Units Of Transfusion Research Articles

Successful Collaboration of a Hospital Based Blood Center and Blood Bank during the Pandemic and Blood Shortage

Abstract Introduction/Objective At the beginning of the SARS-Co-V2 pandemic, many hospitals implemented mitigating strategies to preserve their blood supply in anticipation of a blood shortage. Our health system, Inova (IHS), which includes 5 hospitals supported by our hospital based blood services, was no different. During the pandemic we experienced a decline in donations and available blood products. In anticipation of this shortage, our institution mobilized the Patient Blood Management (PBM) initiative. A multidisciplinary review of transfusion criteria was performed across the system. This included enforcing single unit red blood cell (RBC) transfusions, partial RBC exchanges for sickle-cell disease, and reduction in plasma replacement volume during plasma exchanges for patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). By implementing these strategies, patient outcomes were not impacted despite the constraints to our blood supply. Methods/Case Report IHS Executive leaders were identified to participate along with key stakeholders in the PBM committee meetings to ensure proper blood utilization for our patients. Clinical guidelines were updated within the physician order sets. Data was compiled with a focus on hemoglobin metrics along with the percentage of single unit transfusions. Collaborating with IHS Apheresis Services and our providers, we developed a strategy to reduce the number of blood products transfused. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) Although there was decline in donor blood collections during the pandemic due to significant concerns of SARS-CO-V2 exposure, the implementation of Patient Blood Management strategies at our institution proved to be beneficial for product management and resource allocation. Although there was a decline in the number of donations (6.5%) we were able to transfuse more patients. Conclusion The SARS-Co-V2 pandemic significantly reduced the blood inventory nationwide. By implementing a robust Patient Blood Management program, we were able to successfully utilize our blood inventory while maintaining transfusion practices that aligned with standards of care. The collaborative efforts between our hospital based blood center and the blood bank led to the optimal use of a reduced blood supply during the pandemic. Incorporating Patient Blood Management principles and safe implementation of novel treatment plans for certain apheresis patient population during the pandemic enabled our system to have more available blood products and care for more patients with improved patient outcomes.

Absence of pathogenic viruses in COVID-19 convalescent plasma.

It is important to maintain the safety of blood products by avoiding the transfusion of units with known and novel viral pathogens. It is unknown whether COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP) may contain pathogenic viruses (either newly acquired or reactivated) that are not routinely screened for by blood centers. The DNA virome was characterized in potential CCP donors (n=30) using viral genome specific PCR primers to identify DNA plasma virome members of the Herpesviridae [Epstein Barr Virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), human herpesvirus 6A/B, human herpesvirus 7] and Anelloviridae [Torque teno viruses (TTV), Torque teno mini viruses (TTMV), and Torque teno midi viruses (TTMDV)] families. In addition, the RNA plasma virome was characterized using unbiased metagenomic sequencing. Sequencing was done on a HiSeq2500 using high output mode with a read length of 2X100 bp. The sequencing reads were taxonomically classified using Kraken2. CMV and EBV seroprevalence were evaluated using a chemiluminescent immunoassay. TTV and TTMDV were detected in 12 (40%) and 4 (13%) of the 30 study participants, respectively; TTMDV was always associated with infection with TTV. We did not observe TTMV DNAemia. Despite CMV and EBV seroprevalences of 33.3% and 93.3%, respectively, we did not detect Herpesviridae DNA among the study participants. Metagenomic sequencing did not reveal any human RNA viruses in CCP, including no evidence of circulating SARS-CoV-2. There was no evidence of pathogenic viruses, whether newly acquired or reactivated, in CCP despite the presence of non-pathogenic Anelloviridae. These results confirm the growing safety data supporting CCP.

LBODP015 A Pheochromocytoma Presenting With Hypertensive Emergency With A Rare Complication Of Unilateral Adrenal Hemorrhage

