Platelet Pool Research Articles

A randomized cross-over study of cryopreserved platelets in prophylactic transfusions of thrombocytopenic patients.

The short shelf-life of liquid-stored platelets (LP) at 20-24°C poses shortage and wastage challenges. Cryopreserved platelets have significantly extended shelf-life, and were safe and efficacious for therapeutic transfusions of bleeding patients in the Afghanistan conflict and phase 2 randomized studies. Although hematology patients account for half of platelets demand, there is no randomized study on prophylactic cryopreserved platelet transfusions in them. We performed a phase 1b/2a randomized cross-over study comparing the safety and efficacy of cryopreserved buffy coat-derived pooled platelets (CP) to LP in the prophylactic transfusions of thrombocytopenic hematology patients. A total of 18 adults were randomly assigned 1:1 to CP and LP for their first thrombocytopenic period (TP) of up to 28-days. A total of 14 crossed over to the other platelet-arm for the second TP. Overall, 17 subjects received 51 CP and 15 received 52 LP. CP-arm had more treatment emergent adverse event (29.4% vs. 13.3% of subjects, 9.8% vs. 3.8% of transfusions) than LP-arm but all were mild. No thromboembolism was observed. Both arms had similar bleeding rates (23.5% vs. 26.7% of subjects) which were all mild. Subjects in CP-arm had lower average corrected count increments than LP-arm (mean [SD] 5.6 [4.20] vs. 22.6 [9.68] ×109 /L at 1-4 h, p < .001; 5.3 [4.84] vs. 18.2 [9.52] ×109 /L at 18-30 h, p < .001). All TEG parameters at 1-4 h and maximum amplitude (MA) at 18-30 h improved from baseline post-CP transfusion (p < .05) though improvements in K-time and MA were lower than LP (p < .05). During shortages, CP may supplement LP in prophylactic transfusions of thrombocytopenic patients.

EVALUATION OF POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS OF IRRADIATION OF BLOOD PRODUCTS ON PATIENTS

Background: Blood transfusion is a life-saving but high-risk procedure in various medical conditions as it is not a simple fluid infusion but an organ transplant. Although blood transfusions save lives, they may cause serious, life-threatening reactions. Nowadays, the number of reactions has decreased significantly with the reduction of leucocyte content of blood products or their irradiation. &#x0D; Materials and Method: A total of 5582 patients who received irradiated blood products in our hospital between 14/08/2020 and 17/02/2023 were included in the present study. Erythrocyte suspension, platelet apheresis, and pooled platelet suspension were irradiated at doses of 25–30 Gy.&#x0D; Results: A total of 5582 blood products including 4990 erythrocyte suspensions, 282 pooled platelet suspensions, and 310 platelet apheresis were irradiated in the present study. No transfusion-associated Graft Versus Host Disease was identified in any patient included in the present study and there were only mild allergic reactions and febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reactions. &#x0D; Conclusions: Based on the data obtained here from, it was concluded that irradiation of blood products can prevent the highly fatal transfusion-related Graft Versus Host Disease.

Effects of Pooled Platelet Concentrate After Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery in Patients With Dual Antiplatelet Therapy.

Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) has become standard first-line treatment of acute coronary syndrome; however, it increases the risk of bleeding complications. The aim of this study was to investigate the benefits of pooled platelet concentrate (PPC) in reducing postoperative bleeding in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) after a DAPT loading dose. One hundred nine patients who underwent emergent CABG within the first 24 hours after receiving a DAPT loading dose were included in the study and divided into 2 groups: patients who were (group 1, n = 63) and were not (group 2, n = 46) given PPC during the surgery. The amount of bleeding in the postoperative period and the need for blood transfusions were recorded. The mean (SD) surgical drainage amounts were 475.39 (101.94) mL in group 1 and 679.34 (232.03) mL in group 2 (P = .001). The need for surgical revisions was 0% and 15.2% in groups 1 and 2, respectively (P = .002). The median (range) duration of hospitalization after surgery was 4 (4-6) days in group 1 and 6 (4-9) days in group 2 (P = .001). Total transfusions per patient were higher in group 2 than in group 1 (1 [range, 1-4] and 3 [range, 2-7] units, respectively; P = .001). Perioperative PPC in patients who had received DAPT reduces postoperative bleeding, the need for blood products, and hospital stay. As a result, it has beneficial effects for early mobilization and improves patient comfort.

