1
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Lim HJ, Yune S, Cho D. Blood group antigens and antibodies in East Asia and their impact on transfusion practice. Transfusion 2025. [PMID: 40260692 DOI: 10.1111/trf.18253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2024] [Revised: 03/31/2025] [Accepted: 04/01/2025] [Indexed: 04/24/2025]
Affiliation(s)
- Ha Jin Lim
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School and Chonnam National University Hospital, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Sehyo Yune
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Duck Cho
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Genetics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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2
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Kumari B, Hasan M, Irfan S, Khalid A, Moiz B. Bacterial contamination of platelets concentrates in a lower middle-income country: Data from a single tertiary care hospital. Transfus Apher Sci 2024; 63:104018. [PMID: 39426024 DOI: 10.1016/j.transci.2024.104018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2024] [Accepted: 10/15/2024] [Indexed: 10/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transfusion of bacterially contaminated platelets may cause life threatening sepsis in the recipients. Cost of platelet screening is a major challenge for low middle income countries (LMICs). In this study, we evaluated the frequency of bacterial contamination in the platelet units (PUs) and the outcome of transfusing such platelets to the patients in a single institute at Pakistan. MATERIAL AND METHODS During 2018-2022, whole blood-derived (WB-PU) and apheresis platelets (AP) were screened by BacT-ALERT® automated system. Single sample from each AP and samples from ≤ 5 WB-PUs were pooled and cultured within 24 h-post collection. An initial positive signal was followed by re-culture, Gram's staining, pool resolution and bacterial identification. Results were interpreted as 'confirmed positive' or 'indeterminate' and 'confirmed negative' based on differences in initial-reactive and final results. RESULTS A total of 84246 PUs (476 AP and 83770 WB-PU) was screened, and 239 (0.28 %) culture bottles were positive on day one. Individual cultures were performed on 1378 PUs (239 bottles) for pool resolution. Seven of 1378 (0.5 %) PUs were 'confirmed positive' while 1371 (99.4 %) were 'indeterminate'. No bacterial growth was observed in 82868 (82392 WB-PU and 476 AP) of 84246 (98.3 %). Overall bacterial contamination rate was low at 1 in 12000 PUs approximately. Seven patients were transfused with contaminated PUs but no transfusion reaction was observed. CONCLUSION An insignificant risk of bacterial contamination was observed in this study but remains a concern for patient safety. LMICs need cost effective but efficient techniques to screen platelets for the presence of bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhawna Kumari
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.
| | - Muhammad Hasan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.
| | - Seema Irfan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.
| | | | - Bushra Moiz
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.
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3
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Tadasa E, Adissu W, Bekele M, Arega G, Gedefaw L. Incidence of acute transfusion reactions and associated factors among adult blood-transfused patients at Jimma University Medical Center, southwest Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e39137. [PMID: 39121245 PMCID: PMC11315494 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000039137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute transfusion reaction is mainly related to the infusion of blood or blood products resulting at any time within a day of the intervention. It ranges from a non-specific febrile episode to a life-threatening intravascular hemolysis. The severity of the reaction and the degree of morbidity are usually related to the degree of ABO incompatibility and the volume of blood transfused. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the incidence of acute transfusion reactions and its associated factors in Jimma University Medical Center, southwest Ethiopia. Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 October to December 30, 2020. A total of 384 transfused patients were followed in this study. Socio-demographic and clinical data were collected through a structured questionnaire. Baseline measurement and 24-hour periodic vital signs monitoring were conducted after each transfusion. Four milliliters of venous blood were drawn after transfusion intervention from each distrusted patient for complete blood count, blood group phenotype, direct antihuman globulin test (DAT), and crossmatching. Data were entered into Epi data version 3.1 and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science software (SPSS) version 20. Descriptive statistics, and bivariable and multivariable logistic regression were employed to test the association between independent and dependent variables. A P value ≤ .05 was considered to indicate statistical significance. Acute transfusion reactions were diagnosed in 5.7% of patients, with most of these reactions were febrile nonhemolytic reactions (63.6%) followed by allergic (36.4%) reactions with mild clinical manifestations (27.3%). Transfusion history, transfused blood that was kept for more than 13 days, abortion history, and number of transfused units (≥3 units of blood/blood component) have 3.3, 3.85, 4.2, and 3.9 times greater odds, respectively, besides their significant association with the incidence of acute transfusion reactions. Patients with a history of previous transfusion, abortion, multi-unit transfusion, and patients transfused with blood stored for ≥14 days should be closely monitored. Starting a hemovigilance system of monitoring, collecting, and evaluating data on adverse effects of blood transfusion locally and nationally will decrease the occurrence of acute transfusion reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edosa Tadasa
