http://www.noblood.org A community of medical professionals and members of the public who are responding to the worldwide concern about the efficacy, cost and availability of donor blood. en Tue, 09 Feb 2010 03:09:52 GMT vBulletin 1 http://www.noblood.org/images/misc/rss.jpg http://www.noblood.org http://www.noblood.org/new-members/6298-s-m-corlett.html Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:42:53 GMT I'm grateful to have found this site. Hello to all members, we are Jehovah's Witnesses and are glad to have some extra info to search.:) ]]> New Members Corlett http://www.noblood.org/new-members/6298-s-m-corlett.html http://www.noblood.org/news-hot-topics-such-hepatitis-c-sars-aids/6297-ivig-intravenous-immunglobulin.html Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:12:16 GMT * *JULIE ROBOTHAM

February 6, 2010

IVY TREGENZA has been out of hospital for 15 whole weeks. It is an extraordinary taste of freedom for the four-year-old, whose constant lung and blood infections have tethered her to antibiotic drips and oxygen masks for much of her life.

She is now improving physically. ''But socially she's very serious and quiet,'' said Ivy's mother, Tiffany. ''She has spent such a large part of her time in hospital with adults.''

Ivy, from Ellalong near Cessnock, is enjoying the results of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg). This is infused into her body every three weeks to compensate for her inability to produce an immune molecule that fights common infections.


Read More about Intravenous Immunglobulin How used? ]]> News and Hot Topics such as Hepatitis C, SARS and AIDS Richard Casas http://www.noblood.org/news-hot-topics-such-hepatitis-c-sars-aids/6297-ivig-intravenous-immunglobulin.html http://www.noblood.org/ask-professional/6296-question-about-blood-swine-flu-vaccine-haemachromatosis.html Mon, 08 Feb 2010 09:15:51 GMT I am interested in anything I can learn about vaccines particularly the new swine flu vaccine which as reported in our local media, is going to be included in... I am interested in anything I can learn about vaccines particularly the new swine flu vaccine which as reported in our local media, is going to be included in the annual flu injection. Have read email about the possibility of it containing some blood so any input would be very helpful. My husband and I also have a blood disorder, haemachromatosis and are interested in hearing from others who have the same disorder as it requires blood to be venesected on regular basis. ]]> Ask a Professional Corlett http://www.noblood.org/ask-professional/6296-question-about-blood-swine-flu-vaccine-haemachromatosis.html http://www.noblood.org/public-site-feedback/6294-hello.html Sun, 07 Feb 2010 19:19:10 GMT I'm so happy I stumbled across this site. In the state of PA, we have been instructed to fill out new DPA's due to some revised laws. I want to make sure I have as much info as possible so that if the time ever arrives I will be ready. Great job on the site - I've learned a lot! ]]> Public Site Feedback AmyLyn http://www.noblood.org/public-site-feedback/6294-hello.html http://www.noblood.org/new-members/6292-hello.html Sun, 07 Feb 2010 00:20:32 GMT Hi just stopped in to say Hello....... Hi just stopped in to say Hello....... ]]> New Members Edouglas11 http://www.noblood.org/new-members/6292-hello.html http://www.noblood.org/news-hot-topics-such-hepatitis-c-sars-aids/6291-vcjd-infection-continuing-threat-public-health.html Fri, 05 Feb 2010 01:47:59 GMT *ProMetic Life Sciences Inc./VCJD Infection: A Continuing Threat to Public Health* LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM -- (Marketwire) -- 02/04/10 -- Variant... ProMetic Life Sciences Inc./VCJD Infection: A Continuing Threat to Public Health

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM -- (Marketwire) -- 02/04/10 -- Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease ("vCJD") remains 'a very real and continuing threat to public health and recent developments strongly support predictions of second and third waves of long incubation vCJD' commented Dr Robert Rohwer, Director, Molecular Neurovirology Laboratory and Associate Professor of Neurology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, U.S., speaking at today's GovNet Communications' Patient Safety 2010 Conference held at the QEII Conference Centre in London, UK. Dr Rohwer went on to emphasize the urgency of implementing universal protective measures to arrest human to human transmission through blood transfusion and blood products.

Dr Rohwer highlighted recent research and developments showing how vCJD transmission risk remains 'very real'. He discussed the 'significant challenges' associated with detecting the prion in blood and urged implementation of proven infectivity removal technologies to protect blood. He referred to:

+ Research by Prof John Collinge of the National Prion Clinic, published in the Lancet, (December 2009) describing the first patient to succumb to vCJD from a previously unaffected genetic subgroup of the prion protein. Prior to this point, all 215 people who died of vCJD shared a certain version of the prion gene that is present in only one third of the population. This finding strengthens an earlier prediction by Prof Collinge of second and third waves of vCJD in people who were infected over the same period as people in the first wave, but whose genetics result in a longer incubation time. Two thirds of the population is in this group. Incubating cases in this longer incubation group may be spreading the infection through blood and tissue donations and other invasive medical procedures. These new routes of exposure are of special concern because person to person transmissions are expected to be much more efficient than cattle to person transmissions.

+ Research by the Scripps Research Institute, U.S. (January 2010) which revealed that prions evolve (change) to adapt to new environments. In these experiments prions mutated to more virulent strains and developed resistance to drugs used to suppress their propagation.

