Prospective individual patient data meta-analysis of two randomized trials on convalescent plasma for COVID-19 outpatients.

Unlabelled: Data on convalescent plasma (CP) treatment in COVID-19 outpatients are scarce. We aimed to assess whether CP administered during the first week of symptoms reduced the disease progression or risk of hospitalization of outpatients. Two multicenter, double-blind randomized trials (NCT04621123, NCT04589949) were merged with data pooling starting when <20% of recruitment target was achieved.

High-titre methylene blue-treated convalescent plasma as an early treatment for outpatients with COVID-19: a randomised, placebo-controlled trial.

Background: Convalescent plasma has been proposed as an early treatment to interrupt the progression of early COVID-19 to severe disease, but there is little definitive evidence. We aimed to assess whether early treatment with convalescent plasma reduces the risk of hospitalisation and reduces SARS-CoV-2 viral load among outpatients with COVID-19.

Methods: We did a multicentre, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial in four health-care centres in Catalonia, Spain.

Use of granulocyte/monocytapheresis in ulcerative colitis: A practical review from a European perspective.

Half of the patients with ulcerative colitis require at least one course of systemic corticosteroids in their lifetime. Approximately 75% of these patients will also require immunosuppressive drugs (, thiopurines or biological agents) in the mid-term to avoid colectomy. Immunosuppressive drugs raise some concerns due to an increased risk of serious and opportunistic infections and cancer, particularly in elderly and co-morbid patients, underlining the unmet need for safer alternative therapies.

SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 pandemic: first wave, impact, response and lessons learnt in a fully integrated Regional Blood and Tissue Bank. A narrative report.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is placing blood and tissue establishments under unprecedented stress, putting its capacity to provide the adequate care needed at risk. Here we reflect on how our integrated organisational model has faced the first impact of the pandemic and describe what challenges, opportunities and lessons have emerged.

Materials And Methods: The organisational model of the Catalan Blood and Tissue Bank (Banc de Sang i Teixits, BST) is described.

Diagnostic performance of the ClearLLab 10C B cell tube.

Introduction: Pre-analytical and analytical errors can threaten the reliability of flow cytometry (FC) results. A potential solution to some of these is the use of dry, pre-mixed antibodies, such as the ClearLLab 10C system. The purpose of the present study was to compare the diagnostic performance of the ClearLLab 10C B cell tube with that of our standard laboratory practice.

Efficacy and Safety of Plasma Exchange with 5% Albumin to Modify Cerebrospinal Fluid and Plasma Amyloid-β Concentrations and Cognition Outcomes in Alzheimer's Disease Patients: A Multicenter, Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial.

Background: Studies conducted in animal models and humans suggest the presence of a dynamic equilibrium of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide between cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma compartments.

Objective: To determine whether plasma exchange (PE) with albumin replacement was able to modify Aβ concentrations in CSF and plasma as well as to improve cognition in patients with mild-moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Methods: In a multicenter, randomized, patient- and rater-blind, controlled, parallel-group, phase II study, 42 AD patients were assigned (1 : 1) to PE treatment or control (sham) groups.

Mobilization and engraftment of peripheral blood stem cells in healthy related donors >55 years old.

Background Aims: The increasing scarcity of young related donors has led to the use of older donors for related allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). This study analyzed the influence of age on the results of mobilization of peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs) in healthy donors as well as on the engraftment and outcome of HSCT.

Methods: A retrospective analysis from a single center was performed comparing the results of PBSC mobilization from related healthy donors according to their age.

[Use of platelet gel in breast reconstruction after breast-conserving cancer surgery].

Introduction: With the aim of decreasing breast defects after conservative cancer surgery, we present a new breast reconstruction technique using breast volume restitution with platelet gel.

Patients And Method: A pilot study was conducted on 20 breast cancer patients undergoing tumorectomy with placement a gel obtained by plateletpheresis of a healthy allogeneic donor in the surgical cavity. Patients had a clinical, photographic and histological follow-up, as well as an assessment of the aesthetic outcome.

Plerixafor plus G-CSF in combination with chemotherapy for stem cell mobilization in a pediatric patient with Ewing's sarcoma.

Some malignant tumors in childhood require high-dose chemotherapy with stem cell support to achieve a cure. In patients heavily pretreated with myelosuppressive chemotherapy or irradiation, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) may fail to mobilize stem cells from the bone marrow. Based on the experience with lymphoma and myeloma patients in whom peripheral blood-derived stem cell (PBSC) collection following mobilization with G-CSF failed, we successfully employed plerixafor in a 14-year-old female diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma in early relapse treated with three lines of chemotherapy in whom PBSC could not be mobilized using either G-CSF alone or G-CSF following chemotherapy.

Predictive factors for poor peripheral blood stem cell mobilization and peak CD34(+) cell count to guide pre-emptive or immediate rescue mobilization.

Background Aims: Failure in mobilization of peripheral blood (PB) stem cells is a frequent reason for not performing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Early identification of poor mobilizers could avoid repeated attempts at mobilization, with the administration of pre-emptive rescue mobilization.

Methods: Data from the first mobilization schedule of 397 patients referred consecutively for autologous HSCT between 2000 and 2010 were collected.

Vital transfusion in patients with multiple antibodies against common erythrocyte antigens.

The transfusion of blood components could be needed in certain types of surgical procedures. Blood type components and the requested number of units will depend on the estimated loss of blood, type of surgery, surgical technique to be employed and risk factors for bleeding. Problems can appear when multiple antibodies against common erythrocyte antigens are detected in blood samples and this situation worsens if blood units are requested as quickly as possible.

[High-dose ifosfamide and etoposide regimen as salvage and mobilization therapy for patients with lymphoma].

Background And Objective: Several groups have used salvage chemotherapy in relapsed or refractory lymphomas to mobilize peripheral blood stem cells. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antilymphomatous efficacy, the ability of mobilization and the toxicity of a regimen containing high-dose ifosfamide, etoposide, methylprednisolone (IFOVM) and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF).

Patients And Method: Twenty-four patients with relapsed or refractory lymphoma received IFOVM and G-CSF.

A case of non-lethal pulmonary air embolism after leukapheresis catheter removal.

Mononuclear cell leukapheresis requires good-quality venous access. Catheter placement and removal of the catheter may be associated with life-threatening local or systemic complications. Thus, prompt recognition of these complications and appropriate therapy can be life-saving.