Clinical nursing value of predictive nursing in reducing complications of pregnant women undergoing short-term massive blood transfusion during cesarean section

BACKGROUND Cesarean hemorrhage is one of the serious complications,and short-term massive blood transfusion can easily cause postoperative infection and physical stress response.However,predictive nursing intervention has important clinical significance for it.AIM To explore the effect of predictive nursing intervention on the stress response and complications of women undergoing short-term mass blood transfusion during cesarean section(CS).METHODS A clinical medical record of 100 pregnant women undergoing rapid mass blood transfusion during sections from June 2019 to June 2021.According to the different nursing methods,patients divided into control group(n=50)and observation group(n=50).Among them,the control group implemented routine nursing,and the observation group implemented predictive nursing intervention based on the control group.Moreover,compared the differences in stress res-ponse,complications,and pain scores before and after the nursing of pregnant women undergoing rapid mass blood transfusion during CS.RESULTS The anxiety and depression scores of pregnant women in the two groups were significantly improved after nursing,and the psychological stress response of the observation group was significantly lower than that of the control group(P<0.05).The heart rate and mean arterial pressure(MAP)of the observation group during delivery were lower than those of the control group,and the MAP at the end of delivery was lower than that of the control group(P<0.05).Moreover,different pain scores improved significantly in both groups,with the observation group considerably less than the control group(P<0.05).After nursing,complications such as skin rash,urinary retention,chills,diarrhea,and anaphylactic shock in the observation group were 18%,which significantly higher than in the control group(4%)(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Predictive nursing intervention can effectively relieve the pain,reduce the incidence of complications,improve mood and stress response,and serve as a reference value for the nursing of women undergoing rapid mass transfusion during CS.

Survey on Blood Transfusion Practices among Medical and Paramedical Staff in the Pediatric Unit of the Mohammed VI University Hospital in Marrakesh, Morocco

Blood transfusion is a complex activity, involving many actors. As a high-risk activity, it necessitates the implementation of specific methods for effective control. The safety of blood transfusion is significantly influenced by the beliefs of healthcare workers and organizational factors, constituting two major considerations. We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical survey to examine the knowledge and practices related to transfusion among the medical and paramedical staff at the Pediatric Department (Mother-Child) of CHU Mohammed VI from September 1, 2022, to December 31, 2022. Among the 135 staff members interviewed, only 41% had received training in blood transfusion. A majority (65.2%) of the staff noted that a mismatch in cross-matching led to transfusion complications. Two-thirds (66.7%) identified chills as the primary clinical sign of potential accidents. Regarding elements to monitor during a reaction, hemolysis (78.5%) and temperature (76.3%) were most commonly mentioned. Surprisingly, more than half (53.3%) of the personnel interviewed did not conduct post-transfusion monitoring. This survey highlighted significant deficiencies in knowledge and practices related to transfusion. To address these issues, we recommend implementing guidelines and providing tailored training for the staff, aiming to rectify these deficiencies and enhance overall practices.

The Impact of Blood Transfusion on the Efficiency of Stem Cell Transplants

Background: While blood product transfusion is essential for managing hematologic deficits in Allogenic Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (AHSCT) recipients, it has risks including infectious disease transmission, alloimmunization, and transfusion reactions. These risks have sparked an ongoing debate regarding the overall impact of transfusions on patient outcomes. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of Red Blood Cells (RBCs) and/or platelet transfusion on the infection incidence and overall survival in AHSCT patients. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of clinical and laboratory data of sixty adult patients with primary malignant hematological disorder who had undergone AHSCT. Participants’ data were categorized into two groups;Group 1 (low transfusion group) consisted of patients receiving 10 units. Quantitative data were expressed as mean ± SD. The t-test of significance and Chi-square (χ2) test were used, with p ≤ 0.05 considered significant. Result: A total of 60 patients’ data was included. In Group 1, out of 30 patients, 13 (43.33%) developed infections. In contrast, Group 2 had 21 (70%) out of 30 patients develop infections. Group 1 had a higher survival rate (57.8%) than Group 2 (transfusion > 10 units) (46.2%) with a chi-square value = 23.56, and p-value Conclusion: The volume of blood product transfusions has a considerable impact on patient outcomes, particularly infection and survival rates. Additional long-term prospective studies and larger randomized controlled trials are needed to strengthen the evidence for determining transfusion protocols for these patients.

