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Mantadakis E, Panagopoulou P, Kontekaki E, Bezirgiannidou Z, Martinis G. Iron Deficiency and Blood Donation: Links, Risks and Management. J Blood Med 2022; 13:775-786. [PMID: 36531435 PMCID: PMC9749410 DOI: 10.2147/jbm.s375945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2024] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this review is to raise awareness about the frequently underappreciated association of blood donation with iron deficiency, and to describe methods for its prevention and management. Blood donors cannot expect any health benefits from the donation but have justified expectations of no harm. Iron deficiency without anemia (IDWA) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) are common consequences of regular blood donation, and this activity is the most important factor affecting iron status in regular blood donors. Awareness of blood donation as a primary cause of sideropenia is surprisingly low among physicians. Blood donation screening identifies potential donors with IDA but is frequently inadequate to detect IDWA. For the assessment of body iron stores, plasma or serum ferritin, transferrin saturation (TSAT) and soluble transferrin receptors (sTfR) concentrations are the most widely used biochemical markers, although the percentage of hypochromic mature erythrocytes and the hemoglobin content of reticulocytes are also useful. IDWA can be prevented by limiting the total volume of blood collected, by iron deficiency screening and deferral of sideropenic donors, by prolonging the interdonation intervals, and by iron supplementation between donations. IDWA tends to be more prevalent in younger people, females, and high-intensity donors. A potentially effective strategy to address sideropenia in blood donors is serum ferritin testing, but this may lead to a higher rate of deferral. Most regular blood donors cannot replenish their iron deficit by an iron-rich diet alone and will benefit from low-dose oral iron administration with various commercially available products post-donation, a well-tolerated strategy. However, valid concerns exist regarding the possibility of worsening the iron overload in donors with undiagnosed hemochromatosis or masking the symptoms of a clinically important gastrointestinal hemorrhage or other underlying medical condition. Finally, educational efforts should be intensified to improve the awareness of blood donation as a primary cause of iron deficiency among physicians of all specialties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elpis Mantadakis
- Department of Pediatrics, Hematology/ Oncology Unit, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Thrace, Greece
| | - Paraskevi Panagopoulou
- Department of Pediatrics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Medical School, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eftychia Kontekaki
- Blood Transfusion Centre, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Thrace, Greece
| | - Zoe Bezirgiannidou
- Department of Hematology, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Thrace, Greece
| | - Georges Martinis
- Blood Transfusion Centre, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Thrace, Greece
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Gkirtsou C, Konstantinidis T, Cassimos D, Konstantinidou EI, Kontekaki EG, Rekari V, Bezirtzoglou E, Martinis G, Stergiannis P. Views and Attitudes of Blood Donors toward Blood Donation during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Thrace Region, Greece. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:ijerph19094963. [PMID: 35564360 PMCID: PMC9101185 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19094963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has been going on for the last two years and it has affected our society and, amongst other things, has had a negative impact on blood donation, which has led to a significant reduction in blood supplies worldwide. The imposed restrictions in terms of physical presence and transportation, and the fear of the unknown, have aggravated the situation. In Greece, after the first cases of COVID-19 were reported, the blood supplies at the blood transfusion units (BTUs) were dramatically reduced. Although the blood transfusions were lessened during the COVID-19 pandemic period, the blood stocks at all the BTUs of the country were also reduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Gkirtsou
- Blood Transfusion Center, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis Dragana Campus, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (C.G.); (E.G.K.); (G.M.)
- School of Social Sciences, The Hellenic Open University, 26335 Patra, Greece;
| | - Theocharis Konstantinidis
- Blood Transfusion Center, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis Dragana Campus, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (C.G.); (E.G.K.); (G.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-2551352005
| | - Dimitrios Cassimos
- Pediatric Department, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece;
| | | | - Eftychia G. Kontekaki
- Blood Transfusion Center, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis Dragana Campus, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (C.G.); (E.G.K.); (G.M.)
| | - Viki Rekari
- Blood Transfusion Department, General Hospital of Xanthi, 67100 Xanthi, Greece;
| | - Eugenia Bezirtzoglou
- Laboratory of Hygiene and Environmental Protection, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece;
| | - Georges Martinis
- Blood Transfusion Center, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis Dragana Campus, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (C.G.); (E.G.K.); (G.M.)
