Cesar de Almeida Neto

Significance of isolated hepatitis B core antibody in blood donors from São Paulo

The clinical significance of isolated anti-HBc is still a challenge. To elucidate the real importance of this finding in our blood donors, an investigation algorithm was tested. One hundred and twelve isolated anti-HBc seropositive blood donors underwent clinical evaluation and retesting of HBV markers. Those who presented repeatedly reactive isolated anti-HBc, received a single dose of hepatitis B recombinant vaccine to verify anti-HBs early response. A HBV-DNA determination by PCR was done for those who did not test positive to anti-HBs after vaccine. The level of anti-HBc was recorded as a ratio of the sample-to-cut-off values (S:C ratio) in 57 candidates at donation. Comparing true and false-positive anti-HBc results, the different S:C ratios of them were statistically significant and when less than 2, implying in a false-positive result probability over 80%. A high percent of false-positive results (16.07%) was verified after anti-HBc retesting. HBV immunity was characterized in 49.11%, either by anti-HBs detection in retesting (15.18%), or after a single dose HBV vaccination (33.93%). HBV-DNA was negative in all tested donors. In conclusion, this algorithm was useful to clarify the meaning of isolated anti-HBc in most of our blood donors.

Risk factors for human immunodeficiency virus infection among blood donors in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and their relevance to current donor deferral criteria

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to investigate risk factors of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐seropositive blood donors in Brazil and to determine if current donor deferral criteria are appropriate.

Anemia screening in potential female blood donors: comparison of two different quantitative methods

BACKGROUND: Anemia screening before blood donation requires an accurate, quick, practical, and easy method with minimal discomfort for the donors. The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of two quantitative methods of anemia screening: the HemoCue 201+ (Aktiebolaget Leo Diagnostics) hemoglobin (Hb) and microhematocrit (micro‐Hct) tests.

Profile of blood donors with serologic tests reactive for the presence of syphilis in São Paulo, Brazil

BACKGROUND: Syphilis screening of blood donors is a common practice worldwide, but very little is known about the meaning of a positive serologic test for syphilis in blood donors and the risk profile of these donors. The aim of this study was to determine the demographic characteristics and risk behaviors of blood donors with recent and past syphilis and their implications for blood bank testing and deferral strategies.

Clinical significance of elevated alanine aminotransferase in blood donors: a follow-up study.

Abstract: Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevation in blood donors can be related to many variables such as viral hepatitis, overweight and ethanol consumption.

Interdonation intervals and patterns of return among blood donors in Brazil

BACKGROUND: In Brazil, most donations come from repeat donors, but there are little data on return behavior of donors.

Impact of allogeneic 2-RBC apheresis on iron stores of Brazilian blood donors

One limiting factor for automated two-red blood cells collections (2-RBC) is its potential iron depletion. We analyzed hematological parameters and iron balance before, two and four months after 2-RBC of 96 non-supplemented male donors. Four months after 2-RBC, ferritin level was significantly lower (P<0.01) than baseline levels and the number of donors who presented ferritin <30 ng/ml increased from 18 to 47. We concluded that four months was not sufficient for iron recuperation in the population studied. In an attempt to avoid iron depletion after 2-RBC, we recommend augmentation in the interval between blood donations and pre-donation ferritin measurement.

Tools to implement and improve blood donor hemovigilance in Brazil

See paper by Braz AC et al. on pages 139-146. *Corresponding author at: Serviço de Hemoterapia Nove de Julho, Rua Peixoto Gomide, 613, Cerqueira César, 01409-902, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. E-mail address: cesarnt@uol.com.br (C. A. Neto). 1516-8484/

Retention of blood donors: strategies to fulfill the requirements of blood centers

see front matter

Púrpura trombocitopênica trombótica - remissão completa em paciente com mau prognóstico após tratamento com plasmaférese terapêutica e rituximabe

by physicians. Yet personal experience points to a common oversight; the failure to escalate doses to pre-set targets, within the bounds of tolerance. Incomplete compliance with oral anti-neoplastic therapy by patients/families is common and multifactorial, and reported truthfully and accurately by them.(9) Non-compliance is especially challenging in adolescents.(9) Improvement can be achieved simply, effectively and inexpensively by behavioral strategies such as self-monitoring, contracting and reinforcement programs.(10) It is no less important to minimize poor adherence to protocols by physicians. The putative survival advantage enjoyed by patients on clinical trials has been attributed, in large measure, to good adherence. Improving physician performance in this domain can be accomplished by continuous monitoring, an exercise to which nurses and clinical pharmacists can make considerable contributions, and by formal audits. Such improvements have been shown to increase survival.(11) Dr. Oliveira and colleagues are to be complimented on drawing attention to an area of clinical practice all-too-often overlooked. They are encouraged to remedy the deficiencies that they have uncovered and report on the anticipated benefits at a later date.