This study investigated the relationship of surgical infectious complications in cancer patients with long-term survival for patients who had a number of different types of cancer. After taking into account the site, histology, and stage of the cancer, we found that patients with infectious complications had earlier death.

Patient blood management (PBM) strategies are needed in the neonate and paediatric population, given that haemoglobin thresholds used are often higher than recommended by evidence, with exposure of children to potential complications without meaningful benefit. A literature review was performed on the following topics: evidence-based transfusions of blood components and pharmaceutical agents. Other topics reviewed included perioperative coagulation assessment and perioperative PBM. The Transfusion and Anaemia Expertise Initiative (TAXI) consortium published a consensus statement addressing haemoglobin (Hb) transfusion threshold in multiple subsets of patients. A multicentre trial (PlaNeT-2) reported a higher risk of bleeding and death or serious new bleeding among infants who received platelet transfusion at a higher (50 000/μl) compared to a lower (25 000/μl) threshold. Recent data support the use of a restrictive transfusion threshold of 25 000/μl for prophylactic platelet transfusions in preterm neonates. The TAXI-CAB consortium mentioned that in critically ill paediatric patients undergoing invasive procedures outside of the operating room, platelet transfusion might be considered when the platelet count is less than or equal to 20 000/μl and there is no benefit of platelet transfusion when the platelet count is more than 50 000/μl. There are limited controlled studies in paediatric and neonatal population regarding plasma transfusion. Blood conservation strategies to minimise allogenic blood exposure are essential to positive patient outcomes neonatal and paediatric transfusion practices have changed significantly in recent years since randomised controlled trials were published to guide practice. Additional studies are needed in order to provide practice change recommendations.

Objective: To determine the effect of two iodine-containing contrast agents used for coronary angiography on subsequent thyroid hormone concentrations. Methods: We prospectively studied thyroid function in 56 patients, with no previous history of thyroid disease and normal findings on thyroid examinations, who underwent nonemergent cardiac catheterization. Thyroid hormone concentrations were assessed at baseline and at day 1 and day 7 after administration of a radiographic iodinated contrast agent (Renografin or Omnipaque). Results: Use of Omnipaque and Renografin was not associated with significant changes in thyroid-stimulating hormone, total thyroxine, triiodothyronine resin uptake, free thyroxine index, or total triiodothyronine. Three patients had slightly increased thyroid-stimulating hormone concentrations at 7 days after angiography. Conclusion: Administration of iodinated contrast agents for cardiac catheterization does not result in hyperthyroidism in patients with previously normal findings on thyroid examination.

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Background Plasma transfusion is a critical treatment in managing bleeding patients. In an effort to make plasma immediately available in spite of the limited amount of AB plasma, providers have begun using A plasma in life‐threatening emergencies. As this practice becomes widely adopted it is important to evaluate safety. Hemolytic transfusions reactions are underreported, and hemolysis may be subclinical. Study Design and Methods A retrospective study was performed at the University of Florida/Shands Hospital of B and AB patients who received 1 unit or more of A plasma. Patient charts were reviewed and data collected included age; sex; mortality; intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay; and laboratory tests used in identifying hemolysis including direct antiglobulin test, lactate dehydrogenase, haptoglobin, indirect bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase, urinalysis, hemoglobin, and hematocrit. The primary end points of the study were immune mediated hemolysis, mortality, and length of ICU stay. Results Ninety‐three patients were identified as eligible for the study. One patient suffered a delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction determined to be due to an anti‐Jka. No evidence of hemolysis due to ABO‐incompatible plasma transfusion was identified. The volume of A plasma transfused was found to be weakly related to mortality and ICU stay. Conclusion No evidence of ABO immune‐mediated hemolysis was observed in the patient population. The results of the study support the safety of A plasma transfusion in B and AB patients. We hypothesize the relationship observed between A plasma volume and mortality/ICU stay may be from collinearity with disease severity.