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Konstantinidis T, Zisaki S, Mitroulis I, Cassimos D, Nanousi I, Kontekaki EG, Petrakis V, Parrisi K, Fotiadou E, Linardou A, Lemonakis N, Grapsa A, Gioka T, Lazidis L, Papagoras C, Tsigalou C, Panagopoulos P, Skendros P, Martinis G, Panopoulou M. Prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies in a group of patients, a control group, and healthcare workers of Thrace area in Greece, by the use of two distinct methods. Germs 2021; 11:372-380. [PMID: 34722359 DOI: 10.18683/germs.2021.1274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Introduction The aim of this study was to assess the clinical performance of different automated immunoassays available in Europe to detect anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies; an ELISA assay and a CLIA. The second goal was to estimate the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among healthcare workers in Evros area during the first pandemic wave of COVID-19. Methods The study included serum samples from 101 patients with confirmed COVID-19 by RT-PCR and 208 negative patients. Furthermore, it included 1036 healthcare workers (HWs) of the Evros Region, Northern Greece. The measurement of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was performed using the Abbott SARS-CoV-2 IgG and anti-SARS-CoV-2 ELISA IgG assay (Epitope Diagnostics, USA). Results Of 101 confirmed COVID-19 patients, 82 were hospitalized and 19 were outpatients. Hospitalized patients had higher IgG levels in comparison to outpatients (6.46±2.2 vs. 3.52±1.52, p<0.001). Of 208 non-COVID-19 patients only 1 was positive in both ELISA and CLIA assay. SARS-CoV-2-IgG antibodies were detected in 6 HWs out of 1036 (0.58%) with mean S/CO-value of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG 3.12±1.3 (confidence interval 0.95), which was lower than in COVID-19 patients (3.12 vs. 5.9; p=0.016). The clinical evaluation of two immunoassays showed remarkably high true positivity rates in the confirmed COVID-19 patients. Sensitivities obtained with CLIA and ELISA methods were 99.02% vs. 97.09% and specificities 99.52% vs 99.05% respectively. Conclusions We found an acceptable accordance between CLIA and ELISA assays in the confirmed COVID-19 patients. In all subjects included in this study in the past medical history, the information that was obtained included details about the presence of autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theocharis Konstantinidis
- MD, PhD, Blood Transfusion Center, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis Dragana Campus, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece, Laboratory of Microbiology, Democritus University of Thrace, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis Dragana Campus, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Stavroula Zisaki
- MSc, Blood Transfusion Center, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis Dragana Campus, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Ioannis Mitroulis
- MD, PhD, First Department of Internal Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Dragana Campus, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Cassimos
- MD, PhD, Pediatric Department, Democritus University of Thrace, Dragana Campus, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece, Alexandroupolis
| | - Ioanna Nanousi
- MSc, Blood Transfusion Center, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis Dragana Campus, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Eftychia G Kontekaki
- MD, Blood Transfusion Center, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis Dragana Campus, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Vasilis Petrakis
- MD, Second Department of Internal Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Dragana Campus, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece, Alexandroupolis
| | - Kalliopi Parrisi
- Ms, Blood Transfusion Center, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis Dragana Campus, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Eleni Fotiadou
- Ms, Laboratory of Microbiology, Democritus University of Thrace, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis Dragana Campus, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Aikaterini Linardou
- Ms, Blood Transfusion Center, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis Dragana Campus, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Lemonakis
- MSs, Laboratory of Microbiology, Democritus University of Thrace, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis Dragana Campus, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Anastasia Grapsa
- MD, Laboratory of Microbiology, Democritus University of Thrace, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis Dragana Campus, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Theodora Gioka
- MD, Laboratory of Microbiology, Democritus University of Thrace, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis Dragana Campus, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Leonidas Lazidis
- MD, Blood Transfusion Center, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis Dragana Campus, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Charalampos Papagoras
