Transfusion
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Cryoprecipitate's shelf life is limited due to concerns over decreased clotting factor activity and contamination with extended storage. Hemostatic characteristics of thawed cryoprecipitate stored up to 35 days at refrigerated and room temperatures were assessed. ⋯ The fibrinogen concentration and function of cryoprecipitate at extended storage durations are adequate for fibrinogen replacement in critical bleeding. These results support extension of the shelf life of cryoprecipitate when used for fibrinogen replacement.
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The ability to rapidly administer whole blood (WB) at the point of injury is an important intervention to save lives. This can be accomplished using low titer group O WB donors. Titers of immunoglobulin M anti-A and anti-B might change over time. This study describes titer testing in a large series of donors. ⋯ With successive titer testing, it appears that individuals display a tendency toward lower titers. This may indicate that titer testing may not be required after the second test if donors have been identified initially as low titer.
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Case Reports
Use of intravenous immunoglobulin G to treat spontaneous heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.
Spontaneous heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a rare but serious prothrombotic syndrome characterized by thrombosis, thrombocytopenia, and strong platelet-activating HIT antibodies in the absence of heparin exposure, and is frequently characterized by a suboptimal response to standard therapies. Here, we present the first report of intravenous immunoglobulin G (IVIG) use in a patient with spontaneous HIT. ⋯ These results suggest that IVIG may be a useful adjunctive therapy in spontaneous HIT.
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Case Reports
Massive transfusion of low-titer cold-stored O-positive whole blood in a civilian trauma setting.
Based on the improved outcomes achieved with fresh whole blood in cases of military trauma as well as with 1:1:1 transfusion strategies for massive traumatic hemorrhage in civilian settings, there has been resurgent interest in using whole blood for civilian trauma patients. There have been reports of giving up to 4 units of low-titer cold-stored O-positive to these patients. This is the first modern report of a massive transfusion with unrestricted low-titer group O whole blood (LTOWB) use in a civilian trauma patient. ⋯ This is the first report of a massive transfusion for civilian trauma based on cold-stored whole blood in the recent era. While this patient suffered a tremendous burden of traumatic injury and his recovery is not yet complete, his LTOWB resuscitation was successful. Frequent monitoring of coagulation status with thrombelastography during utilization of LTOWB is indicated because the efficacy of its components (particularly platelets) is not yet fully understood.
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Meta Analysis
Exclusion criteria and adverse events in perioperative trials of tranexamic acid: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an inexpensive therapy effective at minimizing perioperative blood loss and transfusion. However, it remains underutilized due to safety concerns. To date, no evidence-based guidelines exist identifying which patients should not receive TXA therapy. This study determined patient groups for whom safety information regarding TXA is lacking due to common exclusion from perioperative TXA trials. ⋯ Sufficient evidence exists to develop perioperative guidelines for TXA use in many populations. Further studies evaluating perioperative TXA use in patients with a history of thromboembolism are warranted.