Artificial Intelligence (AI) has evolved the healthcare system, including transfusion services. This scoping review analyses published original articles on the use of AI in transfusion medicine. A total of 89 articles met the eligibility criteria for the review which were categorized based on the domain of transfusion medicine. Most of the published articles were on the use of AI on transfusion prediction, followed by inventory management. In both these domains, the use of AI ensured better transfusion prediction, timely issue of blood and effective utilisation. Other domains included the use of AI to predict transfusion reactions, component quality and blood typing. Although there was a significant contribution of literature from abroad, studies from India were very sparse. To develop indigenous data, large multi-centric studies are required, which will then help in the implementation of AI in blood centres across India. The decentralised nature of transfusion services and lack of uniform data systems are some of the barriers limiting the conduct of AI based studies in India. Federated data-sharing models offers a promising approach in generating collaborative data while maintaining data privacy and blood centre autonomy.
Limited data are available on the molecular basis of D antigen negativity in eastern India. Thus, we decided to explore the genetic landscape of D–, C/E+ phenotypes among blood donors by using standard RHD and RHCE genotyping approaches, which could provide valuable insight to understand the genetic basis of D antigen negativity in this population. In this single-center observational study, we tested whole blood donors over four years in Kolkata. The RhD type, weak D status, and CcEe phenotypes were determined using the standard serological method. An adsorption-elution test was performed to check for the Del phenotype. We conducted RHD genotyping using PCR-SSP by targeting exons 1, 5, and 10, followed by next-generation amplicon sequencing when necessary. A total of 56,445 whole blood donors were tested. Among them, 2,421 were confirmed as D– (4.29
Therapeutic mammoplasty (TM) combines breast-conserving surgery (BCS) with reduction mammoplasty, aiming to preserve breast contour while ensuring oncological safety. We report surgical outcomes of TM performed at our tertiary cancer center over the last five years. The retrospective analysis of prospectively maintained database included 141 consecutive breast cancer patients who underwent TM between January 2019 and December 2024. Data were retrieved from institutional records. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 24 and Stata version 14. A total of 263 TM procedures were performed in 141 patients, with immediate contralateral symmetrisation in 122 (86.5
E beta (EB) thalassemia is a common hemoglobinopathy in eastern India with heterogeneous clinical presentation that ranges from asymptomatic disease to transfusion dependent thalassemia (TDT). Thalidomide is an immunomodulator which increases HbF level and mitigates the imbalance between alpha and globin chains and therefore modifies the clinical outcome of the disease. This single-arm arm, prospective, open-label study enrolled patients with EB Thalassemia between 12 and 65 years, who are transfusion-dependent and refractory to hydroxyurea. Subjects were initiated on thalidomide at 50 mg for 52 weeks. The primary objective was to assess the reduction in transfusion requirement at the end of 52 weeks. The secondary objectives were to assess the increment in hemoglobin (Hb) level, reduction in ferritin and toxicity. 49 patients were included in final analysis. The mean age was 23 years. Transfusion requirement at the end of 52 weeks when compared to baseline was 4.1 ±6.6 units/year vs 18.1 ± 5.6 units/year (p < 0.001). Overall response was noted in 90
Fungal infections are common and serious complications in patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Despite the use of prophylactic antifungal therapy, breakthrough infections can occur and lead to significant morbidity and mortality. In this retrospective observational study, we attempted to understand the clinico-epidemiological patterns of breakthrough invasive fungal infections (bIFI) in BMT patients of a tertiary cancer care hospital of eastern India. Cases were included between 2011 and 2021. European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer and the Mycoses Study Group (EORTC MSG 2020) criteria were used for diagnosis of invasive fungal infection, and European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM) definition was used to diagnose bIFI. Incidence of bIFI was found to be 5.1