- MD, PhD, First Department of Internal Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Dragana Campus, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece, Alexandroupolis
| | - Chistina Tsigalou
- MD, PhD, Laboratory of Microbiology, Democritus University of Thrace, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis Dragana Campus, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Periklis Panagopoulos
- MD, PhD, Second Department of Internal Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Dragana Campus, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece, Alexandroupolis
| | - Panagiotis Skendros
- MD, PhD, First Department of Internal Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Dragana Campus, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece, Alexandroupolis
| | - Georges Martinis
- MD, Blood Transfusion Center, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis Dragana Campus, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Maria Panopoulou
- MD, PhD, Laboratory of Microbiology, Democritus University of Thrace, Universit y General Hospital of Alexandroupolis Dragana Campus, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
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Konstantinidis TG, Zisaki S, Mitroulis I, Konstantinidou E, Kontekaki EG, Romanidou G, Karvelas A, Nanousi I, Lazidis L, Cassimos D, Tsigalou C, Martinis G, Panopoulou M. Levels of Produced Antibodies after Vaccination with mRNA Vaccine; Effect of Previous Infection with SARS-CoV-2. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10132842. [PMID: 34199029 PMCID: PMC8268570 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10132842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to estimate the immunogenic effect of mRNA vaccine against SARS-CoV-2. This study included 510 participants who received mRNA vaccine. The measurement of anti-COVID-19 antibodies was performed using the Abbott SARS-CoV-2 IgG quantitative assay (Abbott). Overall, mean titer of anti-Spike antibodies was 19,319.2 ± 1787.5 AU/mL. Vaccination induced a robust immunogenic response in those previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 compared with non-infected subjects. Additionally, individuals that were asymptomatic after vaccination produced lower levels of antibodies compared to feverish individuals. In conclusion, remarkably high levels of anti-Spike COVID-19 antibodies were observed after vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theocharis G. Konstantinidis
- Blood Transfusion Center, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis Dragana Campus, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (S.Z.); (E.G.K.); (I.N.); (L.L.); (G.M.)
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Democritus University of Thrace, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis Dragana Campus, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (A.K.); (C.T.); (M.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-2551352005
| | - Stavroula Zisaki
- Blood Transfusion Center, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis Dragana Campus, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (S.Z.); (E.G.K.); (I.N.); (L.L.); (G.M.)
| | - Ioannis Mitroulis
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece;
| | | | - Eftychia G. Kontekaki
- Blood Transfusion Center, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis Dragana Campus, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (S.Z.); (E.G.K.); (I.N.); (L.L.); (G.M.)
| | - Gioulia Romanidou
- Nephrology Department, General Hospital “Sismanogleio”, 69100 Komotini, Greece;
| | - Alexandros Karvelas
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Democritus University of Thrace, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis Dragana Campus, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (A.K.); (C.T.); (M.P.)
| | - Ioanna Nanousi
- Blood Transfusion Center, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis Dragana Campus, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (S.Z.); (E.G.K.); (I.N.); (L.L.); (G.M.)
| | - Leonidas Lazidis
- Blood Transfusion Center, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis Dragana Campus, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (S.Z.); (E.G.K.); (I.N.); (L.L.); (G.M.)
| | - Dimitrios Cassimos
- Pediatric Department, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece;
| | - Christina Tsigalou
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Democritus University of Thrace, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis Dragana Campus, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (A.K.); (C.T.); (M.P.)
| | - Georges Martinis
- Blood Transfusion Center, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis Dragana Campus, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (S.Z.); (E.G.K.); (I.N.); (L.L.); (G.M.)
| | - Maria Panopoulou
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Democritus University of Thrace, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis Dragana Campus, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (A.K.); (C.T.); (M.P.)
