Citations

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesIn the setting of tissue hypoxia, S‐nitrosylated haemoglobin (SNO‐Hb) plays crucial roles in the control of blood flow. This is associated with decreased oxygen affinity to haemoglobin and increase in tissue oxygenation. Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion is primarily performed to improve tissue oxygenation in anaemic patients. RBCs after storage undergo a variety of biochemical and functional alterations, including deficiency of nitric oxide (NO) bioactivity. However, how donor characteristics affect NO levels during RBC storage is unclear. We sought to investigate the association of blood donor age, gender and storage duration with NO and SNO‐Hb levels in blood units.Materials and MethodsBlood samples from 42 healthy younger (≤30 years) and older (≥45 years) donors were collected and stored for up to 42 days. Total NO kits were used to detect total nitrite and nitrate levels in blood storage solution. SNO‐Hb levels in RBCs were detected and analysed by quantitative mass spectrometry.ResultsTotal NO levels in the blood storage solution significantly increased with donor age and storage duration. Proteomic analysis revealed that RBCs from older donors, particularly older females, significantly lost SNO‐Hb during storage. Our findings indicate that RBCs from older donors are associated with reduced SNO‐Hb levels and increased NO metabolites in storage solution after ≥35 days storage.ConclusionThe findings suggest stored RBCs from older donors may have reduced capacity to deliver oxygen to tissues under hypoxia. A shorter shelf life may be required for storing RBCs from older donors, particularly older females.

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are abnormal connections of arteries and veins without intermediate capillary components. As such, AVMs can remain asymptomatic or have a variety of clinical presentations ranging from mild headaches to severe symptoms like seizures, hemorrhage, and subsequent coma. Papilledema and increased intracranial pressure without hydrocephalus or hemorrhage are rare forms of presentations of cerebral AVM. The mechanism of intracranial hypertension accompanying brain AVMs is not entirely understood, and the right treatment strategy is controversial. Here, we present the treatment and outcomes of four patients with unruptured AVMs who presented with intracranial hypertension accompanied by visual symptoms, papilledema, and without evidence of hydrocephalus. In cases of AVMs accompanied by intracranial hypertension, AVM treatment should be considered the main target of management.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to compare pregnancy outcomes of women with inflammatory bowel disease using biosimilar vs originator infliximab (IFX). METHODS: In a prospective cohort of pregnant women with inflammatory bowel disease, we collected characteristics, medications, pregnancy outcomes, and developmental milestones. We compared outcomes by IFX biosimilar or originator use via bivariate statistics. RESULTS: A total of 100 pregnant women on originator IFX and 20 on biosimilar IFX were included. There were no differences in pregnancy complications between groups (48% vs 35%, P = 0.29). Infant developmental milestones were comparable at 12 months. DISCUSSION: Biosimilar IFX is not associated with adverse pregnancy or infant outcomes.

Abstract A cluster of macrolide-resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae -causing community-acquired pneumonia was observed in children in North Dakota in 2024. Suspicion was raised by non-response to macrolides, with confirmation via a polymerase-chain reaction assay. Prompt improvement occurred after the initiation of alternative antibiotics.