Splitting apheresis platelets as a contingency measure for inventory shortages.

Background: Splitting apheresis platelet (PLT) units increase available inventory during shortages. The impact of prolonged storage in gas-impermeable aliquot bags on PLT quality in vitro and transfusion outcomes in patients remains uncertain.

Study Design And Methods: We assessed in vitro PLT quality and thromboelastography (TEG) in PLTs stored for 8 or 24 h in aliquot bags compared with baseline (T0).

Results of clinical effectiveness of conventional versus Mirasol-treated Apheresis Platelets in Patients with Hypoproliferative Thrombocytopenia (MiPLATE) trial.

Background: The Mirasol® Pathogen Reduction Technology System was developed to reduce transfusion-transmitted diseases in platelet (PLT) products.

Study Design And Methods: MiPLATE trial was a prospective, multicenter, controlled, randomized, non-inferiority (NI) study of the clinical effectiveness of conventional versus Mirasol-treated Apheresis PLTs in participants with hypoproliferative thrombocytopenia. The novel primary endpoint was days of ≥Grade 2 bleeding with an NI margin of 1.

Late Recurrence of Anisometropic Amblyopia.

A 15-year-old boy whose anisometropic amblyopia was effectively treated with glasses was examined. Despite years of stability, his visual acuity decreased from 20/20 to 20/60 with poor glasses compliance. Although amblyopia recurrence is well recognized, this case emphasizes potential late recurrence after prolonged success.

Clinical Outcomes, Blood Utilization, and Ethical Considerations for Pediatric Patients in a Bloodless Medicine and Surgery Program.

Background: Pediatric patients requesting bloodless care represent a challenging clinical situation, as parents cannot legally refuse lifesaving or optimal interventions for their children. Here, we report clinical outcomes for the largest series of pediatric inpatients requesting bloodless care and also discuss the ethical considerations.

Methods: We performed a single-institution retrospective cohort study assessing 196 pediatric inpatients (<18 years of age) who requested bloodless care between June 2012 and June 2016.