Abstract Introduction Adrenal hemorrhage is an uncommon finding in patients and is estimated to be present in 0.14-1.8% of postmortem examinations. Clinical diagnosis is challenging due to its non-specific presentation and most cases are diagnosed incidentally on imaging. Here we discuss the clinical presentation, diagnostic procedures, and outcome of this rare case. Clinical Case A 74-year-old Asian female presented to the ED with a sudden onset of severe epigastric pain with 9/10 intensity, radiating to her upper back while walking on the street. She was found in severe distress with a blood pressure of 214/80 mmHg, heart rate of 72 bpm, respiratory rate of 20 breaths/min, and oxygen saturation of 98% on room air. The physical exam was unremarkable. Laboratory findings were significant for elevated troponin of 1. 040 ng/ml (0. 00-0. 03 ng/ml), lactate 2.36mmol/L (0.70-2. 00 mmol/L), and lipase 481U/L (23-300 U/L). Chest X-ray was within normal limits. A CT angiogram of the chest and abdomen were negative for aortic dissection, however, a retroperitoneal hemorrhage measuring 6×8.5×6.5 cm was seen but an underlying adrenal gland mass could not be excluded. The patient was started on nitroglycerine drip for blood pressure control. Hemoglobin trend showed an acute drop, requiring 2 units of red blood cell transfusion. This raised concerns of worsening hemorrhage. Repeat imaging showed no significant change in the left adrenal hematoma, but arterial phase imaging still suggested active bleeding. Interventional radiology was consulted, and embolization of the left superior and inferior renal artery was done with stabilization of the patients hemodynamics. Laboratory work for secondary causes of hypertension was done. It showed elevated normetanephrines 1281 mcg/24hr (122 - 676 mcg/24hr) and total 24-hour urine metanephrines, 114 mcg/24hr (224-832 mcg/24 hr). The patients blood pressure was controlled and therefore asked for follow-up as an outpatient. Conclusion The majority of adrenal hemorrhages diagnosed are found incidentally, but initial symptoms of abdominal or loin pain are very important. Early acute findings may include tachycardia, hypotension, and severe abdominal pain. Subacute symptoms include flank tenderness, diarrhea, malaise, nausea, and vomiting. Unilateral adrenal hemorrhage may be the initial presentation of an underlying adrenal mass, cyst, coagulopathy or metastasis. Elevated cortisol and catecholamines released by an expanding hematoma are often seen along with elevated blood pressure, suggesting pheochromocytoma. The Hormonal analysis includes urine metanephrine and vanillylmandelic acid to rule out active pheochromocytoma. In our case, the patient had elevated urine metanephrines and normetanephrines suggestive of pheochromocytoma. Presentation: No date and time listed

Evaluation of Bleeding in Orthopedic Surgery With Perioperative Use of Serotonergic Antidepressants.

The use of serotonergic antidepressants (SADs) is associated with an increase in bleeding, and their exposure during the perioperative period increases the potential bleeding risk in patients undergoing surgical operations. The purpose of this study was to compare the rates of bleeding between patients on perioperative SADs and those not on SADs in patients undergoing orthopedic surgical procedures. A retrospective cohort study was conducted with patients who were admitted to a single tertiary care county teaching hospital for orthopedic surgery. Outcomes evaluated were requirements of ≥ 2 units of packed red blood cells (PRBCs) and length of hospital stay for those requiring ≥ 2 units of PRBCs. Of 273 patients, a significantly higher percentage of patients who received SADs required ≥ 2 units of PRBCs (19.3% vs 6.9%; P = 0.0049). Patients who required transfusion had a higher median (interquartile range [IQR]) age (79 [64-84.6] vs 65 [59-75]; P < 0.0001). The risk of requiring ≥ 2 units of PRBCs transfusion was greater for individuals having an anemia comorbidity (odds ratio [OR], 4.55; 95% CI, 1.95-10.62, P = 0.0004). Patients who required ≥ 2 units of PRBCs had a longer median hospital stay than those who did not receive ≥ 2 units of PRBCs (8 [5-10.1] vs 4 [3-5]; P < 0.0001). Receiving SADs in the perioperative period is associated with a higher transfusion requirement in patients undergoing orthopedic surgery. Clinicians should be aware of this increased risk for patients who are taking SADs while undergoing surgical procedures.

Comparison between simultaneous bilateral total hip arthroplasty with and without drainage: A retrospective cohort study.

Simultaneous bilateral total hip arthroplasty (SBTHA) is an effective procedure for patients with disease bilaterally. But there is concern about increased blood loss and complications of SBTHA than staged total hip arthroplasty (THA). This study aimed to evaluate the differences in the clinical outcomes and complication rate of SBTHA with drainage and without drainage for reducing the concerns. Between October 2015 and April 2019, a retrospective cohort study was conducted with modified minimally invasive 2-incision method and a consecutive series of 41 SBTHA performed with drainage (Group I) were compared to 37 SBTHA performed without drainage (Group II). It was assessed clinically and radiographically for a mean of 2.1 ± 0.8 years (range, 1.0-4.8 years). Postoperative hematologic values (Hgb loss, total blood loss, transfusion rate), pain susceptibility, functional outcome (Harris Hip Score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index score) and complication were compared in the drained group and the non-drained group. Postoperative Hgb loss (I: 2163.2 ± 698.7 g, II: 1730.4 ± 572.5 g; P = .002), total blood loss (I: 1528.8 ± 421.7 mL, II: 1237.6 ± 325.9 mL; P = .001) and mean transfusion unit (I: 0.7 ± 1.0 IU, II: 0.1 ± 0.3 IU; P < .001) were significantly lower in the without drainage group than in the with drainage group. But the morphine equivalent (I: 132.7 ± 314.1 mg, II: 732.2 ± 591.5 mg; P < .001) was significantly larger in the without drainage group. No significant difference was found between the drainage group and without drainage group in Harris Hip Score and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index score at final follow-up. SBTHA without drainage can reduce postoperative blood loss and the requirement for transfusion without increasing other complication. But SBTHA without drainage is more painful method than SBTHA with drainage. Therefore, SBTHA without drainage will be a good option to reduce the burden on the patient by reducing postoperative bleeding if it can control pain well after surgery. III, Retrospective case-control study.

