Hari Krishan Dhawan

First report from India of haemolytic disease of newborn by anti-c and anti-E in Rh (D) positive mothers

Abstract In India, at the majority of the transfusion centers, antenatal antibody screening is done only in Rh (D) negative mothers. We report here two cases of haemolytic disease of newborn (HDN) by maternal alloimmunization to anti-c in one case, and both anti-c and anti-E in the second case. Both women were Rh (D) positive mothers and HDN was detected postnatally by a positive direct antiglobulin test (DAT) in their newborns. These cases highlight the importance of routine antenatal antibody screening even in Rh (D) positive females. A close follow-up throughout pregnancy is required if irregular antibodies are present so that antigen negative, crossmatch compatible blood can be provided in a timely manner for intra-uterine or exchange transfusions.

Scope and application of therapeutic apheresis: Experience from a tertiary care hospital in North India

BACKGROUNDnWe present here our experience with therapeutic apheresis (TA) performed for various indications, clinical response and complications in a tertiary care center over last 10 years.nnnSTUDY DESIGN AND METHODSnPresent study is a retrospective analysis of 492 TA procedures performed for 125 patients from January 2000 to December 2009. For each patient: age, gender, weight, clinical indication, pre-procedure hematological profile and ionized calcium levels were recorded. For every procedure following parameters were analyzed: type of venous access (central/peripheral), volume of blood and plasma processed, amount of anticoagulant used, procedure duration, blood flow rate, type of replacement fluid given, response to therapy and adverse reactions.nnnRESULTSnOf 492 TA procedures, 68.8% were performed for neurology, 20.8% hematology-oncology, 9.6% renal and 0.8% for rheumatology patients. Therapeutic plasma exchanges (n=464; 94.3%) and therapeutic cytapheresis (n=28; 6.7%) were performed in 113 and 12 patients, respectively. Majority of patients belonged to ASFA category I and II (n=124; 99.2%). The overall response rate was 84%, with encouraging response in TTP (100%), aHUS (81.8%) and in neurological disorders (88.4%). Adverse events were reported in 52.8% of patients in 14.83% of procedures.nnnCONCLUSIONnOur results of TPE in neurological disorders and in atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome are encouraging and it is a cost effective alternative to IvIg in neurological disorders. Currently, there is a need for establishment of an Indian apheresis registry to understand the scenario of TA across the country and in the expansion of appropriate and applicable indications for TA in our setting.

Alloimmunization and autoimmunization in transfusion dependent thalassemia major patients: Study on 319 patients

Background: The development of anti-red blood cell antibodies (both allo-and autoantibodies) remains a major problem in thalassemia major patients. We studied the frequency of red blood cell (RBC) alloimmunization and autoimmunization among thalassemia patients who received regular transfusions at our center and analyzed the factors, which may be responsible for development of these antibodies. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out on 319 multiply transfused patients with β-thalassemia major registered with thalassemia clinic at our institute. Clinical and transfusion records of all the patients were examined for age of patients, age at initiation of transfusion therapy, total number of blood units transfused, transfusion interval, status of splenectomy or other interventions. Alloantibody screening and identification was done using three cell and 11 cell panel (Diapanel, Bio-rad, Switzerland) respectively. To detect autoantibodies, autocontrol was carried out using polyspecific coombs (IgG + C3d) gel cards. Results: Eighteen patients out of total 319 patients (5.64%) developed alloantibodies and 90 (28.2%) developed autoantibodies. Nine out of 18 patients with alloantibodies also had autoantibodies. Age at first transfusion was significantly higher in alloimmunized than non-immunized patients (P = 0.042). Out of 23 alloantibodies, 52.17% belonged to Rh blood group system (Anti-E = 17%, Anti D = 13%, Anti-C = 13%, Anti-C w = 9%), 35% belonged to Kell blood group system, 9% of Kidd and 4% of Xg blood group system. Conclusion: Alloimmunization was detected in 5.64% of multitransfused thalassemia patients. Rh and Kell blood group system antibodies accounted for more than 80% of alloantibodies. This study re-emphasizes the need for RBC antigen typing before first transfusion and issue of antigen matched blood (at least for Rh and Kell antigen). Early institution of transfusion therapy after diagnosis is another means of decreasing alloimmunization.

