Fatal delayed transfusion reaction in a sickle cell anemia patient with Serratia marcescens sepsis

Patients with sickle cell anemia may require repeated red cell transfusion, putting them at risk for minor blood group alloimmunization and the development of delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions. Although Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common cause of life-threatening infection in patients with sickle cell anemia, those who have been recently hospitalized are at risk for infection with resistant hospital-associated organisms, and blood transfusion may put the patient at risk of infection with transfusion-associated organisms such as Serratia marcescens and Yersinic enterocolitica. We recently cared for an adolescent with sickle cell anemia who presented to the emergency department with a severe, delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction and Serratia marcescens infection. The patient had been discharged from the hospital five days previously, and had been transfused and treated with antibiotics while hospitalized. In addition to demonstrating the potential severity of delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions, our case illustrates the importance of providing relatively broad-spectrum antibiotic coverage to patients with sickle cell anemia and possible infection who have recently been hospitalized.     

Fatal Yersinia enterocolitica sepsis after blood transfusion

A patient with fatal Yersinia enterocolitica sepsis was seen recently in our intensive care unit. The patient had received two units of packed red blood cells during a surgical procedure. Cultures of the donor blood yielded Y enterocolitica, and a whole-organism enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of the donors' sera suggested a recent infection with Y enterocolitica in an asymptomatic donor. Though rare, Y enterocolitica, which can grow at the cold temperatures of refrigerated blood, should be considered as a possible source of sepsis following blood transfusion.     

Bartonellosis as Cause of Death After Red Blood Cell Unit Transfusion

ABSTRACT

The authors present the case of a young man with aplastic anemia who went into shock and died after several red blood cell unit transfusions. Immunohematological studies did not show any abnormality and blood cultures from patients and blood bags were negative. The ultrastructural findings, allied with current scientific knowledge, permitted the diagnosis of Bartonella sp. infection. In face of this diagnosis, two possibilities should be considered: the first one is that the patient was already infected by the bacteria before the last RBC unit transfusion. The pathogen could be involved in aplastic anemia etiology and in the failure to recover hemoglobin levels, in spite of the transfusions. The second possibility is that the RBC unit was contaminated with a Bartonella sp., which would have led to a state of shock, causing the death of the patient.     

Fatal infection associated with group C streptococci.

Serious infection caused by Lancefield group C streptococci is unusual in man. Two unrelated deaths associated with these organisms in a 55 year old woman who died after three days of diarrhoea and vomiting, and in a 65 old man who died after a week of non-specific symptoms, are presented. Post mortem examination showed septicaemia in the former and severe aortic stenosis with widespread septic emboli and probable meningitis in the latter. Lancefield group C streptococci were isolated from both cases. These organisms may be carried asymptomatically and usually cause disease in animals but cases of serious human infection have recently been described, mainly in elderly patients or those with other predisposing factors.     

Central nervous system Aspergillus fumigatus infection after near drowning

AIMS: To report the case of a 26 year old white man, who developed chronic meningitis and intracerebral granulomata 15 days after an episode of near drowning in a swamp. METHODS: Aspergillus fumigatus was isolated from cerebrospinal fluid cultures. RESULTS: The patient died 70 days after the symptoms were first noticed, and seven days after a subarachnoid haemorrhage. Aspergillus has never been reported before as a cause of intracranial infection after near drowning. CONCLUSIONS: Physicians must be aware of this possibility when confronted with such a situation, because there are now effective therapeutic options for systemic aspergillosis.     

Red blood cell alloimmunisation after platelet transfusion (excluding ABO blood group system)

Red blood cell alloimmunisation after transfusion of red blood cell concentrates carries a risk for every recipient. This risk is particularly high for patients with conditions such as sickle cell disease. However, red blood cell alloimmunisation can also occur after platelet concentrate transfusion. All blood group systems other than ABO are affected, and there are several mechanisms responsible for this alloimmunisation. The practical implications of this are a need to match red blood cell concentrates in all alloimmunised patients and, in pregnant women, recongnition of the risk of developing haemolytic disease of the foetus and newborn. Several measures can be taken to prevent alloimmunisation: in the case of the D antigen, for example, anti-RhD immunoglobulins can be infused before transfusing platelet concentrates from an RhD-positive donor in a RhD-negative recipient.     

Signet-ring cell carcinoma of the prostate mimicking primary gastric carcinoma.

