adverse events when transfused. For example, in some studies patients transfused with RBCs stored more than 14 days have had statistically worse outcomes than those receiving "fresher" RBC units. Recipient-specific factors may also contribute to the occurrence of these adverse events. ⋯ Under certain circumstances, these variables are "aligned" such that NO concentrations are markedly reduced, leading to vasoconstriction, decreased local blood flow, and insufficient O(2) delivery to end organs. Under these circumstances, the likelihood of morbidity and mortality escalates. If the key tenets of the INOBA hypothesis are confirmed, it may lead to improved transfusion methods including altered RBC storage and/or processing conditions, novel transfusion recipient screening methods, and improved RBC-recipient matching.
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Damage control resuscitation recommends use of more plasma and less crystalloid as initial resuscitation in treating hemorrhage. The purpose of this study was to evaluate resuscitation with either blood components or conventional fluids on coagulation and blood loss. ⋯ These data suggest that blood products as initial resuscitation fluids reduced PRBL from a noncompressible injury compared to Hextend, preserved coagulation, and provided sustained volume expansion. There were no differences on PRBL among RBCs-to-FFP, FWB, or FFP in this nonmassive transfusion model.
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The majority of fresh-frozen plasma (FFP) is transfused in the United States in the management of acquired bleeding disorders. The prothrombin time (PT), and its derivative the international normalized ratio (INR), is the most common test used to detect the presence and gauge the severity of these disorders. Observation studies have shown that the PT correlates poorly with clinical bleeding and that transfusion of plasma often achieves no measurable change in the INR nor is of any known clinical benefit. ⋯ A program of engagement and interdiction using evidence-based guidelines can successfully decrease the use of FFP without any observable increase in unexpected bleeding.
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In September 2009, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute convened the State-of-the-Science Symposium in Transfusion Medicine to identify Phase II and/or III clinical trials that would provide important information to advance transfusion medicine. ⋯ The proposal themes not only represent inquiries about the indications for transfusion, but also epitomize the lack of consensus when clinical practice lacks a strong evidence base. Ultimately, the purpose of this publication is to provide a "blueprint" of ideas for further development rather than endorse any one specific clinical trial design.
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Retrospective studies suggest that the transfusion of older, stored red blood cells (RBCs) may be associated with increases in mortality, serious infections, multiorgan failure, thrombosis, and hospital length of stay. Our research is based on the overarching hypothesis that the adverse effects associated with transfusion of older, stored RBCs result from the acute delivery of hemoglobin iron to the monocyte-macrophage system. To test this "iron hypothesis," we are recruiting healthy human volunteers to donate double, leukoreduced, RBC units. ⋯ The primary study outcome will compare laboratory iron measures and proinflammatory cytokines after transfusion of fresh or older, stored RBCs. Similar studies using allogeneic RBC transfusions will be performed in chronically transfused patients with either sickle cell disease or β-thalassemia. Although prospective, randomized studies will ultimately determine the existence of adverse effects from transfusing older, stored RBCs, our goal is to determine the mechanism(s) for this potential effect.