Bone Marrow Quality Index: A Predictor of Acute Graft-versus-Host Disease in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for Thalassemia

Bone marrow (BM) continues to be the preferred source of stem cells in allogenic transplantation for nonmalignant disorders. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)-primed BM is associated with low rates of acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) and allows reduced collection volumes while ensuring speedy engraftment. However, variability in BM harvest quality is a concern. This study evaluated the utility of a novel indicator, the Bone Marrow Quality Index (BMQI), to predict aGVHD. We analyzed 184 consecutive first matched related donor bone marrow transplants for thalassemia using G-CSF-primed bone marrow over 6 years from March 2017 to April 2023 across 2 centers in India. BMQI was defined as the ratio of the G-CSF-primed BM WBC count to the peripheral blood WBC count within 24 hours of harvest. European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation criteria were used to grade aGVHD. The log-rank test was used to assess the impact of BMQI on aGVHD. The chi-square test was used to compare categorical data, and the Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used to compare the numerical data. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to investigate the association of BMQI vis-à-vis other factors on aGVHD. Of the 184 patients studied, 19 had a BMQI <.9, 18 had a BMQI between .9 and 1, and the remaining 147 had a BMQI >1. The rate of aGVHD grade II-IV was 37% in patients with a BMQI <.9 , 22% in those with BMQI .9 to 1, and 12% in those with BMQI >1 (P = .018). Patients with BMQI <.9 had a 3.1-fold greater chance (95% confidence interval [CI], .9 to 10.6) and those with BMQI .9 to 1 had a 2-fold greater chance (95% CI, .5 to 6.6) of developing aGVHD grade II-IV. BMQI was the significant predictor associated with aGVHD hazard (P = .014). BMQI appears to be the most relevant and controllable predictor of aGVHD. It is a novel, informative, and very simple indicator that could influence aGVHD prophylaxis decision making. Our indicator is accurately measurable, inexpensive, precise, and timely; furthermore, it does not involve any sophisticated equipment and thus may be widely applicable. Prior knowledge of poor BM quality may help intensify prophylaxis and monitoring for aGVHD, as well as trigger a review of collection procedures.

Information Technology-Assisted Treatment Planning and Performance Assessment for Severe Thalassemia Care in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Observational Study

Background

Successful models of information and communication technology (ICT) applied to cost-effective delivery of quality care in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) are an increasing necessity. Severe thalassemia is one of the most common life-threatening noncommunicable diseases of children globally.

Objective

The aim was to study the impact of ICT on quality of care for severe thalassemia patients in LMIC.

Methods

A total of 1110 patients with severe thalassemia from five centers in India were followed over a 1-year period. The impact of consistent use of a Web-based platform designed to assist comprehensive management of severe thalassemia (ThalCare) on key indicators of quality of care such as minimum (pretransfusion) hemoglobin, serum ferritin, liver size, and spleen size were assessed.

Results

Overall improvements in initial hemoglobin, ferritin, and liver and spleen size were significant (P<.001 for each). For four centers, the improvement in mean pretransfusion hemoglobin level was statistically significant (P<.001). Four of five centers achieved reduction in mean ferritin levels, with two displaying a significant drop in ferritin (P=.004 and P<.001). One of the five centers did not record liver and spleen size on palpation, but of the remaining four centers, two witnessed a large drop in liver and spleen size (P<.01), one witnessed moderate drop (P=.05 for liver; P=.03 for spleen size), while the fourth witnessed a moderate increase in liver size (P=.08) and insignificant change in spleen size (P=.12).

Conclusions

Implementation of computer-assisted treatment planning and performance assessment consistently and positively impacted indexes reflecting effective delivery of care to patients suffering from severe thalassemia in LMIC.

Complications related to blood donation: A multicenter study of the prevalence and influencing factors in voluntary blood donation camps in Karnataka, India

Introduction:

Complications associated with blood donation significantly lower odds of subsequent donations. The aim of the study is to assess the prevalence of complications related to blood donation, identify the influencing factors, and come up with suggestions for minimizing discomfort to donors and making outdoor voluntary blood donation camps safer.

Materials and Methods:

This study covered 181 blood donation camps organized by Sankalp India Foundation where 16 blood banks participated from 01-04-2011 to 01-08-2014 in Karnataka. Uniform protocols for donor selection, predonation preparation, counseling, postdonation care, and refreshments were used. The postdonation complications were recorded on a form immediately, after they were observed.

Results:

We observed 995 (3.2%) complications in 30,928 whole blood donations. Of these 884 (2.86%) mild, 77 (0.25%) moderate, and 5 (0.02%) severe complications were observed. Local symptoms (blood outside vessels, pain, and allergy) contributed 1.0%, and generalized symptoms (vasovagal reaction) contributed 2.2% to all the complications.

Conclusion:

We observed 322 complications for every 10,000 donations. Since 27 out of every 10000 experience moderate and severe complication, the readiness to manage complications is crucial. Women donors, young donors, and donors with a lower weight are at a significantly greater risk of experiencing complications, highlighting the need for specific guidelines for the management of higher risk donor groups. Complications varied significantly between various blood banks. Predonation hydration was effective in limiting complications with generalized symptoms. We recommend a robust donor hemovigilance program for voluntary blood donation for monitoring complications and enable assessment of effectiveness and implementation of appropriate interventions.

A study of the noncompliance of blood banks on safety and quality parameters in blood donation camps in Bengaluru

Aims:

The compliance of safety and quality parameters laid out by national and international guidelines in outdoor blood donation camps has not been studied in India. Our study aimed at identifying, monitoring, analyzing, and developing preventive strategies for several key parameters associated with the quality and safety of outdoor voluntary blood donation camps (VBDC).

Settings:

The study covered a total of 424 VBDCs at various locations in Bengaluru, Karnataka (South India) from 2009 to 2013. Seven government hospitals based blood banks, three private hospitals based blood banks and two voluntary standalone blood banks participated in the VBDCs included in the study.

Materials and Methods:

At the onset, the quality and safety standards to be followed were discussed and agreed upon. During the study, noncompliance (NC) to the agreed upon standards were recorded and shared. Periodic trainings were also organized to help minimize NC.

Results:

One or more instances of NC in 73% of the VBDCs. Highest NC were observed associated with punctuality (34%), wearing gloves (16%), hemoglobin (Hb) estimation (11%) and donor screening and selection other than Hb check (8-9%).

Conclusion:

For all 16 parameters under study, significant NC was observed. As a whole private hospital based blood banks were more noncompliant. The high degree of NC to matters relating to quality and safety in VBDCs is high and warrants for urgent attention and further study. Our study also shows that regular monitoring and systematic and strategic intervention can decrease the rate of NC.

A prospective international cooperative information technology platform built using open-source tools for improving the access to and safety of bone marrow transplantation in low- and middle-income countries

Jagriti Innovations developed a collaboration tool in partnership with the Cure2Children Foundation that has been used by health professionals in Italy, Pakistan, and India for the collaborative management of patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation (BMT) for thalassemia major since August 2008. This online open-access database covers data recording, analyzing, and reporting besides enabling knowledge exchange, telemedicine, capacity building, and quality assurance. As of February 2014, over 2400 patients have been registered and 112 BMTs have been performed with outcomes comparable to international standards, but at a fraction of the cost. This approach avoids medical emigration and contributes to local healthcare strengthening and competitiveness. This paper presents the experience and clinical outcomes associated with the use of this platform built using open-source tools and focusing on a locally pertinent tertiary care procedure—BMT.