Primary PPH What Worsen Maternal Outcome?

Objective: The aim of the study was to explore factors that worsen maternal outcome (maternal morbidity and mortality) in cases developed Primary Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH). Methodology: Cross sectional observational study carried out during the period from July 2016 till June 2017, 387 cases were recruited in the study from those who developed 1ry PPH. All data concerning cases were recorded including personal, obstetric, medical history, details of medical services received, complications and maternal mortality. Analysis of data recorded was done to determine factors associated with worse maternal outcome (morbidity and mortality). Results: 387 cases developed 1ry PPH (either managed in or referred) to hospitals of Minia Governorate (two secondary hospitals and one tertiary hospital) during the period of the study. 87 cases were excluded due to incomplete records. 1y PPH was common in MG 53% , residents’ rural areas 63.7%, patients not booked for ANC 59.7% and anemic patients 67.9%. Bivariate correlation of factors that worsen maternal outcome showed positive correlation between maternal complications and maternal age, parity, residence (rural areas), distance between residence and hospital (far), positive history of medical problems (anemia), blood transfusion and number of blood units. Maternal complications developed in 13.3%, coagulopathy was the most common 37.5%. 9 cases developed maternal mortality (3%) most common cause of death was irreversible shock 44.4%. Conclusion: Factors that worsen the maternal outcome in patients who developed primary PPH are residence in rural areas, decrease awareness of ANC importance, high parity, advanced maternal age, prevalence of anemia and decrease number of well qualified hospitals.

Incidence and Predictors of Clinically Significant Bleedings after Transcatheter Left Atrial Appendage Closure.

Transcatheter left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) is performed in patients unsuitable for long-term anticoagulation, predominantly due to prior bleeding events. The study aimed to investigate the incidence and predictors of clinically significant bleeding (CSB) post-LAAC. Consecutive patients after LAAC with an Amplatzer or WATCHMAN device were analyzed (05.2014-11.2019). Bleeding was classified as CSB when associated with at least one of the following: death, ≥2 g/dL hemoglobin drop, ≥2 blood units transfusion, critical anatomic site, or hospitalization/invasive procedure. Among 195 patients (age 74 (68-80), 43.1% females, HAS-BLED score 2.0 (2.0-3.0)), during median follow-up of 370 (IQR, 358-392) days, there were 15 nonprocedural CSBs in 14 (7.2%) patients. Of those, 9 (60.0%) occurred during postprocedural dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) (median 46 (IQR: 16-60) days post-LAAC) vs. 6 (40%) after DAPT discontinuation (median 124 (81-210) days post-LAAC), translating into annualized CSB rates of 14.0% (per patient-year on DAPT) vs. 4.6% (per patient-year without DAPT). In 92.9% (13/14) of patients, the post-LAAC nonprocedural CSB was a recurrence from the same site as bleeding pre-LAAC. In the multivariable model, admission systolic blood pressure (SBP) > 127 mmHg (HR = 10.73, 1.37-84.26, p = 0.024), epistaxis history (HR = 5.84, 1.32-25.89, p = 0.020), permanent atrial fibrillation (AF) (HR = 4.55, 1.20-17.20, p = 0.025), and prior gastrointestinal bleeding (HR = 3.35, 1.01-11.08, p = 0.048) predicted post-LAAC CSB. Nonprocedural CSBs after LAAC, with a similar origin as the pre-LAAC bleedings, were observed predominantly during postprocedural DAPT and predicted by elevated admission SBP, prior epistaxis, permanent AF, and gastrointestinal bleeding history. Whether a more reserved post-LAAC antiplatelet regimen and stringent blood pressure control may improve LAAC outcomes remains to be studied.