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Argyrou A, Valsami S, Pouliakis A, Gavalaki M, Aggelidis A, Voulgaridou V, Pliatsika V, Adraktas T, Papachronis A, Alepi C, Giannopoulou V, Siourounis P, Tsagia S, Martinis G, Kontekaki E, Zervou E, Koliofotis S, Kyriakou E, Mougiou A, Dimitra L, Chairopoulou A, Tsakania A, Baka M, Apostolidou I, Moschandreou D, Livada A, Politou M, Roussinou F, Pappa C, Koika V, Vgontza N, Gafou A, Dendrinou I, Sakellaridi F, Labrianou L, Alexandropoulou Z, Sochali V, Malekas K, Skordilaki A, Kakava G, Lebesopoulos K, Stamoulis K, Grouzi E. Current Practice in FFP Preparation and Use in Greece: A National Survey. Turk J Haematol 2021; 38:22-32. [PMID: 33233876 PMCID: PMC7927442 DOI: 10.4274/tjh.galenos.2020.2020.0241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Fresh frozen plasma (FFP) transfusion is widely used in modern clinical settings. Practices regarding its use vary due to lack of guidelines from randomized trials. The aim of this study was to assess both the current practices regarding FFP production, use, and wastage and the implementation of quality control (QC), female donor plasma production policies, and use of pharmaceutical hemostatic agents in Greece. Materials and Methods The study was conducted during February-April 2018. For the first part of the study, data including FFP transfusion indication, hospital department, diagnosis, FFP units/transfusion episode, ABO compatibility, blood donor’s sex, and reasons for discarding were collected. For the second part, questionnaire data were analyzed. Results According to data from 20 Greek hospitals, 12655 FFP units were transfused to 2700 patients during 5069 transfusion episodes in the studied period of time. Most patients were hospitalized in internal medicine, general surgery, and intensive care unit departments. Each patient received on average 4.69 units (2.5 units/episode). Transfusion requests were in accordance with international guidelines in 63.44% of cases and 99.04% of the units were given to ABO-identical patients. Main reasons for discarding included failure to meet quality requirements (30.06%), female donors (22.17%), and other causes (27.26%). Among 96.9% of all transfusion services across the country, 28.26% perform QC according to the directions of the European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines & Health Care and 68.83% discard plasma from female donors. Pharmaceutic hemostatic agents are used in 37.23% of the hospitals. Conclusion This is the first national survey regarding FFP production and transfusion in Greece. Staff of internal medicine, general surgery, and ICU departments, where most FFP-transfused patients are hospitalized, should be regularly involved in training on contemporary transfusion guidelines. Upcoming centralization of FFP production and inventory management could help in homogenizing practices regarding FFP use and improve product quality. Strengthening the use of pharmaceutic hemostatic agents could improve patients’ management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aspasia Argyrou
- These authors contributed equally to this work
- Agioi Anargyroi Hospital, Department of Blood Transfusion, Athens, Greece
| | - Serena Valsami
- These authors contributed equally to this work
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aretaieion University Hospital, Medical School, Hematology Laboratory-Blood Bank Department, Athens, Greece
| | - Abraham Pouliakis
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, Second Department of Pathology, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Gavalaki
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, Second Department of Pathology, Athens, Greece
| | - Antonis Aggelidis
- Konstantopouleio-Neas Ionias General Hospital, Department of Blood Transfusion, Athens, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Voulgaridou
- AHEPA, University Hospital, Department of Blood Transfusion, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Pliatsika
- AHEPA, University Hospital, Department of Blood Transfusion, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Theofanis Adraktas
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, Second Department of Pathology, Athens, Greece
| | - Andreas Papachronis
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, Second Department of Pathology, Athens, Greece
| | - Chrysoula Alepi
- General Hospital Tzaneio, Department of Blood Transfusion, Piraeus, Greece
| | | | - Panagiotis Siourounis
- Agios Panteleimon General Hospital of Nikaia, Department of Blood Transfusion, Athens, Greece
| | - Sofia Tsagia
- Agios Panteleimon General Hospital of Nikaia, Department of Blood Transfusion, Athens, Greece
| | - Georges Martinis
- University Hospital, Department of Blood Transfusion, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Eftihia Kontekaki