The Effect of the Direct Anti-Human Globulin Test on the Clinical Outcome of Patients Receiving Blood Transfusion

Objective:To study the effect of the direct anti-human globulin test on the clinical efficacy of blood transfusion patients.Methods:52 transfused patients were selected for this study,of which 26 cases with positive direct anti-human globulin tests were included in the positive group,and another 26 cases with negative direct anti-human globulin tests were included in the negative group.The apparent efficacy of the patients in the two groups after blood transfusion was compared.Results:After blood transfusion,the apparent efficacy of the negative group was significantly higher,P<0.05;in the positive group,the proportion of the predominantly multi-antibody group was the highest;after blood transfusion,the post-transfusion apparent efficacy of the simple IgG group was higher than that of the multi-antibody group,P<0.05;comparing the intensity of the different antibodies resulted in the 1+group,and the 3+to 4+groups were significantly lower after blood transfusion,P<0.05.Conclusion:The use of the direct antiglobulin test in transfused patients showed that patients with positive results would have better clinical efficacy.Direct anti-human globulin tests will have an impact on the clinical efficacy of blood transfusion in patients with positive results,so it is very important to carry out a direct anti-human globulin test on blood transfusion patients.

Machine Learning for Detecting Blood Transfusion Needs Using Biosignals

Adequate oxygen in red blood cells carrying through the body to the heart and brain is important to maintain life.For those patients requiring blood,blood transfusion is a common procedure in which donated blood or blood components are given through an intravenous line.However,detecting the need for blood transfusion is time-consuming and sometimes not easily diagnosed,such as internal bleeding.This study considered physiological signals such as electrocardiogram(ECG),photoplethysmogram(PPG),blood pressure,oxygen saturation(SpO2),and respiration,and proposed the machine learning model to detect the need for blood transfusion accurately.For the model,this study extracted 14 features from the physiological signals and used an ensemble approach combining extreme gradient boosting and random forest.The model was evaluated by a stratified five-fold crossvalidation:the detection accuracy and area under the receiver operating characteristics were 92.7%and 0.977,respectively.

Risk factors for blood transfusion and its prognostic implications in curative gastrectomy for gastric cancer

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer(GC)is still a prevalent neoplasm around the world and its main treatment modality is surgical resection.The need for perioperative blood transfusions is frequent,and there is a long-lasting debate regarding its impact on survival.AIM To evaluate the factors related to the risk of receiving red blood cell(RBC)transfusion and its influence on surgical and survival outcomes of patients with GC.METHODS Patients who underwent curative resection for primary gastric adenocarcinoma at our Institute between 2009 and 2021 were retrospectively evaluated.Clinicopathological and surgical characteristics data were collected.The patients were divided into transfusion and non-transfusion groups for analysis.RESULTS A total of 718 patients were included,and 189(26.3%)patients received perioperative RBC transfusion(23 intraoperatively,133 postoperatively,and 33 in both periods).Patients in the RBC transfusions group were older(P<0.001),and had morecomorbidities(P=0.014),American Society of Anesthesiologists classification III/IV(P<0.001),and lower preoperative hemoglobin(P<0.001)and albumin levels(P<0.001).Larger tumors(P<0.001)and advanced tumor node metastasis stage(P<0.001)were also associated with the RBCtransfusion group.The rates of postoperative complications(POC)and 30-d and 90-d mortalitywere significantly higher in the RBC transfusion group than in the non-transfusion group.Lowerhemoglobin and albumin levels,total gastrectomy,open surgery,and the occurrence of POC werefactors associated with the RBC transfusion.Survival analysis demonstrated that the RBCtransfusions group had worse disease-free survival(DFS)and overall survival(OS)compared withpatients who did not receive transfusion(P<0.001 for both).In multivariate analysis,RBCtransfusion,major POC,pT3/T4 category,pN+,D1 lymphadenectomy,and total gastrectomywere independent risk factors related to worse DFS and OS.CONCLUSIONPerioperative RBC transfusion is associated with worse clinical conditions and more advancedtumors.Further,it is an independent factor related to worse survival in the curative intentgastrectomy setting.

