In
collaboration with MGH Hematology and as a principal
investigator of the NHLBI Clinical Trials Network
in Transfusion Medicine and Hemostasis, the Blood
Transfusion Service conducts clinical trials research
in the disciplines of transfusion medicine, coagulation
and thrombophilia.
In 2000-2001, we conducted a single-site large-scale
clinical trial of leukoreduction technology. This
study highlighted the opportunity at MGH to conduct
clinical research that crosses a broad variety of
medical disciplines.
In 2002, we led a large, international, multicenter
study focused on blood grouping errors due to miscollected
samples. This study was performed in collaboration
with the Biomedical Excellence for Safer Transfusion
Working Party of the International Society of Blood
Transfusion. A previous international study with this
group focused on standardization of CD34+ cell counting
during progenitor cell collections.
In 2003, we are preparing to participate in a multicenter
clinical trial run through the NHLBI network. The
topic of this trial is under consideration at this
time.
In addition to these large clinical trials, Sunny
Dzik’s research interests include management
of the coagulopathy of liver disease, clinical use
of blood components, biologic consequences of recipient
exposure to allogeneic donor leukocytes, and patient
safety in transfusion. Studies are underway or being
planned to explore the clinical utility of recombinant
VIIa in patients with liver disease undergoing elective
invasive procedures, the use of computer algorithms
to provide feedback to clinicians on decision-making
during transfusion, and the use of radio-frequency
technology to improve patient identification at the
time of transfusion.
|