Transfusion-related adverse events at the tertiary care center in North India: An institutional hemovigilance effort.

Aim: This study was designed to analyze the incidence and spectrum of adverse effects of blood transfusion so as to initiate measures to minimize risks and improve overall transfusion safety in the institute. Materials and Methods: During the period from July 2002 to July 2003 all the adverse events related to transfusion of blood and blood components in various clinical specialties were recorded. They were analyzed and classified on the basis of their clinical features and laboratory tests. Attempt was also made to study the predisposing risk factors. Results: During the study period 56,503 blood and blood components were issued to 29,720 patients. A total of 105 adverse reactions due to transfusion were observed during the study period. A majority of the adverse reactions was observed in hemato-oncology patients 43% (n = 45) and in presensitized patient groups 63% (n = 66). FNHTR 41% (n = 43) and allergic reactions 34% (n = 36) were the most common of all types of adverse transfusion reactions, followed by AcHTR 8.56% (n = 9). Majority of these AcHTR were due to unmonitored storage of blood in the refrigerator of wards resulting in hemolysis due to thermal injury. Less frequently observed reactions were anaphylactoid reactions (n = 4), bacterial sepsis (n = 4), hypervolemia (n = 2), hypocalcemia (n = 2), TRALI (n = 1), DHTR (n = 1), and TAGvHD (n = 1). Conclusion: Analysis of transfusion-related adverse outcomes is essential for improving safety. Factors such as improvement of blood storage conditions outside the blood bank, improvement in cross-matching techniques, careful donor screening, adherence to good manufacturing practices while component preparation, bedside monitoring of transfusion, and documentation of adverse events will help in reducing transfusion-related morbidity and mortality.

Acute Hemolytic Transfusion Reaction in a Patient with Bombay Phenotype: Implications for ABO Grouping

Bombay blood group is a rare phenotype that is characterized serologically by absence of H, A and B antigens on red cell surface and presence of corresponding antibodies in the serum. We report a case of 45-year old patient having Bombay blood group phenotype who experienced an acute reaction due to transfusion of mismatched blood unit.

Serial assessment of biochemical changes in irradiated red blood cells

BACKGROUNDnTransfusion associated graft vs host disease (TA-GVHD) is delayed effect of blood component therapy with a very high mortality rate. The use of irradiated blood components is the only proven method to prevent TA-GVHD in susceptible patients.nnnAIMnOur study was designed to analyze the quality of irradiated PRBCs in terms of their biochemical parameters during a storage period up to 28 days post irradiation.nnnMETHODSnA total of 80 PRBC units were analyzed, 40 units each stored in CPDA-1 and additive solution-SAGM. The units were evaluated serially for the following biochemical parameters, plasma/ supernatant potassium, sodium, pH, glucose, lactate, plasma/supernatant hemoglobin and red cell ATP. We further evaluated the differences in these parameters between units irradiated on day 1 and day 7 of storage and stored these units up to 28 days and 35 days respectively. Ten units in each group were used as control. The assessment was done at weekly intervals from the day of irradiation.nnnRESULTSnWithin each group of red cells, there was a rise in mean concentration of plasma potassium (K(+)) from day 1 to last day of storage. There was a highly significant difference (P<0.01) between irradiated and control units after first week of storage in both types of PRBCs. Irradiated CPDA-1 PRBC had significantly higher (K(+)) than irradiated SAGM PRBC. Intergroup comparison revealed significantly higher (P<0.05) mean hemoglobin in irradiated CPDA-1 PRBC as compared to SAGM PRBC. The mean pH was significantly higher (P<0.05) in irradiated CPDA-1 PRBC as compared to irradiated SAGM PRBC only on day 7 of storage. ATP levels significantly decreased in irradiated units as compared to control units. SAGM PRBCs had significantly higher (P<0.05) mean ATP concentration than CPDA-1PRBCs.nnnCONCLUSIONnOur study demonstrates that SAGM-PRBCs show better stability after irradiation compared to CPDA-1 PRBCs. The limits of safety for CPDA-1 PRBCs appear to be two weeks after irradiation. SAGM-PRBCs on the other hand show acceptable limits of safety up to three weeks of irradiation. The shelf life of irradiated PRBCs may vary depending upon the storage solution and day of irradiation.

