History Of Transfusion Research Articles

Prevalence and Genotypes of Hepatitis C Infection Among Hemodialysis Patients in Bushehr, Iran.

To investigate the prevalence, genotype distribution, and risk factors of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among patients undergoing regular hemodialysis in Bushehr province in southern Iran. All chronic hemodialysis patients from the cities of Dashtestan, Genaveh, and Bushehr participated in this study. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect anti-HCV antibodies. Molecular detection of HCV infection was performed by semi-nested reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assay, targeting 5' untranslated region and core region of the genome, and sequencing. Of 279 hemodialysis patients, 15 (5.4%) were positive for anti-HCV antibodies, and two (0.7%) patients had HCV viremia with genotype 3a. The hemodialysis patients had a significantly higher seroprevalence of HCV than the control group (p =0.007). Patients with Arab ethnicity had significantly higher anti-HCV seroprevalence compared to those with Fars ethnicity (p =0.026). Anti-HCV seropositivity was not statistically associated with the patients' sex, age group, place of residence, level of education, duration of hemodialysis, or history of blood transfusion. Considering the high seroprevalence of HCV in hemodialysis patients, regular screening of these patients for HCV infection and prompt treatment of those found infected are recommended.

Bone marrow metastasis of breast cancer and chronic lymphocytic leukemia: A coincidence

Objectives. We present an extremely rare case of breast cancer with metastasis to the bone marrow, which was also simultaneously diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Case Presentation. A 56-year-old female with a history of routine blood transfusions presented with chronic fatigue and recurrent right upper quadrant abdominal pain due to cholecystitis. Additionally, nodules were palpable in both breasts, which were subsequently detected as suspicious calcified lesions on ultrasound. Leukocytosis and bi-cytopenia were found. Cholecystectomy was performed and biopsies from some tissues were conducted. Gall bladder and subcutaneous tissue from the umbilical area showed neoplastic cells suggestive of breast carcinoma. Bone marrow biopsy showed CLL and non-hematopoietic cells identical to the previously detected neoplastic cells. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the breast carcinoma was ER-positive, PR-positive, and HER2negative. Outcome. After a thorough investigation, the bone marrow depression was proven to result from a metastatic bone marrow lesion from breast cancer diagnosed concurrently with CLL. Conclusions. This circumstance obliged clinicians to be more considerate of the diagnostic approach and treatment of patients with neoplasm presenting with cytopenia. It is to avoid underdiagnosis and ensure that every pathology in the bone marrow is investigated and managed accordingly.

Frequency of Hepatitis B and C and its Risk Factors in Pregnant Women Presenting at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center, Karachi

Hepatitis B and C are the most common infections throughout the world. Both viral infections in pregnancy have serious implications, including increasing the risk of chronic infection, perinatal transmission, accelerated liver damage. Objective: To identify the frequency of hepatitis B and C in pregnant women as well as the risk factors that contribute to these infections. Methods: A Cross-sectional study was conducted at Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center (JPMC), Karachi from 10th July 2022 till 10th December 2022. After taking a verbal consent data were collected from 332 patients who met the diagnostic criteria. Quantitative data were presented as simple descriptive statistics using mean and standard deviation, whereas frequency and percentages were used for qualitative variables. Effect modifiers were controlled through stratification to see the effect of these on the outcome variable. chi square test was applied after stratification with p-value of ≤0.05 considered significant. Results: Mean age and gestational age was 33.41 ± 7.59 years and 38.24 ± 1.77 weeks respectively. Hepatitis B and C was found in 20.5% and 14.5% respectively. Most common risk factors are use of injections and various surgical procedure followed by blood transfusion, tattooing and multiple sexual partners is least common factors. Conclusions: The study indicated the high frequency of hepatitis B and C virus infection among pregnant women. HBV and HCV infection were associated with histories of injections, surgeries, and blood transfusions

Impact of ABO blood group antigens on residual factor VIII levels and risk of inhibitor development in hemophilia A