The Place of Blood Transfusion in the Management of Obstetric Emergencies in the Gynaecology and Obstetrics Department of the Reference Health Center of Fana (Mali)

This is a prospective and descriptive study carried out at the gynecology and obstetrics department of the reference health center of Fana from 01 May 2019 to 30 November or 7 months. The main objective was to study the role of blood transfusion in the management of obstetric emergencies. During the study period we recorded 434 cases of obstetric emergencies of which 116 cases required an emergency blood transfusion or 26.73%. The most frequently found indications for blood transfusion are hemorrhages of the immediate postpartum 46.6% followed by severe malaria on pregnancy 27.6%. Blood remains the most prescribed and available Labile blood product in the department. Maternal prognosis was improved in 92.2%.

Impact of perioperative blood transfusion on oncological outcomes in ampullary carcinoma patients underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy

BACKGROUND The effect of perioperative blood transfusion(PBT)on the prognosis of ampullary carcinoma(AC)is still debated.AIM To explore the impact of PBT on short-term safety and long-term survival in AC patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy.METHODS A total of 257 patients with AC who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy between 1998 and 2020 in the Cancer Hospital,Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences,were retrospectively analyzed.We used Cox proportional hazard regression to identify prognostic factors of overall survival(OS)and recurrencefree survival(RFS)and the Kaplan-Meier method to analyze survival information.RESULTS A total of 144(56%)of 257 patients received PBT.The PBT group and nonperioperative blood transfusion group showed no significant differences in demographics.Patients who received transfusion had a comparable incidence of postoperative complications with patients who did not.Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression analyses indicated that transfusion was not an independent predictor of OS or RFS.We performed Kaplan-Meier analysis according to subgroups of T stage,and subgroup analysis indicated that PBT might be associated with worse OS(P<0.05)but not RFS in AC of stage T1.CONCLUSION We found that PBT might be associated with decreased OS in early AC,but more validation is needed.The reasonable use of transfusion might be helpful to improve OS.

Effect of perioperative blood transfusion on clinical outcomes in hepatic surgery for cancer

Allogeneic blood transfusion during liver resection for malignancies has been associated with an increased incidence of different types of complications: infectious complications, tumor recurrence, decreased survival. Even if there is clear evidence of transfusion-induced immunosuppression, it is difficult to demonstrate that transfusion is the only determinant factor that decisively affects the outcome. In any case there are several motivations to reduce the practice of blood transfusion. The advantages and drawbacks of different transfusion alternatives are reviewed here, emphasizing that surgeons and anesthetists who practice in centers with a high volume of liver resections, should be familiar with all the possible alternatives.

Effect of perioperative autologous versus allogeneic blood transfusion on the immune system in gastric cancer patients

