Opinion
Video
Blood Shortages Impacting Myelofibrosis Care
Experts discuss the ramifications of red blood cell transfusion shortages on myelofibrosis patient management and delve into the scarcity’s effects, patient prioritization, and the struggle for consistency in care amid supply challenges.
This is a video synopsis/summary of a Peer Exchange involving Zahra Mahmoudjafari, PharmD, MBA, BCOP, FHOPA; James Davis, PharmD, BCOP; Victoria Nachar, PharmD, BCOP; Shawn Griffin, PharmD, BCOP; and Robert Mancini, PharmD, BCOP, FHOPA.
In this segment of the Pharmacy Times® Peer Exchange led by Mahmoudjafari, the discussion revolves around the shortage of red blood cell transfusions during the pandemic and ongoing challenges. Griffin highlights the current status of shortages in the United States, emphasizing the goal of maintaining a week’s supply and the American Red Cross declaring multiple blood shortages. He connects the shortage issue to its impact on myelofibrosis patients who rely on transfusions for symptomatic management.
Griffin mentions the decrease in blood product donations due to pandemic-related disruptions in blood drives, urging people to donate. Mahmoudjafari underscores the importance of blood drives and acknowledges the deprioritization of myelofibrosis patients when shortages occur. Mancini discusses the profound effect of shortages on myelofibrosis patients, especially those becoming transfusion-dependent within a year of diagnosis. He emphasizes the challenges of prioritizing and potentially lowering transfusion thresholds to reserve resources for critical patients.
This segment highlights the multifactorial nature of the shortage issue and its significant impact on myelofibrosis patient care, urging awareness and blood donation to address the ongoing challenges in maintaining an adequate blood supply.
This summary was AI-generated and reviewed by Pharmacy Times® editorial staff.