+ The exceptionally difficult challenge of detecting prions in blood or plasma. While the miniscule amounts of infectivity in blood is enough to cause infections, it has yet to be convincingly detected other than by infection. Normal forms of the prion protein exist in every person and in blood they are 100,000 to 1 million times more concentrated than the infectious forms. Other plasma proteins are a million times more concentrated than even the normal prion protein. In spite of an abundance of ingenuity and tremendous development effort there is still no blood based assay available for vCJD. Most recently (December 2009) one of the most advanced tests failed to detect prions in blood samples from clinical-stage patients who have died and been verified to have vCJD from animal studies. These patients are expected to have the highest concentrations of vCJD infectivity in their blood.

+ The estimation that the number of people incubating vCJD in the general population is anywhere between 1 in 4,000 and 1 in 20,000. These estimates presume a high level of efficiency in identifying incubating cases. In fact the efficiency is undetermined and at present undeterminable. The recent discovery of incubating infections of vCJD in persons who have died of other causes but have prion genotypes that have not previously resulted in clinically recognised cases suggests that the prevalence may be much greater than anticipated.

+ Universal leucodepletion (the removal of white blood cells from donated blood) was adopted by the UK in 1999, in part to diminish the risk from vCJD transmission by blood. Animal studies have since shown that leucodepletion removes only 40-70% of the infectivity in donated blood. The remaining infectivity is more than sufficient to transmit the infection.

Dr. Rohwer summarized: 'Currently, vCJD contaminated blood poses the greatest risk for human to human transmission of vCJD. Moreover, since the transmission is between humans rather than bovine to human and the exposure is by transfusion or injection rather than orally, it is expected to be at least 1,000 times more efficient than transmissions from BSE infected food. This is not a theoretical risk. To date there have been five recognized cases of transfusion transmission of vCJD and one highly probable transmission from a plasma product. The UK collects over 2.1 million blood donations annually (1.8 million in England alone). It is not known how many of these donors are incubating vCJD, but accumulating evidence of long incubation times in genotypes that make up approximately two thirds of the population intimates that it may be far greater than indicated by the cases detected to date.'

Dr Rohwer noted that the UK has been a leader in evaluating new approaches to reducing the risk from vCJD contamination of blood. These have included the P-Capt® prion reduction filter which removes prion infectivity with an efficiency of 99.9% or greater. The UK evaluation programme has led to a recommendation to the UK Department of Health by the Advisory Committee on the Safety of Blood, Tissues and Organs ("SaBTO") to deploy the P-Capt® filter for treatment of red blood cells destined for children born since 1 January 1996. On 27 October 2009 when it made this recommendation, SaBTO indicated that 'the requirement for prion filtration should be reviewed in the event that further data on vCJD prevalence or filter efficacy becomes available'. Dr Rohwer noted that all recent developments warn of a continuing risk from vCJD and that since the greatest risk of human to human transmission is from blood use, timely and universal adoption of the P-Capt® filter is urgently needed to arrest further spread of the disease.

Dr Rohwer welcomed the progress of the Contaminated Blood (Support for Infected and Bereaved Persons) Bill, a private member's bill that is due to receive its Second Reading in the House of Commons on 5 February. The Bill proposes using prion filtration to protect the haemophilia community from receiving blood which could be contaminated with infective prions that cause vCJD but cannot, as yet, be tested.

ENDS
ProMetic Life Sciences Inc./VCJD Infection: A Continuing Threat to Public Health | SYS-CON MEDIA ]]> News and Hot Topics such as Hepatitis C, SARS and AIDS lekozza http://www.noblood.org/news-hot-topics-such-hepatitis-c-sars-aids/6291-vcjd-infection-continuing-threat-public-health.html http://www.noblood.org/ask-professional/6290-first-time-filling-out-blood-card.html Thu, 04 Feb 2010 23:57:30 GMT I recently got baptized last year in November, and the faithful and discreet slave has sent the JWs in the state of Georgia to fill out new forms of the Blood... I recently got baptized last year in November, and the faithful and discreet slave has sent the JWs in the state of Georgia to fill out new forms of the Blood Cards because old ones are useless. I need to fill one out by this Sunday and I am completely new to this NoBlood. I knew about not receiving blood but knowing other treatments, medications, procedures is completely new to me.

I'm just really overwhelmed by all the vocab and terms I saw in the NoBlood Wiki. I kind of understood the surgical procedures like Hemodialysis and I think I'm okay with that one. Other things like uh..substances derived from blood cells, plasma, etc. Those are really confusing. All I know is I want treatments that will not transfer anything another person had (I think things derived from plasma do that? I think that is what the NoBlood wiki stated).