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Wondimagegn Adissu
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
- Clinical Trial Unit, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Misgana Bekele
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Gebeyaw Arega
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Lealem Gedefaw
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
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4
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Riley W, Love K, Saxon M, Tobian A, Bloch EM, Kasirye R, Lubega I, Musisi E, Dhabangi A, Kyeyune D, McCullough J. A Model for Estimating the Burden of Disease of Transfusion-Transmitted Infection. Int J Public Health 2024; 69:1607165. [PMID: 39165294 PMCID: PMC11333201 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2024.1607165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives Blood transfusion is an important mode of infectious disease transmission in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study describes a model to determine the prevalence of transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) and the associated burden of disease. Methods A five-step model was developed to determine the TTI-related burden of disease measured by disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Uganda was selected as the study country. Results Approximately 298,266 units of blood were transfused in Uganda in 2019, yielding an estimated TTI incidence of 6,858 new TTIs (2.3% of transfused units) and prevalence of 19,141 TTIs (6.4% of transfused units). The total burden of disease is 2,903 DALYs, consisting of approximately 2,590 years of life lost (YLLs), and 313 years lived with disability (YLDs). Conclusion The incidence and prevalence of TTIs and the associated burden of disease can be calculated on a local and national level. The model can be applied by health ministries to estimate the impact of TTIs in order to develop blood safety strategies to reduce the burden of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Riley
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University Downtown Phoenix Campus, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Kailey Love
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University Downtown Phoenix Campus, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Mary Saxon
- Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Aaron Tobian
- School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Evan M. Bloch
- School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Ronnie Kasirye
- Makerere University - Johns Hopkins University Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Irene Lubega
- Makerere University - Johns Hopkins University Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ezra Musisi
- Uganda Blood Transfusion Services, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Aggrey Dhabangi
- Makerere University - Johns Hopkins University Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Jeffrey McCullough
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University Downtown Phoenix Campus, Phoenix, AZ, United States
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5
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Jacobs JW, Stephens LD, Milner DA, Bloch EM, Goel R, Tobian AAR, Shibemba AL, Eichbaum Q. Survey of blood collection and transfusion practices among institutions in Africa. Transfusion 2023; 63:1849-1858. [PMID: 37646070 DOI: 10.1111/trf.17501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Dramatic improvements in blood transfusion have occurred during the last two decades. Transfusion medicine services and practices in Africa remain underexplored. METHODS A survey of blood bank/transfusion medicine (BBTM) practices, available blood products, blood product source(s), pre-transfusion testing, and blood donor infectious disease testing methodologies across Africa was performed using the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) listserv. Survey recipients included hospital-based laboratories/blood banks, national transfusion medicine services, and free-standing laboratories (collectively referred to as institutions). RESULTS Responses from a total of 81 institutions across 22 countries were analyzed. All 81 institutions provide at least one type of blood product-whole blood, red blood cells (RBCs), platelets, plasma, and cryoprecipitate, with whole blood (90.1%, 73 of 81) and RBCs (79.0%, 64 of 81) most common, while cryoprecipitate is least common (12.4%, 10 of 81). Only five countries had a responding institution that provides all types of products. Among institutions that collect blood onsite, the most common sources of blood products are patients' family members (94.1%, 48 of 51) and pre-screened on-demand volunteer donors (82.4%, 42 of 51). The most commonly screened infectious agents are HIV and hepatitis B virus (both 81.5%), while 70.4% (57 of 81) test for hepatitis C virus (HCV) and Treponema pallidum. DISCUSSION This study highlights significant variability and restrictions in blood product availability, pre-transfusion testing, and blood donor infectious disease testing across Africa. Further studies are needed to ascertain barriers to improving blood donor availability, blood product safety, and infectious disease testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy W Jacobs
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Laura D Stephens
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Danny A Milner
- American Society for Clinical Pathology, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Evan M Bloch
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ruchika Goel
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Simmons Cancer Institute at SIU School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois, USA
| | - Aaron A R Tobian
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Aaron Lunda Shibemba
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Quentin Eichbaum
