Diss. (sammanfattning) Stockholm : Karolinska institutet, 2007. / Härtill 4 uppsatser.

A blood transfusion is one of the most common hospital procedures, yet there is a lack of reliable information on the costs of administering blood. This thesis aims to fill this information gap, and considers the impact on total costs of alternative transfusion management strategies in the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom. A high user of blood transfusion, cardiac surgery, acts as a clinical exemplar. Comprehensive estimates of the costs of administering blood are first produced. The costs of administering blood add substantially to the costs of the blood products themselves, costs for red blood cells are 40% higher when the costs of administration are added to red blood cell costs. These cost estimates were used to more accurately cost blood products transfused (compared to the costs of blood products only) in two economic evaluations assessing firstly, the cost-effectiveness of a restrictive versus a liberal red blood cell transfusion threshold after cardiac surgery, and secondly, the cost-effectiveness of introducing bedside tests of haemostatic function in cardiac surgery. Both economic evaluations showed little difference in costs or outcomes between the groups and uncertainty around the cost-effectiveness results. While a restrictive threshold reduces costs associated with transfusion compared to a liberal threshold, there is no evidence based on detailed and comprehensive costings, to suggest that a restrictive threshold saves the NHS money overall. Reliable resource use data are vital for economic evaluations, and a subgroup of patients in both economic evaluations enabled resource use data collected from alternative sources to be compared. There was strong agreement between primary (clinical trial) data and routine datasets for data available from both sources, however, primary data captured post-operative complications more comprehensively than routine datasets. This thesis provides hospital managers and health economists with accurate information on the costs of administering blood for budget impact assessments and economic evaluations.

Orientador: Marcelo Addas de Carvalho, Abimael Aranha Neto. / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Ciencias Medicas / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-10T05:18:05Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Araujo_AcaciraOliveiraBezerrade_M.pdf: 782094 bytes, checksum: 803757c0eadf299c0497a605f75a5973 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2007 / Resumo: A transfusão de concentrado de hemácias (CH) é parte freqüente do arsenal terapêutico de suporte avançado nas unidades de terapia intensiva neonatal (UTINeo); o número de transfusões utilizadas depende de fatores como idade gestacional e peso ao nascer, porém observam-se grandes variações quando comparadas crianças em mesmas condições clínicas em diferentes centros, pois não existem indicações claramente estabelecidas para transfusão neonatal baseada em estudos controlados. Assim, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi comparar e descrever a prática transfusional de CH: suas indicações, repercussões e técnicas hemoterápicas utilizadas; avaliando a presença e a adequação a protocolos, por meio de estudo científico, descritivo, observacional, direto, extensivo; através de análise qualitativa e quantitativa de respostas a questionários em 42 serviços de UTINeo do Brasil. Deste modo, sugerindo um protocolo mais uniforme para a utilização de concentrado de hemácias em neonatologia no Brasil. Das 42 unidades hospitalares pesquisadas, 20 são hospitais universitários, onde 17 ligados a instituições de ensino público e 03 instituições de ensino particular. Quanto ao tipo de atendimento, 26 unidades pertencem à rede do SUS, 09 têm atendimento particular ou ligado a convênios ou planos de saúde e 07 atendimento misto (público e privado). Representando 04 regiões do país: 11 no Nordeste, 21 no Sudeste, 03 no Centro-oeste e 07 no Sul do Brasil; abrangendo 670 leitos de UTI neonatal e 450 leitos de unidades intermediárias; captadas através do CNES - Cadastro Nacional de Estabelecimentos de Saúde. Os dados obtidos foram submetidos à análise estatística resultando nas freqüências absolutas simples e acumuladas assim como as freqüências relativas de cada questão trabalhada dos questionários aplicados. Não encontramos diferenças significativas no tocante à utilização, preparo e indicações quando analisamos serviços particulares e ligados a instituições de ensino, porém nos serviços públicos não ligados a universidades ou faculdades, sobretudo nas regiões Norte e Nordeste e nas instituições geograficamente distantes das capitais, há dificuldades de acesso às informações hospitalares, de implementação e uso de tecnologias específicas. Na maioria dos serviços há falta de interação entre os serviços de hemoterapia e as UTINeo; dificultando discussão envolvendo os profissionais que prestam assistência direta. Há elevado número de serviços que consideram parâmetros clínicos associados ao nível de hemoglobina (Hb) e outros que associam dados clínicos e laboratoriais associados ao hematócrito (Ht) como base para indicação de uso de CH. Concluindo, a decisão de transfundir um paciente deve ser sempre do médico assistente levando em consideração parâmetros técnicos, médicos, éticos e legais alicerçados na utilização de protocolos com indicações transfusionais mais legítimas adaptadas aos recursos de cada instituição, porém protegendo os pacientes do risco de transfusões inadequadas / Abstract: The transfusion of Red Blood Cells (RBC) is often one of the therapeutical tools in advanced support in newborn intensive care units (NICU); the number of transfusions required depends on factors such as pregnancy duration and weight at birth. However, great variations are observed when comparing children in similar clinical conditions in different centers, as there are no controlled studies with established indications for newborn transfusion. Thus, the goal of the present study is to compare and describe the use of RBC transfusion through the qualitative and quantitative analysis of questionnaires in 42 services of NICUs in Brazil, focusing on its indications, repercussions and techniques; evaluating the presence and the adequacy of the protocols established from a scientific, descriptive, observational and longitudinal study. From this analysis, a more uniform protocol for the transfusion of RBC in Brazilian newborns is suggested. From the 42 hospital units studied, 20 are university hospitals, of which 17 are public institutions and 03 are private institutions. With respect to the service type, 26 units belong to SUS, 09 have private or insurance service and 07 work with both services (public and private). Furthermore, the institutions represent 4 regions of the country: 11 in the Northeast, 21 in the Southeast, 03 in Center-west and 07 in the South of Brazil; representing 670 NICU beds and 450 intermediate unit beds. The data collected was submitted to statistical analysis calculating the absolute and cumulative frequencies as well as the relative frequencies of each question of the applied questionnaires. No significant differences with respect to the use, preparation and indications were found when we analyzed private and educational institutions. However, the North and Northeast regions and the institutions geographically distant from the capitals, public services unrelated to universities have difficulty to access the hospital information, implementation and use of specific technologies. In the majority of the services, there is no interaction between the blood transfusion services and the NICUs; resulting in a difficult task for the professionals providing direct assistance. There are a large number of services that consider clinical parameters associated to the hemoglobin level (Hb) while others consider parameters associated to hematocrit (Hct) levels as a reference for the indication of transfusion of RBC. In conclusion, the decision of performing a transfusion in a patient must always be made by the leading doctor taking technical, medical, ethical and legal parameters into account, based on the use of protocols with more precise transfusion indications, adapted to the resources of each institution, in order to protect the patients from the risk of badly indicated transfusions / Mestrado / Ciencias Basicas / Mestre em Clinica Medica

