Intraoperative autologous transfusion in children undergoing spinal surgery

An intraoperative autologous transfusion program was used in conjunction with preoperative phlebotomy in 25 children undergoing elective spinal surgery. Operative red blood cells, 10,000 ml, with an average hematocrit of 55%, as well as 7,300 ml of preoperative phlebotomy blood were returned to the patients. No complications were noted. The complete blood count on discharge was satisfactory, and the clotting parameters were unchanged. The results of this study show that intraoperative autologous transfusion with preoperative phlebotomy is safe, easy to perform, and cost-effective in children undergoing elective spinal surgery. The risks of homologous blood transfusions were eliminated.     

Highly conservative phlebotomy in adult intensive care--a prospective randomized controlled trial

Anaemia in critically ill patients is common and phlebotomy associated blood loss may contribute towards this anaemia. The aims of this study were twofold. Firstly, a survey was conducted to provide a summary of current phlebotomy practices within Australian intensive care units. A standardized telephone survey was aimed at Australian intensive care units registered with Australia and New Zealand Intensive Care Society (ANZICS) and questions regarding phlebotomy procedures directed at nursing staff. Secondly, a prospective randomized controlled trial aimed to assess the impact of a highly conservative phlebotomy procedure on haemoglobin concentration in intensive care patients. Patients admitted to our own intensive care unit were randomized using a sealed envelope technique to either a highly conservative phlebotomy group, or standardized controls. Blood was taken according to strict protocols and recorded along with haemoglobin concentration daily. The survey demonstrated that 16% of Australian units return deadspace volumes from in-line arterial sets and no unit routinely used paediatric-sized blood collection tubes. Using our highly conservative protocol, median phlebotomy-associated blood loss was reduced by over 80% (40 ml vs 8 ml P<0.001). Mean haemoglobin fell from 13.7 g/dl to 11.7 g/dl in controls (P=0.002) and from 12.7 g/dl to 11.5 g/dl (P=0.074) in our study group. We conclude that highly conservative phlebotomy is feasible in a critical care unit and is associated with a reduction in blood loss.     

A rare case of renal hemangioma presenting as polycythemia

Instances of renal cell carcinoma and erythropoietin-producing renal cysts presenting as polycythemia are well documented. To our knowledge, no case of hemangioma presenting as polycythemia has been reported. We present a case of a 39-year-old man with a 5-year history of polycythemia requiring phlebotomy every 3 months. Computed tomography revealed a 6 to 7-cm right upper pole renal mass. The patient underwent right radical nephrectomy, and pathologic examination revealed the mass to be a capillary hemangioma. The patient has not required phlebotomy for 1 year since the removal of the hemangioma.     

Recombinant human erythropoietin and phlebotomy in the treatment of iron overload in chronic hemodialysis patients

Five long-term hemodialysis patients with clinical iron overload were treated with 300 U/kg of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) intravenously (IV) after each hemodialysis. The patients were phlebotomized after each hemodialysis at any time the predialysis hematocrit was 35% or greater. Over a period of 1 year, the average phlebotomy rate varied from 0.5 to 1.1 U/wk with a mean phlebotomy rate of 45.8 +/- 5.6 U/yr (range, 27 to 57 U). The mean serum ferritin decreased from 8,412 +/- 1,599 micrograms/L (ng/mL) to 3,007 +/- 1,129 micrograms/L (ng/mL), and the mean iron removal over this period was 9.5 g. Liver iron deposition, as measured by density on computed tomographic (CT) scan, improved, while skin color lightened significantly. Patients tolerated phlebotomy with no major symptoms or complications and exhibited no change in the hemogram or serum chemistries. In patients with severe iron overload, changes in serum ferritin with erythropoietin treatment alone may not reflect true change in iron burden. Use of high-dose erythropoietin and phlebotomy is an effective and safe (at least for 1 year) method of reducing iron overload in long-term hemodialysis patients.     