Danazol Treatment for Thrombocytopenia in Myelodysplastic Syndromes: Can an "Old-fashioned" Drug be Effective?

Danazol Treatment for Thrombocytopenia in Myelodysplastic Syndromes: Can an "Old-fashioned" Drug be Effective?

DIAGNOSTIC ROLE OF PLATELET INDICES IN PATIENTS WITH THROMBOCYTOPENIA

Introduction: Thrombocytopenia is the most common cause of abnormal bleeding and can result from Hyper destruction of platelets, Hypoproduction of platelets and Abnormal platelet pooling. The aim of this study was to evaluate role of platelet indices (MPV, PDW, PCT) in diagnosing various causes of thrombocytopenia. In this observational analytic study 600 st Methodology: udy samples were divided into two groups: 300 cases diagnosed as thrombocytopenia (1.5 lakhs /microliter) and 300 healthy control. Cases of thrombocytopenia were further classied in 3 categories depending upon the predominant mechanism of thrombocytopenia. Statistical Analysis: Mean and SD of platelet count, mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW) and plateletcrit (PCT) in each group was calculated and compared among groups using unpaired T- test. Out of 300 cases of Thrombocytopenia, Group A constituted 224 cas Results: es (75%) due to hyper destruction of platelets, Group B constituted 72 cases (24%) due to hypoproduction of platelets and Group C constituted 4 cases (1%) of Thrombocytopenia due to abnormal pooling of platelets. On comparing mean MPV and PDW values among groups, the MPV and PDW of hyper destructive thrombocytopenia was found to be higher than mean MPV and PDW of hypo productive thrombocytopenia as well as control group. The mean PCT of hyper destructive group was higher than that of hypo productive group. Combined interpretati Conclusion: on of platelet count and platelet indices are of signicant discriminating value in differentiating various causes of thrombocytopenia thus their standardized measures can signicantly increase its utility in diagnosis and understanding mechanism of various clinical condition

Transfusion of a platelet pool contaminated with exotoxin-producing Staphylococcus aureus: a case report

Transfusion of a platelet pool contaminated with exotoxin-producing Staphylococcus aureus: a case report

Severe acute haemolytic transfusion reaction secondary to a plasma incompatible group B platelet transfusion.

To report a rare case of acute hemolytic transfusion reaction (AHTR) following an ABO plasma incompatible group B platelet transfusion. AHTR is an uncommon, but potentially fatal event. Most reported cases of platelet transfusions associated with AHTR involve group O donors. A 34-year-old man, recipient of a group AB haploidentical haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), had received re-induction chemotherapy for leukaemia relapse. A group B whole blood-derived buffy coat platelet pool was transfused. He developed rigours/fever, profound hemolytic anaemia, and hemodynamic instability. Serological investigations revealed AHTR from passive transfer of high titre anti-A (256 for IgM and 8192 for IgG). This case highlights the potential risks associated with ABO-mismatched transfusions, and the complexity associated with transfusing HSCT recipients and red cell transfusion recipients with dual populations of circulating red cells. The literature on minor ABO plasma incompatible transfusions, challenges in establishing local policies to limit the risks of AHTR and risk mitigation strategies are discussed. Clinicians must maintain a high level of suspicion for AHTR after ABO plasma incompatible platelet transfusions. Patients must be aware of the risks of AHTR, and early recognition and diagnosis of this complication may be lifesaving.

The role of the platelet pool of Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 in well-controlled type 2 diabetes patients.

