Transfusion Medicine Reviews RSS feed: Current Issue. Transfusion Medicine Reviews provides an international forum in English for the publication of scholarly work devoted to the various sub-disciplines that comprise Transfusion Medicine including hemostasis and thrombosis and cellular therapies. The scope of the journal encompasses basic science, practical aspects, laboratory developments, clinical indications, and adverse effects. http://www.tmreviews.com/?rss=yesElsevier Inc.en © 2012 Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Transfusion Medicine Reviews0887-7963262April 2012 © 2012 Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. healthpermissions@elsevier.comhttp://www.tmreviews.com/article/PIIS0887796312000065/abstract?rss=yesMasthead10.1016/S0887-7963(12)00006-5Transfusion Medicine Reviews 26, 2 (2012)2012-04-01Transfusion Medicine Reviews2012-04-01262S0887-7963(11)X0006-8IFCIFChttp://www.tmreviews.com/article/PIIS0887796311000794/abstract?rss=yesResearch on ABO has advanced significantly in recent years. A database was established to manage the sequence information of an increasing number of novel alleles. Genome sequencings have identified ABO orthologues and paralogues in various organisms and enhanced the knowledge on the evolution of the ABO and related genes. The most prominent advancements include clarification of the association between ABO and different disease processes. For instance, ABO status affects the infectivity of certain strains of Helicobacter pylori and Noroviruses as well as the sequestration and rosetting of red blood cells infected with Plasmodium falciparum. Genome-wide association studies have conclusively linked the ABO locus to pancreatic cancer, venous thromboembolism, and myocardial infarction in the presence of coronary atherosclerosis. These findings suggest ABO's important role in determining an individual's susceptibility to such diseases. Furthermore, our understanding of the structures of A and B transferases and their enzymology has been dramatically improved. ABO has also become a research subject in neurobiology and the preparation of artificial/universal blood and became a topic in the pseudoscience of “blood type diets.” With such new progress, it has become evident that ABO is a critical player in the modern era of genomic medicine. This article provides the most up-to-date information regarding ABO genomics.ABO Research in the Modern Era of GenomicsFumiichiro Yamamoto, Emili Cid, Miyako Yamamoto, Antoine Blancher10.1016/j.tmrv.2011.08.002Transfusion Medicine Reviews 26, 2 (2012)2011-09-26Transfusion Medicine Reviews2011-09-26262S0887-7963(11)X0006-8103118http://www.tmreviews.com/article/PIIS0887796311000666/abstract?rss=yesOver the past 20 years, there has been a major increase in the safety of the blood supply, as demonstrated by declining rates of posttransfusion infection and reductions in estimated residual risk for such infections. Reliable estimates of residual risk have been possible within the American Red Cross system because of the availability of a large amount of reliable and consistent data on donations and infectious disease testing results. Among allogeneic blood donations, the prevalence rates of infection markers for hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus have decreased over time, although rates for markers of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and human T-cell lymphotropic virus did not. The incidence (/100 000 person-years) of HIV and HCV among repeat donors showed apparent increases from 1.55 and 1.89 in 2000 through 2001 to 2.16 and 2.98 in 2007 through 2008. These observed fluctuations confirm the need for continuous monitoring and evaluation. The residual risk of HIV, HCV, and human T-cell lymphotropic virus among all allogeneic donations is currently below 1 per 1 million donations, and that of hepatitis B surface antigen is close to 1 per 300 000 donations.Donor Testing and Risk: Current Prevalence, Incidence, and Residual Risk of Transfusion-Transmissible Agents in US Allogeneic DonationsShimian Zou, Susan L. Stramer, Roger Y. Dodd10.1016/j.tmrv.2011.07.007Transfusion Medicine Reviews 