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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6
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Bloch EM, Kyeyune D, White JL, Ddungu H, Ashokkumar S, Habtehyimer F, Baker O, Kasirye R, Patel EU, Grabowski MK, Musisi E, Moses K, Hume HA, Lubega I, Shrestha R, Motevalli M, Fernandez RE, Reynolds SJ, Redd AD, Wambongo Musana H, Dhabangi A, Ouma J, Eroju P, de Lange T, Fowler MG, Musoke P, Stramer SL, Whitby D, Zimmerman PA, McCullough J, Sachithanandham J, Pekosz A, Goodrich R, Quinn TC, Ness PM, Laeyendecker O, Tobian AAR. SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence among blood donors in Uganda: 2019-2022. Transfusion 2023; 63:1354-1365. [PMID: 37255467 PMCID: PMC10525030 DOI: 10.1111/trf.17449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The true burden of COVID-19 in low- and middle-income countries remains poorly characterized, especially in Africa. Even prior to the availability of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, countries in Africa had lower numbers of reported COVID-19 related hospitalizations and deaths than other regions globally. METHODS Ugandan blood donors were evaluated between October 2019 and April 2022 for IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N), spike (S), and five variants of the S protein using multiplexed electrochemiluminescence immunoassays (MesoScale Diagnostics, Rockville, MD). Seropositivity for N and S was assigned using manufacturer-provided cutoffs and trends in seroprevalence were estimated by quarter. Statistically significant associations between N and S antibody seropositivity and donor characteristics in November-December 2021 were assessed by chi-square tests. RESULTS A total of 5393 blood unit samples from donors were evaluated. N and S seropositivity increased throughout the pandemic to 82.6% in January-April 2022. Among seropositive individuals, N and S antibody levels increased ≥9-fold over the study period. In November-December 2021, seropositivity to N and S antibody was higher among repeat donors (61.3%) compared with new donors (55.1%; p = .043) and among donors from Kampala (capital city of Uganda) compared with rural regions (p = .007). Seropositivity to S antibody was significantly lower among HIV-seropositive individuals (58.8% vs. 84.9%; p = .009). CONCLUSIONS Despite previously reported low numbers of COVID-19 cases and related deaths in Uganda, high SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and increasing antibody levels among blood donors indicated that the country experienced high levels of infection over the course of the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan M Bloch
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Jodie L White
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Swetha Ashokkumar
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Feben Habtehyimer
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Owen Baker
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Eshan U Patel
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - M Kate Grabowski
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ezra Musisi
- Uganda Blood Transfusion Services, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Khan Moses
- Uganda Blood Transfusion Services, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Heather A Hume
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Montreal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Ruchee Shrestha
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Mahnaz Motevalli
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Reinaldo E Fernandez
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Steven J Reynolds
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Andrew D Redd
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Aggrey Dhabangi
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joseph Ouma
- MUJHU Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Telsa de Lange
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Office of Cyber Infrastructure and Computational Biology, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Mary Glenn Fowler
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Susan L Stramer
- Scientific Affairs, American Red Cross, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
| | - Denise Whitby
- Viral Oncology Section, AIDS and Cancer Virus Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Peter A Zimmerman
- The Center for Global Health & Diseases, Pathology Department, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Jeffrey McCullough
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Jaiprasath Sachithanandham
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Andrew Pekosz
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Raymond Goodrich
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Thomas C Quinn
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Paul M Ness
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Oliver Laeyendecker
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Aaron A R Tobian
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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7