A post mortem examination of a 70 year old man, who died three years after a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma of prostate had been diagnosed, showed widespread signet-ring cell carcinoma, with an associated linitis plastica. The signet-ring cells stained positively with prostatic specific antigen and with prostatic specific acid phosphatase, but failed to react with mucopolysaccharide staining. The electron microscopic appearance of the signet-ring cell tumour was due to the presence of large cytoplasmic vacuoles. This case emphasises the possibility that cases of metastatic signet-ring cell carcinoma may be prostatic in origin. This can be confirmed by specific immunohistochemical studies.     

Bacteriological and serological findings in a further case of transfusion-mediated Yersinia enterocolitica sepsis

A 13-year-old patient developed severe shock due to administration of a Yersinia enterocolitica-contaminated red blood cell concentrate. Y. enterocolitica (serotype O:9, biotype II) was cultivated from the residual blood in the blood bag and from a stool sample of the blood donor. In the donor's plasma immunoglobulin M (IgM), IgA, and IgG antibodies against Yersinia outer proteins (YopM, -H, -D, and -E) were found. Since the donor remembered a short-lasting, mild diarrhea 14 days prior to blood donation, a transient attack of Yersinia enteritis may be associated with a longer than expected period of asymptomatic bacteremia that causes contamination of donor blood. Serological screening for IgM antibodies against Yersinia outer proteins might offer a way to reduce the risk of transfusion-associated Y. enterocolitica sepsis.     

Failure to kill Yersinia enterocolitica by plasma diluted to the concentration found in red cell units.

The possibility that the use of additive solutions for red cell storage might impair the ability of plasma to kill Yersinia enterocolitica was investigated by studying killing of Y enterocolitica by neat and diluted plasma. The ability of neat citrated plasma to kill complement sensitive organisms was lost at around 26%, the dilution typically found in red cell units. These results should be considered in the light of evidence that killing in plasma is important in the protection of donated blood against growth of Y enterocolitica, and the observation that the increase in frequency of transfusion reactions caused by Y enterocolitica coincided with the widespread introduction of additive solutions. Taken together, these points support the suggestion that the introduction of additive solutions may have precipitated the problem of growth of Y enterocolitica in stored blood.     

Acute hemolytic transfusion reactions due to multiple alloantibodies including anti-E, anti-c and anti-Jkb

We report a case of two consecutive episodes of acute hemolytic transfusion reactions (HTRs) due to multiple alloantibodies in a 34-yr-old man who suffered from avascular necrosis of left femoral head. He received five units of packed red blood cells (RBCs) during surgery. Then the transfusion of packed RBCs was required nine days after the surgery because of the unexplained drop in hemoglobin level. The transfusion of the first two units resulted in fever and brown-colored urine, but he received the transfusion of another packed RBCs the next day. He experienced even more severe symptoms during the transfusion of the first unit. We performed antibody screening test, and it showed positive results. Multiple alloantibodies including anti-E, anti-c and anti-Jkb were detected by antibody identification study. Acute HTRs due to multiple alloantibodies were diagnosed, and the supportive cares were done for 6 days. We suggest the antibody screening test should be included in the panel of pretransfusion tests for safer transfusion, and it is particularly mandatory for the patients with multiple transfusions, pregnant women, and preoperative patients.     

Transfusion associated graft versus host disease in an immunocompetent patient.

Transfusion associated graft versus host disease is a rare disorder usually confined to patients who are immunosuppressed. A case is described in a 77 year old woman who was presumed immunocompetent. She was transfused with one unit of blood from an individual who was homozygous for the same HLA haplotype as her. The diagnosis of transfusion associated graft versus host disease should be suspected in a patient who develops aplastic anaemia within 30 days of a transfusion of blood products. It is suggested that blood donations from first degree relatives should not be permitted, unless the donation is irradiated to prevent lymphocyte proliferation.     

Résultats des échanges transfusionnels partiels chez 42 patients drépanocytaires homozygotes au CHU de Brazzaville