- University Hospital, Department of Blood Transfusion, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Eleftheria Zervou
- University Hospital, Department of Blood Transfusion, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Spiridon Koliofotis
- Attikon University Hospital, Laboratory of Hematology and Blood Bank Unit, Athens, Greece
| | - Elias Kyriakou
- Attikon University Hospital, Laboratory of Hematology and Blood Bank Unit, Athens, Greece
| | - Athina Mougiou
- University Hospital, Blood Transfusion Center, Patras, Greece
| | | | | | - Aggeliki Tsakania
- Sismanogleio General Hospital, Department of Blood Transfusion, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Baka
- Thriasio General Hospital, Department of Blood Transfusion, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioanna Apostolidou
- Thriasio General Hospital, Department of Blood Transfusion, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitra Moschandreou
- Saint Savvas Oncology Hospital, Department of Blood Transfusion and Clinical Hemostasis, Athens, Greece
| | - Anastasia Livada
- Saint Savvas Oncology Hospital, Department of Blood Transfusion and Clinical Hemostasis, Athens, Greece
| | - Marianna Politou
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aretaieion University Hospital, Medical School, Hematology Laboratory-Blood Bank Department, Athens, Greece
| | - Fragoula Roussinou
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aretaieion University Hospital, Medical School, Hematology Laboratory-Blood Bank Department, Athens, Greece
| | - Christina Pappa
- General Hospital, Department of Blood Transfusion, Korinthos, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Koika
- General Hospital, Department of Blood Transfusion, Korinthos, Greece
| | - Niki Vgontza
- Konstantopouleio-Neas Ionias General Hospital, Department of Blood Transfusion, Athens, Greece
| | - Anthippi Gafou
- Agioi Anargyroi Hospital, Department of Blood Transfusion, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioanna Dendrinou
- Konstantopouleio-Neas Ionias General Hospital, Department of Blood Transfusion, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | | | - Vasiliki Sochali
- General Hospital, Department of Blood Transfusion, Giannitsa, Greece
| | - Kostas Malekas
- General Hospital, Department of Blood Transfusion, Livadia, Greece
| | - Areti Skordilaki
- General Hospital, Department of Blood Transfusion, Chania, Greece
| | - Georgia Kakava
- Pammakaristos General Hospital, Department of Blood Transfusion, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | - Elisavet Grouzi
- Saint Savvas Oncology Hospital, Department of Blood Transfusion and Clinical Hemostasis, Athens, Greece
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Marantidou O, Loukopoulou L, Zervou E, Martinis G, Egglezou A, Fountouli P, Dimoxenous P, Parara M, Gavalaki M, Maniatis A. Factors that motivate and hinder blood donation in Greece. Transfus Med 2008; 17:443-50. [PMID: 18067648 PMCID: PMC2440532 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3148.2007.00797.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Donations in Greece are insufficient to cover the high transfusion needs arising from large numbers of thalassaemia and sickle cell anaemia patients and the implementation of new surgical techniques. Efforts to achieve self-sufficiency, and to render blood supplies safer and manageable must focus on recruiting and retaining more volunteer donors and on converting the large pool of replacement donors. The aim of the study was to gain insight into public perception regarding the risks of donation and transfusion and to identify the factors that would motivate more people in Greece to regularly donate blood. Questionnaires were distributed to 1600 donors at the blood bank and visitors to hospitals at 11 locations across the country. Data on demographics, donation behaviour, incentives, risk perception and attitudes towards donation and transfusion were analysed separately for volunteer and replacement donors and non-donors. The results showed that women and young people donate the least in Greece. Also, many donors do not donate because they are not reminded to. A small percentage of donors confessed to having concealed part of the truth to background questions. Overall, incentives to donate were considered important and included future availability of blood for self or family, paid leave from work and free blood tests. Recruitment and retention efforts should include better communication with current donors, and raising awareness among eligible donors. Staff should be educated in soliciting information from potential donors, and incentives should be better aligned to avoid conflict with ethical values and ensure honesty in the prescreening process.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Marantidou
- Blood Bank, Asklipeion Hospital, Athens, Greece.