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Okello CD, Shih AW, Angucia B, Kiwanuka N, Heddle N, Orem J, Mayanja-Kizza H. Mortality and its associated factors in transfused patients at a tertiary hospital in Uganda. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0275126. [PMID: 36137107 PMCID: PMC9499229 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0275126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Blood transfusion is life-saving but sometimes also associated with morbidity and mortality. There is limited data on mortality in patients transfused with whole blood in sub-Saharan Africa. We described the 30-day all-cause mortality and its associated factors in patients transfused with whole blood to inform appropriate clinical intervention and research priorities to mitigate potential risks. A retrospective study was performed on purposively sampled patients transfused with whole blood at the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) and Mulago hospital in the year 2018. Two thousand twelve patients with a median (IQR) age of 39 (28–54) years were enrolled over a four month period. There were 1,107 (55%) females. Isolated HIV related anaemia (228, 11.3%), gynaecological cancers (208, 10.3%), unexplained anaemia (186, 9.2%), gastrointestinal cancers (148, 7.4%), and kidney disease (141, 7.0%) were the commonest diagnoses. Most patients were transfused with only one unit of blood (n = 1232, 61.2%). The 30 day all-cause mortality rate was 25.2%. Factors associated with mortality were isolated HIV related anaemia (HR 3.2, 95% CI, 2.3–4.4), liver disease (HR 3.0, 95% CI, 2.0–4.5), kidney disease (HR 2.2, 95% CI, 1.5–3.3; p<0.01), cardiovascular disease (HR 2.9, 95% CI, 1.6–5.4; p<0.01), respiratory disease (HR 3.0, 95% CI 1.8–4.9; p<0.01), diabetes mellitus (HR 4.1, 95% CI, 2.3–7.4; p<0.01) and sepsis (HR 6.2, 95% CI 3.7–10.4; p<0.01). Transfusion with additional blood was associated with survival (HR 0.8, 95% CI 0.7–0.9, p<0.01). In conclusion, the 30-day all-cause mortality was higher than in the general inpatients. Factors associated with mortality were isolated HIV related anaemia, kidney disease, liver disease, respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus and sepsis. Transfusion with additional blood was associated with survival. These findings require further prospective evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrew W. Shih
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Noah Kiwanuka
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Nancy Heddle
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | | | - Harriet Mayanja-Kizza
- Department of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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8
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Kasirye R, Hume HA, Bloch EM, Lubega I, Kyeyune D, Shrestha R, Ddungu H, Musana HW, Dhabangi A, Ouma J, Eroju P, de Lange T, Tartakovsky M, White JL, Kakura C, Fowler MG, Musoke P, Nolan M, Grabowski MK, Moulton LH, Stramer SL, Whitby D, Zimmerman PA, Wabwire D, Kajja I, McCullough J, Goodrich R, Quinn TC, Cortes R, Ness PM, Tobian AAR. The Mirasol Evaluation of Reduction in Infections Trial (MERIT): study protocol for a randomized controlled clinical trial. Trials 2022; 23:257. [PMID: 35379302 PMCID: PMC8978156 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06137-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) are a global health challenge. One new approach to reduce TTIs is the use of pathogen reduction technology (PRT). In vitro, Mirasol PRT reduces the infectious load in whole blood (WB) by at least 99%. However, there are limited in vivo data on the safety and efficacy of Mirasol PRT. The objective of the Mirasol Evaluation of Reduction in Infections Trial (MERIT) is to investigate whether Mirasol PRT of WB can prevent seven targeted TTIs (malaria, bacteria, human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, hepatitis E virus, and human herpesvirus 8). METHODS MERIT is a randomized, double-blinded, controlled clinical trial. Recruitment started in November 2019 and is expected to end in 2024. Consenting participants who require transfusion as medically indicated at three hospitals in Kampala, Uganda, will be randomized to receive either Mirasol-treated WB (n = 1000) or standard WB (n = 1000). TTI testing will be performed on donor units and recipients (pre-transfusion and day 2, day 7, week 4, and week 10 after transfusion). The primary endpoint is the cumulative incidence of one or more targeted TTIs from the Mirasol-treated WB vs. standard WB in a previously negative recipient for the specific TTI that is also detected in the donor unit. Log-binomial regression models will be used to estimate the relative risk reduction of a TTI by 10 weeks associated with Mirasol PRT. The clinical effectiveness of Mirasol WB compared to standard WB products in recipients will also be evaluated. DISCUSSION Screening infrastructure for TTIs in low-resource settings has gaps, even for major TTIs. PRT presents a fast, potentially cost-effective, and easy-to-use technology to improve blood safety. MERIT is the largest clinical trial designed to evaluate the use of Mirasol PRT for WB. In addition, this trial will provide data on TTIs in Uganda. TRIAL REGISTRATION Mirasol Evaluation of Reduction in Infections Trial (MERIT) NCT03737669 . Registered on 9 November 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronnie Kasirye
- grid.421981.7MUJHU Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Heather A. Hume
- grid.14848.310000 0001 2292 3357Department of Pediatrics, University of Montreal, Montréal, QC Canada
| | - Evan M. Bloch
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Irene Lubega
- grid.421981.7MUJHU Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Ruchee Shrestha
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Henry Ddungu
- grid.512320.70000 0004 6015 3252Uganda Cancer Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Aggrey Dhabangi
- grid.11194.3c0000 0004 0620 0548Child Health and Development Centre, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joseph Ouma
- grid.421981.7MUJHU Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Telsa de Lange
- grid.419681.30000 0001 2164 9667National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Office of Cyber Infrastructure and Computational Biology, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Michael Tartakovsky
- grid.419681.30000 0001 2164 9667National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Office of Cyber Infrastructure and Computational Biology, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Jodie L. White
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Ceasar Kakura
- grid.421981.7MUJHU Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Mary Glenn Fowler
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Philippa Musoke
- grid.11194.3c0000 0004 0620 0548Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Monica Nolan
