Current advances in 2024: A critical review of selected topics by the Association for the Advancement of Blood and Biotherapies (AABB) Clinical Transfusion Medicine Committee.

The Association for the Advancement of Blood and Biotherapies (AABB) Clinical Transfusion Medicine Committee (CTMC) provides evidence-based guidance on safe and effective transfusion practices. Key developments in transfusion medicine in 2023 include findings on red blood cell transfusion strategies for myocardial infarction, updated RBC transfusion guidelines, and the impact of donor sex on transfusion outcomes. Additionally, studies on infectious diseases, blood donor screening, and collections, as well as patient blood management (PBM) metrics and effectiveness, were highlighted. The document also covers advances in hemostasis, hemoglobinopathies, immunohematology, genomics, pediatrics, apheresis, and biotherapies, including the FDA approval of gene therapies for sickle cell disease. Lastly, the text addresses healthcare disparities and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) issues, such as racial disparities in postoperative transfusion outcomes and gender and racial inequity among editorial positions. [Extracted from the article]