The standard of care for major sickle cell diseases in crisis is based on blood transfusion, but this remains a risky therapy in sub-Saharan Africa. The objective of this retrospective and prospective study was to assess exchange transfusion (ET) in homozygous sickle cell disease between 1st July 2005 and 30th June 2008 at the transfusion centre of university hospital of Brazzaville. The ET technique used was manual and made of three stages: bleeding, infusion of solution, and infusion of red cell concentrate. Clinical and biological assessments were done before and after exchanges. The indication for ET were: pregnancy (19 cases); strokes (seven cases); vaso-occlusive crisis (five cases), priapism (four cases), cardiac failure (three cases) and miscellaneous (four cases), the values of hematocut in red cell blood bag between 0.55 and 0.70 (median 0.65). The median haemoglobin level before exchange was about 5.8 g/dl (4.1–7.4 g/dl), that of HbS from haemoglobin electrophoresis about 98.4 % (94.6–100 %). Before the exchanges, viral serological tests were done with the following results: two patients with HBV antigen positive and one patient antibodies to HCV. In acute situation interval between exchanges is 3 to 10 days, whereas during chronic situation is between 14 to 28 days. No major immediate complications have been observed. Clinical situation after exchange characterized by stabilization of cerebral vascular stroke and over and control of one case of priapism complications. Assessment after exchange showed the following results: medium rate of Hb level: 9.5 g/dl (an increase of 3.7 g/dl); medium percentage of HbS reduced to 46.8 % (approximately a decrease of 51.6 %). Patient's serological status to HCV changed for one patient. This study illustrates the benefit and the limitations of the transfusion exchange during sickle cell disease in sub-Saharan Africa.     

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma with histiocytic phenotypes

A 38 year old man died suddenly of widespread lymphoid neoplasm after a short clinical course. Histologically the tumor was composed of pleomorphic large cells that often demonstrated phagocytic activity. Moreover, histochemical and immunohistochemical tests revealed that the tumor cells had the phenotypes of both anaplastic large cell lymphoma and histiocytic cells. lmmunogenotyping failed to demonstrate any lymphoid nature. This case might be categorized as anaplastic large cell lymphoma with histiocytic phenotypes.     

Transfusion transmitted leishmaniasis: a case report and review of literature

Leishmaniasis is caused by the infection of haemoparasite Leishmania . The disease is a major public health problem in at least 88 countries, including India. Various species of Leishmania are involved in causing this disease. In India, Leishmania donovani species causes visceral leishmaniasis or kala-azar. The parasite is mainly transmitted from infected to uninfected person through the bites of female sandfly. Rarely the parasite can transmit through placenta from mother to child, through sexual intercourse, as laboratory acquired and through blood transfusion. This paper reports a unique case of transfusion-transmitted fatal kala-azar in an Indian infant who acquired this infection within few days of his birth after receiving blood from his maternal uncle, who was asymptomatic at the time of blood donation but died due to severe kala-azar within three months. The baby started having fever and developed hepatosplenomegaly within one month of blood transfusion and in spite of repeated anti-leishmanial treatment with sodium antimony gluconate the child died at the age of 7 months. This paper details the clinico-pathological findings of this child and also reviews the literature on this aspect and its impact on transfusion medicine.     

经动脉导管髂内动脉栓塞与暂时性腹主动脉阻断治疗骨盆骨折动脉出血的疗效比较

目的：比较经动脉导管髂内动脉栓塞与暂时性腹主动脉阻断治疗骨盆骨折动脉出血的疗效。方法选取2003年10月至2012年1月由笔者所在三单位联合提供的应用经动脉导管髂内动脉栓塞方法治疗的48例骨盆骨折动脉出血患者（A 组）与应用暂时性腹主动脉阻断方法治疗的10例骨盆骨折动脉出血患者（B 组）,分析比较两类方法治疗后两组患者输血量、住重症加强护理病房（ICU）时间、生存例数。结果 A 组患者输血量（18.56±8.21）U,住 ICU 时间（8.04±4.25）d,16例患者死亡（其中1例死于创伤性休克,2例死于多器官功能障碍综合征,10例死于弥散性血管内凝血,3例死于急性呼吸窘迫综合征）,生存率67%;B 组患者输血量（20.00±7.29）U,住 ICU 时间（12.00±6.08）d,2例患者死于创伤性休克,生存率80%。两组患者输血量、住 ICU 时间比较,差异均无统计学意义（t =-0.376、-1.906,P 均〉0.05）,生存率比较差异无统计学意义（χ^2=0.000, P 〉0.05）。结论经动脉导管髂内动脉栓塞方法和暂时性腹主动脉阻断方法治疗骨盆骨折动脉出血疗效相近,应根据临床具体情况合理选用。     

Case report: atypical presentation of anti-Rg(a)

