Red Cell Transfusion Research Articles

Do liberal thresholds for red cell transfusion result in improved quality of life for patients undergoing intensive chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia? A randomized crossover feasibility study.

Not available.

Anti-D Alloimmunization After RhD Positive Red Cell Transfusion to Selected RhD Negative Patients.

Transfusion of RhD positive red cells to RhD negative individuals is not routine transfusion practice for the fear of alloimmunization. Aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate rate of alloimmunization after transfusion of RhD positive red cells in RhD negative individuals and to assess delay in transfusion due to decision making. This was a prospective, observational study conducted from 2014 to 2018. All patients were followed up for a period of three months, at 3, 14, 45 and 90days with antibody screening. In addition, patients who were immunosuppressed and alloimmunized were followed up at 6months and one year. During the period of the study, there were a total of 57 RhD negative patients (52 males and five females) who received a mean of 4.42 ± 2.85 transfusions. Alloimmunization was detected in 8 (14.03%) patients at a mean interval of 25.63 ± 16.04days. Anti-D was detected in seven and one patient developed anti-E alloantibody. Mean number of red cell units transfused in alloimmunized was 1.7 ± 0.26 while it was 5.4 ± 1.82 in non-alloimmunized group. There was no delay in providing units to these patients. The TAT was found to be 68min. Rate of alloimmunization after transfusion of RhD positive red cells to RhD negative individuals was found to be 12.3%. In life saving conditions, RhD negative patients can be transfused RhD positive red cells without delay in decision making.

Personalized Surgical Transfusion Risk Prediction Using Machine Learning to Guide Preoperative Type and Screen Orders.

Accurate estimation of surgical transfusion risk is essential for efficient allocation of blood bank resources and for other aspects of anesthetic planning. This study hypothesized that a machine learning model incorporating both surgery- and patient-specific variables would outperform the traditional approach that uses only procedure-specific information, allowing for more efficient allocation of preoperative type and screen orders. The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Participant Use File was used to train four machine learning models to predict the likelihood of red cell transfusion using surgery-specific and patient-specific variables. A baseline model using only procedure-specific information was created for comparison. The models were trained on surgical encounters that occurred at 722 hospitals in 2016 through 2018. The models were internally validated on surgical cases that occurred at 719 hospitals in 2019. Generalizability of the best-performing model was assessed by external validation on surgical cases occurring at a single institution in 2020. Transfusion prevalence was 2.4% (73,313 of 3,049,617), 2.2% (23,205 of 1,076,441), and 6.7% (1,104 of 16,053) across the training, internal validation, and external validation cohorts, respectively. The gradient boosting machine outperformed the baseline model and was the best- performing model. At a fixed 96% sensitivity, this model had a positive predictive value of 0.06 and 0.21 and recommended type and screens for 36% and 30% of the patients in internal and external validation, respectively. By comparison, the baseline model at the same sensitivity had a positive predictive value of 0.04 and 0.144 and recommended type and screens for 57% and 45% of the patients in internal and external validation, respectively. The most important predictor variables were overall procedure-specific transfusion rate and preoperative hematocrit. A personalized transfusion risk prediction model was created using both surgery- and patient-specific variables to guide preoperative type and screen orders and showed better performance compared to the traditional procedure-centric approach.

A Systematic Review on the Management of Transfusion-Related Acute Lung Injury in Transfusion-Dependent Sickle Cell Disease.

