Search

Background There is a lack of data on the usage of plasma derived/recombinant coagulation factor concentrates (PD/RCFC) regarding diagnostic categories. An audit of PD/RCFC and blood component usage at a tertiary care teaching hospital in northern Bavaria was conducted. Study design and methods All blood components and PD/RCFC transfused at a university hospital (Erlangen, Germany) during the year 2006 were analysed. Transfused blood products were listed by major diagnostic categories (MDC) formed from principal diagnoses of recipients according to the International Classification of Diseases, tenth revision and German modification. Results Blood component usage has markedly increased since last surveyed in 1994 through 1996. The diagnostic categories responsible for most transfusions have not changed since. Antithrombin is the PD/RCFC used most, whereas most money for PD/RCFC was spent on FVIII concentrates. Polytrauma patients need most fibrinogen, whereas most of FXIII is needed in patients with malignancies. Patients with prolonged artificial ventilation receive PCC most often. Altogether, three MDCs (Pre, 17, 05) accounted for 80·5% of costs created by PD/RCFC transfusion. Conclusion This study provides for the first time combined data on blood component and PD/RCFC usage in a German university hospital. It shows that the MDCs responsible for most of the costs in transfusion therapy with blood components and with PD/RCFC are few, and are the same. At the same time, blood bank information software should be further improved in order to be able to identify new trends in hemotherapy in more detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Autologous serum eye drops are an important therapy option in severe ocular surface disorders and the therapeutic effectiveness has been demonstrated in many clinical studies. The production and use of autologous serum eye drops is strictly controlled by legal regulations in Germany: Both the German Medicines Act (AMG) and the Blood Transfusion Act regulate production, distribution and application, unless it is carried out by one person under controlled conditions in a hospital setting., Material and Methods: In cooperation with the ophthalmic clinic and the department of transfusion medicine, a standard operating procedure (SOP) was developed and a license for production and delivery of autologous serum eye drops was obtained from the appropriate local authorities. The experiences of the first two years of practice were analyzed., Results: By an interfaculty cooperation, the possibility of legal and feasible out-patient treatment with autologous eye drops has been established at the University Hospital Erlangen. From 07/2005 to 07/2007, there ware 240 prescriptions for autologous serum eye drops. Unexpectedly, a relatively high rate (3.3%) of patients with primarily unknown viral or bacterial infectious diseases were found, which were diagnosed during the screening. These patients had to be excluded from autologous serum eye drop therapy., Conclusion: The treatment with autologous serum eye drops in an out-patient setting is possible, when the infrastructure for manufacture and delivery is provided in accordance with existing regulations.