Minimally Invasive Surgery for Genitourinary Trauma: A Nationwide Outcomes-Based Analysis

IntroductionBladder and ureteral injuries are uncommon in trauma patients but are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Patients presenting with such injuries may undergo either open surgical repair or laparoscopic repair. We aimed to compare outcomes of open surgical approach and laparoscopy in trauma patients with isolated bladder and ureteral injury. We hypothesized that laparoscopy is associated with improved outcomes. MethodsWe performed a 2017 review of American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program and identified trauma patients with bladder and ureteral injury who underwent open surgical repair or laparoscopy. A 1:1 propensity score matching was performed adjusting for demographics, emergency department vitals (systolic blood pressure, heart rate, Glasgow Coma Scale), mechanism of injury, Injury Severity Score, each body region Abbreviated Injury Scale score, and transfusion units. Outcomes were rates of in-hospital major complications and mortality. ResultsOf the 1,004,440 trauma patients, 384 patients (open: 192 and laparoscopy: 192) were matched and included. The mean age was 36 ± 15 y, Injury Severity Score was 27 [27-48], 77% were males, and 56% of patients had a blunt mechanism of injury, and 44% had penetrating injuries. Overall mortality was 7.3%. On univariate analysis, mortality was lower in the open group as compared to the laparoscopy group (10.4% versus 4.2%, P = 0.019) and survivor-only hospital length of stay was longer in the open group (8 [8-9] versus 7 [5-11], P = 0.008). There was no difference in overall major complications (23% versus 21%, P = 0.621). On multivariate analysis, open surgical repair was independently associated with lower odds of mortality (adjusted odds ratio: 0.405, 95% confidence interval: [0.17-0.95], P-value = 0.038) ConclusionsIn our analysis open surgical repair of bladder and ureteral injuries was associated with lower mortality with other outcomes being similar when compared to laparoscopy. Laparoscopic surgical repair may not have an advantage over the open surgical repair for bladder and ureteral injuries. Further prospective studies are needed to delineate the ideal surgical approach for these injuries.

Encuesta sobre los criterios de transfusión de glóbulos rojos en la unidad de cuidado intensivo

IntroductionAnaemia is a frequent problem in patients in the Intensive Care Unit and therefore transfusion of red blood cell units is required. In scenarios of moderate or severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) and subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH), the evidence does not offer us clear answers to this question. Therefore, we decided to investigate this practice in these contexts and in scenarios of sepsis, coronary disease, and trauma in the ICU. Materials and methodsA multicentre study was conducted out to determine the variables for ordering RBC transfusion and the optimal level of haemoglobin in patients in the ICU in the abovementioned scenarios. ResultsHg is the variable considered most when ordering RBC transfusion, in both TBI and SAH. Most of the participants consider the optimal level of Hg to be between 9.1-10 g/dl in TBI and SAH. Hg was also the most used variable for transfusion in patients with sepsis, trauma, and coronary disease. In sepsis and trauma, they transfuse in a greater proportion at Hg levels <7g/dl, but in heart disease, they do so mainly at values between 8.1-9g/dl. ConclusionMost of the respondents do not take into account the different variables of brain or tissue perfusion to define whether or not to transfuse RBC, mainly based on Hg. They also consider managing high Hg values in TBI and SAH scenarios, and in coronary disease, they manage higher Hg values compared to sepsis and trauma.

Evaluation of Retained Placenta: A Study in a District Hospital

Introduction: The placenta is an organ that is attached to the uterine wall and connects the fetus with the mother through the umbilical cord. The placenta is said to be retained when it is not expelled out even half an hour after the birth of the baby. The study aimed to evaluate the retention of the placenta. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics &amp; Gynecology , Faridpur Medical College Hospital, Faridpur from June 2016 to November 2016. The sample was taken purposively and the sample size was 110. Patients were diagnosed with a case of 'retained placenta' through proper history, and clinical examination. Written informed consent was taken from every patient or their relatives. The information was collected in a preformed data collection sheet. Observation and results of the study and statistical analysis were presented in tables. Data were analyzed by using the computer-based program Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software for windows. Result: Out of 110 study subjects about 58.18% were found in the age group of 21-30 years and 20% were found in the age group of 20 years. The age of the patients ranges from 18 to 40 years. Among 110 study subjects, 64.55% were from lower socioeconomic status, 27.27% were from middle socioeconomic status and only 8.18% belonged to affluent socioeconomic status. The majority (74.54%) of cases were delivered at home and 25.46% of cases were delivered at different levels of hospitals (among them 1.82% of cases occurred in the institute where the study was done). Among them 20% were para- 1, 54.54% were para-2-4 and 25.46% of respondents were para ≥ 5. The majority (60%) of study subjects were admitted between 3 to 8 hours after developing retained placenta, followed by 18.19% who came within 2 hours. Regarding the clinical presentation, 69.09% of study subjects presented with anemia of varying degrees, 24.53% presented with shock, 5.45% presented with sepsis, and only 0.93% (one patient) presented with acute renal failure. Concerning predisposing factors of retained placenta, 25.46% of study subjects were grand multipara, 11.82% had H/O MR or D &amp; C, 10.90% with prolonged labor, 10.90% respondents had IUD, 10% with past H/O retained placenta, 8.20% had preterm labor, 2.72% had H/O LUCS/ other uterine surgery and 20% were without any predisposing factors. Among the respondents, 27.27% of study subjects presented with genital tract trauma, 5.45% with sepsis, 5.45% with acute renal failure, 0.91% with DIC, 0.91% with uterine prolapse 64.55% with no associated conditions/complications. Among the total study population, 58.18% of retained placenta cases required manual removal under G/A, and 41.82% were managed by manual removal of the placenta under deep sedation. Out of 110 respondents, 21.82% of cases of retained placenta did not require any blood transfusion, 58.18% received 1-2 units and 20% received 3 or more units of blood transfusion. During management, 13.63% of study subjects developed uterine atony, 0.91% developed uterine inversion, 2.73% were complicated by uterine perforation, 0.91% were complicated by anesthetic hazard; 81.82% had no complication during management. Out of 110, 18.18% of study subjects experienced various complications. Among them 9.10% were managed by intrauterine balloon tamponade,2.73% required hysterectomy, and 6.37% were managed by other measures. 70% of respondents stayed in the hospital for 1-3 days, 26.36% for 4 to 7 days, and 3.64% stayed more than 7 days before discharge. Regarding the outcome of retained placenta among study subjects, 80.91% improved and discharged, 10% had severe anemia and required subsequent blood transfusion, 6.36% developed an infection, 0.91% developed acute renal failure and 2 patients died (one due to DIC and another patient due to irreversible shock). Conclusion: The retained placenta is an obstetric emergency. Rapid recognition and treatments are essential because heavy blood loss with coagulation problems remains the lethal factor in this disease. Rapid control of hemorrhage should be the first initiative. Active management of the third stage of labor lowers the danger by a significant percentage.