The onset of respiratory distress and acute lung injury (ALI) following a blood transfusion is known as transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI), although its pathophysiology remains unknown. Even though sickle cell disease (SCD) has been studied for more than a century, few therapeutic and management strategies adequately address the emergence of TRALI. TRALI, an immune-mediated transfusion response that can result in life-threatening consequences, is diagnosed based on clinical signs and symptoms. Early detection and treatment increase the chances of survival and, in most cases, result in a complete recovery. Our objective is to provide a firm grasp of the present status of SCD-related TRALI care and therapy.After exploring multiple databases, this study offers evidence-based guidelines to aid clinicians and other healthcare professionals make decisions concerning transfusion assistance for SCD and the management of transfusion-related complications. Other risk factors for acute lung injury including sepsis aspiration should be ruled out throughout the diagnostic process. Several recent studies have shown that immunotherapy or immunological targets can effectively prevent these complications. Red cell transfusions, red cell antigen matching optimization, and iron chelation can also help reduce negative consequences. It is to be noted that poor clinical outcomes can be avoided by early detection and treatment of hemolytic transfusion reactions. Finally, preventing the onset of TRALI may be the most effective therapeutic strategy for SCD patients who rely on blood transfusions for survival.

Betibeglogene Autotemcel Gene Therapy for Non–β0/β0 Genotype β-Thalassemia

BackgroundBetibeglogene autotemcel (beti-cel) gene therapy for transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia contains autologous CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells and progenitor cells transduced with the BB305 lentiviral vector encoding the β-globin (βA-T87Q) gene.MethodsIn this open-label, phase 3 study, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of beti-cel in adult and pediatric patients with transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia and a non–β0/β0 genotype. Patients underwent myeloablation with busulfan (with doses adjusted on the basis of pharmacokinetic analysis) and received beti-cel intravenously. The primary end point was transfusion independence (i.e., a weighted average hemoglobin level of ≥9 g per deciliter without red-cell transfusions for ≥12 months).ResultsA total of 23 patients were enrolled and received treatment, with a median follow-up of 29.5 months (range, 13.0 to 48.2). Transfusion independence occurred in 20 of 22 patients who could be evaluated (91%), including 6 of 7 patients (86%) who were younger than 12 years of age. The average hemoglobin level during transfusion independence was 11.7 g per deciliter (range, 9.5 to 12.8). Twelve months after beti-cel infusion, the median level of gene therapy–derived adult hemoglobin (HbA) with a T87Q amino acid substitution (HbAT87Q) was 8.7 g per deciliter (range, 5.2 to 10.6) in patients who had transfusion independence. The safety profile of beti-cel was consistent with that of busulfan-based myeloablation. Four patients had at least one adverse event that was considered by the investigators to be related or possibly related to beti-cel; all events were nonserious except for thrombocytopenia (in 1 patient). No cases of cancer were observed.ConclusionsTreatment with beti-cel resulted in a sustained HbAT87Q level and a total hemoglobin level that was high enough to enable transfusion independence in most patients with a non–β0/β0 genotype, including those younger than 12 years of age. (Funded by Bluebird Bio; HGB-207 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02906202.)

CT angiograms for lower GI bleeding: the experience of a large UK teaching hospital.

The clinical presentation of lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) is variable in severity, cause and potential investigations. The British Society of Gastroenterology recently published LGIB guidelines, recommending CT angiography (CT-A) for haemodynamically unstable patients, defined by shock index (SI) greater than 1. The aim of this study was to assess the use and role of CT-A in diagnosing LGIB, by assessing the pickup rate of active LGIB defined by contrast extravasation or 'blush' and to determine any association between positive CT-A with various patient and clinical characteristics. A retrospective analysis was carried out of 4 years of LGIB admissions. Demographics, inpatient observations and use of blood products were acquired. Vital signs nearest the time of CT-A plus abnormal vital signs preceding imaging were used to calculate SI, Age SI, National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS2) and Standardised Early Warning Score (SEWS). A consultant gastrointestinal radiologist further reviewed all consultant-reported scans. In total, 930 patients were admitted with LGIB. Median age was 71 years and 51% were male; 179 (19.2%) patients received red blood cell transfusion and 93 patients (10%) underwent CT-A, who were older and were likely to be hypotensive and receive red cell transfusions. Following exclusions, 92 CT-As were included in the analysis. Nine (9.8%) were positive. Univariate analysis showed no association between positive CT-A and any scoring system. A multivariate analysis, including age and gender, showed association between both NEWS2 and SEWS scores with positive CT-A. In our analysis of the typical LGIB population, CT-A has shown relatively low pick up rate of active bleeding. CT-A clearly has a role in the investigation of LGIB, but selection remains challenging.

