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Publication Details
AFRICAN RESEARCH NEXUS
SHINING A SPOTLIGHT ON AFRICAN RESEARCH
medicine
A study of blood transfusion services at a district hospital in Malawi
Vox Sanguinis, Volume 104, No. 1, Year 2013
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Description
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 4·8g/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 1h 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. © 2012 The Author(s). Vox Sanguinis © 2012 International Society of Blood Transfusion.
Authors & Co-Authors
Bugge, H. F.
Norway, Oslo
Medisinske Fakultet
Karlsen, N. C.T.
Norway, Oslo
Medisinske Fakultet
Oydna, E.
Norway, Oslo
Medisinske Fakultet
Rake, M. M.
Norway, Oslo
Medisinske Fakultet
Wexels, N.
Norway, Oslo
Medisinske Fakultet
Bendabenda, Jaden
Malawi, Mangochi
Mangochi District Hospital
Roald, Borghild Barth Heyerdahl
Norway, Oslo
Medisinske Fakultet
Norway, Oslo
Oslo Universitetssykehus
Heier, H. E.
Norway, Oslo
Medisinske Fakultet
Norway, Oslo
Oslo Universitetssykehus
Chisuwo, Laphiod
Malawi, Lilongwe
Ministry of Health Malawai
Jourdan, Peter Mark
Norway, Oslo
Medisinske Fakultet
Norway, Oslo
Oslo Universitetssykehus
Statistics
Citations: 44
Authors: 10
Affiliations: 4
Identifiers
Doi:
10.1111/j.1423-0410.2012.01628.x
ISSN:
00429007
Research Areas
Health System And Policy
Infectious Diseases
Maternal And Child Health
Study Locations
Malawi
Participants Gender
Female