Liberal or restrictive transfusion in high-risk patients after hip surgery.

Background: The hemoglobin threshold at which postoperative red-cell transfusion is warranted is controversial. We conducted a randomized trial to determine whether a higher threshold for blood transfusion would improve recovery in patients who had undergone surgery for hip fracture.

Methods: We enrolled 2016 patients who were 50 years of age or older, who had either a history of or risk factors for cardiovascular disease, and whose hemoglobin level was below 10 g per deciliter after hip-fracture surgery.

HIV-Selectest enzyme immunoassay and rapid test: ability to detect seroconversion following HIV-1 infection.

HIV-Selectest is a serodiagnostic enzyme immunoassay (EIA), containing p6 and gp41 peptides, designed to differentiate between vaccine-induced antibodies and true infections. A rapid test version of the HIV-Selectest was developed. Both assays detected HIV antibodies in men and women within 2 to 4 weeks of infection, with sensitivity similar to third-generation EIAs.

Basic science focus on blood substitutes: a summary of the NHLBI Division of Blood Diseases and Resources Working Group Workshop, March 1, 2006.

In March 2006, a workshop sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute was convened to identify the role of basic science research in clarifying issues that are impeding progress in the development of hemoglobin-based oxygen carrying (HBOC) solutions. These discussions resulted in a consensus that, although HBOCs have shown clinical promise, various side effects have inhibited further development and regulatory approval, with cardiovascular events being of particular concern. As a consequence, workshop participants focused on formulating research recommendations to better understand and mitigate these side effects.

Novel approach for differential diagnosis of HIV infections in the face of vaccine-generated antibodies: utility for detection of diverse HIV-1 subtypes.

Because increasing numbers of HIV vaccine candidates are being tested globally, it is essential to differentiate vaccine- from virus-induced antibodies. Most of the currently tested vaccines contain multiple viral components. As a result, many vaccine recipients give positive results in FDA-licensed HIV serodetection tests.

West Nile virus infections projected from blood donor screening data, United States, 2003.

National blood donor screening for West Nile virus (WNV) RNA using minipool nucleic acid amplification testing (MP-NAT) was implemented in the United States in July 2003. We compiled national NAT yield data and performed WNV immunoglobulin M (IgM) testing in 1 WNV-epidemic region (North Dakota). State-specific MP-NAT yield, antibody seroprevalence, and the average time RNA is detectable by MP-NAT were used to estimate incident infections in 2003.

The 2003 West Nile virus United States epidemic: the America's Blood Centers experience.

Background: A detailed assessment of West Nile virus (WNV) yield is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of the WNV nucleic acid amplification technology (NAT) screening implemented in 2003.

Study Design And Methods: WNV NAT screening and donation data were compiled from members of America's Blood Centers, which collect nearly 50 percent of the US blood supply. WNV RNA screening was performed with either the Gen-Probe/Chiron Procleix transcription-mediated amplification assay or the Roche TaqScreen polymerase chain reaction.

Progression of HIV disease among women following delivery.

Objective: To assess patterns of HIV disease progression among HIV-1-infected women following delivery.

Methods: Four hundred ninety-seven women enrolled in PACTG 185, a phase 3 trial of passive immunoprophylaxis in addition to zidovudine (ZDV) for the prevention of perinatal transmission, were included. Visits occurred twice during pregnancy; at delivery; and at 12, 26, 48, and 78 weeks postpartum.

Comparative sensitivity of HBV NATs and HBsAg assays for detection of acute HBV infection.

Background: A study was designed to estimate relative analytic sensitivity and window-period (WP) closure and to project incremental yield of newer HBsAg tests, pooled-sample NAT, and single-sample NAT, compared to currently licensed HBsAg tests.

Study Design And Methods: HBV DNA and HBsAg test results for 23 HBV seroconversion (SC) panels were first analyzed to construct a model of primary HBV viremia. One-hundred representative samples were then selected from 10 panels and coded with 28 analytical controls.