The clinical phenotype of hemophilia A (HA) does not always correlate with severity. Similarly, the presence of inhibitors does not necessarily increase the risk of bleeding. This paradox between clinical and laboratory findings may be partially attributed to non-modifiable factors, such as blood group, which is known to influence FVIII levels in healthy individuals. Our aim was to assess the effect of ABO blood group antigens on FVIII levels across the severity spectrum of HA and risk of inhibitor development. Data of consecutive patients with HA who visited the coagulation unit of a northern Indian tertiary care hospital between 2010‒2021 were reviewed. Patients with missing blood group data, transfusion histories, or baseline FVIII levels were excluded. Mild, moderate, and severe HA was present in 41 (6.9%), 72 (12.2%), and 479 (80.9%) patients, respectively. There were no differences in the FVIII levels among the various blood groups across the HA severity spectrum. Inhibitors were administered to 35 patients (5.9%). In the multivariate analysis, blood group A was an independent risk factor for the development of inhibitors (adjusted odds ratio 2.70, P=0.04) after adjusting for age at onset of bleeding, FVIII transfusion, age at first FVIII transfusion, and severity of HA. Unlike what is observed in healthy individuals, blood group did not influence residual FVIII levels across the severity spectrum of HA. Patients in group A had a higher risk of developing inhibitors.

RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH HIV INFECTION AMONG PERSONS ATTENDING ICTC AND PPTCT CENTRE OF A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL OF CENTRAL INDIA

Backgound : Every year, there are approximately 5 million new HIV (Human Immunodeciency Virus) infections, and approximately 3 million deaths from AIDS (Acquired Immunodeciency Syndrome). This is a global public health concern, especially in developing countries. Time to time analysis of risk factors is important to monitor the current status of HIV among general as well as key population, to evaluate the effectiveness of HIV associated health programs & interfere the population at risk. This can help in early management as well as prevention of new HIV cases. Method - In this study, 445 HIV positive patients were studied over a period of one year from August 2021 to July 2022 to determine the risk factors among them via pre and post test counselling. - Among 445 HIV positive persons, Result risk factors were conrmed in 228 (51.24%) which included spouse HIV positive (72.37%) , patients with sexually transmitted diseases (10.08%) , prisoners (3.07%) , Male having Sex with Male i.e MSM (2.19%) , parent to child transmission (4.39%), transgender (0.88%), sex with commercial sex workers (1.75%), truckers (3.51%), homosexual/bisexual (1.75%) and history of multiple blood transfusion (2.19%). - The number of HIV positive males were more than the number of females. The most common Conclusion risk factor was found as spouse HIV positive

The Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency Global Longitudinal (Peak) Registry: rationale and study design

IntroductionPyruvate kinase (PK) deficiency is a rare, under-recognised, hereditary condition that leads to chronic haemolytic anaemia and potentially serious secondary complications, such as iron overload, cholecystitis, pulmonary hypertension and extramedullary...

Hepatitis B infection among hemodialysis patients in Al-Jazirah State: a seroepidemiological survey

Abstract Hemodialysis patients are more susceptible to HBV infection because they have low immunity and can be inflicted through an improperly sterilized machine or through a tainted blood transfusion. A cross-sectional study aimed to study the prevalence of HBV among hemodialysis patients in Aljazeera State, Hospital for Renal Disease and Surgery during the period between March and August 2018. A total of ninety-one blood samples were obtained randomly from hemodialysis patients. The plasma was examined for the presence of HBsAg using a sandwich Enzyme-Linked Immuno-Sorbent Assay (ELISA). Data collected by a structured questionnaire included sociodemographic data such as age, sex, marital status, education level, duration of dialysis, previous HBV vaccination, history of surgical operation, history of jaundice and history of blood transfusion. Detectable marker for HBV infections (HBsAg) were found in 21 (23.1%) patients, while the remaining 70 patients (76.9%) were negative. We noted that education level and a history of jaundice had a significant effect on the seroprevalence of HBV, with a P value <0.05. The study concluded that HBV infection among hemodialysis (HD) patients is high. So, extensive effort to enroll HD patients in a vaccination programme against HBV is recommended. Moreover, periodically screening for early detection of HBV infection among hemodialysis patients is deemed essential in order to for therapeutic measures to be promptly initiated, and for the prevention and protection of other patients and staff in the hemodialysis unit.

Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus Infection among Inmates at the Monrovia Central Prison, Liberia.

Determination of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections in key populations including prison inmates is crucial for formulating appropriate intervention approaches. However, in many low-income countries, such as Liberia, there is hardly any documentation on HBV prevalence among inmates. This study determined and evaluated the prevalence of HBV infections among incarcerated persons in the Monrovia Central Prison, Liberia. One hundred participants comprising 76 males and 24 females were studied. Participants' demographic and potential risk factors information were obtained using a semi-structured questionnaire, and blood samples were collected for the analysis. Plasma was tested for five HBV serological markers, namely, HBsAg, HBsAb, HBeAg, HBeAb, and HBcAb. The seroreactivity of actively infected persons was confirmed by nucleic acid detection. Results of the serological assay showed that 34% of the participants had been exposed to the virus and 14% were actively infected. qPCR confirmed HBV DNA in seven actively infected samples. Statistical analysis indicated that a low level of education, a history of blood transfusion, and intravenous drug use, were significant predictors of active HBV infection and HBV exposure, respectively. These findings might make the testing and vaccination of convicts against HBV infection prior to their admission into prison facilities imperative.

Correlation of serum ferritin level in transfusion-dependant thalassemia major patients: a study at a medical college affiliated hospital in Gujarat region

Background: Beta thalassemia is one of the most common causes of inherited disorder in the world. In India, around 65000-70000 cases of thalassemia are present currently and every years around 9000-10000 new cases are added. Measurement of serum ferritin level gives an idea about when to start iron chelation therapy, which will reduce the concentration of iron in the serum and thereby prevents the multiple organ damages. Methods: A prospective hospital based study was conducted on 100 children having beta thalassemia major. These children were regularly transfused at our hospital and their serum ferritin level were measured by ELISA based assay. Detailed transfusion history and demographic profile were recorded and compared with serum ferritin level. Results were analyzed with SPSS software and Microsoft Excels. Results: In present study, mean serum ferritin level in 0-5 year age group was1262 µg/l, in 6-10 years age group was 1963.44µg/l and in 11-18 years age group was 2387.43µg/l. On applying ANOVA test, it was evident that there was a statistically significant correlation between increased serum ferritin level with increasing age of the patient as well as with increasing number of a total blood transfusion. Conclusions: High serum ferritin level in beta thalassemia is associated with increasing age of children as well as with increasing transfusion dependency. Serum ferritin measurement at regular interval helps in determining the ideal timing to start iron chelation therapy in transfusion dependant thalassemic patients.

Analysis of Specificity and Distribution Characteristics of Red Blood Cell Irregular Antibodies.

The presence of red blood cell (RBC) irregular antibodies can severely jeopardize mother and child and bring trouble to the treatment of anemia. The aim of this study was to analyze the specificity of RBC irregular antibody in inpatients. An analysis was performed on samples from patients with RBC irregular antibodies. Antibody screening positive samples were analyzed. Among the 778 cases of irregular antibody positive samples, 214 were from males and 564 from females. History of blood transfusion accounted for 13.1% of the total. Of the women, 96.8% had a pregnancy. Atotal of 131 antibodies were identified. The antibodies included 68 Rh systematic antibodies, 6 MNS systematic antibodies, 6 Lewis systematic antibodies, 2 Kidd systematic antibodies, 10 autoantibodies, and 39 antibodies of uncertain specificity. Patients with blood transfusion or pregnancy history are prone to produce RBC irregular antibodies.