CT angiograms for lower GI bleeding: the experience of a large UK teaching hospital.

The clinical presentation of lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) is variable in severity, cause and potential investigations. The British Society of Gastroenterology recently published LGIB guidelines, recommending CT angiography (CT-A) for haemodynamically unstable patients, defined by shock index (SI) greater than 1. The aim of this study was to assess the use and role of CT-A in diagnosing LGIB, by assessing the pickup rate of active LGIB defined by contrast extravasation or 'blush' and to determine any association between positive CT-A with various patient and clinical characteristics. A retrospective analysis was carried out of 4 years of LGIB admissions. Demographics, inpatient observations and use of blood products were acquired. Vital signs nearest the time of CT-A plus abnormal vital signs preceding imaging were used to calculate SI, Age SI, National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS2) and Standardised Early Warning Score (SEWS). A consultant gastrointestinal radiologist further reviewed all consultant-reported scans. In total, 930 patients were admitted with LGIB. Median age was 71 years and 51% were male; 179 (19.2%) patients received red blood cell transfusion and 93 patients (10%) underwent CT-A, who were older and were likely to be hypotensive and receive red cell transfusions. Following exclusions, 92 CT-As were included in the analysis. Nine (9.8%) were positive. Univariate analysis showed no association between positive CT-A and any scoring system. A multivariate analysis, including age and gender, showed association between both NEWS2 and SEWS scores with positive CT-A. In our analysis of the typical LGIB population, CT-A has shown relatively low pick up rate of active bleeding. CT-A clearly has a role in the investigation of LGIB, but selection remains challenging.

Prospective observational study of palliative care in hematological malignancies: Report of one year of practice.

Palliative care is an approach that improves the quality of life of patients with advanced disease. The aim of this study is to evaluate the process of palliative care in patients with hematologic malignancies. In this prospective observational study, we included patients with hematologic malignancies who received palliative care over a 12 month period from June 1, 2019, to May 31, 2020 at the day care hospital of the hematology department in University Hospital of Sfax, Tunisia. Blood transfusion was used to relieve symptoms of anemia and bleeding. Fifty-five patients were included. The median age was 68 years. Forty-three percent of patients were diagnosed with acute leukemia and 41.8% with myelodysplastic syndrome. Red cell and platelet transfusions were indicated in 94.5% and 36.3% of cases respectively. Patients reported improvement after blood transfusion in 50% of cases. Twenty-five transfusion reactions (45%) were noted. Fever was noted in 33 patients (60%), with documented sites of infection in 84.8% of them. Pulmonary infection was frequently noted (50%). Antimicrobial treatment was prescribed in all febrile cases. Pain was reported in 22 patients and in 77.5% of these cases, it was nociceptive. Patients who received analgesics showed clinical improvement in pain in 81% of cases. Anorexia with malnutrition was reported in 23% of cases which was treated with enteral nutrition in 75% of cases. Sleep disturbance (20 patients), anxiety (7 patients), and depression (4 patients) were mentioned respectively. Palliative care in hematology should be a multidisciplinary care approach with a global management of the various physical, psychological and sociological complications.

