Patients' attitudes regarding out-of-hospital blood transfusion

BACKGROUND: While the administration of blood transfusions outside of the hospital has become more prevalent, little is known about patients' attitudes regarding this practice. STUDY DESIGN and METHODS: Twenty- nine adult patients who regularly received blood transfusions in a hospital's outpatient clinic and had never received home transfusions were surveyed. Linear analogue and categorical monetary scales were used to evaluate their responses to a series of questions. RESULTS: At the time of the survey, 27 study participants (93%) did not want home transfusions, and 21 (72%) thought home transfusions posed a greater risk than hospital based transfusion. More than half (56%) of the participants were unwilling to pay more for a home transfusion for themselves than for an outpatient hospital-based transfusion. Participants were willing to pay more for a home blood transfusion for a hypothetical patient requesting transfusions at home. The lack of available transportation and poor patient health were identified as important factors in determining how much more they would be willing to pay for transfusions at home. CONCLUSION: While blood transfusions at home may become more accessible, many patients may prefer to receive their transfusions in the hospital, probably because home transfusions are thought to pose a greater risk. A patient's health and the availability of transportation were determined to be important factors in decisions about how much more money to spend for transfusions at home than for those in an outpatient hospital setting.     

Nurse practitioner support for transfusion in patients with haematological disorders in hospital and at home

We prospectively studied the effects of dedicating a nurse to manage the provision of blood product support in a hospital haematology unit and at home to 45 patients with haematological disorders requiring regular transfusion. During the study 335 home blood tests, 65 home platelet transfusions and 155 hospital transfusions were managed by the nurse who organized the whole transfusion process, made home visits for blood tests and platelet transfusions and arranged hospital visits for red cell transfusions. Two hundred clinic visits and 65 day hospital attendances were avoided. The nurse-led service resulted in a significant reduction in the waiting time from admission to transfusion and in the total length of in-patient stay. The importance of and satisfaction with different aspects of the care of the transfusion process assessed by a ranking questionnaire showed improved satisfaction scores for all aspects of care. Preference for home blood sampling instead of hospital increased from 24% before to 100% after intervention. We have shown that a dedicated transfusion nurse provides a quality service between hospital and home that is greatly appreciated by patients requiring regular transfusions.     

The use of blood transfusions and erythropoietin-stimulating agents in Swedish palliative care

Goals of work  To outline the use of blood transfusions and erythropoietin-stimulating agents (ESAs) in palliative care in Sweden and to get an idea of whether or not these usually very sick patients benefit from the treatment. Patients and methods  An internet-based questionnaire was sent out to 24 specialized palliative care units within the Swedish palliative research network. All data were registered by each member directly into a web-based survey generator from which the results were extracted and analyzed. Main results  Twenty-two units registered 1,046 patients (median age 68 years, 87% had a cancer diagnosis). Among these patients, 900 were enrolled in advanced home care and the others were treated in in-patient units. Erythrocyte transfusions were given to 174 patients (17%) during the month before registration with a mean amount of 2.9 units (range 1–18) given to each patient. Erythrocyte transfusions were given to 18% of the patients with a malignancy and to 11% of the patients with a non-malignant disease. Six patients also received thrombocyte transfusions. One hundred seventeen patients (68%) were judged to benefit from the erythrocyte transfusions. Eighty-two (58%) of the 141 transfused patients enrolled in advanced home care received their transfusions in their homes. ESAs was given to 127 patients (12%). Conclusions  Transfusions are not uncommon in Swedish palliative care. A majority seemed to benefit from the transfusions. Since they are expensive and time consuming, the effect should, however, be carefully evaluated in every individual in order to avoid ineffective treatment.     

股骨近端交锁髓内钉和股骨近端锁定解剖钢板治疗老年股骨粗隆间骨折的疗效比较

目的:比较股骨近端交锁髓内钉(PFN)和股骨近端锁定解剖钢板(DHS)治疗老年股骨粗隆间骨折的疗效。方法:回顾性研究本院2007年1月²011年7月收治的60岁以上的股骨粗隆间骨折手术患者共80例,行DHS治疗患者42例,PFN治疗患者38例,最少随访12个月。比较两组手术时间、出血量、复位质量、短期和长期手术并发症。在末次随访时评价患者髋关节功能情况。结果:PFN组患者的手术时间、出血量均优于DHS组的患者,但两组患者的输血量、手术并发症以及末次随访的Harris功能评分及优良率,两组均无显著性差异。两组均没有出现死亡及再手术的情况。结论:PFN和DHS治疗老年股骨粗隆间骨折均能取得较好的疗效,但PFN相对创伤较小,应优先考虑。     