Grade of liver siderosis in beta-thalassaemia major patients receiving different amount of blood transfusion

Background and objectives: A progressive accumulation of body iron easily occurs as a result of long-term transfusions in patients with anaemia of genetic disorders such as thalassaemia. Iron deposit in liver biopsy sections was studied in beta-thalassaemia major patients to assess the grade of liver siderosis and to correlate the grade with amount of blood transfused. Materials and methods: Beta-thalassaemia major patients having splenomegaly and selected for splenectomy were enrolled. Liver biopsy was taken from every patient during the splenectomy. Liver tissue was sectioned and stained with Perls’ prussian blue method for the presence of iron deposition. The degree of iron deposition was expressed as grades of siderosis from 0 to 4. Results: A total of 30 beta-thalassemia patients were enrolled in the study. Out of 30 patients, 7 were males (23.3%) and 23 females (76.7%). The mean age of patients was 15.2 ± 1.4 years. The mean serum iron and ferritin levels of the study cases were above the normal range. Blood received by all patients was 51.5 ± 11.6 units (range 31 to 88 units). Out of 30 patients, grade 1, 2, 3 and 4 liver siderosis was present in 1, 3, 9 and 17 patients respectively. Serum ferritin level of patients with grade 4 siderosis was significantly higher (p = 0.03) compared to grade 3 cases. Pearson’s correlation coefficient test revealed significant positive correlation between grades of liver siderosis and amount of blood transfusion received (0.626, p &lt; 0.01). Conclusion: Grade of liver siderosis is associated with increased units of blood transfusion and is a good indicator for transfusional iron overload in beta-thalassaemia major patients. IMC J Med Sci. 2023. 17(1): 004. DOI: https://doi.org/10.55010/imcjms.17.004 *Correspondence: Dr. Souvik Basak, Department of General Surgery, Medical College, Kolkata, West Bengal, India. Email: sb009cmc@gmail.com

ANALYSIS OF THE VALUE OF ENGINEERING COST AND TIME OF REPLACEMENT OF RED BRICK WITH LIGHT BRICK ON PROJECT BUILDING CONSTRUCTION OF BLOOD TRANSFUSION UNIT IN PASURUAN

The problem in the development of the blood transfusion Unit of Pasuruan building is the cost and time available are limited so the need to do value engineering. Value engineering is used to seek out alternatives or ideas aimed at generating a better or lower cost than the previously planned price with functional restrictions and job quality. So that the results of this value engineering research are expected, that if the work item is following the initial design after the change with an alternative design will be obtained more efficiently in terms of cost plan and time allocation required. The results of the analysis of engineering values for wall items by proposing alternative material instead of initial material, resulting in cost savings of Rp. 7.343.228,77,-from the initial cost. Value engineering can be applied at any time of the project, from the beginning to completion of the project development.