BackgroundThe main inhibitor of the fibrinolytic system, Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor -1 (PAI-1), irreversibly binds tissue-type Plasminogen Activator (t-PA) and thereby inhibits the protective action of tPA against thrombus formation. Elevated levels of plasma PAI-1 are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events and are observed in subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity. Platelets contain the majority of PAI-1 present in blood and exhibit the ability to synthesis active PAI-1. Diabetic platelets are known to be hyper-reactive and larger in size; however, whether these features affect their contribution to the elevated levels of plasma PAI-1 in T2D is not established.ObjectivesTo characterize the PAI-1 antigen content and the mRNA expression in platelets from T2D subjects compared to obese and lean control subjects, in order to elucidate the role of platelet PAI-1 in T2D.MethodsNine subjects with T2D and obesity were recruited from Primary Care Centers together with 15 healthy control subjects (8 lean subjects and 7 with obesity). PAI-1 antigen levels in plasma, serum and platelets were determined by ELISA, and PAI-1 mRNA expression was analyzed by qPCR.ResultsThere was no significant difference in PAI-1 mRNA expression or PAI-1 antigen in platelets in T2D subject in comparison to obese and lean control subjects. An elevated level of plasma PAI-1 was seen in both T2D and obese subjects. PAI-1 gene expression was significantly higher in both obese groups compared to lean.ConclusionSimilar levels of protein and mRNA expression of PAI-1 in platelets from T2D, obese and lean subjects indicate a limited role of platelets for the elevated plasma PAI-1 levels. However, an increased synthesis rate of mRNA transcripts in platelets from T2D and an increased release of PAI-1 could also result in similar mRNA and protein levels. Hence, synthesis and release rates of PAI-1 from platelets in T2D and obesity need to be investigated to further elucidate the role of platelets in obesity and T2D.

A mean platelet volume in inflammatory bowel disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BackgroundInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic gastrointestinal tract inflammatory state, which is affecting millions of individuals in the world. It can affect alimentary canals such as colon, rectum, ileum and other parts. In IBD, platelet parameters underwent several changes. Therefore, the aim of this review was determining the estimated pooled mean platelet volume and mean difference in inflammatory bowel disease to elucidate its potential diagnostic value.MethodsArticles were extensively searched in bibliographic databases using Medical Subject Heading and entry phrases or terms. In addition, articles were directly searched in Google Scholar to account for the studies omission in searching bibliographic databases. Observational (cohort, cross-sectional and case-control) studies, published in English language and conducted on IBD were included. For studies meeting the eligibility criteria, the first author’s name, publication year, population, study design, study area, sample size, mean platelet volume and standard deviation were extracted and entered in to Microsoft-excel. The analysis was done by Stata version 11. In order to estimate the pooled mean platelet volume and mean difference, random effect model was done. The heterogeneity was quantified using Higgin’s I2 statistics. Publication bias was determined using Egger’s test statistics and funnel plot. Sub-group analysis based on population carried to reduce heterogeneity.ResultsA total of 17 relevant articles with 2957 participants (1823 IBD cases and 1134 healthy controls) were included to this study. The pooled estimated MPV was 9.29fl; 95% CI: 9.01–9.57 and 9.50fl; 95% CI: 8.81–10.20 in IBD and control groups, respectively. The standardized pooled estimate of mean difference in mean platelet volume was -0.83fl; 95% CI: -1.15, -0.51; I2: 93.1%; P-value < 0.001. In subgroup analysis based on population, the highest estimated mean difference in MPV was observed among patients of CD; -2.30; 95% CI: -3.46, -1.14; I2: 97.8%; P-value < 0.001.ConclusionAccording to the current systematic review and meta-analysis, mean platelet volume was lower in IBD compared to control. The decreased mean platelet volume could be attributed to platelet consumption or sequestration associated with the progression of IBD. As a result, in IBD, mean platelet volume can provide diagnostic and prognostic information.

Short Falls in Childhood Occasionally Cause Major Brain Injuries Because of Unusual Circumstances.

