Publications by authors named "B S Sachais"
Introduction: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we rapidly implemented a plasma coordination center, within two months, to support transfusion for two outpatient randomized controlled trials. The center design was based on an investigational drug services model and a Food and Drug Administration-compliant database to manage blood product inventory and trial safety.
Methods: A core investigational team adapted a cloud-based platform to randomize patient assignments and track inventory distribution of control plasma and high-titer COVID-19 convalescent plasma of different blood groups from 29 donor collection centers directly to blood banks serving 26 transfusion sites.
Article Synopsis
- The CONCOR-1 trial was a study aimed at evaluating the cost-effectiveness and quality-of-life implications of using convalescent plasma as a treatment for hospitalized COVID-19 patients compared to standard care.
- The trial included 940 patients, with those receiving convalescent plasma incurring higher costs ($28,716) but showing similar quality-of-life scores to standard care patients ($24,258), indicating no significant benefit.
- Results suggested that convalescent plasma treatment was less effective and more expensive than standard care, questioning its viability as an alternative treatment in resource-limited health settings.*
Background: Previous studies have demonstrated low first-time donor return rates (DRR) following catastrophic events. Little is known, however, about the influence of demographic factors on the DRR of first-time donors during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the unique motivation of COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP) donors as compared to non-CCP donors.
Study Design And Methods: Thirteen blood collection organizations submitted deidentified data from first-time CCP and non-CCP donors returning for regular (non-CCP) donations during the pandemic.
Background: Mobile delivery of apheresis services is an increasingly important component of health care equity, as patients should not have to transfer care providers or travel far distances to receive critical therapeutic apheresis procedures or cell therapy-based treatments. Therefore, the availability of such services should be expanded.
Study Design And Methods: In this "How Do I" article, we provide a detailed overview of the elements necessary to initiate and maintain a successful mobile apheresis service, including challenges and potential solutions.
Background: The Recipient Epidemiology and Donor Evaluation Study-IV-Pediatric (REDS-IV-P) is a new iteration of prior National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) REDS programs that focus on improving transfusion recipient outcomes across the lifespan as well as the safety and availability of the blood supply.
Study Design And Methods: The US program includes blood centers and hospitals (22 including 6 free-standing Children's hospitals) in four geographic regions. The Brazilian program has 5 participating hemocenters.