json
{
"title": "France Considers Dropping Plasma Leukoreduction Stage for Drug Manufacturing",
"body": "France's High Council for Public Health (HCSP) has indicated it's support for discontinuing the additional filtration step, known as deleukocytation or leukoreduction, for plasma intended for the manufacture of plasma-derived medicinal products (PDMPs). This recommendation, outlined in an opinion released last week, aims to streamline production processes without compromising health security.nnThe deleukocytation stage was initially implemented in France in 1998 as a precautionary measure to mitigate the risk of transmitting the new variant of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD).At that time, the requirement was to achieve a residual leukocyte level below 1.0x10^6 per liter for at least 90% of production.nnFollowing a request from the directorate General of Health (DGS) to assess the feasibility of relaxing this regulatory requirement,the HCSP convened a working group. This group included representatives from the National Medicines and Health Products Safety Agency (ANSM), the French Blood Establishment (EFS), and the French fractionation and biotechnology laboratory (LFB), alongside specialists in prion diseases.nnThe HCSP's recommendation is to align with the current European standard for non-deleukocyted plasma. This standard permits a residual leukocyte level of less than 1.0x10^9/L for at least 90% of production.nnAdditionally, the council has advised the LFB to evaluate the efficacy of its active manufacturing processes in relation to prion inactivation. Health authorities are urged to enhance epidemiological surveillance for vCJD and atypical prion diseases,and to conduct prevalence studies within the French population using existing screening tests.nnNotably,no new cases of vCJD have been reported in Europe as 2021. The last confirmed case in 2018 was likely linked to occupational exposure among research personnel in France.nnThe HCSP emphasizes that all recommended actions should undergo regular evaluations every three to four years. The possibility of reintroducing deleukocytation strategies exists if any risk signals emerge, notably concerning the appearance of new or atypical prion strains.nnHowever, for labile blood products, including plasma intended for therapeutic use, the existing deleukocytation standards are to be maintained in the absence of further safety measures.nnthe HCSP encourages the EFS and LFB to bolster national self-sufficiency in these products, aligning with the "Plasma Ambition" programme's goal to meet the increasing demand for immunoglobulins.nn(Source: high Council for Public Health Opinion on the removal of the plasma deleukocytation stage for fractionation collected in France, June 26, 2025)"
}
How does the APM-SFMU collaboration aim to improve outcomes for patients experiencing stroke in the prehospital setting?
Table of Contents
- 1. How does the APM-SFMU collaboration aim to improve outcomes for patients experiencing stroke in the prehospital setting?
- 2. APM and French Society of Emergency Medicine Joint Bulletin: Advancing Prehospital Care
- 3. Collaborative Initiatives in Emergency Medical services
- 4. Key Areas of Focus in the joint Bulletin
- 5. Impact on Continuing Medical Education (CME) & Professional Development
- 6. Benefits of Harmonized Protocols
- 7. Practical Implications for EMS Professionals
- 8. The Role of Technology in Advancing Prehospital Care
APM and French Society of Emergency Medicine Joint Bulletin: Advancing Prehospital Care
Collaborative Initiatives in Emergency Medical services
The partnership between APM (Association for Prehospital Medicine) and the french Society of Emergency Medicine (Société Française de Médecine d’Urgence – SFMU) represents a important step forward in harmonizing and elevating standards within emergency medical services (EMS) globally. This collaboration focuses on knowledge exchange, research, and the advancement of best practices in prehospital care, benefiting both practitioners and patients. Understanding the nuances of this joint bulletin is crucial for anyone involved in acute care, emergency medicine, or disaster response.
Key Areas of Focus in the joint Bulletin
The APM-SFMU joint bulletin typically addresses several critical areas, aiming to bridge gaps and foster innovation. These include:
Trauma Management: Standardizing approaches to traumatic injury assessment and initial management in the prehospital setting. This encompasses protocols for hemorrhage control, spinal immobilization, and rapid extrication techniques.
Cardiac Arrest Protocols: Aligning guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), defibrillation, and post-cardiac arrest care. Emphasis is placed on high-quality CPR and early access to advanced life support.
Neurological Emergencies: Improving the recognition and initial management of stroke and other neurological emergencies,including prehospital notification protocols to expedite access to specialized care. Time is brain remains a central tenet.
Pediatric Emergency Care: Developing specific protocols for pediatric emergencies, recognizing the unique physiological and developmental considerations in this patient population. This includes appropriate medication dosages and equipment sizing.
Disaster Medicine & Mass Casualty Incidents: Sharing best practices for disaster preparedness, triage, and management of mass casualty incidents (MCI). This involves coordinated response strategies and resource allocation.