26, 2 (2012)2011-08-26Transfusion Medicine Reviews2011-08-26262S0887-7963(11)X0006-8119128http://www.tmreviews.com/article/PIIS0887796311000903/abstract?rss=yesThis article provides an overview of the current knowledge relating to the potential use of bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) acting as immunosuppressants after liver transplantation. Clinical use of BM-MSCs in liver transplantation remains experimental, as there is uncertainty as to their mechanism of action, conflicting studies in animal models, and the possibility of their cellular fusion with hepatocytes leading to potentially genetically unstable hepatocytes. These obstacles, to their underuse, have been decreasing, and BM-MSCs have elicited great interest for possible use in solid organ transplantation. Bone marrow–derived-MSCs, when transplanted systemically, might positively influence grafted organ outcome through cell-cell contact or the secretion of soluble factors that are immunomodulatory. Thus, the use of BM-MSCs to modulate organ rejection may directly or indirectly influence the survival properties of transplanted livers.Bone Marrow–Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells as Immunosuppressants in Liver Transplantation: A Review of Current DataHongyu Zhang, Zhiyu Chen, Ping Bie10.1016/j.tmrv.2011.09.002Transfusion Medicine Reviews 26, 2 (2012)2011-10-19Transfusion Medicine Reviews2011-10-19262S0887-7963(11)X0006-8129141http://www.tmreviews.com/article/PIIS0887796311000885/abstract?rss=yesThe medical literature is replete with articles addressing the diagnosis and management of patients with a positive direct antiglobulin test (DAT). However, there is scant information addressing the management of blood donors and blood donations found to have a positive DAT. Practices vary considerably between countries and blood suppliers within countries, and there is no standardized approach to the management of these blood donors or the blood products prepared from their donations. Recent evidence from Israel suggests that the finding of a positive DAT in a blood donor may not be as benign as previously thought. Therefore, it may be prudent for blood collection agencies to periodically reexamine their approach to the management of blood donors with a positive DAT and their donations. This article reviews the available literature and explores options for the management of DAT-positive blood donors and their blood donations.Management of Blood Donors and Blood Donations From Individuals Found to Have a Positive Direct Antiglobulin TestJudith L. Hannon10.1016/j.tmrv.2011.08.004Transfusion Medicine Reviews 26, 2 (2012)2011-10-17Transfusion Medicine Reviews2011-10-17262S0887-7963(11)X0006-8142152http://www.tmreviews.com/article/PIIS0887796311000897/abstract?rss=yesBlood is a perishable product, and hence good management of inventories is crucial. Blood inventory management is a trade-off between shortage and wastage. The challenge is to keep enough stock to ensure a 100% supply of blood while keeping time expiry losses at a minimum. This article focuses on inventory management of red blood cells in hospital transfusion laboratories to derive principles of best practice and makes recommendations that will ensure losses due to time expiry are kept to a minimum. The literature was reviewed to identify available models for perishable inventory management. Historical data from the UK blood supply chain was analyzed to identify hospitals with good inventory management practice and low wastage levels. Transfusion laboratory managers in the selected hospitals were interviewed in 7 case studies with the aim of identifying drivers for low wastage and good inventory management practice. The findings from the case studies were compared with the literature. The extant literature asserts that the drivers for good inventory performance are the use of complex inventory models and algorithms. This study has found this not to be the case. Instead, good performance is driven by the quality of transfusion laboratory staff, who must be skilled, regularly trained, and experienced. Electronic crossmatching, transparency of the inventory, and