Therapeutic plasma exchange in the management of acute complications of sickle cell disease: A single centre experience

Sickle cell disease results in systemic inflammation even at steady state and this is accentuated during acute crises. The plasma of affected patients contains several proinflammatory cytokines as well as adhesion molecules and prothrombotic factors. This environment promotes further red cell sickling while many of these substances can cause direct tissue toxicity and end-organ damage. Even though red cell transfusion, whether simple or exchange, is the mainstay of treatment of severe acute complications, addition of therapeutic plasma exchange could potentially provide additional benefit by removing such harmful substances. Here, we describe two cases where therapeutic plasma exchange was used. The first involved a patient with the acute chest syndrome who despite adequate red cell exchange remained significantly hypoxic and in severe pain. We therefore proceeded to perform plasma exchange; this led to rapid clinical improvement and resolution of his symptoms. The second case involved a patient with intractable chest wall pain and impending acute chest syndrome; this patient also had a past history of hyperhaemolysis. The patient underwent therapeutic plasma exchange with very rapid resolution of the pain, avoidance of any respiratory deterioration and full recovery. We also give a brief summary of our previous experience using plasma exchange in patients with sickle cell disease. Plasma exchange was well tolerated with no adverse events in all cases we have treated, led to rapid resolution of pain irrespective of primary indication and in the majority of cases to a favourable clinical outcome.

Prehospital low titer group O whole blood is feasible and safe: Results of a prospective randomized pilot trial.

Low titer group O whole blood (LTOWB) resuscitation is increasingly common in both military and civilian settings. Data regarding the safety and efficacy of prehospital LTOWB remain limited. We performed a single-center, prospective, cluster randomized, prehospital through in-hospital whole blood pilot trial for injured air medical patients. We compared standard prehospital air medical care including red cell transfusion and crystalloids followed by in-hospital component transfusion to prehospital and in-hospital LTOWB resuscitation. Prehospital vital signs were used as inclusion criteria (systolic blood pressure ≤90 mm Hg and heart rate ≥108 beats per minute or systolic blood pressure ≤70 mm Hg for patients at risk of hemorrhage). Primary outcome was feasibility. Secondary outcomes included 28-day and 24-hour mortality, multiple organ failure, nosocomial infection, 24-hour transfusion requirements, and arrival coagulation parameters. Between November 2018 and October 2020, 86 injured patients were cluster randomized by helicopter base. The trial has halted early at 77% enrollment. Overall, 28-day mortality for the cohort was 26%. Injured patients randomized to prehospital LTOWB (n = 40) relative to standard care (n = 46) were similar in demographics and injury characteristics. Intent-to-treat Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated no statistical mortality benefit at 28 days (25.0% vs. 26.1%, p = 0.85). Patients randomized to prehospital LTOWB relative to standard care had lower red cell transfusion requirements at 24 hours (p < 0.01) and a lower incidence of abnormal thromboelastographic measurements. No transfusion reactions during the prehospital or in-hospital phase of care were documented. Prehospital through in-hospital LTOWB resuscitation is safe and may be associated with hemostatic benefits. A large-scale clinical trial is feasible with protocol adjustment and would allow the effects of prehospital LTOWB on survival and other pertinent clinical outcomes to be appropriately characterized. Therapeutic/Care Management, Level II.

A Single Center Experience of the Prognosis After Liver Transplantation From Discarded Graft Due to Poor Graft Conditions in Prioritized Centers

Liver transplantation (LT) has the limitation of graft shortage. Therefore, to increase the donor pool, even marginal grafts are being transplanted depending on the recipient's condition. This study was conducted to analyze the post-LT prognosis using discarded liver grafts. From January 2010 to September 2020, deceased-donor LT was performed in 160 patients in our center. Among them, 121 patients (allocated group) were preferentially allocated to our center, and the remaining 39 patients (24.4%, discarded group) received liver grafts that were discarded by prioritized centers. The preoperative model for end-stage liver disease score were 27.0 ± 10.41 and 27.0 ±11.79 for each group (P=.99). There were no differences between the 2 groups in operation time (P=.06) and intraoperative packed red cell transfusion (P=.90). There were no differences between the 2 groups in early allograft dysfunction (P=.48) and hospital stay (P=.26) after deceased-donor LT. In-hospital mortality occurred in 10 patients (8.3%) in the allocated group and 4 patients (10.3%) in the discarded group. Only the length of intensive care unit stay was significantly longer in the discarded group (P=0.04). The 5-year survival rate was 73.8% in the allocated group and 72.2% in the discarded group. The outcome of the discarded group is never worse than that of the allocated group. deceased-donor LT from the discarded graft can be acceptable. As a result, the number of discarded grafts can be reduced.