Could anyone help me sort out some things? some basic things i should know? like...albumin...hemoglobin...I don't know if they ARE blood or not considered as blood...;; ]]> Ask a Professional jk91 http://www.noblood.org/ask-professional/6290-first-time-filling-out-blood-card.html http://www.noblood.org/new-members/6289-noblood.html Thu, 04 Feb 2010 19:10:03 GMT hello everyone hello everyone ]]> New Members happycamper http://www.noblood.org/new-members/6289-noblood.html http://www.noblood.org/general-discussions/6288-our-experience-non-blood-heart-surgery-klinikum-grosshadern-munich-1996-a.html Thu, 04 Feb 2010 13:31:26 GMT Dear all, I am new to this forum, so before joining I read various comments to see the kind of people who were members by considering what they wrote. My... Dear all,

I am new to this forum, so before joining I read various comments to see the kind of people who were members by considering what they wrote. My wife and I are Jehovah's Witnesses. Our third child was born with Down's Syndrome and a congenital heart defect. This required surgery when she was nine years old, in 1996. At that time there was not a whole lot of mutual understanding between members of the medical profession and Jehovah's Witnesses seeking non-blood medical therapy, let alone an entire wiki devoted to this theme. The provision of Hospital Liaison Committees through the organization of Jehovah's Witnesses was at that time in its infancy, so communication with the hospital was not optimal.

We had arranged with Professor Reichert to have the open heart surgery performed at Großhadern without blood. But somehow this was not communicated to the anaesthesiologists who were to accompany the operation. They were to say, very surprised and displeased to have been placed in this situation, because they themselves had conscientious reservations about a bloodless open heart surgery in our daughter's case.

So we spoke very long with them and despite their misgivings, they agreed to the solution that they would go as far as they reasonably could go without blood. The operation lasted most of one working day. Nonetheless it was successfully performed without blood. Later the leading anaesthesiologist said that there was a point where they thought they would have to give blood, but because we had spoken with them they would "try one more time". Whatever it was they tried, it was successful, no blood was given.

Now 14 years later our daughter is still fine cardiologically, although beset by diabetes and limitations imposed by her Down's syndrome.

Looking back, we will always be thankful for the medical professionals who helped us through that trying time. They didn't agree with us, but they respected us. Neither my wife nor I can remember even the names of those anaesthesiologists who with skill and concern helped our daughter. Perhaps if they, or other professionals like them, read this small expression of appreciation, it may help to mitigate misgivings about respecting the patients' and parents' wishes by "doing what they can" in the frame of the law and informed consent.

The reason I mention our experience is because of one comment a registered nurse made on your site about her own difficulty and reservations in dealing with those whose medical choices are different than those made by a medical professional.

We also learned the importance of speaking with the doctors and other medical professionals, trying to reach a reasonable consensus on medical alternatives. In a spirit of cooperation, many difficult problems can be solved, as was shown in our daughter's case.

Best wishes and deepest regards to all of the medical profession who face difficult choices out regard for the conscience of others.

Yours truly,
Steven Calkins ]]> General Discussions Steven Calkins http://www.noblood.org/general-discussions/6288-our-experience-non-blood-heart-surgery-klinikum-grosshadern-munich-1996-a.html http://www.noblood.org/general-discussions/6286-mothers-milk.html Wed, 03 Feb 2010 22:33:37 GMT Hello to all,

I recieved an interesting request from an online return visit. I did not know how to answer,

He asked why JW's don't allow white cells, when they are present in mother's breast milk, which would pass from mother to child. ]]> General Discussions jabriol http://www.noblood.org/general-discussions/6286-mothers-milk.html http://www.noblood.org/ask-professional/6283-anyone-have-stories-about-blood-transfusions.html Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:10:12 GMT Hi, my name is Michael Lluvera and I am a student at Paradise Valley. I am writing an article on blood transfusion alternatives. If anyone has any stories... Hi, my name is Michael Lluvera and I am a student at Paradise Valley. I am writing an article on blood transfusion alternatives. If anyone has any stories about how they themselves have seen a procedure or have been through one themselves, I'd be very interested in talking to them over phone or email. Or if there is even a doctor in the house who would be willing to talk about the differences between the procedures and even talk about one they've conducted, that would be greatly appreciated too. Thank you very much for any assistance. ]]> Ask a Professional challunged4life http://www.noblood.org/ask-professional/6283-anyone-have-stories-about-blood-transfusions.html http://www.noblood.org/news-hot-topics-such-hepatitis-c-sars-aids/6282-bloodless-medicine-military-doctors-learn-procedures.html Wed, 03 Feb 2010 15:29:43 GMT Bloodless Medicine - Military Doctors to Learn the Procedures (2 Reports)


[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAWhRqCjT9w[/media]

Its been 15 years since Englewood Hospitals pioneered bloodless medicine and surgery and now the Department of Defense wants their military doctors to learn the procedures.

For more News about New Jersey, visit the NJN News site: NJN - New Jersey Public Television and Radio

For more about what's on NJN and their various services, visit NJN's website at NJN - New Jersey Public Television and Radio ]]> News and Hot Topics such as Hepatitis C, SARS and AIDS lekozza http://www.noblood.org/news-hot-topics-such-hepatitis-c-sars-aids/6282-bloodless-medicine-military-doctors-learn-procedures.html http://www.noblood.org/news-hot-topics-such-hepatitis-c-sars-aids/6281-study-finds-vidaza-prolongs-survival-acute-myeloid-leukemia.html Wed, 03 Feb 2010 03:00:40 GMT *The MDS Foundation Says Newly Published Study Finds VIDAZA® Prolongs Survival in Acute Myeloid Leukemia* CROSSWICKS, N.J. - (Business Wire) The... The MDS Foundation Says Newly Published Study Finds VIDAZA® Prolongs Survival in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

CROSSWICKS, N.J. - (Business Wire) The Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) Foundation says a study published this week in the Journal of Clinical Oncology concludes VIDAZA (azacitidine) “prolongs survival and is well tolerated” in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) - an aggressive form of leukemia that in many cases progresses from MDS. The study looked at older patients with a median age of 70. These are patients who have had “no truly adequate treatments,” however the study found that half of the patients treated with VIDAZA survived at least two years, compared to only 16% of patients who received conventional care. Nearly 13,000 AML patients are diagnosed each year in the United States.
“This is encouraging news for patients with AML, an aggressive, difficult to treat cancer where median survival is less than one year,” said Kathy Heptinstall, Operating Director of the Myelodysplastic Syndromes Foundation. “Currently, as documented by an editorial in the same journal, a large portion of older AML patients are offered only supportive or palliative care. We would hope that publication of these encouraging results will spread the word and help change the approach to treatment.”

The study also found that VIDAZA helped reduce the need for blood transfusions that are often required in AML. 41% of patients on VIDAZA achieved transfusion independence, compared to only 18% receiving conventional care. VIDAZA treatment also significantly reduced the number of days spent in the hospital, and reduced serious infections.

The findings come from a subset of an international study of VIDAZA that previously demonstrated improved survival in patients with higher-risk MDS. Both MDS and AML are malignant conditions of cells in the bone marrow. Previously, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommended VIDAZA and DACOGEN® as treatment options for AML patients over 60 years old.

About the MDS Foundation

The Myelodysplastic Syndromes Foundation, Inc. is a multi-disciplinary, international organization devoted to the prevention, treatment, and study of the myelodysplastic syndromes. The organization is based upon the premise that international cooperation will accelerate the process leading to the control and cure of these diseases. For further information, please visit MYELODYSPLASTIC SYNDROMES FOUNDATION.


The MDS Foundation, Inc.
Kathy Heptinstall, 1-800-MDS-0839
Operating Director
or
Media
GL BioCom Partners
Stephen Gendel or Jennifer Anderson
212-918-4650

The MDS Foundation Says Newly Published Study Finds VIDAZA® Prolongs Survival in Acute Myeloid Leukemia ]]> News and Hot Topics such as Hepatitis C, SARS and AIDS lekozza http://www.noblood.org/news-hot-topics-such-hepatitis-c-sars-aids/6281-study-finds-vidaza-prolongs-survival-acute-myeloid-leukemia.html http://www.noblood.org/news-hot-topics-such-hepatitis-c-sars-aids/6280-supreme-court-puerto-rico-upholds-patient-s-medical-rights.html Wed, 03 Feb 2010 01:44:05 GMT January 29, 2010 Puerto Rico—In a landmark decision reached on January 27, 2010, the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico upheld an adult patient’s right to... January 29, 2010

Puerto Rico—In a landmark decision reached on January 27, 2010, the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico upheld an adult patient’s right to refuse certain medical treatment. The Court also recognized a patient’s right to use advance directives and appoint a health-care agent to represent his interests when unconscious.

Victor Hernandez, one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, executed an advance directive prior to his hospitalization. The Supreme Court overturned the trial court’s refusal to enforce Mr. Hernandez’s medical decision as expressed in his directive and by his health-care agent. In so doing, the Supreme Court recognized “the fundamental right that makes the inviolability of the human body an inalienable right of the people.”

Jehovah’s Witnesses are pleased that the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico recognizes an adult’s right to refuse any medical treatment involving the use of blood transfusions for religious reasons. They also value the fact that that the Court recognizes an adult patient’s right to have their medical decisions respected by means of an advance directive and health-care agent. This victory benefits not only the more than 25,000 Jehovah’s Witnesses in Puerto Rico, but all patients throughout the island. ]]> News and Hot Topics such as Hepatitis C, SARS and AIDS Sharon Grant http://www.noblood.org/news-hot-topics-such-hepatitis-c-sars-aids/6280-supreme-court-puerto-rico-upholds-patient-s-medical-rights.html http://www.noblood.org/ask-professional/6277-alternatives-epo-prior-stomach-cancer-operation.html Sat, 30 Jan 2010 16:00:53 GMT Hello My friend has just been diagnosed with stomach cancer. She is diabetic and insulin dependant. Her blood count is now 7.1 but not increasing.... Hello

My friend has just been diagnosed with stomach cancer. She is diabetic and insulin dependant. Her blood count is now 7.1 but not increasing. Doctors don't want to give her EPO early on, as the stomach cancer feeds off it.

Is there an alternative to EPO that can be given?

Thank you very very much.

This site is very useful.

