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Blood and blood products usage in Maputo
R Barradas1, T Schwalbach, A Nóvoa
1E Mondlane University, Surgery Department Maputo Central Hospital.
The Central African Journal of Medicine
|March 1, 1994
Summary
This study of blood transfusion orders in Maputo found that pediatrics and surgery were the largest users, primarily for young children with anemia. Recommendations include reviewing transfusion policies and forming an advisory committee to ensure rational blood use.
Area of Science:
- Transfusion Medicine
- Hematology
- Public Health
Background:
- Blood transfusion services are critical in healthcare, but their utilization requires careful monitoring to ensure efficiency and safety.
- Understanding patterns of blood product demand is essential for inventory management and identifying areas for improved clinical practice.
- Maputo Central Hospital's Blood Bank serves a diverse patient population, necessitating an analysis of transfusion order trends.
Purpose of the Study:
- To retrospectively analyze blood and blood product transfusion order forms at Maputo Central Hospital.
- To identify the main departments, patient demographics, and clinical indications for blood transfusions.
- To provide recommendations for optimizing transfusion practices and reducing associated risks.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 521 blood and blood product transfusion order forms.
- Data collected from March 1992 to February 1993 at Maputo Central Hospital's Blood Bank.
- Analysis of ordering departments, patient age groups, volumes, product types, diagnoses, and transfusion timing.
Main Results:
- Pediatrics accounted for the majority of orders (47.2%), predominantly for children under five.
- Packed red blood cells (57%) and whole blood (34.7%) were the most frequently ordered products, often for anemia (59.3%), with malaria as a common cause.
- Significant transfusion use was noted in Surgery (16.9%) and Gynaecology-Obstetrics (16.04%), with 22.8% for perioperative use, often in patients with low hemoglobin (<6 g/dL).
Conclusions:
- There is a need for Surgery and Gynaecology-Obstetrics departments to review their hemotherapy policies, especially for perioperative transfusions.
- Establishing a transfusion advisory committee is recommended to develop guidelines for rational blood use.
- Continuous education for prescribers and policy review can reduce unnecessary transfusions and the risk of blood-borne disease transmission.