simple management procedures also facilitate good performance.Blood Inventory Management: Hospital Best PracticeSebastian H.W. Stanger, Nicola Yates, Richard Wilding, Sue Cotton10.1016/j.tmrv.2011.09.001Transfusion Medicine Reviews 26, 2 (2012)2011-10-24Transfusion Medicine Reviews2011-10-24262S0887-7963(11)X0006-8153163http://www.tmreviews.com/article/PIIS0887796311000654/abstract?rss=yesBlood safety remains an important public health concern in Africa where lack of availability or provision of unsafe blood adversely impacts morbidity and mortality in the region. In recognition of this shortfall, the World Health Organization (WHO) established a goal of regional blood safety by 2012 through improved “organization and management, blood donor recruitment and collection, testing of donor blood as well as appropriate clinical use of blood” (Tagny et al: Transfusion. 2008;48:1256-1261; Tapko et al: Status of Blood Safety in the WHO African Region: Report of the 2006 Survey http://www.afro.who.int/en/divisions-a-programmes/dsd/health-technologies-a-laboratories.html. Brazzaville, Republic of Congo: WHO Regional Office for Africa; 2006). Although there has been substantial progress toward meeting these objectives, there are continued obstacles to both development and sustainability. In a setting where transfusion oversight is still being improved, transfusion-transmitted infections are of real concern. The high prevalence of some transfusion-transmissible agents such as hepatitis B virus and HIV in the general population means that some infected blood units escape detection by even well-performed laboratory testing, resulting in potential downstream transmission to patients. The spectrum of transfusion-transmitted infection include conventional as well as exotic pathogens, many of which are endemic to the region, thereby imparting ongoing challenges to recruitment and testing strategies.Blood Transfusion Safety in Africa: A Literature Review of Infectious Disease and Organizational ChallengesEvan M. Bloch, Marion Vermeulen, Edward Murphy10.1016/j.tmrv.2011.07.006Transfusion Medicine Reviews 26, 2 (2012)2011-08-29Transfusion Medicine Reviews2011-08-29262S0887-7963(11)X0006-8164180http://www.tmreviews.com/article/PIIS0887796311001015/abstract?rss=yesThe recent article by Professor Kumanan Wilson raised important issues concerning the application of the precautionary principle to transfusion safety . The article reviews and criticizes various scenarios in which the precautionary principle has or has not been applied in the blood transfusion setting. It also contains a proposed framework that could be used to decide in a more systematic fashion whether to implement precautions when faced with a specific threat to transfusion safety. We agree with most of the points made by Professor Wilson, which will certainly help to strengthen the case in favor of a more rational and consistent application of the precautionary principle. However, we believe that there are lingering issues with the current precautionary paradigm in transfusion safety, which still need to be resolved. In particular, Professor Wilson states that “the precautionary principle reflects an effort to achieve a zero-risk blood supply” and that “a parallel and closely related policy process is the reduced tolerance for known or minimal risks.” We do not entirely agree with this statement, and we would like to offer some specific examples for discussing this important point. We also wish to offer additional comments regarding the uses and misuses of the precautionary principle.The Precautionary Principle in Blood Safety: Not Quite the Same as Aiming for Zero RiskMarc Germain, Smaranda Ghibu, Gilles Delage10.1016/j.tmrv.2011.10.003Transfusion Medicine Reviews 26, 2 (2012)2011-12-07Transfusion Medicine Reviews2011-12-07262S0887-7963(11)X0006-8Letters to the Editor181184http://www.tmreviews.com/article/PIIS0887796311001027/abstract?rss=yesI would like to thank the authors for their interest in my article and their valuable insights . I had envisioned my article as a starting point based on my observations concerning the blood system's experience with using the precautionary