Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Some variations of the cerebral arterial circle (CAC) are associated with an increased risk for the development of various pathological conditions. This paper aimed to determine the prevalence of hypoplastic arteries of CAC and to emphasize the limited possibility of their visualization by computed tomography angiography (CTA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The research was performed on 400 adult cadavers by macro- and microdissection of the cerebral arteries. Each case was photographed and the diameter of the arteries was measured digitally, by analyzing photographs of the bases of the brain in the ImageJ program. RESULTS: The largest prevalence of artery diameter <1mm (<0.6mm) in CAC had the posterior communicating artery (PCoA). PCoA on the left side was hypoplastic in 44.9% (11.4%) of cases, while the same artery on the right side was hypoplastic in 44.3% (6.6%) of cases. The posterior cerebral artery was hypoplastic on the left side in 3% (0.6%) and on the right side in 4.2% (0.6%) of cases. The anterior cerebral artery had a hypoplastic caliber only on the right side in 2.4% (0.6%) of the cases, while the internal carotid arteries did not have a diameter <1mm in any case. The anterior communicating artery showed the greatest variability in morphology. Studies on CTA describe the occurrence of aplasia in a statistically significantly higher percentage, and the occurrence of hypoplastic arteries in a statistically significantly lower percentage compared to studies on cadavers. CONCLUSIONS: Due to significant differences between cadaveric and radiological studies, it is necessary to analyze their results regarding arterial hypoplasia and aplasia separately. A diameter of less than 1 mm has been suggested as a criterion for arterial hypoplasia.

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: The success of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is dependent on a world-wide network of collection centers providing donations that predominantly have been infused as fresh cells. The logistics chain that supports the just-in-time delivery model for stem cell and immunotherapy products was severely stressed by the COVID pandemic, and in early 2020 a number of national and international bodies recommended that cells should be cryopreserved at the collection or transplant center to avoid interruptions in their acquisition or delivery to patients who had started conditioning. STUDY DESIGN: To assess the potential consequences of such pandemic-related deviations to normal practice, we surveyed nine international laboratories to determine if the characteristics or transplant outcomes of allogeneic stem cell donations differed in the immediate periods before and after the switch to routine cryopreservation. RESULTS: Nine centers on two continents provided data for 72 HSC donations just before, and 71 just after, switching to cryopreservation for allogeneic HSC products. No statistically significant differences between the period before and after cryopreservation were noted for time from product collection to receipt, product temperature at receipt, or CD34+ cell viability at receipt. There was an indication of slower absolute neutrophil count recovery after cryopreservation was required (mean time of 15 vs. 17.6 days). DISCUSSION: While there were no apparent changes to most parameters studied, there was an indication of slower neutrophil engraftment that will need to be examined in larger, longer term studies.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Recent advances in managing Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) significantly improved patient survival and quality of life. Disease-modifying drug therapies such as hydroxyurea, L-glutamine, voxelotor, and crizanlizumab reduce pain crises and severe complications. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation using matched-sibling donors is currently the only standard curative option; however, only a small proportion of patients have such donors. Cord blood and haploidentical transplantation with a modified conditioning regimen have expanded the allogeneic donor pool, making the therapy available to more patients. Gene therapy is a promising cure that is currently undergoing clinical trials and different approaches have demonstrated efficacy. Multidisciplinary expertise is needed in developing the best treatment strategy for patients with SCD.

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: A variable artery in the anterior cerebral circulation, named median callosal artery (MdCA) belongs to one of the three groups of anteromedial central branches of the anterior communicating artery (ACoA). The lack of information on MdCA in human fetuses inspired the authors to explore and present its morphological features. METHODS: The arteries of the brain base were analyzed and measured on 193 specimens of human fetuses, whose values are preserved from the time of preparation of PhD thesis. RESULTS: The median callosal artery was observed in 45% (87/193) of fetuses from 12.5 to 25 weeks of gestation. The MdCA originating from the single ACoA was found in 4.66% cases. MdCAs originating from the so-called anterior communicating rete (16.58%), as well from the partially duplicated (5.69%) and total duplicated ACoA (10.88%) were also found. A statistically significant difference of the artery OD between male and female fetuses was not found. There was a non-significant positive correlation between fetal age presented in gestational weeks and the artery OD (r = 0.214). The OD of the MdCA did not correlate with the diameters of the anterior cerebral artery (ACA). An unusual convergent union of initial ACA medial vessels and partial duplication at MdCA beginning and its trunk fenestrations were shown, along with bilateral distribution of MdCA branches. CONCLUSIONS: The wide range of variability of the median callosal artery in human fetuses, presented in this paper, contributes to anatomical knowledge on the anterior part of cerebral circulation.