Effect of enalapril on exaggerated erythropoietin response to phlebotomy in erythrocytosic renal transplant patients

Background: Exaggerated erythropoietin (EPO) response to phlebotomy regardless of the baseline EPO levels have been shown in patients with post-transplant erythrocytosis (PTE) and administration of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-I) seems to be effective in controlling PTE. However, the mechanism of this ACE-I induced reduction in haematocrit (Hct) is not well known. Although some authors have suggested that ACE-I may reduce EPO secretion, this is still controversial. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of a single dose ACE-I on exaggerated EPO response to phlebotomy. Methods: In this study, we compared serum EPO and renin (PRA) levels of 100 PTE patients, 10 non-PTE patients and 10 healthy blood donors before and after phlebotomy. The effects of a single dose of ACE-1 (enalapril, 5 mg p.o.) in PTE patients were also evaluated in the second phlebotomy. Results: While the mean basal serum EPO level was significantly higher in the PTE group than the other two groups (<0.01), the mean basal PRA levels did not differ significantly between these groups. Serum EPO and PRA levels increased significantly after the phlebotomy (P<0.001) and exaggerated EPO response to phlebotomy was suppressed by single dose enalapril (P<0.001) in the PTE patients. Conclusion: The present study has shown that the renin-angiotensin system plays an important role in EP formation and the Hct lowering effect of the ACE-I is through reduction of EPO in PTE patients.     

Procedures for the use of neonatal rats in surgical research

The investigator using neonatal rodents in surgical research often encounters a variety of technical challenges such as the inhibition of maternal cannibalism, the coding of individual littermates, choice of anesthetics and meeting anesthetic overdose emergencies, the selection of injection and phlebotomy sites, and postoperative growth retardation. This communication describes procedures in use for overcoming these difficulties and emphasizes, wherever possible, nonpharmacological approaches to the surgical manipulation of very young animals and to their postoperative support.     

Treatment of Eye Diseases in the Hippocratic Era

For the treatment of eye diseases, Hippocrates described the application of ointments, administration of herbs, implementation of surgical interventions and the use of phlebotomy and cauterization along the “ancient vessels”.The Hippocratic use of bleeding and cauterization as a medical treatment has significant similarities to traditional Chinese medicine. The “ancient vessels” described by Hippocrates are not related to human anatomy, but are similar to the meridians of traditional Chinese medicine. The points chosen for cautery are similar to those described in ancient Chinese texts. The treatment of ophthalmic diseases with phlebotomy and cauterization during the Hippocratic period can undoubtedly be considered as alternative medicine.     

Anesthesia for nephrectomy in a patient suspected of spurious polycythemia

A 46-year-old man suspected of spurious polycythemia received nephrectomy. Spurious polycythemia patients with high blood pressure as a complication have a high possibility of developing cerebral vascular disease. For its prevention, it is important to decrease blood viscosity by phlebotomy and to perform anticoagulation therapy. It is also necessary to deal with these patients as a high-risk group of cerebral vascular disease even if there is no symptoms. We were able to manage this case safely without any complication by aggressive perioperative phlebotomy and anticoagulation therapy.     