The Rodgers (Rg(a)) antigen is a plasma protein that binds to the red blood cell (RBC) membrane. About 2 to 3% of the transfusion-recipient white population lacks the antigen and can produce anti-Rg(a) antibody. We report the case of a 70-yr-old man who presented with a medical history of hairy cell leukemia and profound pancytopenia that required RBC and platelet (PLT) transfusions. The patient had received 2 units of RBCs and 4 PLT concentrate pools. He was typed as O Rh(D) positive, with positive reactions in all 3-screen cells using the polyethylene glycol (PEG) indirect antiglobulin test/IAT (anti-IgG). Three antibody identification panels were performed, which all proved to be negative. A direct antiglobulin test and an auto-control were run, which were also negative. Since further investigations were needed, the patient's blood sample was sent to a reference laboratory where anti-Rg(a) was identified. Since the percentage of antigen-positive cells in the red cell panel was low, crossmatch compatible units of RBCs were transfused with no discernible immediate or delayed transfusion reaction. This report should alert hospital transfusion service personnel to recognize that, although the panel cells are usually reliable for antibody identification purposes, they may not have the antigens that are present on the screening cells.     

Aeromonas sobria infection with severe soft tissue damage and segmental necrotizing gastroenteritis in a patient with alcoholic liver cirrhosis

A 49-year-old man, who had a 3-year history of liver dysfunction but had not been treated, was admitted to the hospital with a sudden onset of fever and generalized muscle pain. He subsequently developed generalized purpura with scattered hemorrhagic bullae of the skin and massive bloody stools. Aeromonas sobria was proven by culture of both blood and bullous fluid. In spite of the extensive treatment with antibiotics and other medications in the intensive care unit (ICU), the patient went into septic shock and died 2 days after admission. Pathological examination on autopsy revealed segmental necrotizing gastroenteritis with bacterial colonies and alcoholic liver cirrhosis, in addition to extensive severe soft tissue damage involving cellulitis and rhabdomyolysis and epidermolysis. Although the prognosis for Vibrio vulnificus infection with severe soft tissue damage in patients with liver cirrhosis, malignancy, diabetes mellitus or other pre-existing diseases is poor, the unfavorable progression of Aeromonas species, especially A. sobria infection is rare. This is thought to be the first report of an autopsied case.     

Use of whole blood as the routine transfusion product in Africa

In many countries in sub‐Saharan Africa (sSA) whole blood is more commonly available from blood transfusion services than red cell concentrates. Although in recent years, many countries have made significant progress in the implementing component preparation, this has largely been facilitated by external funding support. The large majority of rather than none of the sSA countries are leucocyte‐reducing or irradiating blood for transfusion. Systems for the routine detection of adverse consequences of blood transfusions (haemovigilance) only exist where transfusion safety has been identified as a health priority by the government. As a resource, the availability of blood transfusion in these countries is limited since less than 5 units of blood were donated per 1000 population far below the recommended requirement of 20 units/1000 per year. Young children are the main users of blood for transfusion in these sSA regions, largely due severe anaemia secondary to infection and sickle cell anaemia. Outcomes for children with severe anaemia are poor, even in those receiving a transfusion. Although it has been speculated that this may be due to transfusion‐related cardiac or pulmonary events, available data from observational studies and clinical trials indicate that these are rare complications of transfusion. Evidence from clinical physiology studies including those examining myocardial functions before and after the receipt of whole blood provide reassuring evidence that volume overload is rare and clinical trials reporting outcomes in children receiving whole blood transfusion, including a Phase II trial examining higher volumes, indicate that there is no evidence of cardiac or pulmonary overload events.     

Human prion diseases: biology and transmission by blood

Human prion diseases are a group of rare fatal transmissible neurodegenerative disorders that occur in sporadic, acquired and familial forms. In 1996, a new type of human prion disease, variant Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease (vCJD), was first identified and has subsequently been identified in 10 additional countries. vCJD results from human exposure to the bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) agent, most likely through the consumption of BSE‐contaminated meat products. Unlike other human prion diseases, both infectivity and the disease‐associated form of the prion protein are readily detected in lymphoid tissues in vCJD, suggesting that infectivity may also be present in blood. Three recent cases of apparent iatrogenic vCJD infection by blood transfusion have occurred in the UK, following red blood cell transfusions from asymptomatic donors who subsequently died from vCJD. The first and third cases resulted in a clinical illness identical to vCJD, while the second case was an asymptomatic infection only detected at autopsy. There are no current means of detecting vCJD infection in asymptomatic donors, so continuing surveillance is required in the UK and other countries to monitor the incidence of vCJD and further cases of secondary transmission by blood transfusion.