Records and imaging were reviewed for children younger than 6 years, hospitalized between 2015 and 2020 for major closed head injuries following less than 4-ft falls. Major injury was defined as intensive care admission more than 2 days, neurosurgical intervention, death, or disability at hospital discharge. Subjects were identified through Seattle and Spokane, Washington abuse consultations. Harborview Medical Center's trauma registry and Seattle Children's Hospital's Hemophilia Treatment Program and Radiology were searched for subjects. We identified 12 young children who sustained major closed head injury due to short falls. Seven developed major space-occupying epidural hemorrhages. One child developed internal hydrocephalus after intraventricular hemorrhage. One child with prior meningomyelocele, Chiari 2 malformation, and ventriculoperitoneal shunt developed shunt decompensation after an acute-on-chronic subdural hemorrhage. One child developed an internal capsule stroke because of a previously undiagnosed calcifying angiopathy. Another child developed space-occupying subdural hemorrhage associated with previously unrecognized platelet pool disorder. Only this child had abuse concerns, which were resolved with his coagulopathy diagnosis. One child had a diastatic skull fracture leading to pseudomeningocele.At Harborview Medical Center, 140 children were seen for short falls in the emergency department or inpatient service. Among the 40 needing intensive care, 4 (12.5%) had major injuries after short falls. Our hemophilia treatment program did not see any children who had sustained major injury following a short fall in a 5½ year period. Although young children rarely sustain major head injury following short falls, serious head injuries do occasionally occur because of unusual injury mechanisms or preexisting conditions. It is important to fully evaluate these patients to differentiate these unintentional falls from abusive head injury.

ANOTHER BLOODY PNEUMONIA? DIFFUSE ALVEOLAR HEMORRHAGE RESULTING FROM IDIOPATHIC THROMBOCYTOPENIC PURPURA

TYPE: Case Report TOPIC: Diffuse Lung Disease INTRODUCTION: Diffuse alveolar haemorrhage (DAH) is a rare life-threatening pulmonary bleeding manifestation of Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). CASE PRESENTATION: A 74-year-old gentleman presented to the emergency triage with haemoptysis, worsening shortness of breath, and desaturation. X-ray and CT chest revealed opacifications suggestive of pulmonary haemorrhage. Platelet count was found to be 5,000/μL. Further history revealed he was recently weaned off his usual steroid dose for ongoing ITP. He was initiated on CPAP and received 1 platelet pool. Prednisolone dose was escalated to 1mg/kg once-daily with a stat dose of IVIG(1g/kg). His breathing improved with elevation of platelet count to 37,000/μL. Unfortunately, developed hypoxic respiratory failure again within next couple of days as his platelet count dropped down to 7,000/μL. He was started on eltrombopag along with a repeat platelet transfusion and another dose of IVIG(1g/kg). Clinico-radiological improvement was noted. Platelet count returned to normal by week 6 after admission. DISCUSSION: There is a poor correlation between the degree of thrombocytopenia and bleeding; however, platelet count <10,000/μL is associated with serious bleeding. Histopathologic findings in DAH vary from pulmonary capillaritis, bland hemorrhage to eventual development of diffuse alveolar damage, and hemosiderin-laden macrophages. Immunosuppressive agents are the mainstay of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: We reiterate to keep in mind the possible association between ITP and DAH in the appropriate clinical context. Reference 1: Ioachimescu, O.C. Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage: Diagnosing it and finding the cause. Clevel. Clin. J. Med. 2008 Reference 2: Newsome, B.R.; Morales, J.E. Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage. South. Med. J. 2011, 104, 269–274 DISCLOSURE: Nothing to declare. KEYWORD: diffuse alveolar haemorrhage, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura

Pathogenetic therapy of patients with acne, taking into account the metabolic activity of peripheral blood cells