Human endothelial cell cultures from progenitor cells obtained by leukapheresis

Although improved prosthetic graft patency with endothelial cell (EC) seeding has been shown in animal models, the clinical application of this technique requires a convenient source of ECs. We have evaluated EC cultures derived from the mononuclear cell (MNC) fraction obtained during large-volume leukapheresis and compared this with cultures grown from peripheral blood cells obtained by phlebotomy. Leukapheresis was performed in healthy adult volunteers (n = 7) using software designed to increase the percentage of MNCs harvested. Blood (40-293 mL) was drawn from a peripheral vein in healthy adult volunteers (n = 13), and the MNCs were obtained by differential centrifugation using a Lymphoprep gradient. Significantly more MNCs were obtained by leukapheresis than by phlebotomy. Each leukapheresis procedure yielded 12.5 to 23 mL, which contained 2.29 +/- 0.35 x 10(9) MNCs, compared with 2.16 +/- 0.50 x 10(8) MNCs, for each phlebotomy (P < 0.001). EC colonies developed in significantly more cultures from leukapheresis-derived MNCs (6 of 7) than phlebotomy-derived MNCs (4 of 13; P = 0.008). Leukapheresis-derived cells developed EC morphology at 15.5 +/- 2 days compared with 21 +/- 3.4 days for cells obtained by phlebotomy (P = not significant). EC were identified by positive factor VIII and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor immunostaining. Leukapheresis significantly increases the number of progenitor cells available for differentiation into EC compared with phlebotomy and avoids the need for any surgical procedure to harvest a peripheral vein as a direct source of ECs.     

Cardiac transplantation in a patient with hereditary hemochromatosis: role of adjunctive phlebotomy and erythropoietin.

We describe the case of a 36-year-old woman with hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) resulting in end-stage cardiomyopathy and treated successfully with orthotopic cardiac transplantation. Before and after transplantation, the patient underwent aggressive treatment with frequent phlebotomy. We used erythropoietin concomitantly to maintain adequate hematocrit to support continued phlebotomy. We believe that aggressive use of phlebotomy provided the patient hemodynamic benefit and hastened the return of endocrine function post-transplantation. We also believe that the patient's history of high-dose vitamin C usage may have accelerated iron deposition in the heart and other vital organs.     

Intermittent short saphenous vein phlebotomy: an effective technique of relieving venous congestion in the distally based sural artery flap

INTRODUCTION: Venous congestion is the main cause of failure in the distally based sural artery flap. Herein, we present our technique of phlebotomy to relieve flap congestion. Venous blood is intermittently drained via an exteriorized segment of the short saphenous vein until flap circulation normalizes. METHODS AND MATERIALS: From 2000 to 2005, 34 distally based sural artery flaps were performed. In all patients, an extra 5 cm of the short saphenous vein was incorporated with the flap during harvest. Fourteen flaps were noted to be congested after inset. In 2 patients, supercharging was performed. In the remaining 12 patients, intermittent phlebotomy was performed through an externalized segment of the short saphenous vein on the operating table and hourly thereafter until venous congestion improved. RESULTS: All flaps survived. The mean duration of phlebotomy was 30 hours, and mean blood loss in the first 24 hours was estimated to be 94 mL. The color of the flap was noted improved gradually over this period as it established a more efficient venous drainage. CONCLUSION: Our approach of providing an additional venous outlet for congested flaps contributed to the favorable survival rate noted in this series. Intermittent phlebotomy was a simple and effective way to relieve venous congestion during the immediate postoperative period. As oscillating avalvular veins hypertrophied and multiplied during the ensuing 24-48 hours, venous circulation improved and the short saphenous vein spontaneously stopped draining. Phlebotomy improved flap survival and was a valuable temporizing measure to prevent critical congestion in flaps adapting to a new circulatory pattern.     

Predonation autologous blood in hip arthroplasty

In a prospective randomized study of elderly patients, a total of 130 units of blood were donated by 45 patients prior to a total hip arthroplasty. Fifteen patients served as controls (no phlebotomy). The average age was 71 (60-82) years. No major complication occurred with phlebotomy. All the patients were able to maintain their hematologic and chemical parameters within the normal range throughout the donation period. The autologous blood covered all the peroperative transfusion needs and 97 percent of the total transfusion requirements. There was less postoperative blood loss, as well as total blood loss, in the autologous groups compared with the control group. There was no difference in the rate of postoperative complications between the groups. The use of predeposited autologous blood in elective orthopedics, regardless of patient age, is feasible, cost effective, and avoids the risks associated with homologous blood transfusion.     