Emma ]]> Ask a Professional EmmieLou http://www.noblood.org/ask-professional/6277-alternatives-epo-prior-stomach-cancer-operation.html http://www.noblood.org/news-hot-topics-such-hepatitis-c-sars-aids/6276-funding-englewood-hospital.html Fri, 29 Jan 2010 18:01:00 GMT *Congressman Rothman Secures $4.69 Million in Funding for Englewood Hospital to Train Military Health Care Providers in Bloodless Medicine and Surgery... Congressman Rothman Secures $4.69 Million in Funding for Englewood Hospital to Train Military Health Care Providers in Bloodless Medicine and Surgery Techniques

ENGLEWOOD, N.J., Jan. 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Congressman Steve Rothman (D-NJ) will be the featured speaker at Englewood Hospital and Medical Center today, 1:00-2:00 pm. Congressman Rothman will announce the latest batch of federal funds, $1.49 million, for the Institute for Patient Blood Management and Bloodless Medicine and Surgery. This brings the total amount of federal funding secured by Congressman Rothman for this institute to $4.69 million in federal resources and to over six million dollars to Hospital programs since 2002. This project will provide instruction and training for military and civilian physicians and other healthcare providers seeking to implement improved patient blood management strategies. The program, run through the U.S. Army/Medical Research & Materiel Command (USAMRC), will be particularly useful during conflicts or natural disaster when blood is often limited or unavailable. Project participants are not only taught procedures in blood management, but also receive training in how to teach blood management strategies and use available resources as well as how to collect data. This will prepare participants to manage and lead their own blood management efforts.

"I am very happy to deliver this latest batch of federal funds from Washington, DC, $1.49 million, to Englewood Hospital and Medical Center (EHMC). This now brings the total for the Hospital's bloodless medicine program to $4.69 million and for all EHMC programs I was able to secure over six million in federal dollars that I have brought home since 2002. These resources were appropriated for the hospital's breast care center, emergency room, radiology information system, and the Institute for the Advancement of Bloodless Medicine. Englewood Hospital does such important work and I look forward to continuing to help," said Congressman Rothman.
"Receiving this funding is an honor for Englewood Hospital and a confirmation of our status as a world leader in the practice of bloodless medicine and surgery. For a community hospital to receive this recognition is a remarkable achievement," said Douglas A. Duchak, President and CEO of the Medical Center. "I thank Congressman Steve Rothman for securing these much needed funds – without his support this program would not be possible. Congressman Rothman has taken strong leadership on this issue and throughout his career. The people of the Ninth Congressional District and Englewood Hospital could not ask for a better representative in Washington, DC."

Aryeh Shander, MD, Chief of Anesthesiology, Critical Care Medicine, Pain Management and Hyperbaric Medicine at Englewood Hospital and Executive Medical Director of its Institute for Patient Blood Management and Bloodless Medicine and Surgery, who will also speak at today's event, explained the rationale that's driving the project. "While there are clear situations where blood transfusions are necessary, there are many reasons why unneeded transfusions are risky and should be avoided," he notes.
Risks of blood transfusion include infectious and noninfectious complications. In addition, ample data suggests that transfusions are also associated with increased mortality. Also, the cost of blood transfusion continues to rise due to increased testing for infectious agents. In combat situations and other disasters, blood often is not available or in short supply, underscoring the need for blood management.

In partnership with the DOD, Englewood Hospital's Institute for Patient Blood Management and Bloodless Medicine and Surgery will work to achieve the following outcomes:

After a five-year period, a series of DOD medical providers will be proficient in patient blood management, taking a leadership position in developing PBM programs through the military and within military and civilian hospitals.

As a result of the model project and programs that follow it, inappropriate use of allogeneic blood products as well as transfusion-related morbidity and mortality will be reduced.

It is anticipated that the DOD and its hospitals will also experience significant monetary savings from the effective use of patient blood management techniques.

Through the project, a database of current data on blood management and outcomes will be developed. These data may serve as the basis for further interventions and as benchmarks of the project's efficacy.

About The Institute for Patient Blood Management & Bloodless Medicine and Surgery:

Since its inception in 1994, The Institute for Patient Blood Management & Bloodless Medicine and Surgery at Englewood Hospital and Medical Center has established itself as a world-recognized leader in patient blood management. Physicians from every discipline have been specially trained and practice bloodless medicine and surgery at the Institute. More than 50,000 patients from the U.S. and abroad have received medical treatment and undergone highly complex procedures such as brain, open-heart, orthopedic and gastrointestinal surgeries without blood transfusions at Englewood Hospital. Medical professionals from leading institutions across the country and throughout the world have come to the Medical Center to learn how its physicians use proven, effective alternatives to blood transfusion to improve patient outcomes.

About Englewood Hospital and Medical Center
An affiliate of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Englewood Hospital and Medical Center provides patients with the highest level of compassionate care through a broad range of state-of-the-art clinical programs offering the most advanced treatments and diagnostic services. Through its affiliation with Mt. Sinai, this thriving acute-care and community teaching hospital hosts medical residents in a variety of disciplines, including surgery, pediatrics, podiatry, pathology and critical care medicine and is home to a Vascular Fellowship Program that has trained a generation of world-class vascular surgeons. The Medical Center is renowned for its patient blood management and cardiac and vascular programs and is a leader in breast care, oncology and joint replacement services. Many members of the medical staff of Englewood Hospital, a member of Mt. Sinai Consortium for Medical Education, serve as faculty members at Mt. Sinai. Englewood Hospital and Medical Center has earned numerous accreditations from the Joint Commission and other organizations and is among the four percent of hospitals nationwide honored with the prestigious Magnet nursing award, a distinction is has earned twice. To learn more, visit englewoodhospital.com.