Case Report on Right Chronic Dacryocystitis with Lacrimal Sac Abscess

Background: Dacryocystitis of the lacrimal sac, can be acute or chronic. Chronic dacryocystitis is prevalent, but acute dacryocystitis is uncommon, and it's usually caused by a nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Traumatic injury, infections, inflammations, and neoplasms are all possible causes of nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO). Whatever causes NLDO, it leads to the stalling of tears, the accumulation of mucoid secretions, and the desquamation of cells, providing an ideal environment for bacterial infections and the development of dacryocystitis. Case presentation: A 23 years old male came to the ENT department with the chief complaint of right eye watery discharge for 1 year, and right lower eyelid swelling with pain over the right side of the face for 1 month. The patient had a history of road traffic accidents one year ago. For that, he underwent open reduction and internal fixation. But after 9 months, he was having a history of right frontozygomatic suture region infected plate for which he underwent surgery of infected Removal with right orbital volume correction. He had a history of 2 units of blood transfusion with no allergic reaction. On arrival, a physical examination of the eye was carried out which shows swelling over the right eyelids along with tenderness. The Contrast Enhanced Computed Tomography of paranasal sinuses was done along with the dacryocystography under local anesthesia after that he has undergone through Dacryocystorhinostomy under general anesthesia and later he was treated with antibiotics, analgesics, and antacids.Conclusion: It is an inflammation of the tear-producing gland. Chronic dacryocystitis has 2 types namely, primary and secondary types. The primary variety, which affects 80% or more of women, is widespread and distinguished by a strong sex preference. The most significant contributing component to its cause appears to be heredity. The prevalence of the second variant is uncommon and roughly equal in both sexes. It is brought on by an illness or injury to the nearby parts. An external dacryocystorhinostomy is the best method of treatment for this condition.

Association of Driving Distance to Maternity Hospitals and Maternal and Perinatal Outcomes.

To assess whether there are associations between driving distance from the patient residence to the delivery hospital and adverse maternal and perinatal health outcomes. We performed a retrospective cohort study using 2011-2015 Pennsylvania birth records of live births at 20 weeks of gestation or more, excluding inpatient hospital transfers or implausible distances. The shortest driving distance from patient residence to the delivery hospital was calculated in ArcGIS and was evaluated in association with a composite of adverse maternal outcomes (blood transfusion, unplanned operation, ruptured uterus, unplanned hysterectomy, or intensive care unit admission) and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission. Multivariable-adjusted Poisson models were used to estimate relative risks with 95% CIs with a referent difference of 1 km distance to the delivery hospital. A total 662,245 birth records were included, and the median driving distance to the hospital was 11.3 km (interquartile range 5.4-21.6 km). The overall rate of the composite maternal outcome was 0.6% and of NICU admission was 8.4%. Compared with the referent distance, increasing driving distance was significantly associated with increased adjusted risks of the maternal composite outcome (adjusted relative risk [aRR] 1.22, 95% CI 1.07-1.36 for 60 km; aRR 1.36, 95% CI 1.19-1.53 for 70 km; and 1.53, 95% CI 1.31-1.75 for 80 km) and NICU admission (aRR 1.70, 95% CI 1.65-1.76 for 60 km; aRR 1.96, 95% CI 1.90-2.02 for 70 km; and aRR 2.25, 95% CI 2.18-2.33 for 80 km). Longer distances to the delivery hospital were associated with greater risk of adverse maternal outcomes and NICU admission. Whether these findings reflect health care delivery deficits or simply serve as a marker of social deprivation requires further study.

Intravascular lithotripsy to facilitate transfemoral TAVI: a single-center experience

Abstract Introduction Transfemoral is considered the approach of choice for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and improves clinical outcomes such as death or stroke compared to transaortic or transapical access. Intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) has enabled modification of calcified intimal and medial lesions to increase vascular wall compliance which might facilitate the transfemoral TAVI approach. Purpose To present a single-center experience with intravascular lithotripsy facilitating transfemoral TAVI approach. Methods A peripheral IVL catheter was used to perform lithotripsy of calcified iliofemoral stenosis. A 0.014" guidewire was used to guide the lithotripsy catheter with a balloon diameter of 5.0 or 6.0 mm. Inflating the balloon with 4–6 atm of pressure enabled apposition with the arterial wall and several cycles of 30 pulses have been performed at various locations of the iliofemoral arteries. IVL was planned in advance as primary strategy in case of ring or as baillout strategy in case of ring or excentric calcified periferial artery stenosis, respectively. The IVL was immediately followed by transfemoral TAVI. Retrograde data were collected for the purpose of this abstract. Results From December 2019 to December 2021 433 TAVI procedures were performed in the University Medical Centre Ljubljana. In 13 of the procedures (3%) IVL was used to facilitate the transfemoral approach. The mean minimal diameter of iliofemoral arteries was 5,2 mm with calcifications affecting at least three-quarters of arterial circumference in 92% and circular calcifications in 62% of cases. In all cases, IVL was performed in a common iliac artery or aortic bifurcation, while external iliac (15%) or femoral (8%) arteries were treated less often. A 5 mm IVL balloon was used in 2 (15%), and a 6 mm balloon in 9 (69%) cases, while a combination of 5 and 6 mm balloons was used in 2 (15%) cases. IVL and subsequent TAVI were successful in all the cases. No hospital mortality or major bleeding was observed. One patient needed one unit of blood transfusion due to loss during planned surgical preparation and closure of the puncture site. The puncture site was closed using a 2 Proglide technique and no conversion from percutaneous to surgical puncture site closure was needed. A self-expanding aortic prosthesis (Evolut R, Medtronic) was used in 11 (85%) and a balloon-expandable (Sapien 3, Edwards Lifesciences) in 2 (15%) cases. Conclusion In our experience IVL of iliofemoral arteries is a safe and effective method to facilitate transfemoral approach in TAVI, especially in cases of circular calcifications affecting the majority of arterial wall circumference. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