Objective — to increase the effectiveness of treatment of patients with acne, taking into account the features of the metabolic activity of leukocytes and peripheral blood platelets through the use of pathogenetic therapy.&#x0D; Materials and methods. 112 patients with acne (65 women and 47 men) aged 16 to 39 years were monitored. The duration of the disease ranged from 6 months to 18 years. 67 (59.8 %) patients were diagnosed with a mild severity of dermatosis, and 45 (40.2 %) — with moderate one. Determination of phospholipids and glycogen content in neutrophils, monocytes and platelets of peripheral blood was performed in 89 observed patients (48 — with mild and 41 — with moderate severity of dermatosis).&#x0D; Results and discussion. In patients with acne there is a probable decrease in the level of phospholipids in peripheral blood neutrophils, which is more pronounced in the moderate severity of the pathological process. The obtained data indicate a violation of the structural integrity and inhibition of the energy potential of granulocytes. The content of phospholipids in peripheral blood monocytes was also likely to decrease, more significantly at moderate severity of acne. However, the vector of changes in glycogen levels in these cells had the opposite direction. The results led us to the adjuvant use of platelet­enriched autoplasma which has a wide range of modulating effects.&#x0D; Conclusions. It has been found that in patients with acne, there are various vector changes in the metabolic activity of peripheral blood monocytes which are manifested by a decrease in phospholipids caused by an increase in glycogen content, which characterizes the development of intracellular imbalance. The metabolic activity of the platelet pool of peripheral blood in acne remains intact, but there is a redistribution of the number of hemoelements with different saturation of phospholipids and glycogen. The complex therapy of patients with acne using autoplasma enriched with platelets against the background of standardized drugs can significantly improve both short­term and long­term treatment results due to significant correction of the metabolic activity of peripheral blood leukocytes.

A New Human Platelet Lysate for Mesenchymal Stem Cell Production Compliant with Good Manufacturing Practice Conditions Preserves the Chemical Characteristics and Biological Activity of Lyo-Secretome Isolated by Ultrafiltration.

Recently, we proposed a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-compliant production process for freeze-dried mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-secretome (lyo-secretome): after serum starvation, the cell supernatant was collected, and the secretome was concentrated by ultrafiltration and freeze-dried, obtaining a standardized ready-to-use and stable powder. In this work, we modified the type of human platelet lysate (HPL) used as an MSC culture supplement during the lyo-secretome production process: the aim was to verify whether this change had an impact on product quality and also whether this new procedure could be validated according to GMP, proving the process robustness. MSCs were cultured with two HPLs: the standard previously validated one (HPL-E) and the new one (HPL-S). From the same pool of platelets, two batches of HPL were obtained: HPL-E (by repeated freezing and thawing cycles) and HPL-S (by adding Ca-gluconate to form a clot and its subsequent mechanical wringing). Bone marrow MSCs from three donors were separately cultured with the two HPLs until the third passage and then employed to produce lyo-secretome. The following indicators were selected to evaluate the process performance: (i) the lyo-secretome quantitative composition (in lipids and proteins), (ii) the EVs size distribution, and (iii) anti-elastase and (iv) immunomodulant activity as potency tests. The new HPL supplementation for MSCs culture induced only a few minimal changes in protein/lipid content and EVs size distribution; despite this, it did not significantly influence biological activity. The donor intrinsic MSCs variability in secretome secretion instead strongly affected the quality of the finished product and could be mitigated by concentrating the final product to reach a determined protein (and lipid) concentration. In conclusion, the modification of the type of HPL in the MSCs culture during lyo-secretome production induces only minimal changes in the composition but not in the potency, and therefore, the new procedure can be validated according to GMP.

Sepsis promotes splenic production of a protective platelet pool with high CD40 ligand expression.

Platelets have a wide range of functions including critical roles in hemostasis, thrombosis, and immunity. We hypothesized that during acute inflammation, such as in life-threatening sepsis, there are fundamental changes in the sites of platelet production and phenotypes of resultant platelets. Here, we showed during sepsis that the spleen was a major site of megakaryopoiesis and platelet production. Sepsis provoked an adrenergic-dependent mobilization of megakaryocyte-erythrocyte progenitors (MEPs) from the bone marrow to the spleen, where IL-3 induced their differentiation into megakaryocytes (MKs). In the spleen, immune-skewed MKs produced a CD40 ligandhi platelet population with potent immunomodulatory functions. Transfusions of post-sepsis platelets enriched from splenic production enhanced immune responses and reduced overall mortality in sepsis-challenged animals. These findings identify a spleen-derived protective platelet population that may be broadly immunomodulatory in acute inflammatory states such as sepsis.