Background： Allogeneic blood transfusion-induced immunomodulation （TRIM） and its adverse effect on the prognosis of patients treated surgically for cancer remain complex and controversial. However, the potential risk associated with allogeneic blood transfusion has heightened interest in the use of autologous blood transfusion. In the present study, the serum concentrations of neopterin, interferon-gamma （IFN-γ）, T lymphocyte subsets （CD3^＋, CD4^＋, CD8^＋, CD4^＋/CD8^＋） and a possible association between these variables were investigated. The purpose was to further evaluate the effect of autologous versus allogeneic blood transfusion on immunological status in patients undergoing surgery for gastric cancer. Methods： Sixty ASA Ⅰ～Ⅱ（American Society of Anesthesiologists） patients undergoing elective radical resection for stomach cancer were randomly allocated to receive either allogeneic blood transfusion （n=30） or autologous blood transfusion （n=30）. Serum concentrations of the neopterin, IFN-γ and T lymphocyte subsets in the recipients were measured before induction of anesthesia, after operation, and on the 5th postoperative day. Results： Both two groups, serum neopterin, IFN-γ, percentages of T-cell subsets （CD3^＋, CD4^＋）, and CD4^＋/CD8^＋ ratio had significantly decreased after operation, but decreased more significantly in group H （receiving allogeneic blood transfusion） than those in group A （receiving autologous whole blood transfusion） （P〈0.05）. On the 5th postoperative day,serum neopterin, IFN-γ, CD3^＋, CD4^＋ T-cells, and CD4^＋/CD8^＋ ratio returned to the baseline values in group A. In contrast, the above remain decreasing in group H, where there were no significant relations between serum neopterin and IFN-γ. Conclusion：Perioperative surgical trauma and stress have an immunosuppressive impact on gastric cancer patients. Allogeneic blood transfusion exacerbates the impaired immune response. Autologous blood transfusion might be significantly beneficial for immune-compromised patients in the perioperative period, clearly showing its superiority over allogeneic blood transfusion.

Advantage of autologous blood transfusion in surgery for hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM: To evaluate the significance of autologous blood transfusion (AT) in reducing homologous blood transfusion (HT) in surgery for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: The proportion of patients who received HT was compared between two groups determined by the time of AT introduction; period A (1991-1994, n = 93) and period B (1995-2000, n = 201). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed in order to identify independent significant predictors of the need for HT. We also investigated the impact of AT and HT on long-term postoperative outcome after curative surgery for HCC. RESULTS: The proportion of patients with HT was significantly lower in period B than period A (18.9% vs 60.2%, P < 0.0001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified AT administration as a significant independent predictor of the need for HT (P < 0.0001). Disease-free survival in patients with AT was comparable to that without any transfusion. Multivariate analysis identified HT administration as an independent significant factor for poorer disease-free survival (P = 0.0380). CONCLUSION: AT administration significantly decreased the need for HT. Considering the postoperative survival disadvantage of HT, AT administration could improve the long-term outcome of HCC patients.

Blood transfusion for the treatment of acute anaemia in inflammatory bowel disease and other digestive diseases

Allogeneic blood transfusion (ABT) is frequently used as the first therapeutic option for the treatment of acute anaemia in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), especially when it developed due to gastrointestinal or perioperative blood loss, but is not risk-free. Adverse effects of ABT include, but are not limited to, acute hemolytic reaction (wrong blood or wrong patient), febrile non-hemolytic transfusional reaction, bacterial contamination, transfusion-related acute lung injury, transfusion associated circulatory overload, transfusion-related immuno-modulation, and transmission of almost all infectious diseases (bacteria, virus, protozoa and prion), which might result in increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Unfortunately, the main physiological goal of ABT, i.e. to increase oxygen consumption by the hypoxic tissues, has not been well documented. In contrast, the ABT is usually misused only to increase the haemoglobin level within a f ixed protocol [mostly two by two packed red blood cell (PRC) units] independently of the patient' s tolerance to normovolemic anaemia or his clinical response to the transfusion of PRC units according to a "one-by-one" administration schedule. Evidencebased clinical guidelines may promote best transfusion practices by implementing restrictive transfusion protocols, thus reducing variability and minimizing the avoidable risks of transfusion, and the use of autologous blood and pharmacologic alternatives. In this regard, preoperative autologous blood donation (PABD) consistently diminished the frequency of ABT, although its contribution to ABT avoidance is reduced when performed under a transfusion protocol. In addition, interpretation of utility of PABD in surgical IBD patients is hampered by scarcity of published data. However, the role of autologous red blood cells as drug carriers is promising. Finally, it must be stressed that a combination of methods used within wellconstructed protocols will offer better prospects for blood conservation in selected IBD patients undergoing elective surgery.