RESUMEN

PURPOSE: Our goal was to investigate the cases of bilateral aplasia of the anterior cerebral artery (ACA). METHODS: The macro- and microdissection of the target human brain arteries of 388 cadaveric cases was applied under the magnifying glass. Each case was photographed and diagrammatically represented in the workbook. The length and the outer diameter of the corresponding arteries on the photos were measured using a computer software program. RESULTS: There was only one case (1/388 or 0.25%) of bilateral ACA aplasia that belonged to a male adult cadaver. Except for the variations of the posterior communicating artery on one side and the basilar artery, the instance of cerebral pathology was not recorded in this case. We compared the recent case with available literature cases. CONCLUSION: Summarizing small number of literature cases, the recent case of bilateral ACA aplasia as the fifth case discovered so far, represents a true morphological rarity.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Per the American Society for Apheresis, therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is a Category III indication in the management of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). This nationally representative study evaluates TPE utilization in hospitalized adults with a primary admission diagnosis of ITP. Hospitalizations with ITP as the primary admitting diagnosis were analyzed from the 2010 to 2014 National Inpatient Sample, the largest all-payer inpatient database in the United States. Univariate and multivariable logistic regressions were used to determine clinical outcomes in ITP patients undergoing TPE. Sampling weights were applied to generate nationally representative estimates. From 2010 to 2014, there were a total of 56,149 admissions with a primary admitting diagnosis of ITP, of which 0.66% admissions (n = 372) also coded TPE. Most subjects undergoing TPE were the highest disease severity class: major (34.6%) and extreme severity (31.0%), by all-patients refined diagnoses-related groups severity of illness subclass. After multivariable analysis, underlying severity of illness remained the most significant predictor of TPE (P < .001). ITP admissions with TPE had a high rate of comorbidities (50%) and significantly longer mean length of hospital stay than those without (P < .001). TPE was reported in ~0.6% of hospitalizations with ITP as the primary diagnosis in this nationally representative sample from 2010 to 2014. TPE was performed in patients with the highest severity of underlying illness, and higher rates of comorbidities.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

There are 466 cases of absent unilateral (398) and bilateral (68) internal carotid artery (ICA) published in online books, abstracts, and original articles from 2020 to 2021. Of the 398 cases of absent unilateral ICA, 95 were associated with aneurysms. The analysis of these cases includes age, nationality and gender, location of aneurysm(s), description, and scheme of carotid-vertebrobasilar angioarchitecture mode in the brain base, as well as hypothesis on the embryonic background of accompanying vascular variations and abnormalities. The calculated ratio between the number of absent unilateral ICA cases and the number of absent bilateral ICA cases is 5.8:1. The ratio between the total number of cases of absent unilateral ICA and those associated with aneurysms is 4.2:1. The association between the posterior communicating middle cerebral anastomosis and intercavernous (trans-sellar or intercarotid) channel with the absence of both anterior cerebral and anterior communicating arteries is common. More than half of the cases with aneurysms are located at the anterior segment vessels of the cerebral arterial circle. This review is based on the description and explanation of embryology and morphology of absent unilateral ICA with aneurysms, which would be a significant contribution to published literature on this topic, especially due to the fact that nothing similar has been published since 1957.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

SUMMARY: The presented case characterizes an association of primitive and definitive arteries with variations on the cadaveric brain base of a very old man. This case is found by the retrospective review of the data archive obtained during many years of cooperation of the author and co-authors. Fenestration of the (ectatic) basilar artery, partial and total duplication of some cerebellar arteries was associated with other variations of the vertebrobasilar and carotid systems. Although this is a case autopsied because of the myocardial infarction, the peculiarity of the case lies in the absence of the aneurysm based on the fenestration or dissection of one of the cerebral arteries.

RESUMEN: El caso presentado caracteriza una asociación de arterias primitivas y definitivas con variaciones sobre la base cerebral cadavérica de un anciano. Este caso se encuentra mediante la revisión retrospectiva de datos obtenidos durante muchos años de un trabajo de cooperación del autor y coautores. La fenestración de la arteria basilar (ectásica), la duplicación parcial y total de algunas arterias cerebelosas se asoció con otras variaciones de los sistemas vertebrobasilar y carotídeo. Si bien se trata de un caso de autopsia a causa de un infarto del miocardio, la peculiaridad del caso radica en la ausencia del aneurisma en base a la fenestración o disección de una de las arterias cerebrales.