A Rare Case of Post-Partum Hemorrhage with Refractory Thrombotic Microangiopathy, and Hepatic Infarction: A Diagnostic Dilemma with High Mortality

We are presenting a very rare and unique case of postpartum hemorrhage with excessive blood loss requiring 6 units of packed red cells, 2 units of single donor platelet transfusions, 4 fresh frozen plasmas, and 4 cryoprecipitates. The patient developed a life-threatening spectrum of thrombotic microangiopathy which is known to result in pregnancy from eclampsia, pre-eclampsia, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, typical and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, and hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets syndrome and in non-pregnant patients with a wide differential diagnosis. The patient required 7 sessions of plasma exchange along with systemic steroids. During her illness, she developed rising liver enzymes and bilirubin, diffuse intravascular coagulation, renal failure, alveolar hemorrhage, and acute fulminant hepatic failure. A contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan revealed multiple areas of liver infarction with patent hepato-portal vessels. The patient required continuous renal replacement therapy and high supportive care. She stayed in the intensive care unit for 9 days, developed multi-organ failure, and finally expired. It is highly imperative to be aware of the complications of postpartum hemorrhage, as it should be treated promptly to minimize the possible cascade of multi-organ failure with high maternal and fetal mortality. Liver transplantation is the only possible radical therapy in cases with fulminant hepatic failure, worth considering, if clinically possible and applicable.

Seasonal influenza, its complications and related healthcare resource utilization among people 60 years and older: A descriptive retrospective study in Japan

Evidence suggests that older people aged ≥65 years and those aged 60–64 years with chronic medical conditions are at higher risk of developing severe complications due to influenza virus infection when compared with young, healthy adults. Although seasonal influenza is monitored through a nationwide passive surveillance in Japan, influenza related outcomes and medical resource consumption have not been fully documented. This retrospective database study aimed to describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of medically attended influenza cases aged ≥60 years and the associated medical resource consumption in Japan. We used clinically diagnosed influenza (CDI) based on the international classification of disease codes, and laboratory-confirmed influenza (LCI) based on influenza test results, to identify the patient population during a total of nine seasons (2010/2011 to 2018/2019). A total of 372,356 CDI and 31,122 LCI cases were identified from 77 medical institutions. The highest numbers of medically-attended influenza episodes were in patients aged 65–74 years and 75–84 years. On average, across seasons, 5.9% of all-cause hospitalizations were attributable to CDI and 0.4% were LCI. Influenza viruses type A and B co-circulated annually in varying degree of intensity and were associated with similar level of complications, including cardiovascular-related. Oxygen therapy increased with age; by contrast, mechanical ventilation, dialysis, blood transfusion, and intensive care unit admission were higher in the younger groups. In-hospital mortality for inpatients aged ≥ 85 years with CDI and LCI were 18.6% and 15.5%, respectively. Considering the burden associated with medically-attended influenza in this population, influenza prevention, laboratory confirmation and clinical management should be emphasized by general practicians and specialists like cardiologists to protect this aging population.

Intraoperative blood collection without fluid replacement for cardiac surgery - A retrospective analysis.

Transfusion rates in cardiac surgery are high. To determine if intraoperative autologous blood removal without volume replacement is associated with fewer homologous blood transfusions without increasing acute kidney injury. Retrospective, comparative study. Adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery, excluding those who underwent ventricular assist device surgery, heart transplants, or cardiac surgery without cardiopulmonary bypass were excluded, who had 1-3 units of intraoperative autologous blood removal were compared to patients without blood removal for determination of volume replacement, vasopressor support, acute kidney injury, and transfusions. Autologous blood removal was associated with fewer patients receiving homologous transfusions: intraoperative red cell transfusions fell from 75% (Control) to 48% (1 unit removed), 40% (2 units), and 30% (3 units), P &lt; 0.001. Total intraoperative and postoperative homologous RBC units transfused were lower in the blood removal groups: median (interquartile range) 3 (1, 6) in Control patients and 0 (0, 2), 0 (0, 2) and 0 (0, 1) in the 1, 2, and 3 units removed groups, P &lt; 0.001. Similarly, plasma, platelet, and cryoprecipitate transfusions decreased. After adjustment for confounders, increased amounts of autologous blood removal were associated with increased intravenous fluids, only when 2 units were removed, and trivially increased vasopressor use. However, it was not associated with acidosis or acute kidney injury. Intraoperative autologous blood removal without volume replacement of 1-3 units for later autologous transfusion is associated with decreased homologous transfusions without acidosis or acute kidney injury.