Perioperative blood transfusion decreases long-term survival in pediatric living donor liver transplantation

BACKGROUND The impact of perioperative blood transfusion on short-and long-term outcomes in pediatric living donor liver transplantation(PLDLT)must still be ascertained,mainly among young children.Clinical and surgical postoperative complications related to perioperative blood transfusion are well described up to three months after adult liver transplantation.AIM To determine whether transfusion is associated with early and late postoperative complications and mortality in small patients undergoing PLDLT.METHODS We evaluated the effects of perioperative transfusion on postoperative complications in recipients up to 20 kg of body weight,submitted to PLDLT.A total of 240 patients were retrospectively allocated into two groups according to postoperative complications:Minor complications(n=109)and major complications(n=131).Multiple logistic regression analysis identified the volume of perioperative packed red blood cells(RBC)transfusion as the only independent risk factor for major postoperative complications.The receiver operating characteristic curve was drawn to identify the optimal volume of the perioperative RBC transfusion related to the presence of major postoperative complications,defining a cutoff point of 27.5 mL/kg.Subsequently,patients were reallocated to a low-volume transfusion group(LTr;n=103,RBC≤27.5 mL/kg)and a high-volume transfusion group(HTr;n=137,RBC>27.5 mL/kg)so that the outcome could be analyzed.RESULTS High-volume transfusion was associated with an increased number of major complications and mortality during hospitalization up to a 10-year follow-up period.During a short-term period,the HTr showed an increase in major infectious,cardiovascular,respiratory,and bleeding complications,with a decrease in rejection complications compared to the LTr.Over a long-term period,the HTr showed an increase in major infectious,cardiovascular,respiratory,and minor neoplastic complications,with a decrease in rejection complications.Additionally,Cox hazard regression found that high-volume RBC transfusion increased the mortality risk by 3.031-fold compared to low-volume transfusion.The Kaplan-Meier survival curves of the studied groups were compared using log-rank tests and the analysis showed significantly decreased graft survival,but with no impact in patient survival related to major complications.On the other hand,there was a significant decrease in both graft and patient survival,with high-volume RBC transfusion.CONCLUSION Transfusion of RBC volume higher than 27.5 mL/kg during the perioperative period is associated with a significant increase in short-and long-term postoperative morbidity and mortality after PLDLT.

THE EFFECT OF SKIN GRAFTING AT DIFFERENT TIME POST BLOOD TRANSFUSION AND BONE MARROW TRANSPLANTATION ON RATS COMBINED RADIATION-BURN INJURY

After the rats were inflicted with 8 Gy total body gamma ray irradiation and 15 % total body surface area (TBSA) full thickness burn injury, they were treated with blood transfusion (BT) and bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Then the survival of allografts grafted on the escharectomized burn wounds in the 24, 48 and 72 h postinjury was observed. It was found that when the burn wounds were closed with allo- grafts in the 24h postinjury, there were an early elevation of leucocytes, the appearance of the donor’s cells and a significantly higher survival rate of the rats on the 30 day postinjury. The allografts could survive longer and wounds showed no signs of infection and healed quicker. When the allografts were grafted in the 48 h or 72 h postinjury, only harmful effects to hasten the death of rats were observed.

Influence of Perioperative Blood Transfusion on Prognosis in Patients with Colon Cancer

Objective： To explore the influence of perioperative blood transfusion on the postoperative survival of patients with colon cancer. Methods： Univariate and multivariate retrospective analyses were performed on the survival in a total of 723 colon cancer patients which were treated surgically during a period of 10 years. Results： Kaplan-Meier estimates showed that more than 800 mL perioperative blood transfusion was the survival predictor. Blood transfusion influenced significantly the prognosis of patients 40 years old and younger, those undergoing helicoloectomy left side, those with papillary adenocarcinoma, those with big tumors （diameter ≥ 8 cm）, those with stage Ⅰ tumors, those with lymphatic node metastases and those without liver metastases. In multivariate analysis only the tumor location, radicality of operation, lymphatic invasion, liver metastasis, depth of tumor invasion and TNM stage retained their significance. Conclusion： Perioperative blood transfusion is some extent. The indication of blood transfusion the prognostic factor for patients with colon cancer to must be restricted strictly, specially in patients younger than 40 years old, with right side lesion, papillary adenocarcinoma, big tumors （diameter ≥8 cm）, stage Ⅰ tumors and lymphatic node metastases or without liver metastases. But perioperative blood transfusion may not be deleterious for patients with staging Ⅳ disease and with distant metastases.

