1.
Role of plasmapheresis in the management of myeloma kidney: A systematic review
Gupta D, Bachegowda L, Phadke G, Boren S, Johnson D, Misra M
Hemodialysis International. 2010;14((4):):355-63.
Abstract
Multiple myeloma complicated by acute renal failure is a diagnosis often encountered by the practicing nephrologist. The role of plasmapheresis in such patients has been of interest for decades. Three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and multiple observational trials have evaluated the potential role of plasmapheresis in the management of this condition. This systematic review presents the results of these trials regarding survival benefits, recovery from dialysis, and improvement in renal function. A comprehensive search revealed 56 articles. Of these, only 8 articles met our inclusion criteria (3 RCTs, 1 correction of results, and 4 observational trials). Two of the 3 RCTs showed no difference in survival benefit. Two of the 3 RCTs showed a greater percentage of patients stopping dialysis in the intervention group; however, these results were not reproduced in the largest trial. All the studies showed an improvement in renal function for patients receiving plasmapheresis; however, only 2 RCTs and 1 retrospective study showed a statistically significant improvement in renal function among patients who received plasmapheresis in comparison with a control group. Our systematic review does not suggest a benefit of plasmapheresis independent of chemotherapy for multiple myeloma patients with acute renal failure in terms of overall survival, recovery from dialysis, or improvement in renal function.
2.
Does transfusion of residual cardiopulmonary bypass circuit blood increase postoperative bleeding? A prospective randomized study in patients undergoing on pump cardiopulmonary bypass
Duara R, Misra M, Bhuyan RR, Sarma PS, Jayakumar K
Asian Journal of Transfusion Science. 2008;2((2)):51-5.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Homologous blood transfusion after open heart surgery puts a tremendous load on the blood banks. This prospective randomized study evaluates the efficacy of infusing back residual cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuit i.e., pump blood as a means to reduce homologous transfusion after coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) and whether its use increases postoperative drainage. MATERIALS AND METHODS Sixty-seven consecutive patients who underwent elective CABGs under CPB were randomized into 2 groups: (1) cases where residual pump blood was used and (2) controls where residual pump blood was not used. Patients were monitored for hourly drainage on the day of surgery and the 1(st) postoperative day and the requirements of homologous blood and its products. Data were matched regarding change in Hemoglobin, Packed Cell Volume and coagulation parameters till 1st postoperative day. All cases were followed up for three years. RESULTS There was a marginal reduction in bleeding pattern in the early postoperative period in the cases compared to controls. The requirement of homologous blood and its products were also reduced in the cases. CONCLUSIONS The use of CPB circuit blood is safe in the immediate postoperative period. The requirement of homologous blood transfusion can come down if strict transfusion criteria are maintained.