Congressman Rothman Secures $4.69 Million in Funding for Englewood Hospital to Train Military Health Care... -- ENGLEWOOD, N.J., Jan. 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- ]]> News and Hot Topics such as Hepatitis C, SARS and AIDS lekozza http://www.noblood.org/news-hot-topics-such-hepatitis-c-sars-aids/6276-funding-englewood-hospital.html http://www.noblood.org/ask-professional/6275-hypogammaglobulinemia.html Fri, 29 Jan 2010 15:36:43 GMT are there any alternative treatment options for hypogammaglobulinemia other than replacement therapy are there any alternative treatment options for hypogammaglobulinemia other than replacement therapy ]]> Ask a Professional magnus http://www.noblood.org/ask-professional/6275-hypogammaglobulinemia.html http://www.noblood.org/new-members/6274-hello.html Fri, 29 Jan 2010 14:04:46 GMT Hello to all members who are interested in blood alternatives. As Jehovah's Witnesses we found this site very informative and helpful. Hope to learn even more.

Hans - Serena (Belgium) ]]> New Members hanserena http://www.noblood.org/new-members/6274-hello.html http://www.noblood.org/ask-professional/6273-cell-saver-question.html Wed, 27 Jan 2010 20:21:22 GMT I am looking for any information: Any policy about the circulator also operating the cell saver in spine cases. I am looking for any information: Any policy about the circulator also operating the cell saver in spine cases. ]]> Ask a Professional laurietaylor http://www.noblood.org/ask-professional/6273-cell-saver-question.html http://www.noblood.org/ask-professional/6271-sickle-cell-anemia-pregnant.html Wed, 27 Jan 2010 14:39:23 GMT I am looking for input on a patient who is just into her second trimester and is in sickle cell crisis. Her hgb was 6.6, RBC 1.73, retic 11.4 and she was given... I am looking for input on a patient who is just into her second trimester and is in sickle cell crisis. Her hgb was 6.6, RBC 1.73, retic 11.4 and she was given 40,000 units of EPO at that time. Two days later her retic count was 19.5 and the following day (today) her hgb is 5.2, RBC 1.32. I know it will take a while for the EPO to generate more RBCs. Iron studies reveal adequate iron stores, and ferritin level is 351. She is on bedrest with O2, getting albumin q 8 hours, and with continuous fetal monitoring. A hematologist and other specialists are on the case. Any ideas? ]]> Ask a Professional E. Crum, RN http://www.noblood.org/ask-professional/6271-sickle-cell-anemia-pregnant.html http://www.noblood.org/new-members/6270-hello.html Tue, 26 Jan 2010 21:05:17 GMT :DFound this wonderful site while looking for no blood results for posterior spinal fusion for my 16yr old disabled daughter. Our childrens hospital has a... :DFound this wonderful site while looking for no blood results for posterior spinal fusion for my 16yr old disabled daughter. Our childrens hospital has a standing court order for blood for any child so looking elsewhere is the next step. Many of the things I have read has been helpful. ]]> New Members vsmith467 http://www.noblood.org/new-members/6270-hello.html http://www.noblood.org/news-hot-topics-such-hepatitis-c-sars-aids/6269-prion-filtration-may-become-legal-requirement-all-blood-transfused-uk.html Mon, 25 Jan 2010 23:49:14 GMT *Prion Filtration May Become a Legal Requirement for All Blood Transfused in the UK* MONTREAL, QUEBEC, CANADA--(Marketwire - Jan. 25, 2010) - - House of... Prion Filtration May Become a Legal Requirement for All Blood Transfused in the UK

MONTREAL, QUEBEC, CANADA--(Marketwire - Jan. 25, 2010) -

- House of Lords ratifies amendment to Private Members Bill to ensure that all blood is prion filtered

- Significant step in recognizing that other groups, not just children, need protection

- Bill will now pass to House of Commons for further debate, increasing political awareness of the issue

- The P-Capt® is the only device proven to be effective for the removal of prion infectivity from red blood cell concentrate prior to transfusion

ProMetic Life Sciences Inc. (TSX:PLI) ("ProMetic") today advises that on January 21, 2010, a bill to ensure that "the blood supply is made safe through the implementation of prion filtration" was passed at the House of Lords and will now continue its Parliamentary progress in the House of Commons.
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ProMetic Life Sciences Inc.: Prion Filtration May Become a Legal Requirement for All Blood Transfused in the UK ]]> News and Hot Topics such as Hepatitis C, SARS and AIDS lekozza http://www.noblood.org/news-hot-topics-such-hepatitis-c-sars-aids/6269-prion-filtration-may-become-legal-requirement-all-blood-transfused-uk.html http://www.noblood.org/news-hot-topics-such-hepatitis-c-sars-aids/6268-iron-therapy-reduces-hospital-stay.html Mon, 25 Jan 2010 23:44:35 GMT *Iron Therapy Reduces Hospital Stay in Colorectal Cancer Surgery Patients: Presented at ASCO-GI* By Ed Susman ORLANDO, Fla -- January 25, 2010 --... Iron Therapy Reduces Hospital Stay in Colorectal Cancer Surgery Patients: Presented at ASCO-GI

By Ed Susman

ORLANDO, Fla -- January 25, 2010 -- Patients who undergo surgery for colorectal cancer and receive intravenous iron to correct low haemoglobin levels rather than packed red blood cells appear to have a significantly reduced hospital length of stay, researchers said here at the 2010 Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium (ASCO-GI).

