Adverse Outcomes Linked To Hemoglobin-Based Blood Substitutes
A meta-analysis published in JAMA reports that theuse of hemoglobin-basedblood substitutes is associated with an increasedrisk of heart attack and death.Blood substitutes are liquids that have long shelf lives, do not needto be refrigerated, and do not cause infection.
Some Medical Centers Still Stocking Contaminated Heparin, FDA Alert
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has found some hospitals and medical centers are still stocking potentially contaminated heparin among their supplies, showing that they failed to respond to recall notices and alerts about the blood thinner made by Baxter International.
New Formulation Of Medication For Rare Disease Patients
A new treatment option - Ferriprox Oral Solution - is now available to patients suffering from thalassaemia major, a rare genetic disease with only 50 percent of the patients surviving the age of 35 years1. Thalassaemia patients require blood transfusions to survive, which leads to damaging iron accumulation in the tissues, especially the heart.
Heart Attack Injury Lessened And Function Restored By Naturally-Occuring Protein
Medical College of Wisconsin researchers in Milwaukee have shown for the first time that thrombopoietin (TPO), a naturally occurring protein being developed as a pharmaceutical to increase platelet count in cancer patients during chemotherapy, can also protect the heart against injury during a heart attack.
University Hospitals Of Leicester NHS Trust Acquires Complete Blood Science Requirements From A Single Source, UK
In a landmark deal with Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics, the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust has opted for a total pathology solution to meet all its blood science analytical requirements.
Vermillion And The Ohio State University Report That Novel Diagnostic Test May Help Predict Risk For Relapse Of TTP, A Serious Blood Disorder
Vermillion, Inc. (Nasdaq: VRML) reported findings from an Ohio State University (OSU) clinical study that indicated that a surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time of flight (SELDI-TOF)-based thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) diagnostic test could be used to help estimate the risk of TTP relapses during clinical remission.
Clexane Recall, Australian Medical Association
The AMA would like to clarify comments made last Wednesday in the context of the recall of batches of Clexane in Australia. Whilst contaminated heparin products have been linked to several severe allergic reactions and deaths in the US and Europe, the AMA has no information to suggest that Clexane was involved in such events.
Baxter Provides Update On Heparin Investigation
Baxter is providing an update on several advances related to the investigation into recent heparin adverse reactions associated with the company's U.S. vial-based heparin products, which have since been recalled. I. Baxter tests confirm that over-sulfated chondroitin sulfate, the contaminant found in adulterated heparin, can cause hypotensive reactions.
Red Cross Partners With 3M Corporation And Roush Fenway Racing; Launches New Interactive Web Site At Redcrossracing.com
The American Red Cross announced the launch of Red Cross Racing, a new national campaign to recruit NASCAR fans as blood donors and raise awareness of the need to give blood. Every two seconds, someone in America needs blood. Through the support of 3M and Roush Fenway Racing - two highly respected organizations in the NASCAR motorsports world - the No.
FDA Says Heparin Contamination Is A Worldwide Problem
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said yesterday, Monday 21st April, that contamination of the blood thinner heparin, used in surgical and dialysis procedures to stop blood clots, is a worldwide problem. The agency stressed while there is still no scientific evidence of a direct link between the contaminant, and dozens of deaths and hundreds of severe allergic reactions in the US, they have established a credible route through which such a link might be possible.