BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Severe anaemia is an important cause of mortality in developing countries. However, few studies have explored the use of and possibilities for blood transfusion services. The aims of this study are to explore the use of blood transfusion services at a hospital in sub-Saharan Africa and to assess the quality of the transfusion services according to WHO guidelines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patient age, gender, haemoglobin (Hb) level, diagnosis, hospital department and replacement donations were recorded for all blood transfusions administered at a district hospital in Malawi in January 2010. The laboratory equipment and procedures were scored according to WHO guidelines. RESULTS: The mean Hb of transfused patients was 4·8 g/dl. Fifty-seven per cent (59/104) of the transfusions were given to children diagnosed with malaria, and 17% (18/104) were given to pregnant women. During the study period, blood was in stock and available for transfusion within 1 h of requisition. The equipment and procedures at this hospital met the main criteria for an adequate WHO stage of development. CONCLUSION: In contrast to the advanced transfusion medicine in developed nations, our findings highlight the persistent and urgent need for life-saving blood transfusions in especially young children and pregnant women in Africa. The results indicate that blood transfusion services adapted to local conditions may be a realistic solution for providing safe blood products in developing countries. Serious challenges, such as HIV transmission and sustainable organization of low-risk blood donations should be addressed to assure access to safe blood products.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Severe anaemia is an important cause of mortality in developing countries. However, few studies have explored the use of and possibilities for blood transfusion services. The aims of this study are to explore the use of blood transfusion services at a hospital in sub-Saharan Africa and to assess the quality of the transfusion services according to WHO guidelines. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Patient age, gender, haemoglobin (Hb) level, diagnosis, hospital department and replacement donations were recorded for all blood transfusions administered at a district hospital in Malawi in January 2010. The laboratory equipment and procedures were scored according to WHO guidelines. RESULTS: The mean Hb of transfused patients was 4·8 g/dl. Fifty-seven per cent (59/104) of the transfusions were given to children diagnosed with malaria, and 17% (18/104) were given to pregnant women. During the study period, blood was in stock and available for transfusion within 1 h of requisition. The equipment and procedures at this hospital met the main criteria for an adequate WHO stage of development. CONCLUSION: In contrast to the advanced transfusion medicine in developed nations, our findings highlight the persistent and urgent need for life-saving blood transfusions in especially young children and pregnant women in Africa. The results indicate that blood transfusion services adapted to local conditions may be a realistic solution for providing safe blood products in developing countries. Serious challenges, such as HIV transmission and sustainable organization of low-risk blood donations should be addressed to assure access to safe blood products.
Authors: John P Pitman; Sridhar V Basavaraju; Ray W Shiraishi; Robert Wilkinson; Bjorn von Finckenstein; David W Lowrance; Anthony A Marfin; Maarten Postma; Mary Mataranyika; Cees Th Smit Sibinga Journal: Transfusion Date: 2015-02-27 Impact factor: 3.157
Authors: Nyashadzaishe Mafirakureva; Star Khoza; Oliver Hassall; Brian E Faragher; Isaac Kajja; David A Mvere; Jean C Emmanuel; Maarten J Postma; Marinus van Hulst Journal: Blood Transfus Date: 2015-07-15 Impact factor: 3.443
Authors: Elizabeth M Keating; Jeff A Robison; Msandeni Chiume; Marissa Taddie; James A VanDerslice; L Scott Benson; Elizabeth Fitzgerald; Heather L Crouse; Michelle D Eckerle; Emily J Ciccone; Christina A Porucznik Journal: Paediatr Int Child Health Date: 2022-03-01 Impact factor: 1.990
Authors: Aggrey Dhabangi; Edison Mworozi; Irene R Lubega; Christine M Cserti-Gazdewich; Albert Maganda; Walter H Dzik Journal: Malar J Date: 2013-02-06 Impact factor: 2.979