Effects of dual chelation therapy with deferasirox and deferoxamine in patients with beta thalassaemia major.

Patients with thalassaemia experience complications related to iron overload. In Australia currently, the two main options for iron chelation are deferasirox and deferoxamine. Optimal iron chelation using monotherapy can be limited due to toxicity or tolerability. Dual chelation therapy (DCT) may provide more aggressive iron chelation. A retrospective, observational study was performed on a state-wide referral centre for patients receiving red cell transfusions for haemoglobinopathies (Monash Health, Australia). All patients prescribed DCT were identified using a local pharmacy dispensing database and were included in the study. Pre-DCT initiation and post-DCT completion were correlated with serum ferritin, cardiac iron loading (based on MRI T2* measurements) and liver iron content (LIC) using Wilcoxon signed-rank test. A total of 18 patients (12 adults, 6 children) were identified as receiving DCT. All patients received a combination of deferasirox and deferoxamine. The median duration of therapy was 23 months (range 2-73). Median serum ferritin reduced by 42% (p= 0.004) and there was a 76% reduction in LIC (p= 0.062). No significant changes were seen in cardiac iron loading. DCT over a prolonged period is effective at reducing serum ferritin and may contribute to improvement in liver iron loading.

Regional Oxygenation and Perfusion Monitoring to Optimize Neonatal Packed Red Blood Cell Transfusion Practices: A Systematic Review.

Contemporary packed red blood cell transfusion practices in anaemic preterm infants are primarily based on measurement of hemoglobin or haematocrit. In neonatal intensive care units, most preterm infants receive at least 1 packed red cell transfusion as standard treatment for anaemia of prematurity. Clinicians are faced with a common question "at what threshold should anaemic preterm infants receive packed red blood cell transfusion?". While evidence from interventional trials offers a range of haemoglobin levels to clinicians on thresholds to initiate red cell transfusion, it does not offer identification of exact haemoglobin level at which regional oxygenation and perfusion gets compromised. Assessment of regional oxygenation using near infrared spectroscopy and perfusion using ultrasound could offer a personalized transfusion medicine approach to optimize transfusion practices. We conducted a systematic review of the literature to identify the role of both regional oxygenation and/or ultrasound-based perfusion monitoring as a potential trigger to initiate packed red blood cell transfusion in anaemic preterm infants. MEDLINE, Embase, Maternity and Infant Care database were searched up to March 2021. Publications identified were screened and relevant data was extracted. Changes to regional oxygenation and/or perfusion monitoring before and after packed red blood cell transfusion were the primary outcomes. 44 out of 755 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis. Most were prospective, observational studies in stable preterm infants. Overall, studies reported an improvement in regional oxygenation and/or ultrasound-based perfusion after packed red blood cell transfusion. These changes were more consistently observed when hemoglobin <9.6g/dL or hematocrit was <0.30. Significant variation was found for patient characteristics, postnatal age at the time of monitoring, criteria for diagnosis of anaemia, and period of monitoring as well as regional oxygenation monitoring methodology. Regional oxygenation and/or perfusion monitoring can identify at-risk anaemic preterm infants and are promising tools to individualize packed red blood cell transfusion practices. However, there is lack of evidence for incorporating this monitoring, in their present form, into standard clinical practice. Additionally, consistency in reporting of study methodology should be improved.