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7
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Tsatalas C, Martinis G, Margaritis D, Spanoudakis E, Kotsianidis I, Karpouzis A, Bourikas G. Long-term remission of recalcitrant tumour-stage mycosis fungoides following chemotherapy with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2003; 17:80-2. [PMID: 12602979 DOI: 10.1046/j.1468-3083.2003.00642.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Advanced stage mycosis fungoides (MF) generally has a poor prognosis, and currently there is no standard treatment available. Here we report the case of a young woman with recalcitrant tumour-stage MF (T3, stage IIb) whose disease was unresponsive to several therapeutic modalities, but who has showed sustained clinical response to pegylated liposomal doxorubucin. No severe infectious complications have been observed. The use of this drug in tumour-stage MF should be investigated further.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Tsatalas
- Department of Haematology, School of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece.
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8
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Tsatalas C, Margaritis D, Kaloutsi V, Martinis G, Kotsianidis I, Bourikas G. Successful treatment of angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy with dysproteinemia-type T-cell lymphoma with fludarabine. Acta Haematol 2001; 105:106-8. [PMID: 11408715 DOI: 10.1159/000046545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C Tsatalas
- Department of Hematology, School of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece.
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9
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Ritis K, Tsironidou V, Martinis G, Kartalis G, Sideras P, Bourikas G. Development of CLL in individuals with mild lymphocytosis, without bone marrow infiltration, but with evidence of a monoclonally expanded population in peripheral blood. Haematologica 1997; 82:184-6. [PMID: 9175324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Mild lymphocytosis (< 10 x 10(9)/L) is a common finding in routine blood tests. When it persists, it raises the question of whether this disorder is an early manifestation of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). If it is accompanied by bone marrow infiltration, it can be safely considered as a sign of CLL. The aim of this study was to analyze retrospectively the usefulness of immunophenotyping and immunogenotyping for early detection of lymphocyte clonality in ambiguous cases of lymphocytosis without bone marrow infiltration. Twenty-six healthy individuals, 47 to 77 years old, with an absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) at the "onset" of the disorder between 4 x 10(9)/L and 9 x 10(9)/L, without marrow infiltration, were studied and followed for a period of 31 to 51 months. CD19, CD20, CD5, CD2, CD4, CD8 surface markers and amplification of the Ig heavy chain CDR-3 locus were used for immunophenotypic and genotypic analysis, respectively. Our studies indicate that immunophenotyping alone is sufficient and superior to CDR-3 locus amplification for the early detection of lymphocyte clonality in peripheral blood. Furthermore, the high frequency of CLL development in individuals with established monoclonality strongly suggests that patients with mild borderline lymphocytosis, even without bone marrow infiltration, have to be followed for progression to CLL and its possible complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Ritis
- Department of Hematology, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
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Bassini M, Gatti E, Longo T, Martinis G, Pignoli P, Pizzolati PL. In vivo recording of blood velocity profiles and studies in vitro of profile alterations induced by known stenoses. Tex Heart Inst J 1982; 9:185-94. [PMID: 15226957 PMCID: PMC351610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
Recordings of blood velocity profiles and their behavior in the time domain in some peripheral human vessels (carotid arteries and limb vessels) are reported. Measurements have been obtained with a pulsed ultrasonic instrument based on the analysis of the cross-correlation function of blood-diffused echoes. The alterations of blood velocity profiles and of the velocity in the time domain, induced by known stenosis, have been studied in vitro as a function of the distance between stenosis and measuring point, and the position of the sample volume along the diameter. These studies may be useful for a better comprehension of blood velocity measurements made with ultrasound equipment for clinical noninvasive diagnostic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Bassini
- CISE SpA, Electronics Department, Milan, Italy
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