Allogenic blood transfusions, although potentially life-saving, are associated with increased risk of infection, fluid overload, thrombosis, and death. Minimizing exposure to blood products is important for patients and the healthcare system. Antifibrinolytic lysine analogues are effective antihaemorrhagic agents used for the reduction of blood loss and subsequent need for transfusion. However, the pharmacologic mechanism of decreased clot breakdown would suggest the medications should increase the risk of venous thromboembolic adverse events. Trials of lysine analogue administration are often underpowered to detect the effect of these medications on thrombotic events. As lysine analogue use increases for blood loss reduction, there is an important need for research dedicated to the safety of lysine analogues, especially in patients who are at highest risk of venous thromboembolism. Through systematic review and meta-analyses, we investigated the use of lysine analogues in cancer patients, where VTE is particularly prevalent. We identified that only a small number of trials have been performed in cancer patients. Among available data, similar reduction of transfusion was observed in cancer patients treated with lysine analogues compared to non-cancer patients. However, we also found that existing data was grossly underpowered to determine the effect of lysine analogues on risk of VTE (Peto odds ratio (OR) 0.60; 95% CI 0.28-1.30). By administering lysine analogues topically, as opposed to intravenously, systemic absorption of the drug may be limited, and the occurrence of unwanted side-effects may be minimized. We also reviewed the published literature to determine if there was sufficient evidence to support topical application of tranexamic acid. Topically applied tranexamic acid effectively reduces both transfusion risk and blood loss and no increased risk of VTE events was observed (pooled OR=0.78, 95% CI 0.47 to 1.29). However, none of these studies included cancer patients and the vast majority of the trials were in orthopedic surgery. Lastly, we sought to determine the extent to which lysine analogues are currently used at a large tertiary care academic institution. In addition, we explored which factors influenced lysine analogue use, and areas of informational or study need. Surgeons reported low lysine analogue use, and the timing of administration varied considerably. Many surgeons (66%) believed a clinical trial was needed to demonstrate the efficacy of lysine analogues in their respective surgical field, and 59% felt a trial was needed to demonstrate that the medication was safe in their patient population. We confirmed that there are only a few studies evaluating the effect of lysine analogues in cancer patients and that many surgeons are concerned about the safety profile of these medications. Surgeons may feel more comfortable administering these agents topically as opposed to intravenously, and while this may be a safer option, there has been limited evaluation of this approach outside of orthopedic procedures.

No description available.

