Feasibility of autologous fibrin glue in general thoracic surgery
JOURNAL OF THORACIC DISEASE
Authors: Kawashima, Mitsuaki; Kohno, Tadasu; Fujimori, Sakashi; Kimura, Naoko; Suzuki, Souichiro; Yoshimura, Ryuichi; Yuhara, Shinji; Kohno, Akira; Wakatabe, Makoto; Makino, Shigeyoshi
Abstract
Background: Fibrin glue effectively controls air leakage in lung surgery; however, allogenic fibrin glue cannot eliminate the risks of infection and allergy despite current sterilization methods. Autologous fibrin glue (AFG) could be a good alternative, but is not commonly used worldwide because of its limited availability and lack of evidence. Herein, we report clinical outcomes of AFG in thoracic surgery. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent lobectomies or segmentectomies between November 2016 and September 2017 in our institution. We used two types of AFGs. One was a partially-autologous fibrin glue (PAFG), the components of which are largely autologous but which contains allogenic thrombin. The other was a completely-autologous fibrin glue (CAFG) which has no allogenic components. PAFG was used in the first half of the study period, after which CAFG was used from March 2017 onward. Patients who did not undergo AFG generation were categorized as the non-AFG group. The perioperative outcomes of the three groups were evaluated. Results: A total of 207 patients underwent lung surgery, including 118 lobectomies and 89 segmentectomies. Among them, 83 patients received PAM, 94 received CAFG, and 30 received non-AFG. The mean postoperative drainage period was within a few days in each group (PAFG vs. CAFG vs. nonAFG: 3.23=3.91 vs. 3.16=4.04 vs. 3.17 +/- 4.16 days, respectively; P=0.405), and the incidence of postoperative prolonged air leakage was within an acceptable range (PAFG vs. CAFG vs. non-AFG: 13.3% vs. 12.8% vs. 16.7%, respectively; P=0.821). Conclusions: The use of AFG is clinically feasible for patients who undergo lobectomies or segmentectomies. AFGs could be a viable alternative to conventional allogenic fibrin glues.
Short-term outcomes following intrauterine transfusions for fetal anaemia: A retrospective cohort study
AUSTRALIAN & NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGY
Authors: Urutherakumar, Varshinee; Welsh, Alec; Henry, Amanda
Abstract
Background Intrauterine transfusion (IUT) is the accepted standard for management of severe fetal anaemia. However, fetal transfusion may be associated with procedural complications such as fetal demise. There is a paucity of recent data on outcomes for severe fetal anaemia in Australia as compared with published outcomes from large international centres. Aims To review the indications for and the procedural, obstetric and neonatal outcomes following intrauterine transfusion for fetal anaemia conducted at the New South Wales Fetal Therapy Centre (NSW FTC). Materials and Methods Retrospective cohort study conducted between 2005 and 2017 of the outcomes of 85 IUT procedures (39 pregnancies). Data collected included maternal demographics, procedural and obstetric details and short-term neonatal outcomes. Results Complete outcome data were available for 36/39 pregnancies. Red cell antibodies were the main indication for fetal transfusion (79%, predominantly D, Kell and other Rhesus antibodies) with parvovirus accounting for 8% of procedures. IUT was associated with a pregnancy loss rate of 1.2%/procedure, amounting to 2.6%/pregnancy. Fetal losses were limited to those complicated by hydrops prior to IUT (3/10 hydrops vs 0/26 non-hydropic; P = 0.003). Conclusions Procedural outcomes at NSW FTC compare favourably with international centres (1.1-8.7% procedural loss rate). However, this comparison is limited, as no procedures were performed during the last 24 months of the study. Given this, a nationwide audit is recommended to help guide appropriate centralisation of procedures and thereby maximise clinician experience and outcome.