24 research outputs found

    Autotransfusion: Therapeutic Principles, Efficacy and Risks

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    A cross-sectional investigation of communication in Do-Not-Resuscitate orders in Dutch hospitals

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    Background: The decision to attempt or refrain from resuscitation is preferably based on prognostic factors for outcome and subsequently communicated with patients. Both patients and physicians consider good communication important, however little is known about patient involvement in and understanding of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) directives. Aim: To determine the prevalence of Do No

    Transfusion Medicine and Scientific Developments

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    Transfusion Medicine and Scientific Developments focuses on unknown aspects of blood cells and transfusion practice. Blood transfusion medicine has become a sophisticated and specialized field of medicine. Some aspects will be discussed in this book. The book has been divided into three sections. The first section includes chapters describing the immunological and coagulation-assisting functions of red blood cells and methods to measure their life span. The second section discusses the role of platelets in inflammatory processes. The third section reviews functional dose of RBC transfusions and transfusion practice in various clinical settings

    Cell salvage in burn excisional surgery

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    Background: Hemostasis during burn surgery is difficult to achieve, and high blood loss commonly occurs. Bleeding control measures are limited, and many patients require allogeneic blood transfusions. Cell salvage is a well-known method used to reduce transfusions. However, its evidence in burns is limited. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the feasibility of cell salvage during burn surgery. Study design and methods: A prospective, observational study was conducted with 16 patients (20 measurements) scheduled for major burn surgery. Blood was recovered by washing saturated gauze pads with heparinized saline, which was then processed using the Cell Saver. Erythrocyte concentrate quality was analyzed by measuring hemoglobin, hematocrit, potassium, and free hemoglobin concentration. Microbial contamination was assessed based on cultures at every step of the process. Differences in blood samples were tested using the Student's t-test. Results: The red blood cell mass recovered was 29 ± 11% of the mass lost. Patients’ preoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit levels were 10.5 ± 1.8 g/dL and 0.33 ± 0.05 L/L, respectively. The erythrocyte concentrate showed hemoglobin and hematocrit levels of 13.2 ± 3.9 g/dL and 0.40 ± 0.11 L/L thus showing a concentration effect. The potassium level was lower in
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