"We believe our proactive use of intravenous iron in the correction of iron deficiency is assisting in slowing of the progression of anaemia and therefore the need for blood," said Kirby Sweitzer, MD, Mercy Medical Center, Canton, Ohio, on January 24.

Dr. Sweitzer and colleagues reviewed outcomes among 43 patients who were undergoing colorectal cancer surgery at his hospital as part of a blood management intervention that has been in place since April 2002 to prevent the need for transfusion. Of those patients, 31 did not need a blood transfusion while 12 of the patients required packed red cell infusions.

Of those who received only low molecular weight intravenous iron dextran or iron sucrose, the hospital length of stay averaged 8.48 days compared with 16 days for patients who also required blood transfusions (P = .007).

He said the patient haemoglobin at the time of admission appeared to be the best predictor of whether transfusion would be required for treatment. The patients who did not require transfusions had an admitting haemoglobin level of 11.68 g/dL compared with an admission haemoglobin level of 9.68 g/dL for the patients who eventually required blood transfusions (P = .005).

In addition, the nadir haemoglobin also appeared predictive of the need for transfusion. Those who avoided transfusion by the administration of intravenous iron had a lowest haemoglobin level of 9.30 g/dL while the lowest haemoglobin level for those requiring transfusion was 7.83 g/dL (P = .005). The patients who received transfusions had an average of 2.75 units transfused.

Dr. Sweitzer reported 1 serious reaction to intravenous iron infusion in a patient with metastatic colorectal cancer. During his last infusion his nurse reported that the patient had no blood pressure or pulse. The infusion was stopped, oxygen was administered, and the patient regained consciousness and was discharged an hour later.

"This is the only serious adverse reaction we have seen in more than 10 years of giving low molecular weight intravenous iron in over 1,000 doses," he said.

The study received funding from Watson Laboratories, Inc.

The 2010 Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium is sponsored by the American Gastroenterological Association Institute, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the American Society for Therapeutic Radiation Oncology, and the Society of Surgical Oncology.

[Presentation title: Decreasing Length of Stay in Colorectal Cancer Surgery Patients With the Proactive Use of Low Molecular Weight IV Iron Dextran Therapy. Abstract 325]

News - Iron Therapy Reduces Hospital Stay in Colorectal Cancer Surgery Patients: Presented at ASCO-GI ]]> News and Hot Topics such as Hepatitis C, SARS and AIDS lekozza http://www.noblood.org/news-hot-topics-such-hepatitis-c-sars-aids/6268-iron-therapy-reduces-hospital-stay.html http://www.noblood.org/general-discussions/6265-va-beach-seminar-mid-march.html Sun, 24 Jan 2010 22:01:04 GMT A home health agency has approached me to organize a panel of address physicians - including anesthesiologists and surgeons, hospital adminitrators, nurse... A home health agency has approached me to organize a panel of address physicians - including anesthesiologists and surgeons, hospital adminitrators, nurse anesthetists, etc. re: blood alternatives! I am hoping that someone at noblood.org will be available to join this Va Beach, Va area seminar in mid March 2010! ]]> General Discussions deborahcharity http://www.noblood.org/general-discussions/6265-va-beach-seminar-mid-march.html http://www.noblood.org/news-hot-topics-such-hepatitis-c-sars-aids/6263-englewood-hospital-recognized-excellence-cardiac-care.html Sat, 23 Jan 2010 01:55:16 GMT *Englewood Hospital recognized for excellence in cardiac care* Friday, January 22, 2010 Englewood Hospital and Medical Center has been recognized as a... Englewood Hospital recognized for excellence in cardiac care

Friday, January 22, 2010

Englewood Hospital and Medical Center has been recognized as a top cardiac care hospital, ranked second in the state by CareChex®, a division of The Delta Group, a leading healthcare information services and consulting company. The Delta Group recognized Englewood Hospital in its CareChex 2009 release of America's Top Quality Hospitals.

Englewood Hospital was awarded the highest quality rating in the cardiac care clinical category. This includes recognition for medical excellence in treating medical conditions such as heart attack, heart failure, chest pain and atherosclerosis and non-major surgeries such as angioplasty, stents and pacemaker implants performed in the inpatient setting.

"We are honored to continue to receive recognition from independent ratings companies like CareChex for providing our patients the highest level of quality care," said Douglas Duchak, Englewood Hospital and Medical Center president and chief executive officer. "Our caregivers are dedicated to providing this level of care to every patient."

"Our cardiac patients receive extraordinary treatment from a team of exceptional cardiology experts," said Richard Goldweit, MD, FACC, Chief of Cardiology and Director of Interventional Cardiology for Englewood Hospital and Medical Center. "Our cardiac program is consistently ranked among the state's and country's best because the team is so dedicated to top-notch patient care and outcomes."

The CareChex award is one of many cardiac excellence achievements and recognitions earned by the Medical Center. Englewood Hospital was recognized among the top three hospitals in the U.S. for the lowest heart attack mortality rate, according to statistics from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released in 2009.

The data showed that heart attack patients with Medicare coverage who received treatment at Englewood Hospital had a better chance of surviving over a 30-day period than those treated at any other hospital in New Jersey. According to the data, Englewood Hospital's 30-day mortality rate for heart attack patients was 12.4 percent—significantly better than the national average of 16.1 percent cited by the CMS study.