Feasibility of a restrictive red-cell transfusion policy for patients treated with intensive chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukaemia

Red-cell transfusions are required for symptomatic treatment of severe anaemia caused by intensive chemotherapy. Concerns about the transfusion-related complications, such as infections (e.g. the very low risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission and the risk of postoperative infections), haemolytic transfusion reaction, immunological effects and the costs, prompt a reevaluation of the transfusion practice. Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data on 84 patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), who were treated with combination chemotherapy between June 1, 1997 and December 7, 2001, was performed. The use of red-cell transfusions with a restrictive transfusion policy (haemoglobin = 7.2-8.8 g dL(-1), dependent on age and symptoms, n = 38) was compared with a more liberal transfusion trigger (haemoglobin = 9.6 g dL(-1), n = 46). The number of units transfused was recorded. Signs and symptoms of anaemia, chemotherapy-related effects and complications were investigated for both transfusion policies. The more restrictive transfusion policy led to a significant decrease of 11% of red blood cell (RBC) transfusions in patients with AML. No significant differences were found in the incidence of infections, number of platelet units transfused, bleeding complications, cardiac symptoms or response to chemotherapy. The more restrictive transfusion policy was feasible in this clinical setting, and it might be concluded that a restrictive transfusion policy is safe in supporting clinical patients treated with intensive chemotherapy for AML.     

Hospital care or home care after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation – Patients' experiences of care and support

PurposeTreatment at home during the pancytopenic phase after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has been an option for patients at our center since 1998. Earlier studies have shown that home care is safe and has medical advantages. In this study, we present patients' experiences of care and support while being treated in hospital or at home during the acute post-transplantation phase.MethodPatients (n = 41, 22 in hospital care and 19 in home care) answered the SAUC questionnaire at discharge (when home, or from hospital). Both statistical analysis and deductive content analysis were used.ResultsThe patients were highly satisfied with the care and support during the acute post-transplantation phase. Patients in home care were found to be more satisfied with care in general than patients in hospital care. The importance of safety, empathy, and encouragement from healthcare staff were expressed regardless of where care was given. Patients also felt that receipt of continuous, updated information during treatment was important and they had a strong belief in HSCT but were uncertain of the future regarding recovery.ConclusionsThe main findings of this study were that in comparison to hospital care, home care does not appear to have a significant negative effect on patients' experiences of care and support during the acute post-transplantation phase. In addition patients in home care felt safe, seen as a person and encouragement seem to empower the patients at home. Thus, this study may encourage other transplantation centers to provide home care if the patients want it.     

Evaluation of the appropriateness of blood and blood product transfusion using preset criteria

The use of 1930 units of blood or blood products during 765 transfusion episodes in 560 patients was reviewed. This represented one-half of all transfusions in a large medical center over a 2-month period. By clearly defined, present criteria, 42.3 percent of the episodes were found not to be appropriate. Whole blood and platelet transfusions were used more appropriately than those of red cells, cryoprecipitate, and fresh-frozen plasma. Blood transfusions were used more appropriately in the management of acute bleeding or anemia associated with cardiovascular problems. Three groups of patients were especially prone to inappropriate transfusions: those with end-stage renal disease or terminal cancer and cancer patients on chemotherapy. Age, sex, and specific hospital wards were not associated with inappropriate use. Most unjustified episodes occurred as a result of the overestimation of the immediate risk incurred by withholding transfusion.     

Home Is Where the Heart Is: Do Blood Transfusions Belong There Too?

Blood transfusions performed outside of the hospital (OOH), particularly those in the patient's home, require special attention to reduce the added risk of being at an increased distance from emergency medical care. The situation must be carefully evaluated to be sure that the added risk is minimal and is balanced by substantial benefit to the patient. Consideration should be given in advance as to which patients will be eligible for OOH transfusions and what criteria must be met for the location of the transfusion. When blood transfusions are performed in the home, a second adult should be available to be able to assist the transfusionist and to monitor the patient after the transfusionist leaves. A facility engaged in OOH transfusions must adhere to all regulations and should establish quality assurance measures concerning this OOH transfusion practice. An OOH blood transfusion program must address these and other issues before the first patient is enrolled.     