Asunto(s)

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: The AABB-ISCT Joint Working Group Stability Project Team (SPT) was assigned to roadmap a path toward standardization of cryopreserved hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell (HSPC) stability programs. HSPC stability encompasses a broad scope of conditions including non-frozen ("fresh") and cryopreserved cell products, and varying methods for storage, thaw, and administration. This report assessed current practices and focused solely on cryopreserved HSPC cell therapy products to establish preliminary recommendations for a stability program roadmap. METHODS: A survey was prepared by the SPT and distributed to ISCT and AABB members. Survey results were summarized and recommendations were outlined based on the responses from the survey. This report highlights current practices for cryopreserved HSPC stability programs, including additional considerations and recommendations. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Eighty-two (82) centers worldwide participated in the survey. Survey results indicate variability across programs. HSPC stability depends on multiple factors within the processing facility (e.g., cryopreservation techniques, reagents used, and storage temperature) and independent variables (e.g., donor-related factors and starting material variability). While retention of hematopoietic engraftment potential is the primary goal for cryopreserved HSPC stability, engraftment results should not be used as the sole metric for stability programs. Based on the survey results, the SPT provides recommendations for consideration. CONCLUSIONS: The SPT recommendations for best practices are not intended to replace existing standards. The survey results emphasize the need for the community to optimize best practices and consider initiating collaborative projects to improve the standardization of cryopreserved HSPC stability programs for cell therapy products.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: The AABB-ISCT Joint Working Group Stability Project Team (SPT) was assigned to roadmap a path toward standardization of cryopreserved hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell (HSPC) stability programs. HSPC stability encompasses a broad scope of conditions including non-frozen ("fresh") and cryopreserved cell products, and varying methods for storage, thaw, and administration. This report assessed current practices and focused solely on cryopreserved HSPC cell therapy products to establish preliminary recommendations for a stability program roadmap. METHODS: A survey was prepared by the SPT and distributed to ISCT and AABB members. Survey results were summarized and recommendations were outlined based on the responses from the survey. This report highlights current practices for cryopreserved HSPC stability programs, including additional considerations and recommendations. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Eighty-two (82) centers worldwide participated in the survey. Survey results indicate variability across programs. HSPC stability depends on multiple factors within the processing facility (e.g., cryopreservation techniques, reagents used, and storage temperature) and independent variables (e.g., donor-related factors and starting material variability). While retention of hematopoietic engraftment potential is the primary goal for cryopreserved HSPC stability, engraftment results should not be used as the sole metric for stability programs. Based on the survey results, the SPT provides recommendations for consideration. CONCLUSIONS: The SPT recommendations for best practices are not intended to replace existing standards. The survey results emphasize the need for the community to optimize best practices and consider initiating collaborative projects to improve the standardization of cryopreserved HSPC stability programs for cell therapy products.

Asunto(s)