S2804 Refractory Bleeding From Nodular Gastric Antral Vascular Ectasia (GAVE): Is Combination Therapy of Sclerotherapy and Band Ligation the Solution?

Introduction: Gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) is a rare condition that presents in the distal stomach as dilated longitudinal columns of blood vessels prone to bleeding. Nodular GAVE is an even rarer variant and is often refractory to standard therapy for GAVE. Endoscopic treatment options widely varies and include rubber band ligation, radiofrequency ablation (RFA), argon plasma coagulation (APC), and resection with hot snare. We present a case study of successful treatment of nodular GAVE of a patient who has been refractory to repeated APC with combination therapy of band ligation and sclerotherapy. Case Description/Methods: 63-year-old female with history of alcoholic cirrhosis and pancreatitis who has had persistent iron deficiency anemia thought secondary to chronic blood loss requiring constant transfusions. Initial EGD was performed at age of 60 with evidence of small grade I esophageal varices, portal hypertensive gastropathy, and innumerable gastric polyps in the gastric body and antrum that on biopsy was consistent with nodular GAVE. She then underwent 5 repeat EGDs over a span of 6 months with a combination RFA, APC, snare resection followed by hemostatic clipping, and banding, with continued recurrence of nodular GAVE and transfusion dependent anemia, with total of 17 units of packed red blood cell (pRBC) transfusions required over the same 6 month period. On her seventh EGD, she then underwent combination therapy of sclerotherapy (1% sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS), 20mL total), which were injected at the base of the nodular areas, along with placement of 12 bands. Her transfusion requirements subsequently subsided after the initial sclerotherapy and band ligation combination session, and the patient received additional 6 EGD sessions with repeat combination therapy over the next 12 months, with notable visual improvement endoscopically subsequent to 2 sclerotherapy plus banding sessions. She only required a total of 3 units of pRBC transfusion over the same period. (Figure) Discussion: We described the first known case of combination sclerotherapy and band ligation therapy for treatment of refractory nodular GAVE. The treatment resulted in significant reduction in transfusion requirements with concomitant improvement of the appearance of nodular GAVE even after just 2 sessions, and may be particularly useful in patients who have failed more conventional treatments. Additional studies will need to be performed to determine the safety and efficacy of this combination treatment modality.Figure 1.: endoscopic images of nodular GAVE before and after serial treatments, along with a timeline of hemoglobin level, transfusions, and endoscopic sessions/therapies over the patient's follow up period of 1.5 years.

Prevalence and Molecular Evaluation of Hepatitis C Virus Infection among Multi-transfused Thalassemia Patients in South of Iran.

ObjectivesInformation regarding the magnitude of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among thalassemia patients is of great importance for health care providers to assess blood safety and improve the quality of screening systems. Therefore, this study evaluated the prevalence, risk factors, and genotypic pattern of HCV infection among β-thalassemia patients in South Iran.MethodsThis descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from March to June 2019. All patients with β-thalassemia major from Borazjan, Bushehr, Delvar, Kangan, and Ahram cities participated in the study and attended the transfusion center of the Bushehr University of Medical Sciences located in southern Iran. Serum samples were tested for the presence of anti-HCV antibodies by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The seropositive serum samples were tested for detection of HCV viremia and genotypes by semi-nested reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and sequencing.ResultsOf 125 thalassemia patients, 22 (17.6%) were positive for anti-HCV antibodies and two (1.6%) had HCV viremia with genotype 3a. HCV seroprevalence increased with age, so anti-HCV seropositive thalassemia patients had significantly higher mean age than anti-HCV seronegative patients. HCV seroprevalence was higher among female patients, residents of Kangan, patients with blood transfusion every two weeks, Fars patients, and thalassemia patients with alanine aminotransferase levels of < 20 IU/L and aspartate aminotransferase levels of > 80 IU/L. Nevertheless, anti-HCV seroprevalence among thalassemia patients was not statistically associated with these variables.ConclusionsThese results indicate ongoing HCV incidence among the thalassemia population in this region. Transfusion of HCV-seronegative viremic blood units donated during the infectious window period contributes to HCV infection in thalassemia patients. These findings highlight the need to include sensitive molecular assays in the screening process of donated blood for HCV infection in Iran.