Survival among children and adults treated with granulocyte transfusions: Twenty years’ experience at a Brazilian blood center

BackgroundIt remains controversial whether granulocyte transfusions as a supportive treatment improve survival in patients with febrile neutropenia or granulocyte dysfunctions. We describe survival rates subsequent to granulocyte transfusions in pediatric and adults patients treated at a major blood center in Brazil.Material and methodsWe retrospectively reviewed the clinical charts of pediatric and adult patients treated with granulocyte transfusions at our institution from January 2000 to October 2019. We assessed demographic characteristics, clinical features, indications for transfusion, units transfused, dose of granulocytes administered and survival rates 30 and 100 days after the initial transfusion.ResultsWe identified 64 pediatric and 67 adult patients treated with 262 granulocyte transfusions. An optimal dose (> 0.6 × 10⁹ granulocytes per kilogram per transfused unit) was available for transfusion in 80.4 % of pediatric patients but in only 19.6 % of adults (p = 0.017). Thirty days after their first granulocyte transfusion, 38 (59.4 %) pediatric and 61 (91 %) adult patients had died. Patients receiving the optimal dose of granulocytes had better survival outcomes, but even among this sub-group, adults were more likely to die than were children either at 30 days (OR = 8.67, 95 %CI 2.69–34.9) or 100 days (OR = 6.27, 95 %CI 1.86–25.9) after their initial granulocyte transfusion.ConclusionSurvival rates following granulocyte transfusion varied by the dose transfused and were higher in children than in adults.     

Home care versus hospital care in patients with multiple myeloma treated with pamidronate

Long-term bisphosphonate therapy has been shown to offer clinical benefit in the management of multiple myeloma. This study sought to explore the feasibility and potential advantages of monthly home-based intravenous infusions of pamidronate in patients with multiple myeloma. In a prospective crossover, multicentre trial, 37 patients were randomly allocated to receive 3 months of treatment with pamidronate given in the home followed by 3 months of treatment with pamidronate given in hospital or vice versa. Results from a patient preference questionnaire indicated most patients preferred treatment at home. Quality-of-life measurement was undertaken using the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire. The results indicated a small, generally consistent, although not statistically significant, trend in favour of home care treatment. Extra nursing specialist time was required for home therapy. Home therapy with pamidronate in patients with multiple myeloma appeared feasible and safe and was preferred by patients in this study.     

The use of CD34+-selected PBPC after high-dose chemotherapy in breast cancer patients is associated with prolonged recovery time and increased infectious complications

High-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell rescue can result in autotransplantation of tumor cells. A possible approach to reduce tumor cell contamination is the positive selection of CD34+ PBPC, but this might be associated with a prolonged recovery time as well as an increased risk of infectious complications because of the loss of committed progenitor cells. To investigate this aspect, we compared two sequentially treated cohorts of high-risk breast cancer patients. Both groups received the same high-dose chemotherapy regimen followed by autologous peripheral stem cell transplantation. Group I received CD34+-selected blood progenitor cells, and group II received nonselected blood progenitor cells. We compared these two identically treated groups with regard to recovery time, need for blood products, infectious complications, need for antibiotic treatment, and length of the transplantation-related hospital stay. We found a prolonged recovery time for neutrophils up to 0.5 x 10(9)/L (14 days in the selected group/10 days in the nonselected group) and platelets up to 30 x 10(9)/L (29/12 days), associated with an increased requirement for RBC transfusions (5/3 U) and platelet transfusions (10/2 U). The rate of severe infectious complications (2/0), the need for nonprophylactic antibiotic treatment (15/10), and the length of the hospital stay (25/21 days) in group I were also increased. We conclude that positive selection of PBPC should not be used routinely until randomized studies show a clear long-term benefit of using CD34+-selected stem cell products in breast cancer patients.     

Examining the push-pull method of blood sampling from central venous access devices

The placement of a central venous access device (CVAD) has revolutionized supportive care for pediatric cancer patients. The CVAD is used to administer chemotherapy/biotherapy, blood products, total parenteral nutrition, antibiotics, and many other supportive medications. CVADs also provide the ability to obtain blood samples without the trauma associated with venipuncture. Frequent blood sampling is often needed to monitor the side effects and response of the cancer treatment. Unfortunately, the most common method requires discarding blood (0.5-10 mL, depending on the institution's protocol) with each lab draws, for various reasons. For pediatric oncology patients, this can result in a large volume of blood being discarded and subsequently increase the need for blood transfusions. Repeated exposure to allogeneic (donor) blood products can put this patient population at additional risk for alloimmunization and febrile reactions. The purpose of this study is to test the limits of agreement between laboratory values (chemistry panel 18 and complete blood count) obtained using the push-pull and standard methods of blood sampling from CVADs in pediatric oncology patients.     