Distinct risk factors for early and late blood transfusion following pancreaticoduodenectomy

Background: The International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery(ISGPS) has defined two periods of postpancreatectomy hemorrhage, early(<24 h) and late(>24 h). A previously published Blood Usage Risk Score(BURS) aimed to predict early and late blood transfusion. The primary aim of this study was to define risk factors for early and late blood transfusion after pancreaticoduodenectomy. Secondary aims were to assess the predictive accuracy of the BURS.Methods: In this retrospective observational study, multivariable analyses were used to identify independent risk factors for both early and late blood transfusion. The predictive ability of the BURS was then assessed using a receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve analysis.Results: Among 628 patients, 99(15.8%) and 144(22.9%) received early and late blood transfusion, respectively. Risk factors for blood transfusion differed between early and late periods. Preoperative anemia and venous resection were associated with early blood transfusion whilst Whipple’s resection(as opposed to pylorus preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy), lack of biliary stent and a narrow pancreatic duct were predictors of late blood transfusion. The BURS was significantly predictive of early blood transfusion,albeit with a modest degree of accuracy(AUROC: 0.700, P < 0.001), but not of late blood transfusion(AUROC: 0.525, P = 0.360). Late blood transfusion was independently associated with increasing severity of postoperative pancreatic fistula(POPF)(OR: 1.85, 3.18 and 9.97 for biochemical, types B and C POPF,respectively, relative to no POPF).Conclusions: Two largely different sets of variables are related to early and late blood transfusion following pancreaticoduodenectomy. The BURS was significantly associated with early, albeit with modest predictive accuracy, but not late blood transfusion. An understanding of POPF risk allows assessment of the need for late blood transfusion.

Severe hyperlipemia-induced pseudoerythrocytosis - Implication for misdiagnosis and blood transfusion: A case report and literature review

BACKGROUND Severe hyperlipemia(SHLE)has an impact on the results of many kinds of laboratory tests.Complete blood count(CBC)examination by automated blood cell counter(ABCC)is a quick and convenient measurement for screening abnormalities of blood cells that are triggered by various pathogenic insults in disease diagnosis and for monitoring changes in the treatment of existing hematological conditions.However,CBC results are frequently affected by many intrinsic and extrinsic factors from blood samples,such as in the setting of hypergammaglobulinemia and certain anticoagulants.SHLE could also affect CBC results.CASE SUMMARY A 33-year-old Chinese male presented with painful foot numbness and abdominal pain.He was initially misdiagnosed as having a myeloproliferative neoplasm(MPN)because of the marked abnormalities in CBC examination by the ABCC.Morphological evaluation of the bone marrow smears and biopsy showed no evidence of MPN.Gene mutations in Breakpoint cluster regions-Abelson murine leukemia viral oncogene homologue 1(BCR-ABL1),Janus kinase 2(JAK2),calreticulin(CALR),myeloproliferative leukemia virus(MPL),and colony-stimulating factor 3 receptor(CSF3R)were negative.Having noticed the thick chylomicron layer on blood samples and the dramatically fluctuating CBC results,we speculated that the fat droplets formed by shaking the blood samples in the setting of SHLE were mistakenly identified as blood cells due to the limited parameters of ABCC.Therefore,we removed a large part of the chylomicron layer and then reexamined the CBC,and the CBC results,as we expected,differed significantly from that of the sample before the chylomicron layer was removed.These significant differences had been validated by the subsequently repeated laboratory tests by measuring dual blood samples that the chylomicron layer was removed in one sample and was not in another,and comparing the CBC results.Computerized tomography reexamination of the upper abdomen revealed an exudative lesion surrounding his pancreas.After intensive consultation,definitive diagnosis was made as recurrent pancreatitis,hyperlipemia and pseudoerythrocytosis.CONCLUSION SHLE may become a potential cause of misdiagnosis of hyperlipemia-related diseases as MPNs and the resultant mistreatment.It may also lead to the misinterpretation of transfusion indications in patients with hematological disorders who critically need blood transfusion for supportive treatment.

