Vox sanguinis
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To evaluate changes in the need for homologous blood and to assess the impact of autologous blood transfusion, red cell transfusions in unilateral total hip replacement surgery, performed electively in the period 1986-1991, were studied in a regional hospital. Transfusion data, perioperative blood loss and post-operative haemoglobin concentration of 495 patients were analysed. From 1986 to 1991, the percentage of patients not transfused with homologous blood increased from 18.5 to 45.5%. ⋯ No changes in postoperative haemoglobin concentration were observed throughout the study. In conclusion, collection of autologous blood is effective, albeit still underutilized, to reduce homologous blood requirement. The close correlation between blood loss and transfusion requirement accentuates the role of surgical practice in the reduction of homologous transfusions.
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This study, based on responses to a questionnaire, was undertaken to define problems in and formulate solutions for improving blood safety in developing countries as part of an effort to monitor the status of blood transfusion services globally. Despite improvements between 1988 and 1992, only 66% of developing countries (DGCs) and 46% of least developed countries (LDCs) screen all blood donations for antibodies to human immunodeficiency viruses; 72% DGCs and 35% LDCs test all donations for hepatitis B surface antigen and 71 and 48%, respectively, for syphilis. The antihuman globulin test is performed routinely in 62% DGCs and 23% LDCs, and inadequate quality assurance in all aspects of preparatory testing is a major weakness in many countries. ⋯ The proportion of repeat donors is low (medians: 47% in DGCs, 20% in LDCs), and discard rates for collected blood are often high (up to 33%). Most of the blood collected is transfused as whole blood, and most DGCs and LDCs have inadequate supplies of plasma substitutes for management of acute haemorrhage. The reasons for these problems and suggested solutions are discussed.
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Letter Case Reports
HIV-1 causing AIDS and death in a seronegative individual.