A study of 178 consecutive vasovagal syncopal reactions from the perspective of safety

While vasovagal syncopal reactions have been studied in the past, there are several safety questions that could be further addressed. The purpose of this study was to address these safety questions.

One hundred seventy-eight vasovagal reactions were reported in 1999 from 194,000 blood donations. The reactions were retrospectively reviewed for 38 variables that included donor demographics, symptoms, injury, and final disposition.

Sixty-one percent of the syncopal reactions occurred at the refreshment table and 12 percent offsite. Fourteen percent of the donors sustained an injury, usually to the head (10%). Eleven donors (6%) had additional medical care in an emergency room: 4 for injuries, 3 for delayed recovery, and 4 for offsite syncope. None of the donors was admitted to the hospital. One of the injured donors developed postconcussion syndrome and had later sequelae.

Syncopal reactions most commonly occur at the refreshment table, where preventive safety measures against trauma could be applied. A significant number of syncopal reactions occur offsite, where the environment is less safe. The injuries that occur, particularly to the head, may in rare cases lead to long-term sequelae.