Severe Anaemia during Natalizumab Treatment: Case Presentation with Literature Review

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy is the most common serious complication related to natalizumab. However, serious haematological complications are very uncommon during treatment with natalizumab. Here we reported the case of an 18-year-old man with a 4-year history of relapsing-re- mitting multiple sclerosis. He was treated firstly by Teriflunomide for 1 year, but he presented relapses and his MRI shows new contrast-enhancing lesions. Therefore, we decided to switch from Teriflunomide to Natalizumab. The patient presented with profound anaemia after the 16th infusions treatment with Natalizumab. The patient’s hemoglobin was 3.2 g/dL with a lower blood reticulocyte value. After red cell transfusions and cessation of Natalizumab, anaemia resolved. Natalizumab was changed by an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody. The patient had a stable course of multiple sclerosis at 13 months after initiation of Rituximab. We should alert clinicians to be aware of the possibility of anaemia during treatment by Natalizumab.

Severe pulmonary-renal syndrome in honeybee sting envenomation – A case report

Honeybee stings with features of envenomation (either local or allergic and rarely systemic toxicity) are often seen in agriculture workers. An initial presentation with severe diffuse alveolar hemorrhage or pulmonary-renal syndrome is rare and only confined to a few case reports. Herein, we describe a case of a 45-year-old male who presented with multiple bee stings and subsequently developed acute kidney injury and pulmonary hemorrhage. He was managed with hemodialysis, invasive mechanical ventilation, red-cell transfusion, and pulse methylprednisolone. However, he developed cardiac arrhythmias with ventricular tachycardia and died.

Type and screen method and Coombs crossmatch method for pretransfusion testing: A prospective comparative study in a tertiary care hospital in Delhi.

BACKGROUND:The aim of pretransfusion testing (PTT) is to prevent the immune-mediated hemolytic reaction by the transfusion of incompatible donor red cells. The methods of PTT have evolved over the years and a new method of type and screen (T and S) was introduced, in which only ABO grouping, Rh typing, and antibody screening would be carried out with omission of routine Coombs crossmatch. Although T and S is an accepted method for PTT in developed countries, only a few studies in literature have evaluated its efficacy in India.AIM AND OBJECTIVE:The aim of the study was to compare T and S method with conventional Coombs crossmatch method for PTT.MATERIALS AND METHODS:Two thousand and fifty samples were randomly selected from the samples received in blood bank for requisition of blood transfusion after taking informed consent. ABO blood grouping and Rh typing were performed for each recipient's sample. “T and S” and “Coombs crossmatch” were done simultaneously by two different persons without knowing the result of each test. A commercially available three cell panel was used for antibody screening, in which the recipient's plasma was reacted with red cells in the low ionic strength solution Coombs Gel card at 37°C by column agglutination technology.RESULTS:Antibody screening was positive in 29 (1.41%) patients and negative in 2021 (98.59%) patients. Out of 29 patients, 27 had alloantibodies and 2 had autoantibody. Most common alloantibody found in our study was anti-D. Other antibodies found were anti-K, anti-C + D, anti-E, anti-C, anti-c, anti-Jka, and anti-Mi (a). Crossmatch on first attempt was compatible in 2028 (98.93%) patients and incompatible in 22 (1.07%) patients. Out of 29 patients who were positive for antibody screening, crossmatch was incompatible in nine patients. Crossmatch was compatible in twenty patients, who had positive antibody screen. However, crossmatch compatibility in these patients, reflect either absence of corresponding antigen or antigen present in low dose (heterozygous) in donor blood. On the other hand, out of 22 patients incompatible on first crossmatch, antibody screening was negative in 13 patients and was positive in only nine patients. Hence, 13 patients with antibody would have been missed by antibody screen alone. Kappa statistics was used to compare the efficacy of “type and screening” and “Coombs crossmatch.” It showed κ =0.445 (P < 0.001) implying moderate agreement between the two variables of “T and S” and “Coombs crossmatch.”CONCLUSION:T and S is a scientifically better method but needs to be implemented with caution. We need to develop our own cell panels having adequate representation of indigenous antigen (including In, Mi (a), etc.,). Large-scale studies need to be done in India with indigenous screening cells to evaluate efficacy and safety of T and S method.