Correlates of chronic hepatitis B virus infection in the general adult population of China: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a significant public health issue in China. Understanding factors associated with chronic HBV is important to enable targeted screening and education and to improve early diagnosis and prevention of disease progression. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to identify and describe correlates of chronic HBV among Chinese adults. Searches were conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE and grey literature up to 25 June 2020. Eligible papers included observational studies in adults of the general population in China that reported factors associated with chronic HBV, measured by Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Meta-analysis was performed using fixed-effect models of HBsAg prevalence among factors, and of adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for chronic HBV associated with each factor. Overall 39 articles were included, covering 22 factors, including a range of sociodemographic, behavioural and medical factors. In meta-analysis of eligible studies, a range of factors were significantly associated with higher HBsAg prevalence, including middle age, male sex, being married, rural residence, lower education, smoking, having a HBsAg positive household contact, family history of HBV, history of surgery or blood transfusion. The adjusted ORs varied, from 1.11 (95% CI 1.05-1.18) for smoking to 5.13 (95% CI 4.99-5.26) for having a HBsAg positive household contact. In Chinese adults, a range of factors are associated with chronic HBV infection, which may help inform targeted screening in the general population.

Rhesus (Rh) blood group antigens in multiparous women attending antenatal clinic in tertiary hospital, port harcourt, Nigeria

The routine blood screening test carried out for pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in Tertiary Hospital Port Harcourt, Nigeria especially with regards to blood group system is limited to ABO/Rh D antigen screening. This cross-sectional, hospital-based study was aimed at determining the prevalence of the Rh C, c, E and e blood group antigens in multiparous women attending antenatal clinic in Tertiary Hospital Port Harcourt, Nigeria. A total of one hundred and twenty (120) pregnant females within the age range of 18-40years were recruited randomly into the study between February-June, 2022. Blood samples were aseptically collected by venipuncture into EDTA sample bottle; Rh C, c, E and e blood group antigens were assay for using microwell agglutination technique. Data generated was statistically analyzed by simple percentage calculation and defining the percentage frequency of Rh antigens. Results obtained showed the percentage distribution of 17.5% for Rh C, 89.2% for Rh c, 39.2% for Rh E and 90.8% for Rh-e. Percentage distribution of Rh antigens amongst studied population based on parity showed that G3P2 group had the highest percentage positivity of 8(6.7%) for Rh-C antigen while those carrying their first pregnancy (prime) had the highest percentage positivity of 33(27.5%), 15(12.5%) and 36(30.0%) for Rh-c, Rh-E and Rh-e respectively. Distribution of Rh antigens with respect to previous transfusion history in studied participants showed 6 (5.0%), 15 (12.5%), 6 (5.0%) and 17 (14.2%) percentage positivity for Rh-C, Rh-c, Rh-E and Rh-e respectively. This study revealed a percentage positivity of 17.5%, 89.2%, 39.2 % and 90.8% for Rh-C, Rh-c, Rh-E and Rh-e respectively with high percentage expression for Rh-c, E and e antigens found on the red cells of Antennal Women carrying their first pregnancy. Furthermore, there is a high percentage expression of Rh antigens in previously transfused pregnant women in this study. Although routine phenotyping of these blood group antigens will be a financial burden in a resource limited country like Nigeria. It is expedient and needful to take into cognizance the fact that the presence of Rh C, c, E and e antigens may likely be the cause of some delayed transfusion reactions and haemolytic disease of the foetus and new born. Therefore, there is need for the inclusion of Rh C, c, E and e in routine antigen typing for pregnant women in other to help ameliorate red blood cell alloimmunization and delayed haemolytic transfusion reaction during pregnancy. Furthermore, there is need to promulgate policies that promote the optimum stocking of Rh-e, c antigen negative blood in blood banks in the area for emergency use.

A rare case of clinically significant naturally occurring anti-Cw reported in a healthy male donor.

Anti-Cw antibody is an immunoglobulin against the red cell antigen Cw which is a low frequency red cell antigen that belongs to the Rh antigen system. It is a clinically significant antibody and may cause haemolysis on exposure to antigen positive red cells. Due to its low frequency, it is not included in routine antibody screening panels. A 32years healthy male donor with no history of transfusion donated whole blood at the department of Transfusion Medicine & Blood Centre of our institute. As a part of routine pre-transfusion testing, the donor's samples were subjected to automated blood grouping and screening for unexpected red cell antibodies using 3 cells panel on solid-phase red-cell adherence (SPRCA) (Galileo Neo, Immucor, Norcross, USA). The antibody screening came out to be positive with a reaction in cell I of the antibody screening panel. Further the antibody was identified as anti Cw in using 16 cells panel, select cells and phenotyping. In the present case, the anti-Cw antibody was found to be reactive at 37°C and AHG phase which could lead to haemolytic transfusion reaction. The fact that the male donor had no history of transfusion or transplant led us to the conclusion that it was a naturally occurring, but a clinically significant antibody. This case highlights the importance of performing an antibody screening for healthy donors as well and urges transfusion services to procure screening cells which incorporate Cw positive cells.