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated rotational thromboelastometry tracings in 44 critically ill coronavirus disease 2019 patients, to determine whether there is a viscoelastic fingerprint and to test the hypothesis that the diagnosis and prediction of venous thromboembolism would be enhanced by the addition of rotational thromboelastometry testing. RESULTS: Rotational thromboelastometry values reflected an increase in clot strength for the EXTEM, INTEM, and FIBTEM assays beyond the reference range. No hyperfibrinolysis was noted. Fibrinolysis shutdown was present but did not correlate with thrombosis; 32% (14/44) of patients experienced a thrombotic episode. For every 1 mm increase of FIBTEM maximum clot formation, the odds of developing thrombosis increased 20% (95% confidence interval, 0-40%, P = .043), whereas for every 1,000 ng/mL increase in D-dimer, the odds of thrombosis increased by 70% (95% confidence interval, 20%-150%, P = .004), after adjustment for age and sex (AUC 0.96, 95% confidence interval, 0.90-1.00). There was a slight but significant improvement in model performance after adding FIBTEM maximum clot formation and EXTEM clot formation time to D-dimer in a multivariable model (P = .04). CONCLUSIONS: D-dimer concentrations were more predictive of thrombosis in our patient population than any other parameter. Rotational thromboelastometry confirmed the hypercoagulable state of coronavirus disease 2019 intensive care unit patients. FIBTEM maximum clot formation and EXTEM clot formation time increased the predictability for thrombosis compared with only using D-dimer. Rotational thromboelastometry analysis is most useful in augmenting the information provided by the D-dimer concentration for venous thromboembolism risk assessment when the D-dimer concentration is between 1,625 and 6,900 ng/dL, but the enhancement is modest. Fibrinolysis shutdown did not correlate with thrombosis.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Daratumumab, a monoclonal antibody therapeutic, is highly efficacious and widely used in all stages of multiple myeloma and amyloidosis and has promising activity in other hematologic disorders. Daratumumab interacts with red blood cells, interfering with pre-transfusion testing. This interference can lead to compromising transfusion safety, extensive blood bank work ups and delays in provision of compatible units. Several methods have been developed to negate daratumumab interference with indirect antiglobulin testing. They are based on i) standard blood bank techniques including dithiothreitol and enzymatic treatment of reagent cells, using reagent red blood cells negative for CD38, ii) blocking CD38 antigens on reagent or donor cells, iii) neutralization of anti-CD38 antibody in patient plasma prior to testing, and iv) extended antigen typing of patient red blood cells in conjunction with provision of phenotypically matched units for transfusion. Implementation of those methods by the blood bank should be a planned effort coordinated with the patient's clinical team. Timely involvement of blood bank and transfusion services and educational efforts by both blood banks and clinical providers can improve the overall daratumumab safety profile in regard to blood transfusion.

RESUMEN

Objectives: Children supported by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) are at high risk of bleeding. Though practitioners often prescribe blood components and/or medications to prevent or treat bleeding, the utilization of these hemostatic measures in children is not well-understood. We sought to evaluate the use of hemostatic blood products (platelet, plasma and cryoprecipitate transfusions) and medications [aminocaproic acid, tranexamic acid (TXA) and Factor VIIa] in children supported by ECMO. Design: Retrospective observational study using the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) database from 2011-2017. Setting: Fifty-one U.S. children's hospitals. Patients: Children (aged 0-18 years) supported by ECMO. Interventions: None. Measurements and Main Results: ECMO was employed in the care of 7,910 children for a total of 56,079 ECMO days. Fifty-five percent of the patients were male with a median (IQR) age of 0 (0-2) years. The median (IQR) length of ECMO was 5 (2-9) days with a hospital mortality rate of 34%. Platelets were transfused on 49% of ECMO days, plasma on 33% of ECMO days and cryoprecipitate on 17% of ECMO days. Twenty-two percent of children received TXA with the majority receiving it on the first day of ECMO and the use of TXA increased during the 6-year period studied (p < 0.001). Seven percent of children received aminocaproic acid and 3% received Factor VIIa. Conclusions: Children supported by ECMO are exposed to a significant number of hemostatic blood products. Antifibrinolytics, in particular TXA, are being used more frequently. Given the known morbidity and mortality associated with hemostatic blood products, studies are warranted to evaluate the effectiveness of hemostatic strategies.

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Accurate diagnostic strategies to identify SARS-CoV-2 positive individuals rapidly for management of patient care and protection of health care personnel are urgently needed. The predominant diagnostic test is viral RNA detection by RT-PCR from nasopharyngeal swabs specimens, however the results are not promptly obtainable in all patient care locations. Routine laboratory testing, in contrast, is readily available with a turn-around time (TAT) usually within 1-2 hours. METHOD: We developed a machine learning model incorporating patient demographic features (age, sex, race) with 27 routine laboratory tests to predict an individual's SARS-CoV-2 infection status. Laboratory testing results obtained within 2 days before the release of SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR result were used to train a gradient boosting decision tree (GBDT) model from 3,356 SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR tested patients (1,402 positive and 1,954 negative) evaluated at a metropolitan hospital. RESULTS: The model achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.854 (95% CI: 0.829-0.878). Application of this model to an independent patient dataset from a separate hospital resulted in a comparable AUC (0.838), validating the generalization of its use. Moreover, our model predicted initial SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR positivity in 66% individuals whose RT-PCR result changed from negative to positive within 2 days. CONCLUSION: This model employing routine laboratory test results offers opportunities for early and rapid identification of high-risk SARS-CoV-2 infected patients before their RT-PCR results are available. It may play an important role in assisting the identification of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients in areas where RT-PCR testing is not accessible due to financial or supply constraints.

Asunto(s)