Blunt splenic trauma: Analysis of predictors and risk factors affecting the non-operative management failure rate.

Non-operative management (NOM) has become a standard treatment in hemodynamically stable patients with blunt splenic trauma. Studies have identified numerous predictors and risk factors for NOM. However, these factors' role in NOM failure continues to be debated. This study aimed to reveal the role of these factors in NOM failure through retrospective analysis of data from patients who underwent non-operative treatment. After the initial evaluation of 189 patients brought to the emergency department between March 2009 and June 2021 and diagnosed with blunt splenic trauma, 13 patients underwent emergency surgery due to hemodynamic instability (immediate splenectomy), and 18 patients who died were excluded from the study. NOM was planned for the remaining 158 patients (stable or stabilized). Patients scheduled for NOM were grouped as either successful NOM (s-NOM; n=139) or failure NOM (f-NOM; n=19) and analyzed the results, retrospectively. Of the 158 patients scheduled for the NOM, 115 were male. The mean age in s-NOM and f-NOM was 32.2±14.5 versus 36.1±16.1. The mean hospital stay was 8 (4-21) days. The mean follow-up period was 12 (6-18) months. Used USG for 60 (43.2%) patients and CT for 137 (98.6%) in the NOM. The number of Grades I-V in the NOM planned patients (n=158) was 20 (12.6%), 54 (34.1%) 56 (35.4%), 26 (16.4%), and 2 (1.3%), respectively. The success rates according to the Grades I-V were 20 (100%), 52 (96.3%), 52 (92.8%), 15 (57.7%), and 0 (0.0%), respectively. There were 102 units of red cell transfusions administered (mean, 2.46 units) to 41 patients in the s-NOM group, while 81 units (mean, 4.26 units) were administered to 19 patients in the f-NOM group (p=0.001). ISS score >15 was 57.5% (mean score, 22.8) and those in the f-NOM group were 78.9% (mean score, 34.8), respectively (p<0.001). Overall NOM success was 88.0%, total complications were 10.1%, and mortality was 1.2% in this study. Grades I-III blunt splenic trauma patients were successfully treated using the NOM protocol in this study. However, more than half of Grade IV (57.7%) splenic injuries were successfully treated using NOM. Identifying predictors and risk factors based on a standardized plan will likely increase this success.

A Study of Fetal Umbilical Artery and Middle Cerebral Artery Doppler Velocimetry Before and after Treatment of Severe Maternal Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Background: Despite maternal iron deficiency anemia being a worldwide medical complication, very few studies have been performed to evaluate the efficacy of iron supplementations for treating and preventing adverse pregnancy sequelae. This study attempts to show the impact of maternal iron deficiency anemia on the mother and the fetus and whether treatment can reverse the physiological and pathological effects of anemia on the mother as well as the fetus. Objective: To evaluate the effect of vascular adaptation and extent of compensatory changes in the fetus with the change in maternal hemoglobin (Hb) levels and to study maternal and perinatal outcomes after treatment of maternal iron deficiency anemia. Methodology: The present study was an observational prospective study conducted on 50 pregnant women in GMC, Srinagar from January 2016 to June 2017. The study population was divided into two groups-Group A-Patients with moderate anemia – Hb 7–9 g/dl and Group B-Patients with severe anemia – Hb &lt;7 g/dl. Group A received parenteral iron preparation and Group B received blood transfusion or packed red blood cells until Hb exceeded 7 g/dL, then parenteral iron was used. Maternal Hb and color Doppler were performed before and after treatment of anemia. Results: There was a decrease in the umbilical artery resistivity index (RI) after treatment of maternal anemia in both the groups and the decrease was more in those who received blood transfusion. There was an improvement in middle cerebral artery RI in both the groups after treatment and the increase was statistically significant. The C/U ratio was normalized to &gt;1.1 in both the study groups after treatment of anemia. Conclusion: Our data support the fact that maternal Hb content of &lt;7 g/dl is strongly associated with marked fetal hemodynamic adaptation and must be treated with acute red cell transfusion. Moderate anemia (&gt;7 g/dl) is not sufficient to trigger fetal blood flow redistribution and can be treated with parenteral iron. Close monitoring of the fetal umbilical and cerebral circulation by Doppler examination in anemic pregnancies allows the measurement of the amplitude of fetal vascular response, early assessment of fetal damage and helps in improving fetal outcome as well.