- grid.421981.7MUJHU Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - M. Kate Grabowski
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Lawrence H. Moulton
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of International Health, School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Susan L. Stramer
- grid.281926.60000 0001 2214 8581Department of Scientific Affairs, American Red Cross, Gaithersburg, MD USA
| | - Denise Whitby
- grid.418021.e0000 0004 0535 8394Leidos Biomedical Research, AIDS and Cancer Virus Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD USA
| | - Peter A. Zimmerman
- grid.67105.350000 0001 2164 3847The Center for Global Health & Diseases, Pathology Department, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH USA
| | - Deo Wabwire
- grid.421981.7MUJHU Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Isaac Kajja
- grid.11194.3c0000 0004 0620 0548Department of Orthopaedics, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jeffrey McCullough
- grid.215654.10000 0001 2151 2636College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ USA
| | - Raymond Goodrich
- grid.47894.360000 0004 1936 8083Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO USA
| | - Thomas C. Quinn
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA ,grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of International Health, School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA ,grid.94365.3d0000 0001 2297 5165Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | | | - Paul M. Ness
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Aaron A. R. Tobian
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA ,grid.11194.3c0000 0004 0620 0548Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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9
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Kamel H, Ramirez-Arcos S, McDonald C. The international experience of bacterial screen testing of platelet components with automated microbial detection systems: An update. Vox Sang 2022; 117:647-655. [PMID: 35178718 DOI: 10.1111/vox.13247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
In 2014, the bacterial subgroup of the Transfusion-Transmitted Infectious Diseases working party of ISBT published a review on the International Experience of Bacterial Screen Testing of Platelet Components (PCs) with an Automated Microbial Detection System. The purpose of this review, which is focused on publications on or after 2014, is to summarize recent experiences related to bacterial contamination of PCs and the use of an automated culture method to safeguard the blood supply. We first reviewed septic transfusion reactions after PC transfusion as reported in national haemovigilance systems along with a few reports from various countries on bacterial contamination of blood products. Next, we reviewed PC automated culture protocols employed by national blood services in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and large blood collection organization and hospital transfusion services in the United States. Then, we acknowledged the limitations of currently available culture methodologies in abating the risks of transfusion-transmitted bacterial infection, through a review of case reports. This review was neither meant to be critical of the literature reviewed nor meant to identify or recommend a best practice. We concluded that significant risk reduction can be achieved by one or a combination of more than one strategy. No one approach is feasible for all institutions worldwide. In selecting strategies, institutions should consider the possible impact on platelet components availability and entertain a risk-based decision-making approach that accounts for operational, logistical and financial factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hany Kamel
- Medical Affairs, Vitalant, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
| | - Sandra Ramirez-Arcos
- Medical Affairs and Innovation, Canadian Blood Services, Ottawa, Canada.,University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
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10
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Gao Y, Liu Q, Shen Y, Li Y, Shao K, Ye B, Shen Y, Zhou Y, Wu D. Effect of avatrombopag in the management of severe and refractory chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia (CIT) in patients with solid tumors. Platelets 2022; 33:1024-1030. [PMID: 35040375 DOI: 10.1080/09537104.2022.2026910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia (CIT) is a common complication in cancer patients, especially after multiple cycles of chemotherapy, which leads to the delayed treatment or reduced dosage. The treatment of CIT is limited for refractory and severe cases. Herein we reported a single-center study of avatrombopag, a type of thrombopoietin receptor agonist (TPO-RA), for the treatment of severe and refractory (S/R) CIT who failed from multi-line treatments. A total of 13 cancer patients with S/R CIT were enrolled at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University from September 2020 to February 2021. All the patients were administered oral avatrombopag at an initial dose of 60 mg/day, which could be decreased as needed, over a period of 8 weeks. Eight (8/13, 61.5%) patients responded to avatrombopag (with a platelet count ≥50 × 109/L and transfusion independent), with a median response time of 27.5 (11-50) days, and the median cumulative day of platelet response was 79 (20-167). Ten of 13 patients (76.9%) no longer required platelet transfusion at the study endpoint. The predictor of response was the level of hemoglobin (HB) at study entry, patients with an HB over 90 g/L achieved a response rate of 88.9%. In addition, platelet count showed 87.5% sensitivity and 100% specificity to predict the treatment response at a cutoff value of 25.5× 109/L at the end of the third week management. No drug-related side effects were noticed during administration. Our study showed that avatrombopag could be a novel and effective drug for the treatment of severe and refractory CIT, especially for those with hemoglobin above 90 g/L. This study was registered at chictr.org.cn as # ChiCTR2100050646.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanting Gao