Clinical experiences with autologous blood transfusion in vascular surgery]

In a prospective study 30 patients with high operative risk in vascular surgery underwent preoperative phlebotomy. Blood loss during operation could be replaced by bank autologous blood. The clinical data during and after operation are compared with the data of a control group. The use of banked autologous blood does not even endanger patients with poor cardiorespiratory function. As a clinical procedure it is easily performed and reduces the cost of medical care. The method of preoperative phlebotomy reduces the need of homologous blood by 75%. The number of patients receiving homologous blood is reduced by 50%. Banked autologous blood is an important help for the anesthetist. The basic physiologic principles of the method are discussed as well as advantage and disadvantage of preoperative hemodilution. The authors suggest to withdrawal of 800 ml autologous blood before every operation in which the blood loss will be higher than 500 ml.     

Predonation autologous blood in hip arthroplasty

In a prospective randomized study of elderly patients, a total of 130 units of blood were donated by 45 patients prior to a total hip arthroplasty. Fifteen patients served as controls (no phlebotomy). The average age was 71 (60-82) years. No major complication occurred with phlebotomy. All the patients were able to maintain their hematologic and chemical parameters within the normal range throughout the donation period. The autologous blood covered all the peroperative transfusion needs and 97 percent of the total transfusion requirements. There was less postoperative blood loss, as well as total blood loss, in the autologous groups compared with the control group. There was no difference in the rate of postoperative complications between the groups.

The use of predeposited autologous blood in elective orthopedics, regardless of patient age, is feasible, cost effective, and avoids the risks associated with homologous blood transfusion.     

Efficacy of Enalapril after ineffective theophylline treatment on erythrocytosis after renal transplantation

Erythrocytosis represents a common complication in renal allograft recipients. Traditional therapies including phlebotomy and bilateral native nephrectomies are cumbersome for both the clinical personnel and the patient. Recently, pharmacological agents such as angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor and theophylline have been proposed as effective therapies for post-transplant erythrocytosis (PTE). We have treated a PTE patient successfully with enalapril without any side effects and renal dysfunction after theophylline treatment showed no improvement in PTE. A decline in Ht levels was independent of the changes in Epo levels during enalapril treatment. Although the mechanism underlying the beneficial effect of enalapril remains undetermined, enalapril is recommended for the initial treatment of PTE.     

The effect of acute normovolemic hemodilution on homologous blood requirements and total estimated red blood cell volume lost

Background: Acute normovolemic hernodilution combined with retransfusion is one of the various techniques proposed to avoid homologous blood transfusion in cardiac surgery. The purpose of the present paper is to study the effect of the volume of autologous blood collected pre-cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) on homologous blood requirements and total estimated red blood cell (RBC) volume lost in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery.
Methods: Following induction of anesthesia, sequestration of one (5–8 ml/kg; Group I, n=14) or two units (12–15 ml/kg; Group 11, n=14) of fresh autologous blood was performed under electrocardiographic and hernodynamic control. Group III (n= 14) was designated as the control group. Autologous blood was reinfused at the conclusion of CPB.
Results: The use of homologous blood in the study groups was significantly less than in the control group. High-volume phlebotomy did not make a significant difference in the requirement of the homologous blood, while causing a mild increase in the total estimated RBC volume lost. No significant differences could be demonstrated in preoperative, post-CPB and discharge hematocrit levels and postoperative blood drainage between the groups.
Conclusion: Acute intraoperative hemodilution with high- and low-volume phlebotomy reduced the homologous blood requirements similarly regardless of the amount of phlebotomy.     

Adolescent experiences in a vaccine trial: a pilot study

Little is known about how adolescents experience clinical trials. We assessed the experiences of South African adolescent participants in a clinical trial, employing semi-structured interviews to gather qualitative data on the experiences and effects of trial participation. Despite misunderstanding certain concepts regarding assent and trial processes subsequent to enrollment, participants reported positive experiences overall. Subjects' motivations for participation included: an ability to help others; receipt of healthcare; and free blood screening. Participants expressed fears associated with trial procedures, such as phlebotomy; however, these apprehension diminished as the trial progressed. We found that conducting qualitative research within a trial site is feasible, and can provide insight into the uptake and acceptability of interventions.     

