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Biomedical subjects

C Bharucha

Publications and source records attributed to C Bharucha.

17 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2000

Red cell indices as predictors of iron depletion in blood donors.

The objective of this study was to investigate whether red cell indices mean cell volume (MCV) and mean cell haemoglobin (MCH) were lower in frequent blood donors and hence, indirectly, able to predict impending iron depletion. Serum ferritin and/or soluble transferrin receptor levels can be used to evaluate iron status but are not practical for routinely screening blood donors prior to donation. Hb, MCV and MCH were measured on venous blood from 886 blood donors using a Sysmex E-5000. Full details were obtained for all donors of each earlier donation over the previous 3 years. MCV and MCH levels were lowest in donors with the highest frequency of previous blood donation. There was a significant negative correlation between MCV and number of donations in males and females and between MCH and number of donations in females, over the 3 year period 1995-97. Similar trends were observed when only the previous year's donations (1997) were considered with all categories showing significant negative correlations and additionally, Hb levels in females showed negative correlation with number of donations in 1997. In conclusion, increased frequency of blood donations is associated with lower MCV and MCH. These red cell indices, or more sophisticated parameters such as percentage hypochromic cells, should be used to monitor early onset of iron depletion in frequent blood donors.

Blood Donors↗
PubMed1997

Influence of filtration on platelet transfusion reactions. Northern Ireland Haematology Audit Group [corrected].

In a retrospective analysis two methods for preventing platelet transfusion reactions are compared. The first group of patients received platelets filtered in the hospital blood bank and were subsequently given filtered and washed platelets if they developed reactions. The second group received platelets filtered at the bedside. In the group receiving platelets filtered in the hospital blood bank there was a very low rate of reaction (2/101 = 2%) and no patients receiving filtered and washed platelets (0/91) developed a reaction. In the group receiving platelets filtered at the bedside there was a reaction rate of 19/95 (20%). Further, two of these reactions were categorised as very severe, the patients showing hypotensive collapse. We conclude that filtering platelets in the hospital blood bank is significantly more effective than bedside filtration in preventing platelet transfusion reactions.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Completed hepatitis C lookback in Northern Ireland.

Hepatitis C virus screening of blood donors was introduced in September 1991 using a second-generation enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) and subsequent confirmatory testing with immunoblot (RIBA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In April 1995 a lookback exercise was announced by the Department of Health, the purpose of which was to trace, counsel, investigate and, if necessary, treat individuals who may have been infected with HCV through blood and blood products prior to screening. A total of 231,321 donations have been screened, of which 553 were found to be reactive. Subsequent confirmatory tests identified 24 HCV-positive donors; 13 were repeat donors who had given a total of 164 units. Ninety-three units were traced and 117 components were identified as having been issued to hospitals. Twenty-five recipients requiring follow-up were identified, of which three were assessed by their GPs as not requiring counselling. Of 22 recipients of potentially infectious units 12 showed no evidence of exposure to HCV. We discuss these results in detail.

Blood Banks↗
PubMed1997

The Belfast Cord Blood Bank.

The first cord blood bank in the British Isles was established in Belfast in June 1993. Cord blood (CB) is rich in haematopoietic progenitor cells and has been used successfully as a substitute for bone marrow transplants in over 200 patients world-wide. Most have received CB from a histocompatible sibling, but reports include several unrelated HLA matched transplants. In addition to the cryopreservation of 400 units of donated CB in the Cord Blood Bank, we have stored eight CB collections from siblings of children with leukaemia in Northern Ireland. A pilot study in collaboration with the maternity unit in the Mater Infirmorum Hospital confirmed the feasibility of a CB banking programme and highlighted many issues relating to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP). The authors describe experience of collecting 824 units of CB over three years and discuss a few of the wider implications of this innovation in the management of patients requiring myeloablative therapy.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Myeloma--results of treatment 1986-1990.

Sixty-nine patients with multiple myeloma diagnosed during a five year period at the Belfast City Hospital were followed until death or for a minimum of one year in a retrospective study of survival. Although the patients were unselected, survival data was found to be similar to results from trials in which patient selection had occurred. Overall median survival was thirty-two months. Median survival fell with advancing disease and was 47, 27 and 18 months for Durie-Salmon stages I, II and III respectively. Those patients presenting with a platelet count of < 100 x 10(9)/1 had a median survival of eight months in contrast to those with a platelet count > 100 x 10(9)/1 whose median survival was 36 months. Patients presenting in renal failure had a shorter median survival of 28 months compared to 46 months for those with normal renal function.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Post-transfusion hepatitis: a problem in Northern Ireland?

A retrospective analysis of post-transfusion hepatitis reported to us from 1980 through 1984 revealed 16 patients. We believe that this apparently low incidence is due to lack of notification and make a case for direct notification to us of any suspected cases. Disqualification of implicated blood donors is of prime importance in prevention of transfusion-associated hepatitis.

Hepatitis B↗
PubMed1985

Fresh frozen plasma in the treatment of chronic autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura in adults: evidence for potentiating effect of vincristine.

Five adult patients with chronic autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura (ATP) were given fresh frozen plasma infusion (FFP) as an alternative to intravenous gamma globulin (IV Ig). The effect of vincristine (VCR) and other agents given concomitantly is discussed and a synergistic phenomenon between VCR and FFP is proposed. This approach may provide a rational and economical alternative to the use of IV Ig in the treatment of chronic ATP in adults and it is hoped that a prospective trial can be initiated.

Adult↗