Impact of buffy coat reduction on the severity of febrile nonhemolytic transfusion reactions with red cell components.

Febrile nonhemolytic transfusion reactions (FNHTRs) are the most common adverse reaction reported under the Haemovigilance Programme of India, and the use of leukodepleted blood products is recommended. The severity of the reaction may affect the morbidity associated with the reaction. This study aims to calculate the incidence of various transfusion reactions in our blood center and to evaluate the impact of buffy coat reduction on the severity of febrile reaction and other hospital resource-consuming activities. It was an observational retrospective study in which all reported FNHTRs were evaluated during the period July 1, 2018-July 31, 2019. Patient demographic details, component transfused, and clinical presentation were analyzed to identify factors affecting the severity of FNHTRs. The incidence of transfusion reaction in our study period was 0.11%. Out of total 76 reactions reported, 34 (44.7%) were febrile reactions. Other reactions included allergic reactions (36.8%), pulmonary reactions (9.2%), transfusion-associated hypotension (3.9%), and others (2.7%). The incidence of FNHTR in buffy coat-depleted packed red blood cells (PRBCs) and PRBCs is 0.03% and 0.05%, respectively. FNHTRs are seen more in females with prior history of transfusion (87.5%) as compared to males (66.67%) (P = 0.046). We also found that FNHTRs are less severe with buffy coat-depleted PRBC transfusion than PRBC transfusion as mean ± standard deviation temperature rise was less in buffy coat-depleted PRBC (1.3 ± 0.8) than PRBC (1.74 ± 1.129). The febrile response to buffy coat-depleted PRBC transfusion occurred at higher volume (145 ml) transfusion than PRBC transfusion (87.2 ml), and it was statistically significant (P = 0.047). Leukoreduction remains the main modality to prevent FNHTR, but in developing countries like India, the use of buffy coat-depleted PRBC over PRBC can reduce the incidence and severity of FNHTR.

Demographics and appropriateness of cellular blood component irradiation practices: Ambispective analysis from a tertiary care center

BackgroundTransfusion-associated graft versus host disease (TA-GVHD) is often underreported. There may also be lapses in TA-GVHD prevention practices due to lack of revision of some of the existing clinical guidelines as well as limited audits on practices of blood component irradiation. This study was undertaken to highlight these shortcomings, and generate data for development of institutional guidelines. Methods/materialsStudy cohort was selected from patients requiring transfusion support during June 2019 to May 2020. Transfusion history of these patients were followed, both retrospectively and prospectively till July 2021. Transfusion requisitions were categorized as IR (with request for irradiation) or NIR (with no request for irradiation) and justified or unjustified according to published international guidelines. ResultsTotal 6963 requisitions for cellular blood components were received from 255 patients included in the study cohort. Of these, 3690 (54.9 %) were IR requisitions, while remaining 3029 (45.1 %) requisitions were NIR. Overall, 4242 (63.1 %) requisition were justified for their irradiation status as per published guidelines and 1595 (23.8 %) were found to be Unjustified while justification could not be assessed for remaining 882 (13.1 %) of the requisitions. The highest proportion of Unjustified demands in NIR requisitions was observed in patients with Severe Aplastic anemia (59.4 %). ConclusionMany units were unnecessarily irradiated (7.7 %) while irradiation was missed in 16 % of the requisitions included in analysis which may be attributed to lack of institutional guidelines. We recommend that every centre should adopt a published well-researched guideline including amendments based on review of practices at their center.