Acute cardiopulmonary effects of nitroglycerin in canine oleic acid pulmonary edema

In a canine model of acute respiratory failure, the authors investigated acute cardiopulmonary effects of nitroglycerin (TNG) and compared the results with those obtained after phlebotomy. Oleic acid increased intrapulmonary shunt (Qs/Qt) from 7.4 to 31% (P less than 0.001) and decreased (P less than 0.01) cardiac output (CO). In the presence of assumed low-pressure pulmonary edema, TNG was infused to decrease mean blood pressure (BP) by 40%; this was associated with a 26% decrease (P less than 0.05) in CO. Qs/Qt increased from 31 to 42% (P less than 0.01). There was a slight increase (P less than 0.01) in pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) with TNG, and mean pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) decreased (P less than 0.05). In contrast, when CO was decreased by a similar amount with phlebotomy, mean Qs/Qt did not significantly change. There were similar changes in PVR and PAP and mixed venous O2 tension with TNG and phlebotomy. Accordingly, current results rule out increased flow, increased PVO2, and mechanical alterations in pulmonary vascular pressures as contributory to the increase in Qs/Qt with TNG. Alternatively, the increase in Qs/Qt with TNG may be explained by a direct pharmacologic decrease in pulmonary hypoxic vasoconstriction and/or by nonspecific pharmacologic effects.     

A computer model comparing normovolemic hemodilution, hypervolemic hemodilution, and neither on intraoperative blood loss and final hematocrit

Homologous blood transfusion, while frequently life-saving, is attended by risks and complications. Autologous blood transfusions have become an increasingly common alternative. Volume expansion, which is simpler, also is used. This study was designed to construct computer models of hypervolemic hemodilution and normovolemic hemodilution to compare them with each other and with normal (neither hypervolemic nor normovolemic hemodilution). Each model started with blood volume (BV) equal to 5,000 mL. Initial hematocrits (HCTs) were varied from 25% to 50%. Following phlebotomy and hemodilution or volume expansion, which ranged from 0 to 2,500 mL (50% of initial BV), the models were then bled 250 to 2,500 mL (5% to 50% of initial BV). In the phlebotomy model, the autologous blood was then returned. Final HCTs were then calculated. Preoperative phlebotomy of 500 to 1,000 mL, an amount commonly withdrawn, provides a minimally higher final HTC. Volume expansion by hypervolemic hemodilution provides almost the same low level of benefit. Benefits (3% higher HCT) are not seen until larger volumes are phlebotomized or hemodiluted and accompanied by large intraoperative blood losses. Autologous blood drawn by preoperative phlebotomy for intraoperative transfusion should not be used until studies show that these large volumes are safe and actually save blood.     

Immunosuppressive effects of burn injury and nonspecific blood transfusion

Burn injuries and blood transfusions both have been implicated as causes of suppressed immune responses. Skin allograft survival in a burned mouse model was studied to determine the relationships among burn injury, blood transfusion, and phlebotomy before transfusion as they affected immunocompetence. At 7 days after 20% TBSA full-thickness burn injury, allograft skin survival was prolonged compared to nonburned control. When increasing volumes of blood were transfused, allograft survival times decreased accordingly. Phlebotomy before transfusion tended to enhance this response. Similar results were seen at 14 days after burn injury, although phlebotomy before transfusion did not further decrease allograft survival time at 14 days. This study demonstrated that blood transfusions were not additively immunosuppressive over burn injury alone. Increased amounts of transfused blood restore allogeneic responsiveness. Phlebotomy may enhance this response when performed early after burn injury.