Factors predicting home death for terminally ill cancer patients receiving hospital-based home care: the Lyon comprehensive cancer center experience

This study aimed to determine factors favoring home death for cancer patients in a context of coordinated home care. A retrospective study was conducted among patients followed up by the home care coordinating unit of the cancer center of Lyon. The main endpoint was place of death. Univariate analysis included general characteristics (age, gender, rural or urban residence, disease), Karnofsky Index (KI), type of care at referral (chemotherapy, palliative care, or other supportive care), and coordinating medical oncologist (MCO) home visits. Significant factors were used in a logistic regression analysis. Of 250 patients, 90 (36%) had home death. Low KI and MCO home visit were correlated with home death (odds ratio, respectively, 2.1 and 3.1). These results indicate that health care support favors home death. A hospital-based home care unit is effective for bridging the gap between community and hospital. MCO home visits offer concrete support to health care professionals, patients, and relatives.     

Nationwide survey of home transfusion practices

BACKGROUND: Limited information exists on home transfusion practices. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: In 1995, a survey requesting data for 1994 was sent to 1273 American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) institutional members and 113 non-AABB home health care agencies that provide out-of-hospital transfusions. RESULTS: Of 943 respondents, 102 provide blood to a home transfusion program, 37 provide blood and run a home transfusion program, and 13 run a home transfusion program only, for a total of 152 (16%) with some involvement in home blood transfusions. Most of the 50 respondents with a home transfusion program are licensed by their state and accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. All respondents have written policies for home transfusion, and 90 percent require a signed informed-consent document before initiating transfusions in the home. Most have policies requiring that there be a second adult and a telephone in the home, that the home be deemed safe for transfusion, that the patient's physician be readily available, and that the patient have had prior transfusions. The most common component issued by the blood providers was red cells, followed by platelets. White cell-reduced components were always provided by 36 percent of respondents. The most common patient diagnosis was cancer. Home transfusions were provided primarily by registered nurses. Only 14 percent of respondents indicated that the medical director of the blood bank is responsible for approving a patient for home transfusion. A posttransfusion visit is performed by 46 percent of respondents. CONCLUSION: Although most facilities have policies for the administration of home transfusions, there remains marked heterogeneity among blood providers and transfusionists regarding home transfusion practices.     

音乐疗法在肺癌术后患者化疗过程中的应用

目的探讨音乐疗法对肺癌术后化疗患者的效果。方法于2015年4月—2016年4月选择就诊于上海交通大学附属胸科医院的400例肺癌术后化疗患者,按病区分为观察组和对照组各200例,对照组予以常规护理,观察组给予化疗前晚、化疗当日、化疗当晚三个时段的音乐聆听,对比两组患者化疗后心理、恶心呕吐反应、活动度及血氧饱和度的情况。结果观察组患者焦虑自评量表(Self-Rating Anxiety Scale,SAS)得分、恶心呕吐分级、活动度KPS得分、血氧饱和度较对照组有不同程度的改善,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论音乐疗法应用于肺癌术后化疗患者能指导其主动参与化疗疗程,进行住院与居家自我调适,有的放矢地降低焦虑情绪、维持生命体征、缓解胃肠不适反应,促进患者自身机体康复,更积极地接受后续治疗并重返社会。     

Is there a role for melatonin in supportive care?

Melatonin (MLT) is the main hormone released from the pineal gland and has proved to have physiological antitumor activity. MLT has been shown to exert anticancer activity through several biological mechanisms: antiproliferative action, stimulation of anticancer immunity, modulation of oncogene expression, and anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-angiogenic effects. Several experimental studies have shown that MLT may inhibit cancer cell growth, and preliminary clinical studies seem to confirm its anticancer property in humans. In addition, MLT may have other biological effects, which could be useful in the palliative therapy of cancer, namely anticachectic, anti-asthenic and thrombopoietic activities. On this basis, the present clinical investigation was performed in an attempt at better definition of the therapeutic properties of MLT in human neoplasms. In a first clinical study, we evaluated the effects of MLT in a group of 1,440 patients with untreatable advanced solid tumors, who received supportive care alone or supportive care plus MLT. In a second study, we evaluated the influence of MLT on the efficacy and toxicity of chemotherapy in a group of 200 metastatic patients with chemotherapy-resistant tumor histotype, who were randomized to receive chemotherapy alone or chemotherapy plus MLT. In both studies, MLT was given orally at 20 mg/day during the dark period of the day. The frequency of cachexia, asthenia, thrombocytopenia and lymphocytopenia was significantly lower in patients treated with MLT than in those who received supportive care alone. Moreover, the percentage of patients with disease stabilization and the percentage 1-year survival were both significantly higher in patients concomitantly treated with MLT than in those treated with supportive care alone. The objective tumor response rate was significantly higher in patients treated with chemotherapy plus MLT than in those treated with chemotherapy alone. Moreover, MLT induced a significant decline in the frequency of chemotherapy-induced asthenia, thrombocytopenia, stomatitis, cardiotoxicity and neurotoxicity. These clinical results demonstrate that the pineal hormone MLT may be successfully administered in medical oncology in the supportive care of untreatable advanced cancer patients and for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced toxicity.     