Incidence of Βeta-Thalassemia Minor among Healthy Blood Donors

Background: Disorders with a markedly slowed rate of globin chain synthesis are referred to as thalassemia. Hemoglobinopathy is a word used to describe diseases that cause structurally aberrant hemoglobin. Iron deficiency is seen in beta-thalassemia minor, which may change the typically increased HbA2 levels. According to World Health Organization (WHO) statistics, 7% of the global population carries a hemoglobin problem. Thalassemia is the most prevalent of the hemoglobinopathies, which are significant genetic issues in Pakistan. The prevalence of -thalassemia in Pakistan is around 5%, whereas the prevalence of hemoglobin S or E is between 0.5% and 1%. The purpose of the study was to determine how common beta thalassemia minor was among blood donors. Methods: A total of 500 individuals were recruited in this cross-sectional study who were referred for hemoglobin electro-phoresis between September 2015 and March 2016 were the subject of this investigation. A thorough clinical history was taken, including information on the patient's age, sex, cast, family history, history of blood transfusions, and physical findings such as splenomegaly. Hb Electrophoresis tests were performed on all blood samples. Results: Out of total 500 patients, male were 83.1% (n=79) while female were 16.9% (n=16). Among total individuals, 18.3% (n=94) were found positive cases on Hb electrophoresis technique while remaining 406 patients were observed negative. All recruited individuals were categorised in four (04) different groups based on age; highest number of individuals were found in 18-30 years of age group with 69 patients, followed by 31-40 years of age group (n=19), 41-50 years of age group (n=5.3), and 51-60 years of age group (n=01). 94 (18.3%) had abnormal hemoglobin and beta thalassemia minor. Of them, 79 (84.4%) were men and 16 (17.2%) were women. Conclusion: Many groups in Pakistan continue to struggle with hemoglobin problems. Preventive interventions, such as pre-marriage carrier status identification and screening for beta thalassemia minor, are required to lower the incidence of beta thalassemia major by forcing couples with beta thalassemia minor to abort their pregnancies. Keywords: Hemoglobin Disorders, Thalassemia, β-Thalassemia, Healthy Blood Donors, Hemoglobinopathy

Epstein Barr virus nuclear antigens among University Students in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Several diseases are associated with Epstein Barr virus (EBV) and they can be life threatening especially in immunocompromised individuals. Moreover, there is no well-established EBV prevention and control strategies in Nigeria. Therefore, this study was carried out to assess the prevalence of Epstein Barr Nuclear Antigen (EBNA) IgM antibody among university students in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. A hospital based cross-sectional survey was adopted to randomly analyze 91 students attending lectures in University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was used to analyze EBNA IgM antibody in the samples obtained. Chi-square analysis was used to determine the association of the infection with socio-demographic factors. Of the 91 subjects, 3(3.2%) were seropositive for EBNA IgM antibody while 88(96.7%) were observed to be seronegative for EBNA IgM antibody. Sera EBNA IgM positivity was highest in age group 20-25 years (4.7%), single (3.2%), male (3.8%), students (3.9), sexually inactive (4.0%), oral sex (2.4%), non-Anal sex (3.4%), never using condoms (5.0%), dry kissing (11.1%), Non-smokers (4.0%), no history of blood transfusion (3.3%), no history of tissue transplant (3.2%), no history of surgery (3.2%). This study confirms the presence of Epstein Barr virus primary infection among university students in Port Harcourt, and an onward risk of Infectious mononucleosis. This comes with the responsibility of establishing surveillance programs for detection, treatment and control of EBV in Port Harcourt and Nigeria at large.

Abstract A026: History of blood transfusion and the risk of developing hematologic cancers in the United States: A cross-sectional study using the NHANES database. [R

