CFRI researchers and their collaborators have discovered a new genetic mutation in a six-year-old-girl. Their finding solved a medical mystery for the young girl and her family. She was being treated at BC Children’s Hospital for developmental delays and other serious health problems that doctors were unable to explain. The medical team’s recently published findings may provide answers and eventually lead to improved therapies for other children who have similar symptoms and don’t respond to current treatments.
- Overview
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My research focuses on improvement of transfusion medicine practices, particularly as they apply to pediatric patients.
- Research
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Current Projects
Neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (NAIT) is a blood disease in newborns which develops when the pregnant mother produces antibodies that destroy the newborns' platelets. According to current guidelines, NAIT should be treated by transfusing a certain type of platelets (HPA-1a negative platelets). However, the availability of HPA-1a negative platelets is limited. I am currently conducting a study to determine if transfusion with random donor platelets is effective in treating NAIT.
Red blood cells are frequently transfused in acute care institutions for the management of anemia, however research has shown that approximately 30% of red cell transfusions may be inappropriate. Red blood cells are derived from voluntary human donors and represent a precious medical resource. Transfusions also carry risks to the recipient, some of which may lead to morbidity and even mortality. I am participating in a quality study to assess the appropriateness of medical red cell transfusions.
