Underdiagnosing of antibody-mediated transfusion-related acute lung injury: evaluation of cellular-based versus bead-based techniques.

Background And Objectives: Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) is the leading cause of transfusion-related mortality. To support the diagnosis of antibody-mediated TRALI, HLA and HNA antibodies are tested in involved blood donors. Identification of antibody positive donors is important as exclusion of these donors is part of preventative strategies against TRALI.

Impact of genetic variation in the SMIM1 gene on Vel expression levels.

Background: Serologic determination of the Vel- phenotype is challenging due to variable Vel expression levels. In this study we investigated the genetic basis for weak Vel expression levels and developed a high-throughput genotyping assay to detect Vel- donors.

Study Design And Methods: In 548 random Caucasian and 107 Vel+(w) donors genetic variation in the SMIM1 gene was studied and correlated to Vel expression levels.

Prediction of escape red blood cell transfusion in expectantly managed women with acute anaemia after postpartum haemorrhage.

Objective: To determine clinical predictors of escape red blood cell (RBC) transfusion in postpartum anaemic women, initially managed expectantly, and the additional predictive value of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) measures.

Design: Secondary analysis of women after postpartum haemorrhage, either randomly allocated to, or opting for expectant management.

Setting: Thirty-seven hospitals in the Netherlands.

Determinants of health-related quality of life in the postpartum period after obstetric complications.

Objective: To determine the influence of socio-demographic, clinical parameters and obstetric complications on postpartum health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

Study Design: We used data of three randomized controlled trials to investigate HRQoL determinants in women after an obstetric complication. The DIGITAT and HYPITAT trials compared induction of labor and expectant management in women with intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR) and hypertensive disorders.

Low-risk transfusion-related acute lung injury donor strategies and the impact on the onset of transfusion-related acute lung injury: a meta-analysis.

Background: Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) is the leading cause of transfusion-related mortality. In the past decade blood banks have implemented low-risk TRALI donor strategies, including a male-only donor policy for plasma-containing blood products to prevent onset of TRALI. We performed a meta-analysis to determine whether use of low-risk TRALI donor strategies for plasma indeed reduces onset of TRALI.