Work

Therapeutically‐rational exchange (T‐REX) of Gerbich‐negative red blood cells can be evaluated in Papua New Guinea as “a rescue adjunct” for patients with Plasmodium falciparum malaria

Year: 2020

Type: article

Abstract: "Conventional exchange transfusion"-that delivers nondescript "standard issue" units of red blood cells (RBCs)-is used worldwide to rescue dying Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) malaria patients. Recently, exchanging special malaria-resistant RBCs (T-REX) has been recommended to prevent random delivery of malaria-susceptible RBCs that promote Pf infection. Fortunately, Papua New Guinea (PNG) is well positioned to help optimize exchange as "a rescue adjunct" because (a) Gerbich-negative (GN) RBCs that resist Pf invasion are prevalent in PNG; (b) with international support, PNG has conducted outstanding malaria research; (c) PNG's scientists feel studies of GN RBCs can advance malaria therapeutics; and (d) with blood-bank support, evaluating exchange of GN RBCs is feasible in PNG. An exchange-transfusion study of GN RBCs might attract international sponsorship given the threat of expanding drug-resistance as well as growing recognition that advancing transfusion medicine and expanding blood donation could especially help Pf-infected children-immediately.

Source: Therapeutic Apheresis and Dialysis

DOI: 10.1111/1744-9987.13551

Authors: Ryan Philip Jajosky, Audrey N. Jajosky, Philip G. Jajosky

Institutions: Emory University, University Hospitals of Cleveland, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Language: English

Topic: Blood transfusion and management

Subfield: Biochemistry

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute