BACKGROUND: Adverse reactions after whole blood donation reduce the likelihood of a subsequent donation. Still, many donors return to give blood even after experiencing a reaction. Consequently, we evaluated the risk of recurrent syncope among returning donors. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Allogeneic whole blood donors in 2009 who had vasovagal-type reactions including syncope were evaluated for return donation within 12 months and subsequent reactions, based on donation status (novice [first-time] or active [repeat]) or age at index donation. RESULTS: Syncope after a first whole blood donation significantly reduced the frequency of return donation (18%), compared to either presyncopal symptoms (27%; p < 0.0001) or no reaction (35%; p < 0.0001). Among novice donors who returned to donate, syncope was more likely among donors who had any reaction (0.8%) or syncope (3.5%) at their first donation, compared to donors who had no reaction (0.3%; p < 0.0001). Syncope at a first donation identified only 2% (19 of 1062) of syncopal reactions among returning donors. For active, repeat donors who experienced syncope in 2009, a history of prior reactions had no effect on the likelihood of return donation or recurrent syncope. CONCLUSION: Donation experience strongly influences the likelihood of return donation and the risk of subsequent reactions, but a prior reaction after whole blood donation does not reliably predict recurrent syncope among returning donors.
BACKGROUND: Adverse reactions after whole blood donation reduce the likelihood of a subsequent donation. Still, many donors return to give blood even after experiencing a reaction. Consequently, we evaluated the risk of recurrent syncope among returning donors. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Allogeneic whole blood donors in 2009 who had vasovagal-type reactions including syncope were evaluated for return donation within 12 months and subsequent reactions, based on donation status (novice [first-time] or active [repeat]) or age at index donation. RESULTS:Syncope after a first whole blood donation significantly reduced the frequency of return donation (18%), compared to either presyncopal symptoms (27%; p < 0.0001) or no reaction (35%; p < 0.0001). Among novice donors who returned to donate, syncope was more likely among donors who had any reaction (0.8%) or syncope (3.5%) at their first donation, compared to donors who had no reaction (0.3%; p < 0.0001). Syncope at a first donation identified only 2% (19 of 1062) of syncopal reactions among returning donors. For active, repeat donors who experienced syncope in 2009, a history of prior reactions had no effect on the likelihood of return donation or recurrent syncope. CONCLUSION: Donation experience strongly influences the likelihood of return donation and the risk of subsequent reactions, but a prior reaction after whole blood donation does not reliably predict recurrent syncope among returning donors.
Authors: Johanna C Wiersum-Osselton; Tanneke Marijt-van der Kreek; Anneke Brand; Ingrid Veldhuizen; Johanna G van der Bom; Wim de Kort Journal: Blood Transfus Date: 2013-06-03 Impact factor: 3.443
Authors: Tjeerd W Piersma; René Bekkers; Elisabeth F Klinkenberg; Wim L A M De Kort; Eva-Maria Merz Journal: Blood Transfus Date: 2017-06-13 Impact factor: 3.443
Authors: Christopher R France; Janis L France; Mary Ellen Wissel; Blaine Ditto; Tara Dickert; Lina K Himawan Journal: Transfusion Date: 2013-01-11 Impact factor: 3.157