Dedicated donor unit transfusions reduces donor exposure in pediatric surgery patients

Background: Many strategies have been explored to reduce multiple donor exposures in neonates such as use of restrictive transfusion protocols, limiting iatrogenic blood loss, use of recombinant erythropoietin and single donor programs. Method: In our study we assessed the feasibility of dedicating single donor units with reserving all the components from the same donor for the specified neonates/ infants undergoing surgery and estimating reduction of donor exposure. Fifty neonates undergoing surgery were included in the prospective study group and the transfusion details were compared with 50 retrospective cases with same inclusion criteria. Results: An intra-operative blood loss of >13 ml/Kg was significantly associated with transfusion (P<0.05) which was most frequently administered in the intra-operative period. Donor exposure rate of overall transfusion was 1.15 in the study group as compared to 4.03 in the retrospective control group. In study group Donor Exposure Rate (DER): Transfusion Rate (TR) ratio was 1:1.5 and Transfusion per Donor Unit (TPDU) of 1.5, means that one donor unit contributed to 1.5 transfusions in each patient and contributed to 50% reduction in donor exposure in each patient as compared to retrospective control group. Conclusion: Our study showed that by practicing dedicated donor unit transfusion policy, for neonates undergoing surgery we could significantly reduce the donor exposure.

White particulate matter in a packed red blood cells unit.

Aggregate formation in blood units has been known since long. Particulate matter visible to naked eye, white in color, has been described in detail by Rentas et al.[1] White particulate matter (WPM) in blood bags is reported to be composed of normal blood elements, namely aggregates of platelets, with variable amounts of fi brin and trapped red and white cells and not of extraneous material or organisms.[2]

Successful Management of Refractory Dialysis Independent Wegener’s Granulomatosis with Combination of Therapeutic Plasma Exchange and Rituximab

Wegeners granulomatosis (WG) is an autoimmune, antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody mediated necrotizing vasculitis involving renal, and upper and lower respiratory systems. Treatment relies on a combination of immunosuppressive drugs and tapering regimen of glucocorticoids. Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) has been recognized as a second line treatment. We report the successful use of TPE in combination with rituximab in achieving remission in a patient with WG (dialysis independent) not responding to conventional therapy.

Serial changes in morphology and biochemical markers in platelet preparations with storage

Background: This study was designed to perform serial assessment of alterations in platelet (PLT) count, morphology and biochemical markers of PLT activation during storage of platelet concentrates (PCs) and to correlate morphological changes with these activation markers. Materials and Methods: Our study included the platelet-rich plasma (PRP)-PC and buffy coat reduced PC (BC-PC) prepared from whole blood (WB) donations and the apheresis platelets (AP-PC). Routinely evaluated in vitro PLT parameters were followed. Morphology score (MS) was performed using the light microscopy, glucose and lactate concentration and soluble P-selectin (sP-selectin) level were determined using commercial kits. Results: The fall in mean pH from day 0 to the last day of storage was significant (P < 0.001) in all the groups. Glucose utilization was less in PRP-PC prepared from WB donations at Blood Donation Centre [PRP-PC (BDC)] when compared to PRP-PC prepared from WB donations at mobile blood drives [PRP-PC (M)] and BC-PC. Lactate accumulation was almost similar in these groups on day 3 of storage, but it was significantly lower in the AP-PC (67.54 mg/dl) except on day 5. The deterioration in MS (out of 200) was similar for PRP-PC and BC-PC on day 3 (145/144 and 145 respectively), whereas the AP-PC had a score of 161 and 147 on days 4 and 5 respectively. sP-selectin level was significantly higher in PRP-PC (BDC) in comparison to BC-PC (P = 0.001) from day 1 to day 3 and in AP-PC it was not so high (P = 0.067) even on day 5. A negative correlation existed between the MS and sP-selectin level on all days of storage within each group of PC (r = −0.351; P < 0.001) and a positive correlation was found between the MS and pH from day 0 to day 3 (r = 0.680; P = 0.004). Conclusion: The AP-PCs are superior to the BC-PC and PRP-PC with respect to in vitro quality control parameters, morphological changes and biochemical markers of PLT activation. The PRP-PCs prepared from WB donations at outstation exhibiting more rapid changes should be utilized earlier for transfusion.