Trali et Taco : diagnostic et prise en charge clinique des patients

[Certification of health establishments: the changing perspective on transfusion risk]

The HAS certification for healthcare organisation has gradually introduced the concepts of risk and relevance of care. Related to quality and safety of care, the transfusion act has early been part of the referential, and it seemed interesting to us to observe the changes in the requirements on this topic. After taking into account the regulations and the organization of haemovigilance in the establishment, it is now the search for the factual result for the patient which is the objective of the two main criteria devoted to transfusion. At the same time as the referential, the investigation methods have also evolved: the targeted tracer for Labile Blood Products and Blood-Derived Medicines allows a more detailed analysis geared towards the effective implementation of good transfusion practices. In conclusion, certification has moved from organizing and auditing the process to directly measuring transfusion safety for the patient.

Transfusion-associated circulatory overload in a pediatric intensive care unit: different incidences with different diagnostic criteria

BACKGROUND

The incidence of transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO) is not well known in children, especially in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) patients.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

All consecutive patients admitted over 1 year to the PICU of CHU Sainte-Justine were included after they received their first red blood cell transfusion. TACO was diagnosed using the criteria of the International Society of Blood Transfusion, with two different ways of defining abnormal values: 1) using normal pediatric values published in the Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics and 2) by using the patient as its own control and comparing pre- and posttransfusion values with either 10 or 20% difference threshold. We monitored for TACO up to 24 hours posttransfusion.

RESULTS

A total of 136 patients were included. Using the "normal pediatric values" definition, we diagnosed 63, 88, and 104 patients with TACO at 6, 12, and 24 hours posttransfusion, respectively. Using the "10% threshold" definition we detected 4, 15, and 27 TACO cases in the same periods, respectively; using the "20% threshold" definition, the number of TACO cases was 2, 6, and 17, respectively. Chest radiograph was the most frequent missing item, especially at 6 and 12 hours posttransfusion. Overall, the incidence of TACO varied from 1.5% to 76% depending on the definition.

CONCLUSION

A more operational definition of TACO is needed in PICU patients. Using a threshold could be more optimal but more studies are needed to confirm the best threshold.

[Respiratory complications after transfusion]

Respiratory complications of blood transfusion have several possible causes. Transfusion-Associated Circulatory Overload (TACO) is often the first mentioned. Transfusion-Related Acute Lung Injury (TRALI), better defined since the consensus conference of Toronto in 2004, is rarely mentioned. French incidence is low. Non-hemolytic febrile reactions, allergies, infections and pulmonary embolism are also reported. The objective of this work was to determine the statistical importance of the different respiratory complications of blood transfusion. This work was conducted retrospectively on transfusion accidents in six health centers in Champagne-Ardenne, reported to Hemovigilance between 2000 and 2009 and having respiratory symptoms. The analysis of data was conducted by an expert committee. Eighty-three cases of respiratory complications are found (316,864 blood products). We have counted 26 TACO, 12 TRALI (only 6 cases were identified in the original investigation of Hemovigilance), 18 non-hemolytic febrile reactions, 16 cases of allergies, 5 transfusions transmitted bacterial infections and 2 pulmonary embolisms. Six new TRALI were diagnosed previously labeled TACO for 2 of them, allergy and infection in 2 other cases and diagnosis considered unknown for the last 2. Our study found an incidence of TRALI 2 times higher than that reported previously. Interpretation of the data by a multidisciplinary committee amended 20% of diagnoses. This study shows the imperfections of our system for reporting accidents of blood transfusion when a single observer analyses the medical records.

Risk factors and outcomes in transfusion-associated circulatory overload

BACKGROUND

Transfusion-associated circulatory overload is characterized by new respiratory distress and hydrostatic pulmonary edema within 6 hours after blood transfusion, but its risk factors and outcomes are poorly characterized.

METHODS

Using a case control design, we enrolled 83 patients with severe transfusion-associated circulatory overload identified by active surveillance for hypoxemia and 163 transfused controls at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and Mayo Clinic (Rochester, Minn) hospitals. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using multivariable logistic regression, and survival and length of stay were analyzed using proportional hazard models.

RESULTS

Transfusion-associated circulatory overload was associated with chronic renal failure (OR 27.0; 95% CI, 5.2-143), a past history of heart failure (OR 6.6; 95% CI, 2.1-21), hemorrhagic shock (OR 113; 95% CI, 14.1-903), number of blood products transfused (OR 1.11 per unit; 95% CI, 1.01-1.22), and fluid balance per hour (OR 9.4 per liter; 95% CI, 3.1-28). Patients with transfusion-associated circulatory overload had significantly increased in-hospital mortality (hazard ratio 3.20; 95% CI, 1.23-8.10) after controlling for Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation-II (APACHE-II) score, and longer hospital and intensive care unit lengths of stay.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of transfusion-associated circulatory overload increases with the number of blood products administered and a positive fluid balance, and in patients with pre-existing heart failure and chronic renal failure. These data, if replicated, could be used to construct predictive algorithms for transfusion-associated circulatory overload, and subsequent modifications of transfusion practice might prevent morbidity and mortality associated with this complication.

[The immunological conflict in the transfusion-related acute lung injury or TRALI]

Despite its underrated incidence, transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) is the leading cause of transfusion-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. The pulmonary edema in TRALI occurs in the course of the transfusion of apheresis products or erythrocyte concentrates. Its pathogenesis is attributed to the infusion of donor antibodies that recognize leucocyte antigens in the transfused host, with subsequent sequestration of leucocytes in the pulmonary vessels. It is also associated with the passive transfer of lipids and other biological response modifiers that accumulate during the storage or processing of blood components. The innate immunity and inflammatory kinins are key components. The knowledge of its etiopathogenesis must come into play for improving prevention and diagnosis and for application of adapted care of the patient.