Abstract Blood transfusion has long been regarded as a determinant of cancer, plausibly because it influences inflammatory and immunological changes in the recipient's body. Recently, there has been evidence of a role of donor-derived malignancy in donors of autologous stem cell transplants, supporting the possible cancer-driving role of age-related clonal hematopoiesis. Given that routine blood transfusion is more ubiquitous than stem cell transplantation, we hypothesize an association between blood transfusion and the occurrence of hematologic malignancies. We conducted a secondary analysis using data from the 2017-2018 survey of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). A total of 4,917 participants were included in our final analytic sample, of whom 587 (11.9%) had ever received a blood transfusion. Out of the participants receiving a blood transfusion, six (1.1%) were diagnosed with hematologic cancer versus 9 (0.21%) from the non-transfusion group. Specifically, three (0.51%) participants from the transfusion group were diagnosed with leukemia versus 2 (0.046%) from the non-transfusion group. Using multivariable logistic regression, we have found that, after adjustment of other predictors, people with a history of blood transfusion were 4.08 (95%CI= 1.18-14.05), 2.09 (95%CI= 0.47-9.27), and 6.76 (95%CI= 1.13-40.44) times more likely to report a history of hematologic cancers, Hodgkin lymphoma, and leukemia, respectively than those who were never transfused. In conclusion, we found a possible significant association between blood transfusion and the risk of developing hematological cancers (particularly leukemia) in the United States. Prospective studies are needed to confirm the temporal sequence of blood transfusion and hematologic cancers in that regard. Citation Format: Amr Ebied, Jason Salemi, Chighaf Bakour, Nancy Gillis. History of blood transfusion and the risk of developing hematologic cancers in the United States: A cross-sectional study using the NHANES database. [R] [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Aging and Cancer; 2022 Nov 17-20; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;83(2 Suppl_1):Abstract nr A026.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Associated Risk Factors Among Transgenders in Peshawar

Background: Transgenders, male to female, are exceptionally predominant in India-Pakistan, dreaded to be alarming for sexually transmitted diseases. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of sexually transmitted diseases and their associated risk factors among transgenders.
 Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted amongst transgenders at Institute of Paramedical Sciences (IPMS), Khyber Medical University Peshawar from January to July,2021. About two ml of venous blood was collected in a gel tube under aseptic conditions among 100 individuals to check for HBsAg, anti-HCV, HIV and syphilis by ICT rapid strip method. Positive samples of HBsAg and anti-HCV were confirmed by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), while positive cases of syphilis were confirmed by Treponema Pallidum Hemagglutination (TPHA). Chi-square test was applied to determine the association between sexually transmitted disease and associated risk factors.
 Results: Out of 100, seven (7%) samples were positive for HBsAg, five (5%) for anti-HCV and nine (9%) were positive for syphilis while there were no positive cases of HIV. HBV infection was significantly associated with blood transfusion, a drug injection history and some surgical procedure (p<0.05). For syphilis, the data were significantly associated with a history of blood transfusion and drug injection (p<0.05).
 Conclusion: Frequency of HBV, HCV and syphilis infections are high in transgenders with common associated risk factors to be sexual activities, drug injection, unsafe blood transfusion and surgical procedures.
 Keywords: Chromatography, Hepatitis B surface antigen, Hepatitis C Antibodies, HIV, Syphilis, Transgenders

RBC Transfusion Strategy in Oncological Patients with Chronic RBC Transfusion Therapy.

Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion therapy has greatly reduced mortality and morbidity in multiply transfused patients with oncological malignancies. The aim of this study was to underline the necessity of introducing a policy for extended RBC phenotyping of these patients and for the issuing of antigen-matched blood (at least for E antigen). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the associations of age, gender, transfusion history, and various malignancies with the development of red cell alloimmunization. Given the results of antibody identification, we finally obtained 732 cases to be analyzed, designating them as the p group. The respiratory system (231/732; 31.6%), digestive system (273/732; 37.3%), and female reproductive system (127/732; 17.3%) had the three highest alloimmunization rates in the p group. We screened 81 cases from the p group for which antibody screening in our laboratory had historically yielded negative results. Among the 81 cases with antibody seroconversion, anti-E was the most frequently observed antibody (37%). The results related to multivariate logistic regression analysis of the Rh group indicate that, in contrast to the other variates, transfusion confers a strongly increased risk of Rh blood system-related red cell alloimmunization. To reduce alloimmunization in tumor patients, it will be essential to introduce a policy for extended RBC phenotyping of high-risk patients and for the issuing of antigen-matched blood (at least for E antigen).