Transfusion Therapy

Within the last few years, iron research has yielded exciting new insights into the under standing of normal iron homeostasis. However, normal iron physiology offers little protec tion from the toxic effects of pathological iron accumulation, because nature did not equip us with effective mechanisms of iron excretion. Excess iron may be effectively removed by phlebotomy in hereditary hemochromatosis, but this method cannot be applied to chronic anemias associated with iron overload. In these diseases, iron chelating therapy is the only method available for preventing early death caused mainly by myocardial and hepatic iron toxicity. Iron chelating therapy has changed the quality of life and life expectancy of thalassemic patients. However, the high cost and rigorous requirements of deferoxamine therapy, and the significant toxicity of deferiprone underline the need for the continued development of new and improved orally effective iron chelators. Such development, and the evolution of improved strategies of iron chelating therapy require better understanding of the pathophysiology of iron toxicity and the mechanism of action of iron chelating drugs. The timeliness of the present volume is underlined by several significant develop ments in recent years. New insights have been gained into the molecular basis of aberrant iron handling in hereditary disorders and the pathophysiology of iron overload (Chapters 1-5).

This two-volume text demonstrates the progress towards a better and more rational use of blood kproducts. The major topics of transfusion therapy are covered from both a laboratory and a clinical perspective. Discipline lines are crossed, involving such topics as biochemistry, hematology and infectiious disease. This reference serves as an important resource for clinicians involved in transfusion, blood bank personnel, and scientists working with the development of improved blood components.

Jeffrey McCullough offers a concise, clinically focused and practical approach to this important area of medicine. This book offers complete guidance on the full range of topics from donor recruitment, blood collection and storage, to testing and transfusing blood components, complications and transmissible diseases, as well as cellular engineering, therapeutic apheresis, and the role of hematopoietic growth factors. It is a good introduction to transfusion for hematology or oncology fellows and technologists specialising in blood banking.

This volume contains papers and discussions of the Vlth Dialyse-Arzte Workshop, which was held in Bernried at Lake Starnberg near Munich the 5th and 6th of March 1980. Generous ly sponsored by Travenol, Munich, the Dialyse-Arzte meetings now have a tradition spanning 16 years. According to the con stitution of these meetings, the topics of earlier years had to cover dialysis and related fields. Thus the sponsor requested that this year also one lecture - incorporated here as part - should deal with the state of art of dialysis, thereby hopefully linking this Workshop to the previous meetings. Dialysis techniques of the 1960s, pioneered by many of attend ing speakers and panelists (see List of Contributors), have never come to a standstill. Indeed, vascular access and extra corporeal circulation have become routine for the nephrologist and have made possible the introductimn of new approaches, such as hemofiltration and hemoperfusion. Also today new membrane technologies provide us with a potentially even more effective therapeutic tool, namely plasma separation.

"In the preface to the third edition, Dr. Paul Mintz wrote, "It is tempting to wonder what will (and will not) be included in the fourth edition." No need to wonder any longer. The editorial team for this edition has reorganized and refreshed the content to reflect the many changes in the transfusion medicine landscape in the intervening years. Chapter authors have emphasized evidence-based recommendations wherever possible to aid both primary and consultative clinicians. The 22 chapters are grouped in three sections: Blood Products and Derivatives, Transfusion Medicine Practice, and Management Aspects of Transfusion Practice. The first section addresses (among other topics) pathogen reduction, unit age influence on patient outcome, and expanding modifications of components, as well as clinical use of components and derivatives. Chapters in the central section focus on sometimes-challenging areas of transfusion medicine such as use of extracorporeal devices; support for pregnant patients, neonates, and children; care of those who refuse consent; management of, and testing for, hemostasis-among many others. The final section brings readers up to date on management aspects, including hemovigilance, medico-legal issues, quality, regulations, and initiatives and metrics for optimal blood utilization"--

The second edition of Transfusion Medicine and Hemostasis continues to be the only "pocket-size" quick reference for pathology residents and transfusion medicine fellows. It covers all topics in blood banking, transfusion medicine, and clinical and laboratory based coagulation. Short, focused chapters, organized by multiple hierarchical headings, are supplemented with up to 10 suggested reading citations. This single reference covers essentially all the topics required to meet the goals and objectives of a major program in transfusion medicine and clinical coagulation. New chapters in the coagulation testing section reflect the development of new tests available and their incorporation into clinical practice. Coverage includes essential updates on the importance of new cellular therapies, peripheral blood and bone marrow hematopoietic progenitor cells, as well as cord blood banking and regenerative medicine. The authors also examine advances in the understanding of molecular testing and pathogen reduction in two separate quality control chapters (one for blood centers and one for hospitals). Updated content covers new coagulation tests, cellular therapies, and quality control issues Easy to use, with focused, well-defined chapters in a standardized format throughout Offers quick "cross-reference" lists at the end of each chapter Includes lists of common abbreviations and indexes that cross reference diagnostic, clinical and therapeutic commonalities