Comparison of Blood Group Molecular Genotyping to Traditional Serological Phenotyping in Patients with Chronic or Recent Blood Transfusion

Objectives: Accurately identifying the Antigens (Ags) on recipient red blood cells (RBCs) is critical in prevention of RBC alloimmunization in chronically transfused patients. The goal of this study was to compare RBC molecular genotyping to serological phenotyping in those patients. Methods: Serological phenotyping and molecular genotyping methods were used to study blood samples from 18 healthy blood donors and 16 transfused patients. Reticulocyte harvesting or hypotonic cell separation was added to recheck RBC phenotypes of the patients with discrepancies between phenotyping and genotyping. Results: No discrepancies were found between the two genotyping methods in all the donors and patients. 1 of 9 sickle-cell disease (SCD) patients and all 3 thalassemia patients demonstrated discrepancies in multiple blood groups between phenotyping and genotyping, which were not corrected by reticulocyte harvesting or hypotonic cell separation. Conclusions: These findings suggest that RBC molecular genotyping is superior to serological phenotyping in chronically transfused SCD or thalassemia patients.

Effect of exchange blood transfusion on oxygen saturation of neonates with severe neonatal jaundice by pulse oximetry

Objective:To determine if there was any difference in SpO2 readings during exchange blood transfusion(EBT).Methods:A prospective cross-sectional study of neonates with severe neonatal jaundice requiring EBT was conducted.Oxygen saturation was recorded before,immediately and 15 minutes after EBT by using a pulse oximeter.Results:This study included 30 neonates with 20 males and 10 females.The age ranged from 1 to 12 days with a mean of(5.4±2.9)days.Pre-EBT SpO2 ranged from 90%to 98%with a mean value of(94.3±2.2)%;SpO2 in the end of EBT ranged from 85%to 99%with a mean value of(94.1±3.2)%;SpO2 at 15 minutes after EBT ranged from 77%to 99%with a mean value of(94.8±4.1)%.There was no significant difference between SpO2 values at onset of EBT and either immediately or 15 minutes after EBT(P=0.770 and 0.422,respectively).SpO2 showed no significant difference between neonates who were infused with blood of different storage times(<24 h or≥24 h)at the onset of EBT(P=0.584),immediately(P>0.999)and 15 minutes after EBT(P=0.887).Besides,SpO2 values were compariable in neonates with hematocrit<45%or≥45%at the onset of EBT(P=0.284),immediately(P=0.118)and 15 minutes after EBT(P=0.868).Conclusions:EBT does not affect SpO2 in neonates.

Severe hyperkalemia following blood transfusions:Is there a link?

Patients with gastrointestinal bleeding often require large volume blood transfusion. Among the various side effects of blood transfusion,the increase of potassium levels is a serious one which is often overlooked. We report a case of severe hyperkalemia in a patient with gastric bleeding after large volume transfusion of packed red blood cells. The patient had hyperkalemia at baseline associated with his receiving medication as well as acute renal failure following hypovolemia. The baseline hyperkalemia was further aggravated after massive transfusions of packed red blood cells in a short period of time. The associated pathogenetic mechanisms resulting in the increase of potassium levels are presented. A number of risk factors which increase the risk of hyperkalemia after blood transfusion are discussed. Moreover,appropriate management strategies for the prevention of blood transfusion associated hyperkalemia are also presented. Physicians should always keep in mind the possibility of hyperkalemia in cases of blood transfusion.