Hyperimmune anti-HBs plasma as alternative to commercial immunoglobulins for prevention of HBV recurrence after liver transplantation.

Background: Hepatitis B immune globulins (HBIG) in combination with nucleos(t)ide analogues (NA) are effectively used for the prevention of hepatitis B virus (HBV) recurrence after liver transplantation (LT). However, associated treatment costs for HBIG are exceedingly high.

Methods: Fresh frozen plasma obtained from blood donors with high anti-HBs levels (hyperimmune plasma, HIP) containing at least 4,500 IU anti-HBs was used as alternative treatment for HBV recurrence prophylaxis post-LT.

Efficacy of individual nucleic acid amplification testing in reducing the risk of transfusion-transmitted hepatitis B virus infection in Switzerland, a low-endemic region.

Background: The risk of transfusion-transmitted hepatitis B virus (HBV) in Switzerland by testing blood donors for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) alone has been historically estimated at 1:160,000 transfusions. The Swiss health authorities decided not to introduce mandatory antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) testing but to evaluate the investigation of HBV nucleic acid testing (NAT).

Study Design And Methods: Between June 2007 and February 2009, a total of 306,000 donations were screened routinely for HBsAg and HBV DNA by triplex individual-donation (ID)-NAT (Ultrio assay on Tigris system, Gen-Probe/Novartis Diagnostics).

[Transfusion safety, time for a new partnership between stake-holders].

Transfusion safety, time for a new partnership between stake-holders Following heightened publicity surrounding contaminated blood products, increased control has been implemented concerning all aspects of transfusion, from blood donor to finished product. A quality control programme has been implemented allowing a substantial reduction in adverse events. Transfusion medicine mandates the application of safety measures and hemo-vigilance helps to identify major risk factors in relation to bedside processes.

Therapeutic efficacy and safety of photochemically treated apheresis platelets processed with an optimized integrated set.

Background: This multicenter, randomized, controlled, double-blind Phase III clinical study evaluated the therapeutic efficacy and safety of apheresis platelets (PLTs) photochemically treated (PCT) with amotosalen and ultraviolet A light (INTERCEPT Blood System, Baxter Healthcare Corp.) compared with conventional apheresis PLTs (reference).

Study Design And Methods: Forty-three patients with transfusion-dependent thrombocytopenia were randomly assigned to receive either PCT or reference PLT transfusions for up to 28 days.

Severe hemochromatosis in a Portuguese family associated with a new mutation in the 5'-UTR of the HAMP gene.

Juvenile hereditary hemochromatosis is a genetically heterogeneous disorder transmitted as an autosomal recessive trait. It is most often caused by mutations in the HJV gene and rarely in the HAMP gene. Hepcidin is considered to constitute a negative regulator of iron absorption, and its production is increased in inflammatory states and iron overload.

HPA-genotyping and antiplatelet antibodies in female blood donors.

Cases of passive alloimmune thrombocytopenia have been reported due to transfusions of blood products with antiplatelet antibodies. The aim of our study was to search for antiplatelet antibodies in HPA-homozygous blood donor women once pregnant and also to perform, in case of positivity, a retrospective analysis of platelet counts of the recipients of their blood products. HPA-1, -2, -3 and -5 genotyping were performed on 500 platelet donors (42% women).

Acquired and transient RBC CD55 deficiency (Inab phenotype) and anti-IFC.

Background: Antigens of the Cromer blood group system reside on the glycoprotein CD55 (decay-accelerating factor). The Inab phenotype is the null phenotype of this system. So far, only five propositi have been described who exhibit this phenotype, and single-nucleotide substitutions in the CD55 gene have been found in three of them.