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Biomedical subjects

N Win

Publications and source records attributed to N Win.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Audit of practice in platelet refractoriness.

OBJECTIVES: A significant number of patients become refractory to platelet transfusion and prompt investigation of the cause will encourage appropriate selection of platelet products. METHODS: We surveyed haematologists to assess perceived practice concerning platelet refractoriness because of the high cost and limited availability of HLA-compatible platelets. Some 56 of 58 consultant haematologists participated. RESULTS: Clinicians differed on their definition of platelet refractoriness, and non-immune factors were not considered as important as immune causes of platelet refractoriness. A working group, including an invited moderator, was established to produce guidelines on recommended practice for the management of platelet refractoriness. Re-audit after implementation of the guidelines showed that more patients receiving HLA-compatible platelets had been tested for HLA antibodies. There was a mean 50.9% reduction in the use of HLA-compatible platelets. CONCLUSIONS: Increased testing for leucocyte and platelet antibodies resulted in reduced demand for and more selective use of HLA-compatible platelets, with no apparent increase in haemorrhagic complications.

Guidelines as Topic↗

Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia in infancy with anti-Kpb specificity.

Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA) in infancy is rare. We report a case of AIHA in a male infant whose serum contained an antibody with apparent anti-Kpb specificity. Autoantibody with anti-Kpb specificity has been described in adults; to our knowledge, this is the first case of this kind described in infancy with AIHA. Clinical course and response to red cell transfusion are described.

Adult↗

Post-transfusion hyperhaemolysis in a patient with sickle cell disease: use of steroids and intravenous immunoglobulin to prevent further red cell destruction.

Delayed haemolytic transfusion reactions (DHTRs) are seen more frequently in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) than in other groups of patients, and are characterised by a positive direct antiglobulin test and the appearance of previously undetected red blood cell (RBC) alloantibodies in the patient's serum. Recently a syndrome of post-transfusion hyperhaemolysis has been described in children with SCD, characterised by destruction of both autologous and transfused RBCs with negative serological findings: continuation of RBC transfusion exacerbated haemolysis further. We describe a case of life-threatening post-transfusion hyperhaemolysis in an adult patient with SCD in whom severe anaemia necessitated further RBC transfusion, which was successfully performed in conjunction with intravenous immunoglobulin. This approach may be useful in the management of post-transfusion hyperhaemolysis in SCD as well as in the management of severe DHTRs.

Adult↗

The therapeutic value of HPA-1a-negative platelet transfusion in post-transfusion purpura complicated by life-threatening haemorrhage.

Post-transfusion purpura (PTP) was diagnosed in a female patient 1 week after transfusion for hysterectomy. Despite treatment with oral steroids and intravenous immunoglobulin, platelet counts remained low, and the patient developed profuse rectal bleeding. Random platelet transfusion is reported to be ineffective in PTP. We report a case in which the transfusion of HPA-la negative platelets provided good increment and clinical haemostasis before intravenous immunoglobulin could have had an effect.

Antigens, Human Platelet↗

Comparison of two bolus doses of esmolol for attenuation of haemodynamic response to tracheal intubation.

This prospective study was designed to compare the effectiveness of esmolol (either 100 mg or 200 mg) with a placebo in blunting the haemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and intubation. Seventy-five patients of ASA I or II scheduled for routine-surgery were selected and entered into a placebo-controlled study. Patients were randomly allocated to receive placebo, 100 mg or 200 mg of esmolol IV as part of an anaesthetic induction technique. There were no significant differences in the demographic distribution of the patients in the study. There was no statistical difference in the baseline heart rate (HR) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) between the three groups. One minute after the administration of the drug (prior to intubation) the differences in HR between the placebo group and both the 100 mg and 200 mg groups were significant (p < 0.05), and also at 1 min and 2 min following intubation for the 200 mg group (p < 0.05). In the 200 mg group there was a significant decrease, compared with placebo, in SBP at 1 min (p < 0.05) and at 2 min (p < 0.05) after intubation. In this study, adequate haemodynamic control following was obtained with the administration of 200 mg of esmolol.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗

Successful therapy with ribavirin of late onset respiratory syncytial virus pneumonitis complicating allogeneic bone transplantation.

A 21-year-old patient developed interstitial pneumonitis nine months post bone marrow transplant for acute myeloblastic leukaemia. Immunofluorescence of broncheoalveolar lavage fluid revealed the presence of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Aerosolized ribavarin therapy resulted in rapid resolution of the pneumonitis with full recovery without any side effects. Ribavarin therapy should be considered early in the management of BMT patients who develop RSV pneumonitis.

Adult↗

Brain laryngeal mask--study in 50 spontaneously breathing patients.

Brain laryngeal mask (BLM) was used to assess its suitability in 50 spontaneously breathing patients by one lecturer and 4 Medical Officers. Insertion of the laryngeal mask was successful at the first attempt in 42 patients, second attempt in 7 and third attempt in one. The incidence of airway obstruction secondary to downfolding of the epiglottis, which was corrected by reinsertion, was 16%. Post-operative complications included clenching of teeth in 5 patients, vomiting in 2 and excessive salivation in 3. The incidence of sore throat was 10%.

Adult↗