A retrospective file audit of preoperative anaemia in patients referred to an anaesthesiology clinic before elective orthopaedic surgery

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Preoperative anaemia has been shown to be associated with increased postoperative morbidity and mortality, prolonged hospital stay, and increased allogeneic blood transfusions. With elective surgery there is time to manage preoperative anaemia. The aim was to determine the prevalence of preoperative anaemia and evaluate how anaemia was investigated and managed in adult patients who were referred from the Orthopaedic Clinic to the Universitas Academic Hospital Anaesthesiology Clinic between January 2016 and December 2018 METHODS: The retrospective file audit included patient demographics, comorbidities and chronic medication, indication for elective surgery, haemoglobin level at first clinic visit, laboratory investigations done for anaemia, dates of clinic visits and surgery, whether the anaemia was corrected before surgery, and if there were any perioperative red cell transfusions RESULTS: A total of 178 patients were included. The cut-off value for anaemia was 13 g/dL in both sexes. Forty-four patients (25%, 95% CI 19-32%) had preoperative anaemia with a median haemoglobin of 12.25 g/dL (IQR 11.2; 12.7). Their mean age was 63.3 (SD ± 10.0) years. Fifteen patients (34%) were booked for knee arthroplasty and 24 patients (55%) for hip replacement surgery. No workup was done for the anaemia, and only 15/44 (34%) anaemic patients received any form of treatment. Eighteen anaemic patients (41%) received perioperative red cell transfusions. Eight of the transfused patients (44%) developed postoperative sepsis, while five were still anaemic postoperatively CONCLUSION: The prevalence of preoperative anaemia before elective orthopaedic surgery (25%) was the same as that reported before patient blood management was introduced internationally. None of the anaemic patients had a diagnostic workup and therefore did not receive therapy targeted at the cause of the anaemia. Perioperative red cell transfusions could have been significantly reduced. The clinic now focuses on managing preoperative anaemia Level of evidence: Level 3 Keywords: preoperative anaemia, elective orthopaedic procedures, patient blood management, preoperative care, blood transfusion

Optimization of Preoperative Anemia in Lower Limb Joint Replacement Surgery

Orthopaedic procedures such as total hip and total knee replacements carry a significant risk of postoperative anemia, necessitating allogenic blood transfusions (ABTs), and an increased hospital length of stay. Our aim was to investigate whether the implementation of a local protocol designed to detect and treat preoperative anemia resulted in reduced ABT rates and a shorter duration of length of hospital stay (LOS). We retrospectively audited 683 patients undergoing primary hip and knee replacements. We collated data for all patients about hospital length of stay and blood transfusions received. Both descriptive statistics and univariate analysis were performed. Approximately 21.6% of the cohort within the study who were anemic at preoperative clinic had a significantly increased median LOS of 2 days (p < .001) and an increased packed red cell transfusion rate compared with non-anemic patients (26.1% vs. 2.21%, p < 001). However, treatment of preoperative anemia did not show any significant difference in transfusion rates compared with patients who did not receive corrective treatment. The median LOS was higher by 1 day in the treated group compared with the nontreated cohort (p = .005). There is significant evidence to suggest that preoperative anemia can increase LOS and increase the risk of requiring postoperative blood transfusions. However, anemia should be regarded as a characteristic that can add to the outcome in a cumulative manner, as opposed to an isolated factor. Further research is needed on how to better manage preoperative anemia in order to improve patients' outcomes.