Michaela Horvath

In vitro platelet function of platelet concentrates prepared using three different apheresis devices determined by impedance and optical aggregometry

BACKGROUND: Testing the functional capacity of platelets (PLTs) from platelet concentrates (PC) is a main issue in transfusion medicine. Therefore, the aim was to study agonist‐inducible PLT aggregation of PLTs obtained by three apheresis devices. A semiautomated impedance aggregometry‐based whole‐blood method (multiplate electrode PLT aggregometry [MEA]) was modified for the use of PLTs from PC and data were compared with light transmission aggregometry (LTA).

Recovery, safety, and tolerability of a solvent/detergent‐treated and prion‐safeguarded transfusion plasma in a randomized, crossover, clinical trial in healthy volunteers

Octaplas LG is a prion‐depleted version of a previous generation product called Octaplas S/D. We compared the recovery, safety, and tolerability of these two pharmaceutical‐grade plasmas.

Additive effects between platelet concentrates and desmopressin in antagonizing the platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor eptifibatide

BACKGROUND: Platelet (PLT) glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa receptor antagonists have demonstrated efficacy in decreasing ischemic complications of percutaneous coronary intervention and/or unstable angina. In case of bleeding, the drug can be stopped and PLT transfusions can be given.

Safety of a universal, virus-inactivated and prion-depleted, pharmaceutical-quality plasma: a randomized, double-blind, clinical trial in healthy volunteers.

BACKGROUND: Universal plasma is intended to be transfused irrespective of the blood group. We compared the safety and tolerability of a novel, universal blood group–independent plasma with an ABO‐matched plasma.

Function of platelets in apheresis platelet concentrates and in patient blood after transfusion as assessed by Impact‐R

BACKGROUND: Platelet (PLT) transfusion is a mainstream therapy for preventing or treating bleeding episodes in patients with thrombocytopenia. The efficacy is usually estimated from the corrected count increment of PLTs after transfusion, which does not assess PLT function. We therefore evaluated PLT function in blood samples of patients with thrombocytopenia before and after transfusion.

A new flow cytometric method for simultaneous measurement of residual platelets and RBCs in plasma: validation and application for QC

BACKGROUND: Guidelines for the preparation of FFP in Austria and Germany require the quantification of residual RBCs in plasma. However, currently there is no validated method for enumeration of RBC counts as low as 1 × 109 per L.

Granulocyte collection using a novel apheresis system eases the procedure and provides concentrates of high quality

The latest technical innovation for granulocyte (PMN) collections is the fully automated Spectra Optia (Optia) device (TerumoBCT). In a retrospective investigation we evaluated the impact of the technical automation on the product quality in a routine working field.

A model comparing how rapidly transfusion of solvent detergent plasma restores clotting factors versus infusion of albumin-saline.

BACKGROUND A recent randomized controlled trial demonstrated the bioequivalence between universally applicable and AB0 compatible transfusion plasma in healthy volunteers. There was a limited change in coagulation factor levels and inhibitors before and after plasmapheresis and subsequent plasma transfusion. The aim of this extension trial was to investigate the true capacity of these plasma products to restore baseline levels of coagulation factors and inhibitors after plasma depletion in comparison to haemodilution induced by infusion of albumin solution. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fourteen healthy subjects, who completed both plasma transfusion periods, underwent an additional plasmapheresis (600 mL) followed by an infusion of 1200 mL albumin (3.125%) in a third period. RESULTS The fibrinogen levels, as well as other clotting factors (FII, FV, FVII and FXI), decreased by 10% after plasmapheresis, and subsequent infusion of albumin solution further aggravated this drop in clotting factors to approximately 20-25%. The clotting factors with a long half-life were not even restored 24 hours after infusion of albumin solution, whereas those with a short half-life were replenished by endogenous synthesis within 24 hours. In contrast, transfusion of either plasma product rapidly restored all clotting parameters and inhibitors (protein S and plasmin inhibitor) immediately after transfusion. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that albumin solution induces an enhanced dilution of clotting factors and inhibitors, whereas both plasma products quickly compensated for the experimental loss of these plasma proteins.

Collection and Storage of Leukocyte-Depleted Whole Blood in Autologous Blood Predeposit in Elective Surgery Programs

INTRODUCTION The aim of this investigation was to provide evidence that leukocyte depleted whole blood meets the requirements for transfusion of the European Council and thus may be an alternative to leukocyte and plasma depleted packed red blood cells in autologous blood predeposit for patients undergoing elective surgery programs. MATERIAL AND METHODS Standard units of 450mL blood were collected from 25 healthy male volunteers. Leukocyte depletion was done via inline filtration 4h after collection. Storage lesion was assessed by measuring the release of K(+), LDH, free hemoglobin, and lactate into the storage medium, as well as by the increase of hemolysis, the decrease of pH and consumption of glucose over a storage period of 35 days. As surrogate marker for red cell quality the intracellular concentrations of adenine nucleotides [ATP, ADP, AMP] were determined. RESULTS The extent of storage lesion remained within the ranges of standard liquid storage conditions. Hemolysis was far below the threshold of 0.8% in all WB units at the end of their shelf life. Only minor changes of intracellular adenine nucleotide levels were measured indicating a preserved function of red blood cells in leukocyte depleted whole blood. At the end of shelf life 70%+/-18% of initial ATP levels were detected. CONCLUSION Based on our data we propose that leukocyte depleted whole blood, stored for 35 days can be an option in the autologous blood supply as it meets the requirements for transfusion of the European Council.