Relocation stress may be one factor increasing the mortality rate of people who are severely and profoundly retarded (S/P MR) when they transfer from institutional to community living arrangements. However, no research exists concerning acute stress effects with groups who are S/P MR. In this project, 28 residents of a state facility for those with S/P MR were exposed to five-minute structured educational tasks. Venous blood samples were drawn before and after the stressor. Granulocytes, red blood cells, hemoglobin, and plasma protein increased while monocytes decreased after stress. Immune cell subsets did not change significantly. Hemoconcentration, an important factor in thrombosis and ischemia, may relate to relocation stress in S/P MR populations. Methodological factors limit generalization but additional research with larger samples, more indices of stress, more poststress blood samples, and additional stressors are encouraged.

Acute Disease↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Autologous transfusion: 2 years of experience at the immuno-hemotherapy service of the Santa Maria Hospital].

The results of a presurgical autologous blood transfusion program for two years are analysed. 1,709 patients were submitted to this program, but appraisable results were only obtained in 1,473. In 39.54% of these ones only autologous blood was used; 19.2% used both autologous and homologous blood; in 41.27% no blood was used; 23.8% of the blood for autologous transfusion was used as homologous. We conclude that closer relationship is necessary between Blood Bankers, Surgeons and Anesthesiologists, in order to coordinate transfusional needs and surgery date. Shall this be possible, then more patients may benefit, cases where blood use is unprobable may be selected and unnecessary risks of homologous blood transfusion may be avoided.

Adolescent↗