A New Human Platelet Lysate for Mesenchymal Stem Cell Production Compliant with Good Manufacturing Practice Conditions.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are classified as advanced therapy medicinal products, a new category of GMP (good manufacturing practice)-compliant medicines for clinical use. We isolated MSCs from 5 bone marrow (BM) samples using human platelet lysate (HPL) instead of foetal bovine serum (FBS). We used a new method of HPL production consisting of treating platelet (PLTs) pools with Ca-Gluconate to form a gel clot, then mechanically squeezing to release growth factors. We compared the new HPL (HPL-S) with the standard (HPL-E) obtained by freezing/thawing cycles and by adding heparin. HPL-S had not PLTs and fibrinogen but the quantity of proteins and growth factors was comparable to HPL-E. Therefore, HPL-S needed fewer production steps to be in compliance with GMP conditions. The number of colonies forming unit-fibroblasts (CFU-F) and the maintenance of stem markers showed no significant differences between MSCs with HPL-E and HPL-S. The cumulative population doubling was higher in MSCs with HPL-E in the earlier passages, but we observed an inverted trend of cell growth at the fourth passage. Immunophenotypic analysis showed a significant lower expression of HLA-DR in the MSCs with HPL-S (1.30%) than HPL-E (14.10%). In conclusion, we demonstrated that HPL-S is an effective alternative for MSC production under GMP conditions.

Distribution of pre- and mid-pandemic transfusions by blood types

Introduction: COVID-19 disease spread rapidly worldwide, causing a pandemic. In this study, we aimed to explore the distribution of blood products in our blood center before and during the pandemic by blood type.&#x0D; Material and Method: In this study, we retrospectively analyzed 4,271 blood products (1,290 patients) transfused before and during the pandemic through the medical records of Kastamonu Training and Research Hospital Blood Transfusion Center. Moreover, we investigated the associations between transfusions and age, sex, blood type, and COVID-19 infection.&#x0D; Results: The findings revealed that the majority of the patients receiving transfusions both before and during the pandemic were A Rh (+) (41.4%). Besides, the rates of those with O Rh (+) were 28.8% and 28.7% during the pandemic. In addition, 37 products (28 erythrocyte suspensions, 7 fresh frozen plasma, 2 pooled platelet suspensions) were transfused on 17 patients with confirmed COVID-19.&#x0D; Conclusion: Transfusions have an important place in the treatment of critically ill patients. The blood type A Rh (+) was previously shown to be associated with an increased risk of COVID-19 infection. In this study, although we realized that products of blood type A were mostly used in general transfusions, transfusions in the pandemic were performed predominantly with blood products of infected patients with blood type O. The modern world is more likely to encounter further pandemics in the future. We think that each region should evaluate its own centers.

In Vitro Comparative Study of Platelets Treated with Two Pathogen-Inactivation Methods to Extend Shelf Life to 7 Days.

Background and Objectives: Since 2015, platelet products have been pathogen-inactivated (PI) at the Luxemburgish Red Cross (LRC) using Riboflavin and UV light (RF-PI). As the LRC should respond to hospital needs at any time, platelet production exceeds the demand, generating a discard rate of 18%. To reduce this, we consider the extension of storage time from 5 to 7 days. This study’s objective was to evaluate the in vitro 7-day platelet-storage quality, comparing two PI technologies, RF-PI and amotosalen/UVA light (AM-PI), for platelet pools from whole-blood donations (PPCs) and apheresis platelets collected from single apheresis donation (APCs). Materials and Methods: For each product type, 6 double-platelet concentrates were prepared and divided into 2 units; one was treated with RF-PI and the other by AM-PI. In vitro platelet-quality parameters were tested pre- and post-PI, at days 5 and 7. Results: Treatment and storage lesions were observed in PPCs and APCs with both PI methods. We found a higher rate of lactate increase and glucose depletion, suggesting a stronger stimulation of the glycolytic pathway, a higher Annexin V binding, and a loss of swirling in the RF-PI-treated units from day 5. The platelet loss was significantly higher in the AM-PI compared with the RF-PI units. Conclusions: Results suggest that RF-PI treatment has a higher deleterious impact on in vitro platelet quality compared to AM-PI, but we observed higher loss of platelets with AM-PI due to the post-illumination amotosalen adsorption step. If 7-day storage is needed, it can only be achieved with AM-PI, based on our quality criteria.

