[Blood transfusion and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)]

This report was presented at the June 1983 meeting of the Blood Transfusion National Consultative Commission at the French Ministry of Health. Clinical and epidemiological data on AIDS as well as problems raised by the lack of specific tests for screening of blood donors were briefly summarized. Out of 49 AIDS patients recorded in France up to April 1983, only one had a history of previous blood transfusion given in Haiti, 4 years before the clinical onset of the disease. Blood donors, all Haitians, had no sign and symptom of AIDS. Retrospective review of 2 300 hemophiliacs followed up in France until April 1983 disclosed no AIDS. However, in 6 patients, the following features, more or less associated, were found to be present: thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, micropolyadenopathy, splenomegaly, hypergammaglobulinemia and low OKT4/OKT8 ratio. No clear correlation could be found between these abnormalities and the origin, commercial or national, of the coagulation factor concentrates used for the treatment. Three main recommendations were proposed: -- information of blood donors and experimental evaluation of some non specific screening tests, in the at risk donor population. -- more cautious use of coagulation factor concentrates -- reduction of importations aiming at complete national self sufficiency concerning factor VIII concentrates.