The course of the haemopoietic response during canine babesiosis caused by Babesia rossi has not previously been studied. This prospective, descriptive longitudinal study on clinical cases describes the haematological kinetics during the first six days following treatment of natural babesiosis infection. Ninety client-owned dogs diagnosed with B rossi infection, based on examination of a Cam’s Quick-Stain-stained thin capillary blood smear and confirmed by polymerase chain reaction analysis, were included. At first consultation, 24 hours, three days and six days after first consultation, or until death, an EDTA sample was collected from the jugular or cephalic vein and submitted for a full automated blood count, using a CELL-DYN 3700 analyzer. Manual leukocyte differential counts were performed. Based on the treatment protocol, the dogs were divided into a blood transfusion group, and a non blood transfusion group. A slightly to moderately regenerative normocytic normochromic anaemia occurred throughout the study period for both treatment groups. The anaemia was very severe at presentation in dogs that received a blood transfusion and moderate at presentation in dogs that did not receive a blood transfusion. Anaemia was still present by the end of the study period in both treatment groups. The regenerative response was moderate in severely anaemic dogs and mild in moderately anaemic dogs. A mild inflammatory leukocytic response was found in both treatment groups. The median segmented neutrophil count for both treatment groups was within the reference interval throughout the study period. A left shift occurred more commonly in dogs that received a blood transfusion, and was significantly influenced by the degree of anaemia at presentation. In dogs with a left shift, a degenerative left shift, not influenced by the degree of anaemia at presentation, was found more commonly. Severe thrombocytopaenia for both treatment groups, which resolved within a week in both groups, was found. Treatment with a blood transfusion reduced the anaemia, but had no significant effect on white blood cell or platelet responses. Blood cell responses were not significantly influenced by age, previous infection with babesiosis or duration of illness. / Dissertation (MSc (Veterinary Science))--University of Pretoria, 2008. / Companion Animal Clinical Studies / unrestricted

The utilization and management of blood is an imperative undertaking when considering the cost, risk and limited resources involved. Mountain States Health Alliance, with the guidance and dedication from Dr. Andrew Fletcher and his team, were able to sustain a 20% reduction in blood utilization overall since the inception of the project to present. Mountain States was also able to save approximately $250,000 over a one-year period due to the change in policy and procedure of ordering blood as well as the close and thoughtful monitoring of the entire health system’s blood usage. This change in policy not only produced monetary and resource savings, it also reduced the risk of adverse transfusion reactions and created a more patient-centered approach to supplying and ordering blood for the patients of the health system. As the health care system as a whole is continuously struggling to keep up with demands for more efficient use of resources, this model can be and has been adapted to other resources such as pharmacy and radiology, and will continue to be useful in effecting efficiency across healthcare facilities.

A blood transfusion may have important immunomodulatory effects and may carry certain risks which could be detrimental to the kidney transplant patient. The aim of this project is to examine the potential risks associated with post-transplant blood transfusions in kidney transplant recipients. We carried out a retrospective cohort study of all adult kidney transplant recipients at The Ottawa Hospital from 2002 to 2018 inclusive. We examined the risks for kidney transplant rejection, graft loss, death, infections and venous thromboembolic events (VTE) associated with the receipt of red blood cell transfusions (RBCTs) administered after kidney transplant. We calculated hazard ratios (HR) using Cox proportional hazards model with RBCT as a cumulative, time-varying exposure. Out of a total study population of 1,258 kidney transplants recipients, 37% received at least one RBCT. The receipt of a RBCT was not significantly associated with the risk for rejection, however it was associated with an increased risk for graft loss, death, infection and VTE. Important biases such as reverse causation and unmeasured confounding may account for some of these findings. That being said, our findings suggest clinicians should be judicious in their use of RBCT in kidney transplant patients.

COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the novel coronavirus. It presents as an acute respiratory illness, however, it also affects multiple other organ systems. One such unique manifestation is systemic coagulopathy involving arterial and venous systems. We present a 29-year-old woman with Hodgkin's lymphoma, who was diagnosed with COVID-19 infection prior to initiating chemotherapy. Two months after resolution of symptoms and testing negative for COVID-19, she presented with multiple acute thromboembolic complications of the infection, including bilateral jugular venous thrombosis, right atrial clot and arterial emboli in the brain resulting in cerebrovascular injury. These were thought to be delayed manifestations of the systemic coagulopathy secondary to infection. Also, some of these thromboembolic phenomena occurred while the patient was on anticoagulation, which emphasises the extensive hyperinflammatory state caused by the virus. This case highlights the importance of thromboprophylaxis especially in high-risk patients with this infection.

Non-producing variant of plasma cell disorders with circulating plasma cells is an aggressive variant of plasma cell dyscrasias with relatively poor outcomes. A 75-year-old man was admitted due to anaemia (90 g/L) and thrombocytopenia (9×10 9 /L). Comprehensive metabolic panel showed creatinine of 1.34 mg/dL, total protein of 6 g/dL, and corrected calcium was normal. Peripheral smear review showed 8% circulating atypical plasmacytoid cells. Bone marrow biopsy (BMB) confirmed plasma cell myeloma involving 90%-95% of bone marrow cellularity. Serum protein electrophoresis showed no monoclonal protein. Due to aggressive biology of non-producer variant and outcomes based on circulating plasma cells, he was started on VD-PACE (bortezomib, dexamethasone, cisplatin, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide and etoposide) chemotherapy. BMB after cycle 1 chemotherapy showed no morphologic, immunophenotypic, or flow cytometric features of a plasma cell neoplasm. Given excellent treatment response cycle 2 was changed to VRD (bortezomib, lenalidomide and dexamethasone). Following two cycles of VRD, he underwent autologous haematopoietic cell transplantation. Day 80 BMB suggested stringent complete response.