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qi Liu
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yingying Shen
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuzhu Li
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Keding Shao
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Office of Academic Research, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Baodong Ye
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yiping Shen
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuhong Zhou
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Dijiong Wu
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,The First School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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11
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Ahmad Y, Heroes AS, Hume HA, Farouk M, Owusu-Ofori A, Gehrie EA, Goel R, Ness PM, Tobian AAR, Bloch EM. Bacterial contamination of blood products in Africa. Transfusion 2021; 61:767-780. [PMID: 33469916 DOI: 10.1111/trf.16262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bacterial contamination of blood components (notably platelets) remains a leading infectious risk to the blood supply. There has been extensive research in high-income countries to characterize the risk of bacterial contamination along with adoption of strategies to mitigate that risk. By contrast, related data in Africa are lacking. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS An electronic survey was distributed to members of African Society of Blood Transfusion to assess existing or planned measures at African blood centers and hospitals to mitigate bacterial contamination of blood products. A literature review of studies pertaining to related transfusion-associated risk in Africa was conducted to complement the findings. RESULTS Forty-five responses were received, representing 16 African countries. All respondents were urban, either in blood centers (n = 36) or hospital-based transfusion services (n = 9). Reported measures included skin disinfection (n = 41 [91.1%]); diversion pouches (n = 14 [31.1%]); bacterial culture (n = 9 [20%]); pathogen reduction (PR) (n = 3 [6.7%]); and point-of-release testing (PoRT) (n = 2 [4.4%]). Measures being considered for implementation included: skin disinfection (n = 2 [4.4%]); diversion pouches (n = 2 [4.4%]); bacterial culture n = 14 (31.1%); PR (n = 11 [24.4%]); and PoRT (n = 4 [8.9%]). Of the 38 respondents who reported collection of platelets, 14 (36.8%) and 8 (21.1%) reported using diversion pouches and bacterial culture, respectively. The literature review identified 36 studies on the epidemiology of bacterial contamination and septic transfusion reactions in Africa; rates of contamination ranged from 0% to 17.9%. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that prevention of bacterial contamination of blood components and transfusion-associated sepsis in Africa remains neglected. Regional preventive measures have not been widely adopted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yembur Ahmad
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Anne-Sophie Heroes
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerpen, Belgium
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Heather A Hume
- Department of Pediatrics, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Alex Owusu-Ofori
- School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Eric A Gehrie
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ruchika Goel
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Paul M Ness
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Aaron A R Tobian
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Evan M Bloch
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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12
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Bacterial contamination of blood products for transfusion in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: temperature monitoring, qualitative and semi-quantitative culture. BLOOD TRANSFUSION = TRASFUSIONE DEL SANGUE 2020; 18:348-358. [PMID: 32931413 DOI: 10.2450/2020.0108-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bacterial contamination of blood for transfusion is rarely investigated in low-income countries. We determined the contamination rate of blood products in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. MATERIAL AND METHODS In this prospective observational study, blood products in one rural and two urban hospitals (paediatric and general) contained a satellite sampling bag by which blood was sampled for culture in a blood culture bottle (4 mL) and on an agar-coated slide to estimate colony forming units (CFU/mL). Bacteria were identified with biochemical tests and MALDI-TOF (Bruker). Exposure time >10 °C was assessed on a subset of blood products. RESULTS In total, 1.4% (41 of 2,959) of blood products were contaminated with 48 bacterial isolates. Skin (e.g., Staphylococcus spp.) and environmental (e.g., Bacillus spp.) bacteria predominated (97.8% of 45 isolates identified). Bacterial counts were ≤103 CFU/mL. Contamination rates for the urban paediatric, urban general and rural hospitals were 1.6%, 2.4% and 0.3%, respectively (p=0.004). None of the following variables was significantly associated with contamination: (i) donor type (voluntary 1.6%, family 1.2%, paid 3.9%); (ii) type of blood product (red cells 1.6%, whole blood 0.6%); (ii) season (dry season 2.4%, rainy season 1.8%); (iv) age of blood product (contaminated 8 days vs non-contaminated 6 days); and (v) exposure time >10 °C (median for contaminated and non-contaminated blood reached maximum test limit of 8 hours). DISCUSSION A bacterial contamination rate of 1.4% of whole blood and red cells is similar to results from high-income countries. Implementation of feasible risk-mitigation measures is needed.