Dying of hematologic patients—treatment characteristics in a German University Hospital

The treatment of hematologic patients in palliative situations remains a major challenge as there are special clinical needs, e.g., transfusions and the high risk for infectious complications with subsequent use of broad anti-infective treatment. Furthermore, most hematologic patients have a relatively long history of disease and are acquainted with "their" wards; that is why most are treated on these hematologic and not on specialized palliative wards. The standardized approach to the care of hematologic patients with curative treatment intention is probably not fully appropriate for palliative patients. In order to evaluate the current situation of treatment characteristics in a German university hospital, we retrospectively evaluated the medical documentation of all patients who died on a hematologic ward between 2005 and 2008. While we found a high number of chemotherapeutic, anti-infective, analgesic, and sedative treatments, of transfusions, of treatment on the intensive care units, and of invasive nature, non-somatic interventions were rather scarce. Symptom control, e.g., for bleeding events or pain, was frequently not adequately achieved. With regard to the palliative situation, a holistic approach with the maintenance of patients' autonomy and the preference for dying at home, the treatment of hematologic patients in a palliative situation has to be reconsidered.     

Low-dose prophylactic platelet transfusions in recipients of an autologous peripheral blood progenitor cell transplant and patients with acute leukemia: a randomized controlled trial with a sequential Bayesian design

BACKGROUND: Prophylactic platelet (PLT) transfusions are standard treatment for patients receiving high-dose chemotherapy, but the optimal dose is not known. A randomized controlled trial was undertaken to examine the effectiveness of low-dose PLT transfusions and to determine the need for further studies. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Patients (n = 111) with acute leukemia or undergoing autologous peripheral blood progenitor cell (PBPC) transplantation were randomly assigned to receive low-dose (3 PLT units) or standard-dose (5 PLT units) prophylactic PLT transfusions and were monitored daily for bleeding. Using a sequential Bayesian design, the difference in major bleeding events was determined. RESULTS: The percentage of patients with major bleeding events was 10.7 percent (95% credible region, 5.1%-21.2%) in the low-dose PLT group and 7.3 percent (95% credible region, 2.9%-17.2%) in the standard-dose PLT group. The two additional events in the low-dose group occurred when the PLT count exceeded 100 x 10(9) per L. There is an 89 percent probability that the absolute increase in major bleeds is less than 10 percent with low-dose PLT transfusions. The number of minor bleeding events was higher in the standard-dose group. Patients receiving low-dose PLT transfusions received 25 percent fewer PLT units. There was an 89 percent probability that low-dose transfusions reduced PLT utilization in patients with acute leukemia and a 60 percent probability in patients undergoing PBPC transplantation. CONCLUSION: Low-dose PLT transfusions appear to be safe and effective and reduce PLT utilization. They should be further evaluated in clinical trials designed to evaluate equivalency.     

The Role of Platelet Administration in a Blood Transfusion Service

Platelet transfusions are used with increased frequency in the medical or surgical management of patients with hematological and neoplastic disorders. The safety and value of such transfusions were demonstrated in aplastic anemia, thrombocytopenias of congenital, auto-immune or infectious origin, massive transfusion syndrome, Thai hemorrhagic fever, leukomas and generalized neoplasias with thrombocytopenia. Intensive chemotherapy or ionizing radiation can be given beyond the limitations imposed by depressed thrombocytogenesis when platelet transfusions are available. The procurement and administration of platelets on a routine basis have modified the operation and the role of blood banks and transfusion services in centers of investigative hematology and cancer chemotherapy. These services are becoming an essential facility for advancing the management of the above disorders.