MEDIA ADVISORY
Transfusion Medicine and Cellular Therapies Professionals to Gather in Montréal to Discuss
Latest Developments at AABB Annual Meeting and TXPO
WHEN: Saturday, October 4 - Tuesday, October 7, 2008
WHERE: Palais des congrès de Montréal
1001, place Jean-Paul-Riopelle
Montréal, Quèbec, Canada
HIGHLIGHTS: Educational programs and discussions will include:
Duration of Red Blood Cell Storage:
(Session 9410-S) Update on Red Blood Cell Storage Lesion: Fresh Blood vs. Older Blood
Recent studies regarding the harmful effects of older red blood cells (RBCs) have raised public awareness about the impact of storage on red blood cells. Physicians and transfusion specialists are looking at creative ways to mitigate adverse reactions associated with older RBCs. The speaker in this session, who served as an active duty physician at the largest combat hospital in Iraq, will review and discuss data and highlight recent developments.
(Session 9311-S) Update on Red Blood Cell Storage
This session will open with a lively discussion of recent findings on the effects of storage on the levels of nitric oxide and nitric oxide metabolites in stored red blood cells. The effect (i.e., ability to carry oxygen) of these chemicals in the human body as well as their role in certain types of anemia also will be reviewed.
Is There a Right to Donate?: The Ethical Issues Involving MSM Deferrals
(Session 9130-CO)
This session will explore differing views regarding the right to donate blood, specifically examining the issues surrounding deferrals of men who have had sex with other men (MSM). Speakers will summarize scientific evidence, examine current deferral practices, and discuss the positions of various professional organizations and regulatory bodies. An emphasis will be placed upon the ethical impact of these decisions.
Hot Topics -- Developments in Cellular Therapies:
§ Developments in cellular therapy for diabetes, liver failure and heart disease (Sessions 9415-TC-CT and 9336-S-CT)
§ Advancements and challenges in regenerative medicine (Session 9125-TC-CT)
§ Advancements in cell processing for stem cell transplant (Session 9108-TC-CT)
§ New applications of cord blood to treat disease (Session 9426-TC-CT)
To receive a complimentary press registration, please call +1.301.215.6526, or email publicrelations@aabb.org. For more information about AABB’s Annual Meeting, visit: www.aabb.org under “Meetings and Events > Annual Meeting and TXPO."
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