Pediatric patients and their families had the chance to meet the blood donors whose specialized blood significantly improved the children’s chances of survival this week.
The unique blood, known as low-titer whole blood, contains all the essential components of the bloodstream—such as red blood cells, plasma, platelets, and various clotting factors that aid in preventing excessive bleeding.
Dr. Aaron Abarbanell, the chief of pediatric cardiac surgery at University Health and UT Health San Antonio, explained, “The primary goal of this whole blood program is to minimize the number of transfusions for both children and adults. For those in this specific patient population, the role of low-titer whole blood is crucial, especially for children with congenital heart disease.”
Low-titer blood, characterized by reduced antibody levels, significantly lowers the risk of transfusion reactions in these children, according to Abarbanell.
The initiative was launched in 2021 when Dr. Leslie Greebon, overseeing University Health’s blood services program, was approached by pediatric cardiovascular surgeons who recognized the potential benefits of low-titer whole blood for children susceptible to transfusion reactions.
Describing the product as a comprehensive solution, Greebon emphasized, “We are committed to providing an exceptional product that offers maximum benefits to our patients.”
One of the recipients of this innovative approach is ten-month-old Theo Langer, born with a heart condition in March 2023. Theo’s mother, Jamie Langer, shared her experience, stating, “Doctors had forewarned me that I would sense when he needed surgery. As a mother, I initially doubted my ability to recognize the signs, but they were absolutely right. His increased fatigue and decreased appetite were clear indicators.”
Dr. Abarbanell successfully performed surgery on Theo in December, with the low-titer blood playing a crucial role in his rapid recovery and minimizing bleeding during the procedure. Jamie expressed her immense gratitude for the successful surgeries and the positive impact on Theo’s health.
Henry Davis Jr., an employee at University Health who began donating blood in 2016, was pleasantly surprised to learn about the uniqueness of his blood when contacted years later. Recalling his reaction, Davis shared, “Upon hearing that my blood was aiding infants, I was deeply moved and immediately returned to donate. Knowing that I could contribute to such a vital cause made me feel truly special.”
Davis was among the speakers at the recent Have a Heart Donors appreciation event, where donors had the opportunity to interact with the families and children whose lives were touched by their donations. Reflecting on the event, Davis expressed his overwhelming emotions upon meeting the beneficiaries and witnessing the direct impact of his contributions.
While the families may not have known the specific donors, the event provided them with a chance to meet multiple donors and express their gratitude. Jamie Langer highlighted the significance of this interaction, stating, “Having the opportunity to connect with individuals who potentially provided life-saving blood for my son is incredibly reassuring. Meeting and acknowledging these donors who play a vital role in our lives is truly heartwarming.”
Gabriella Alcorta is a health reporting intern for Texas Public Radio in collaboration with through Texas State University’s and the university’s.