Additionally, the Medical Center has been the only hospital in New Jersey year after year with a 0.00 percent mortality rate for coronary bypass surgery as defined by the Department of Health and Senior Services Cardiac Surgery in N.J. report. These results have been accomplished with one of the lowest average lengths of stay in the state, another measure of the quality outcomes achieved by the hospital.

Dr. Goldweit believes that Englewood Hospital's internationally recognized bloodless medicine and surgery program is among the key explanations for its outstanding cardiac outcomes.

"Data indicates that bleeding and transfusion tend to compromise the survival of these patients. At Englewood Hospital, transfusion and blood loss in cardiac patients is minimized through a host of advanced techniques," he stated. "Patient blood management is essential to excellence in cardiac care and helps define best medical practice."

NorthJersey.com: Hospital recognized for cardiac care excellence ]]> News and Hot Topics such as Hepatitis C, SARS and AIDS lekozza http://www.noblood.org/news-hot-topics-such-hepatitis-c-sars-aids/6263-englewood-hospital-recognized-excellence-cardiac-care.html http://www.noblood.org/news-hot-topics-such-hepatitis-c-sars-aids/6262-treating-anemia-red-blood-cell-transfusions.html Thu, 21 Jan 2010 23:10:37 GMT *Treating Anemia with Red Blood Cell Transfusions* NAAC Article Published: January 20, 2010 Blood transfusions can be a life-saving treatment, especially... Treating Anemia with Red Blood Cell Transfusions

NAAC Article Published: January 20, 2010

Blood transfusions can be a life-saving treatment, especially for patients who find themselves in the emergency room and for patients undergoing surgery. However, there are also several risks to receiving blood transfusions, and for non-critical patients a blood transfusion may not be the best treatment option. This article describes how anemia can develop, discusses the risks and benefits of receiving a blood transfusion to treat anemia, and provides some helpful questions to ask your doctor if you are severely anemic.

Full Aritcle
Treating Anemia with Red Blood Cell Transfusions | Feature Articles | NAAC National Anemia Action Council ]]> News and Hot Topics such as Hepatitis C, SARS and AIDS lekozza http://www.noblood.org/news-hot-topics-such-hepatitis-c-sars-aids/6262-treating-anemia-red-blood-cell-transfusions.html http://www.noblood.org/new-members/6261-just-say-hello.html Wed, 20 Jan 2010 21:46:44 GMT Hello to all. I am also one of Jehovah's Witnesses, and I am so pleased to have this information resource. It has been very helpful so far.:) Kathy ]]> New Members K. Adams http://www.noblood.org/new-members/6261-just-say-hello.html http://www.noblood.org/news-hot-topics-such-hepatitis-c-sars-aids/6260-blood-stored-more-than-14-days-increases-risk-organ-failure-transfused-childre.html Wed, 20 Jan 2010 18:44:55 GMT Blood Stored More Than 14 Days Increases Risk for Organ Failure in Transfused Children

Deborah Brauser

January 19, 2010 (Miami Beach, Florida) — Critically ill children transfused with red blood cell (RBC) units stored longer than 14 days have an increased incidence of multiple organ failure and a longer stay in pediatric intensive care units (PICU) than those receiving fresher blood, according to an analysis from a large observational study presented here at the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) 39th Critical Care Congress.

The results of this study, which was a Critical Care Congress Research Citation Finalist, were presented by lead author Oliver Karam, MD, PICU physician from CHU Sainte-Justine in ffice:smarttags" />Montreal, Quebec, during a poster presentation.

"Transfusion is a common treatment in pediatric intensive care. In fact, nearly 1 out of 2 children admitted for more than 48 hours in a PICU will be transfused," said Dr. Karam. "While past studies conducted with adults have suggested that prolonged length of RBC unit storage is associated with worse clinical outcomes, no such studies have been prospectively conducted in children."


Learn More_Medscape Medical News ]]> News and Hot Topics such as Hepatitis C, SARS and AIDS Richard Casas http://www.noblood.org/news-hot-topics-such-hepatitis-c-sars-aids/6260-blood-stored-more-than-14-days-increases-risk-organ-failure-transfused-childre.html http://www.noblood.org/new-members/6259-andrew-mcgovern.html Wed, 20 Jan 2010 04:38:32 GMT :rolleyes:Once bitten, twice shy or is it the other way around?
Anyway, I hope to find some enlightening info here at "NO BLOOD" ]]> New Members Andrew McGovern http://www.noblood.org/new-members/6259-andrew-mcgovern.html http://www.noblood.org/ask-professional/6257-looking-bloodless-open-heart-surgery-trinidad.html Mon, 18 Jan 2010 13:37:57 GMT hi everyone, i am new here and i am pleased to have found this site. My 1 yr old son is in need of bloodless open heart surgery and i am stressed to find a... hi everyone,
i am new here and i am pleased to have found this site.
My 1 yr old son is in need of bloodless open heart surgery and i am stressed to find a hospital in the us my nearest neighbour as i am from the caribbean, Trinidad to be exact.
so hi again. ]]> Ask a Professional 1marie http://www.noblood.org/ask-professional/6257-looking-bloodless-open-heart-surgery-trinidad.html