Low rate of RNAemia in blood donations collected during the first wave of COVID-19 in France.

To investigate the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 via blood, we conducted retrospective molecular screening in blood donated during the first pandemic peak in the two French regions with the highest community transmission. Archived plasma samples randomly selected from donations collected between March 23 and 29, 2020, in Eastern and Northern regions of France were tested for SARS-CoV-2 RNA in minipools of 4 donations (MP4) using the Grifols ProcleixSARS-CoV-2 assay. Reactive MP4 and the four corresponding plasmas were further tested with alternative RT-PCRs and sequencing. Testing for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and in vitro infectivity in cell culture were also performed. Among the 2818 MP4 (corresponding to 9672 donations) tested for viral RNA, 5 were weakly reactive. Among the 20 plasmas included in these five MP4, one presented low-level reactivity with RT-PCRs and Procleix SARS-CoV-2 and was confirmed on sequencing. The estimated prevalence was 1.03/10,000 (95% CI 0-3.1). The 20 plasmas were antibody nonreactive and none of them showed cytopathic effects in cell culture. When recalled, the index-donor declared having had symptoms compatible with SARS-CoV-2 infection a few days after donation. The two immunocompromised recipients transfused with red blood cells and an inactivated pooled platelet product did not develop COVID-19. Our results indicated a low prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the plasma of asymptomatic blood donors during the pandemic peak and no evidence of infectivity in vivo and in vitro. The transfusion risk remains theoretical and does not justify the implementation of SARS-CoV-2 NAT for blood donations.

Метаболічний потенціал лейкоцитарної та тромбоцитарної субпопуляцій клітин периферичної крові та його корекція у хворих на вугрову хворобу

Objective – to increase the effectiveness of treatment of patients with acne, taking into account the peculiarities of the metabolic activity of leukocytes and peripheral blood platelets through the use of pathogenetic therapy. Materials and methods Under our supervision there were 66 patients with acne (39 women and 27 men) aged 18 to 40 years. The duration of the disease ranged from 6 months. up to 14 years old. 42 (63,6%) patients were diagnosed with a mild degree of severity of the course of dermatosis, and in 24 (36,4%) – moderate. In most patients, the pathological process covered two or three topographic areas, that is, it tended to spread. The content of phospholipids and glycogen in neutrophils, monocytes and platelets of peripheral blood was determined by calculating the average cytochemical coefficient (MCC). The control group consisted of 20 healthy individuals. Results and discussion It is proved that in patients with acne there is a probable decrease in the level of phospholipids in peripheral blood neutrophils, which is more pronounced in the moderate severity of the pathological process. The obtained data indicate, respectively, a violation of the structural integrity and inhibition of the energy potential of granulocytes. The content of phospholipids in peripheral blood monocytes was also likely to decrease, more significantly at moderate severity of acne. However, the vector of changes in glycogen levels in these cells had the opposite direction. The results led us to the adjuvant use of platelet-enriched autoplasma, which has a wide range of modulating effects. Conclusions It has been found that in patients with acne, there are various vector changes in the metabolic activity of peripheral blood monocytes, which are manifested by a decrease in phospholipids, combined with an increase in glycogen content, which characterizes the development of intracellular imbalance. It was determined that the metabolic activity of the platelet pool of peripheral blood in acne remains intact, but there is a redistribution of the number of hemoelements with different saturation of phospholipids and glycogen. It is proved that the use of complex therapy of patients with acne using, against the background of standardized drugs, autoplasma enriched with platelets, can significantly improve both short-term and long-term treatment results by significantly correcting the metabolic activity of peripheral blood leukocytes.

Transfusion-Transmitted Hepatitis A Virus, France, 2018.

We report a transfusion-transmitted hepatitis A virus infection in an immunocompromised patient in France, detected shortly after a transfusion of pathogen-reduced pooled platelets. This case raises questions about the efficacy of donor screening methods. Additional safety measures, such as routine donation screening, should be considered.