OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this study was to evaluate the rate of blood transfusion in African Sickle Cell Patients and the risks related to the use of total blood. METHODS: 186 sickle cell patients (95 males and 91 females) aged 0-21 years were regularly followed over a 3 years period in Katanga province, DR Congo. Indications for blood transfusion were mainly based on clinical criteria and Hb level (less than 5g% ml or a drop of 2g% under the steady state value). All the subjects, who were transfused, wer screened for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBs Ag) and Human Immune deficit Virus (HIV). RESULTS: Of 186 patients, 150 (80.6%) were transfused and the average blood transfusion requirement was 0.4 units per patient-year. According to the age of first transfusion, 75.3% (113/150) of them were transfused before the 6th year of life; but the frequency of transfusions seemed to decline in children aged more than 13 years. The risk of HIV infection from blood transfusion was estimated at 1 per 37.1 units or 26 per 1000 blood units. The hepatitis B surface antigen was detected in 15 cases (10%) and HIV serology was positive in 17 patients (11.3%). CONCLUSION: Because of the complications related to blood transfusions in Africa, efforts are needed in order to reduce the frequency of transfusions, by preventive measures (early diagnosis, malarial and penicillin-prophylaxis) and to use more rational indications.
OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this study was to evaluate the rate of blood transfusion in African Sickle Cell Patients and the risks related to the use of total blood. METHODS: 186 sickle cell patients (95 males and 91 females) aged 0-21 years were regularly followed over a 3 years period in Katanga province, DR Congo. Indications for blood transfusion were mainly based on clinical criteria and Hb level (less than 5g% ml or a drop of 2g% under the steady state value). All the subjects, who were transfused, wer screened for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBs Ag) and Human Immune deficit Virus (HIV). RESULTS: Of 186 patients, 150 (80.6%) were transfused and the average blood transfusion requirement was 0.4 units per patient-year. According to the age of first transfusion, 75.3% (113/150) of them were transfused before the 6th year of life; but the frequency of transfusions seemed to decline in children aged more than 13 years. The risk of HIV infection from blood transfusion was estimated at 1 per 37.1 units or 26 per 1000 blood units. The hepatitis B surface antigen was detected in 15 cases (10%) and HIV serology was positive in 17 patients (11.3%). CONCLUSION: Because of the complications related to blood transfusions in Africa, efforts are needed in order to reduce the frequency of transfusions, by preventive measures (early diagnosis, malarial and penicillin-prophylaxis) and to use more rational indications.
Authors: I Diagne; N D Diagne-Gueye; H Signate-Sy; B Camara; Ph Lopez-Sall; A Diack-Mbaye; M Sarr; M Ba; H D Sow; N Kuakuvi Journal: Med Trop (Mars) Date: 2003
Authors: M Katabuka; M E Mafuta; A M Ngoma; P Mutombo Beya; S Yuma; L Aketi; K P Kayembe; J R Gini Journal: Indian J Pediatr Date: 2012-11-24 Impact factor: 1.967
Authors: Julie Makani; Sharon E Cox; Deogratius Soka; Albert N Komba; Julie Oruo; Hadija Mwamtemi; Pius Magesa; Stella Rwezaula; Elineema Meda; Josephine Mgaya; Brett Lowe; David Muturi; David J Roberts; Thomas N Williams; Kisali Pallangyo; Jesse Kitundu; Gregory Fegan; Fenella J Kirkham; Kevin Marsh; Charles R Newton Journal: PLoS One Date: 2011-02-16 Impact factor: 3.240