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Dhabangi A, Musisi E, Kyeyune D. Improving blood transfusion safety in resource-poor countries: a case study of using leucocyte reduced blood in Uganda. Afr Health Sci 2020; 20:977-983. [PMID: 33163066 PMCID: PMC7609088 DOI: 10.4314/ahs.v20i2.54] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The majority of blood transfusion safety strategies recommended by the WHO for resource-poor countries focus mainly on reducing the risk of transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs). Other technologies such as leucocyte reduction may represent complementary strategies for improving transfusion safety. Objective: To evaluate the role of using leucocyte reduced blood in a resource-poor country. Methods: Pre-storage leucocyte reduced (LR) red blood cells (RBCs) were specially prepared for the Tissue Oxygenation by Transfusion in severe Anaemia and Lactic acidosis (TOTAL) study, at the Uganda Blood Transfusion Services from February 2013 through May 2015. Quality control tests were performed to evaluate the procedure, and the incremental cost of an LR-RBC unit was estimated. Results: A total of 608 RBCs units were leucocyte reduced. Quality control tests were performed on 55 random RBCs units. The median (IQR) residual leucocyte count was 4 (0·5–10) WBC/uL, equivalent to 1·8x106 WBC per unit. The estimated incremental unit cost of leucocyte reduction was $37 USD per LR RBC unit. Conclusion: Leucocyte reduction of blood in a resource-poor country is doable although relatively costly. As such, its value in resource-poor countries should be weighed against other transfusion safety propositions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aggrey Dhabangi
- Child Health and Development Centre, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
- Corresponding author: Aggrey Dhabangi, Child Health and Development Centre, Makerere University College of Health Sciences. Mulago upper hill road, P. O. Box 6717 Kampala, Uganda Tel: +256772833789
| | - Ezra Musisi
- Uganda Blood Transfusion Services, Kampala, Uganda
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14
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Fong IW. Blood Transfusion-Associated Infections in the Twenty-First Century: New Challenges. CURRENT TRENDS AND CONCERNS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2020. [PMCID: PMC7120358 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-36966-8_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Blood transfusions are vital components of modern medical treatment to which there is no viable alternative despite efforts to create artificial blood. Each year thousands of lives are saved by blood transfusions in every country of the world. However, blood and blood products can result in significant adverse events including immunologic reactions, infections, inefficacy, and others which can sometimes result in death and severe disability. Thus, the sustainability of safe blood systems and costs are considered to be at crisis level. In industrialized countries, the risk of transfusion-transmitted infections such as HIV, syphilis, hepatitis viruses B and C are very low [generally [<1 in a million units], but in developing countries [especially in Africa] blood safety is still not assured. Compounding the problem of blood/product safety with respect to infectious agents are new emerging infectious microbes that are not being routinely tested for in blood that are donated. This chapter reviews the infectious risk of blood transfusions, types, mode and geographic variation, and the methods being used by blood services to attenuate and prevent these risks.
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15
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Dhabangi A, Dzik WH, Idro R, John CC, Butler EK, Spijker R, Hensbroek MB. Blood use in sub‐Saharan Africa: a systematic review of current data. Transfusion 2019; 59:2446-2454. [DOI: 10.1111/trf.15280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Revised: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Aggrey Dhabangi
- Child Health and Development CentreMakerere University, College of Health Sciences Kampala Uganda
| | - Walter H. Dzik
- Department of Pathology (Transfusion)Harvard University / Massachusetts General Hospital Boston Massachusetts
| | - Richard Idro
- Department of Pediatrics and Child HealthMakerere University, College of Health Sciences Kampala Uganda
| | - Chandy C. John
- Ryan White Centre for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global HealthIndiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis Indiana
| | - Elissa K. Butler
- SUNY Upstate Medical University Syracuse New York
- Harborview Injury Prevention and Research CenterUniversity of Washington Seattle Washington
| | - Rene Spijker
- Department of Global Child HealthEmma Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam the Netherlands
| | - Michael B. Hensbroek
- Department of Global Child HealthEmma Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam the Netherlands
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16
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Jentsch U, Swanevelder R. Bacterial surveillance of apheresis platelets in South Africa (January 2011 to December 2016). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/voxs.12474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ute Jentsch
- Medical Department South African National Blood Service Roodepoort South Africa
| | - Ronel Swanevelder
- Business Intelligence South African National Blood Service Roodepoort South Africa
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17
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Weimer A, Tagny CT, Tapko JB, Gouws C, Tobian AAR, Ness PM, Bloch EM. Blood transfusion safety in sub-Saharan Africa: A literature review of changes and challenges in the 21st century. Transfusion 2018; 59:412-427. [PMID: 30615810 DOI: 10.1111/trf.14949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Revised: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Access to a safe, adequate blood supply has proven challenging in sub-Saharan Africa, where systemic deficiencies spanning policy, collections, testing, and posttransfusion surveillance have long been recognized. Progress in transfusion safety in the early 2000s was in large part due to intervention by the World Health Organization and other foreign governmental bodies, coupled with an influx of external funding. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS A review of the literature was conducted to identify articles pertaining to blood safety in sub-Saharan Africa from January 2009 to March 2018. The search was directed toward addressing the major elements of the blood safety chain, in the countries comprising the World Health Organization African region. Of 1380 articles, 531 met inclusion criteria and 136 articles were reviewed. RESULTS External support has been associated with increased recruitment of voluntary donors and expanded testing for the major transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs). However, the rates of TTIs among donors remain high. Regional education and training initiatives have been implemented, and a tiered accreditation process has been adopted. However, a general decline in funding for transfusion safety (2009 onwards) has strained the ability to maintain or improve transfusion-related services. Critical areas of need include data collection and dissemination, epidemiological surveillance for TTIs, donor recruitment, quality assurance and oversight (notably laboratory testing), and hemovigilance. CONCLUSION Diminishing external support has been challenging for regional transfusion services. Critical areas of deficiency in regional blood transfusion safety remain. Nonetheless, substantive gains in education, training, and accreditation suggest durable gains in regional capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Weimer
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Department of Pathology, Baltimore, Baltimore, MD
| | - C T Tagny
- Hematology and Blood Transfusion service, University Teaching Hospital, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - J B Tapko
- African Society of Blood Transfusion, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - C Gouws
- Blood Transfusion Service of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - A A R Tobian
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Department of Pathology, Baltimore, Baltimore, MD
| | - P M Ness
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Department of Pathology, Baltimore, Baltimore, MD
| | - E M Bloch
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Department of Pathology, Baltimore, Baltimore, MD
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18
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Tobian AAR, Hume HA. Quest for the holy grail: pathogen reduction in low-income countries. Transfusion 2018; 58:836-839. [PMID: 29633320 DOI: 10.1111/trf.14544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Heather A Hume
- CHU Ste Justine, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
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19
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Erony SM, Marshall CE, Gehrie EA, Boyd JS, Ness PM, Tobian AA, Carroll KC, Blagg L, Shifflett L, Bloch EM. The epidemiology of bacterial culture-positive and septic transfusion reactions at a large tertiary academic center: 2009 to 2016. Transfusion 2018; 58:1933-1939. [DOI: 10.1111/trf.14789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Revised: 04/08/2018] [Accepted: 04/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sean M. Erony
- Johns Hopkins Hospital and Medical Institutions; Baltimore Maryland
| | | | - Eric A. Gehrie
- Johns Hopkins Hospital and Medical Institutions; Baltimore Maryland
| | - Joan S. Boyd
- Johns Hopkins Hospital and Medical Institutions; Baltimore Maryland
| | - Paul M. Ness
- Johns Hopkins Hospital and Medical Institutions; Baltimore Maryland
| | | | - Karen C. Carroll
- Johns Hopkins Hospital and Medical Institutions; Baltimore Maryland
| | - Lorraine Blagg
- Johns Hopkins Hospital and Medical Institutions; Baltimore Maryland
| | - Lisa Shifflett
- Johns Hopkins Hospital and Medical Institutions; Baltimore Maryland
| | - Evan M. Bloch
- Johns Hopkins Hospital and Medical Institutions; Baltimore Maryland
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20
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Ware AD, Jacquot C, Tobian AAR, Gehrie EA, Ness PM, Bloch EM. Pathogen reduction and blood transfusion safety in Africa: strengths, limitations and challenges of implementation in low-resource settings. Vox Sang 2017; 113:3-12. [PMID: 29193128 DOI: 10.1111/vox.12620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Revised: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Transfusion-transmitted infection risk remains an enduring challenge to blood safety in Africa. A high background incidence and prevalence of the major transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs), dependence on high-risk donors to meet demand, suboptimal testing and quality assurance collectively contribute to the increased risk. With few exceptions, donor testing is confined to serological evaluation of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B and C (HBV and HCV) and syphilis. Barriers to implementation of broader molecular methods include cost, limited infrastructure and lack of technical expertise. Pathogen reduction (PR), a term used to describe a variety of methods (e.g. solvent detergent treatment or photochemical activation) that may be applied to blood following collection, offers the means to diminish the infectious potential of multiple pathogens simultaneously. This is effective against different classes of pathogen, including the major TTIs where laboratory screening is already implemented (e.g. HIV, HBV and HCV) as well pathogens that are widely endemic yet remain unaddressed (e.g. malaria, bacterial contamination). We sought to review the available and emerging PR techniques and their potential application to resource-constrained parts of Africa, focusing on the advantages and disadvantages of such technologies. PR has been slow to be adopted even in high-income countries, primarily given the high costs of use. Logistical considerations, particularly in low-resourced parts of Africa, also raise concerns about practicality. Nonetheless, PR offers a rational, innovative strategy to contend with TTIs; technologies in development may well present a viable complement or even alternative to targeted screening in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- A D Ware
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - C Jacquot
- Children's National Health System and George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - A A R Tobian
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - E A Gehrie
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - P M Ness
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - E M Bloch
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Bloch EM. Residual risk of bacterial contamination: what are the options? Transfusion 2017; 57:2289-2292. [DOI: 10.1111/trf.14306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Evan M. Bloch
- Department of PathologyJohns Hopkins University, School of MedicineBaltimore MD
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Erratum. Transfusion 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/trf.14024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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