New vCJD warning for transfusion patients

Tuesday, 21 September 2004 12:00 AM

Patients who may have received a blood plasma transfusion from an individual who later developed CJD are to receive letters informing them that they may be "at risk".

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has today written to all GPs, hospitals and strategic health authorities informing them of the identification project to prepare them for possible questions from patients.

No certain link has been made between plasma donations and the possible transmission of vCJD, and the Government is keen to stress that this operation is precautionary.

Around 140 people are believed to have died in the UK from vCJD, which is linked with eating beef contaminated with BSE. In December 2003, the Health Secretary John Reid revealed details of a case whereby a patient died of CJD after receiving a blood transfusion six years beforehand. Following the case, the Government then banned anyone who received a blood transfusion during the 1980s from donating blood in the future.

Since 1998, all plasma derivatives have been imported from the USA, and since 1999 white blood cells, which are believed to carry the most significant risk of vCJD transmission, have been removed from blood used for transfusions.

The decision to write to patients that may be affected is based on recommendations made by the CJD Incidents Panel. Around 6000 letters in total are to be sent out, but the exact number is not known as the process of examining the patient records only began on September 9th.

Those who received blood from those later developed vCJD have already been contacted, and these letters are now focused on those who may have received plasma products, such as those used in clotting agents, from the same donors.

Announcing the news, Health Secretary Dr John Reid, said: "Two principles have guided my department's handling of the issue of vCJD and its possible transmission through blood - maximum caution and maximum openness.

"That is why, since the first report of suspected transmission via whole blood transfusion last December, we have taken further steps to maximise the safety of the UK's blood supply.

"We have, however, been concerned to do everything practicable to ensure the patients directly affected are informed by the specialist doctors who care for them, so they can be given all appropriate information and support.

"I know this information may be difficult to absorb, which is why we are working with their doctors and other clinicians, to ensure they have the information and support they need."

Haemophiliacs are thought to be most at risk from any contamination. The UK Haemophilia Centres Doctors' Organisation (UKHCDO) and the HPA will be contacting local haemophilia centre doctors directly about specific patient management issues.

The HPA says that those patients who have been identified as having a one per cent or greater risk of vCJD will be identified as "at risk" from a public health point of view and will be informed.

Though they stress there is no evidence of any such transmission and this action is "precautionary" it is stated that "special precautions will, however, need to be taken in order to limit possible onward transmission of vCJD".

Once they have been identified as "at risk" they will not be able to donate blood, tissue or organs and will be required to inform those providing medical, surgical or dental treatment so that special precautions can be taken.

However, there is no recommendation that those identified should change any aspect of their daily life.

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