Transfusion
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Once a patient has produced a red blood cell (RBC) antibody, there is an increased risk of additional antibody formation after subsequent RBC exposure. Recently, we observed that HLA-DRB1*15 was overrepresented in 379 multiple RBC antibody responders compared to controls or 562 patients with a single RBC antibody (odds ratio [OR], 1.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3-2.3). In this study we evaluated whether the HLA-DRB1*15 represents a responder phenotype against HLA and/or RBC antigens. ⋯ The HLA-DRB1*15 phenotype is associated with broad RBC and HLA immunization.
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Recent animal studies suggest that transfusion of plasma from young donors reverses age-related neurologic and cardiac changes in older recipients. Associations between age of blood product donors and corresponding outcomes in recipients have not been studied in humans. Therefore, our primary objective was to examine this relationship between donor age and recipient outcomes among patients that received plasma during and after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. ⋯ We did not observe an association between donor age and recipient outcomes among patients who received plasma perioperatively while undergoing CABG surgery.
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Zika virus (ZIKV) is an emerging arthropod-borne flavivirus transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. Recent commentaries regarding ZIKV routes of transmission describe a potential transmission by transfusion. Herein, we report a probable case of transfusion-transmitted ZIKV infection through a platelet transfusion that was detected from postdonation information. ⋯ This is a case of probable transmission of ZIKV through blood transfusion. The patient had been transfused with the blood product from an infected donor, most likely in the incubation period after ZIKV infection but prior to clinical disease onset. This report emphasizes the importance of postdonation information and recipient investigations during outbreaks of potentially blood-borne infections.
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Clinical trials have shown that longer red blood cell (RBC) storage duration does not worsen outcomes; however, these studies included few RBCs near the end of the 42-day storage limit. We tested the hypothesis that these "oldest" RBCs are associated with adverse outcomes. ⋯ RBCs transfused in the last 7 days of their 42-day storage limit may be associated with adverse clinical outcomes in high-risk patients.
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Alternatives to room temperature storage of platelets (PLTs) may be beneficial to extend the limited shelf life and support transfusion logistics in rural and military areas. The aim of this study was to assess the morphologic, metabolic, and functional aspects of PLTs stored at room temperature or in refrigerated conditions or cryopreserved. ⋯ Cold storage and cryopreservation of PLTs led to morphologic and metabolic changes. However, storage under these conditions appears to maintain or even enhance certain aspects of in vitro PLT function.