principle and addressing risks to blood safety . Ideally, the framework I proposed in my article would be vetted by individuals who are directly involved in the decisions pertaining to transfusion safety. In that respect, the comments by Germain and colleagues are particularly welcome.Response to the Letter-to-the-Editor by Germain et alKumanan Wilson10.1016/j.tmrv.2011.10.004Transfusion Medicine Reviews 26, 2 (2012)2011-12-07Transfusion Medicine Reviews2011-12-07262S0887-7963(11)X0006-8Letters to the Editor184186http://www.tmreviews.com/article/PIIS0887796311001155/abstract?rss=yesWe read with great interest the article by Drs Young, Cotton, and Goodnough in the October issue of the journal, which reviewed current literature surrounding massive transfusion and providing examples of protocols from 2 institutions.Massive Transfusion Protocols for Patients with Substantial HemorrhageDeborah J. Anderson, Carolyn D. Burns, Phillip J. DeChristopher, Dan A. Waxman10.1016/j.tmrv.2011.11.001Transfusion Medicine Reviews 26, 2 (2012)2011-12-08Transfusion Medicine Reviews2011-12-08262S0887-7963(11)X0006-8Letters to the Editor186187http://www.tmreviews.com/article/PIIS0887796311001167/abstract?rss=yesAnderson et al request details regarding our liquid plasma inventory for emergencies requiring immediate plasma therapy. Our plasma source is the Stanford Blood Center, which provides plasma products from male donors. Liquid plasma is removed from a whole blood donation and is stored and refrigerated at 1°C to 6°C, rather than frozen as is P-24 plasma. As noted, liquid plasma is an Food and Drug Administration–approved product and can be stored for up to 26 days. It contains normal levels of all coagulation factors except factors VIII and V. As reported previously, coagulation factor VIII decreased over 28 days to 36% of its initial value in fresh-frozen plasma, and factor V decreased to 58% of its initial value in fresh-frozen plasma .Response to the Letter-to-the-Editor by Anderson et alLawrence Tim Goodnough, Bryan Cotton, Pampee Young10.1016/j.tmrv.2011.11.002Transfusion Medicine Reviews 26, 2 (2012)2011-12-26Transfusion Medicine Reviews2011-12-26262S0887-7963(11)X0006-8Letters to the Editor187187http://www.tmreviews.com/article/PIIS0887796311000927/abstract?rss=yesThis book review was preceded by a review of the Second Edition in 2005, which we reviewed favorably (Transfusion Medicine Reviews, 19:249-250, 2005.) This third edition was expanded to 31 chapters from 27. Notwithstanding new authors and various additions, most of the 27 chapters from the second edition were not substantially different in the third edition. Consequently, we reviewed only the new chapters.Steven F. Gregurek, Leo J. McCarthy10.1016/j.tmrv.2011.09.004Transfusion Medicine Reviews 26, 2 (2012)2011-11-30Transfusion Medicine Reviews2011-11-30262S0887-7963(11)X0006-8Book Review188189http://www.tmreviews.com/article/PIIS0887796312000028/abstract?rss=yesJournal ClubRichard Haspel, Simon Stanworth, Jeannie Callum10.1016/j.tmrv.2012.01.001Transfusion Medicine Reviews 26, 2 (2012)2012-02-10Transfusion Medicine Reviews2012-02-10262S0887-7963(11)X0006-8190197http://www.tmreviews.com/article/PIIS0887796312000077/abstract?rss=yesEditorial Board10.1016/S0887-7963(12)00007-7Transfusion Medicine Reviews 26, 2 (2012)2012-04-01Transfusion Medicine Reviews2012-04-01262S0887-7963(11)X0006-8FrontmatterA1A1http://www.tmreviews.com/article/PIIS0887796312000041/abstract?rss=yesTransfusion Medicine Reviews will publish in future issues:10.1016/j.tmrv.2012.01.003Transfusion Medicine Reviews 26, 2 (2012)2012-04-01Transfusion Medicine Reviews2012-04-01262S0887-7963(11)X0006-8FrontmatterA2A4http://www.tmreviews.com/article/PIIS0887796312000089/abstract?rss=yesContents10.1016/S0887-7963(12)00008-9Transfusion Medicine Reviews 26, 2 (2012)2012-04-01Transfusion Medicine Reviews2012-04-01262S0887-7963(11)X0006-8FrontmatterA5A5http://www.tmreviews.com/article/PIIS0887796312000090/abstract?rss=yesInformation for Contributors10.1016/S0887-7963(12)00009-0Transfusion Medicine Reviews 26, 2 (2012)2012-04-01Transfusion Medicine Reviews2012-04-01262S0887-7963(11)X0006-8FrontmatterA9A12