Jurnal Internasional Afrika vol.9 issue.3 2019
African Journal of Emergency Medicine
Original article
Utilisation of emergency blood in a cohort of South African emergency centres with no direct access to a blood bank
Dublin Core
Title
Jurnal Internasional Afrika vol.9 issue.3 2019
African Journal of Emergency Medicine
Original article
Utilisation of emergency blood in a cohort of South African emergency centres with no direct access to a blood bank
African Journal of Emergency Medicine
Original article
Utilisation of emergency blood in a cohort of South African emergency centres with no direct access to a blood bank
Subject
Emergency
Blood transfusion
Low resource
Africa
Blood transfusion
Low resource
Africa
Description
Introduction: The transfusion of emergency blood is an essential part of haemostatic resuscitation. Locally, where
direct access to a blood bank is limited, emergency blood is stored within emergency centres. It was previously
suggested that stored blood provides inadequate volumes compared to what is needed. Minimal data are
available regarding indications for emergency blood usage. We aimed to describe the utilisation of emergency
blood in selected Cape Town emergency centres.
Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out at three secondary level emergency centres (no
blood bank), and one tertiary centre (with a blood bank). Data from emergency blood recipients were recorded
over a three-month study period. Indications for transfusion, number of units and location of transfusion were
recorded. Indications and usage location were described in numbers and proportions.
Results: A total of 329 emergency blood units were transfused to 210 patients. Trauma accounted for 39%
(n = 81) of cases and other surgical conditions for 22% (n = 47), particularly upper gastrointestinal 11%
(n = 24) and perioperative bleeding 8% (n = 16). Medical conditions accounted for 15% (n = 31), with
anaemia 13% (n = 27), the most prevalent indication. Gynaecological conditions accounted for 15% (n = 32),
mostly ectopic pregnancy 8% (n = 17). The majority of emergency blood, 77% (n = 253) were used in the
emergency centres or operating theatres, 6% (n = 21).
Conclusion: Trauma remains a major indication for emergency blood transfusion in this setting. This study
questions the use of emergency blood for certain non-urgent diagnoses (i.e. anaemia). Given the scarcity of this
resource and limitations to access, appropriate use of emergency blood needs to be better defined locally.
Ongoing monitoring of the indications for which emergency blood is used, improved transfusion stewardship
and better systems to access emergency blood should be a priority in this setting.
direct access to a blood bank is limited, emergency blood is stored within emergency centres. It was previously
suggested that stored blood provides inadequate volumes compared to what is needed. Minimal data are
available regarding indications for emergency blood usage. We aimed to describe the utilisation of emergency
blood in selected Cape Town emergency centres.
Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out at three secondary level emergency centres (no
blood bank), and one tertiary centre (with a blood bank). Data from emergency blood recipients were recorded
over a three-month study period. Indications for transfusion, number of units and location of transfusion were
recorded. Indications and usage location were described in numbers and proportions.
Results: A total of 329 emergency blood units were transfused to 210 patients. Trauma accounted for 39%
(n = 81) of cases and other surgical conditions for 22% (n = 47), particularly upper gastrointestinal 11%
(n = 24) and perioperative bleeding 8% (n = 16). Medical conditions accounted for 15% (n = 31), with
anaemia 13% (n = 27), the most prevalent indication. Gynaecological conditions accounted for 15% (n = 32),
mostly ectopic pregnancy 8% (n = 17). The majority of emergency blood, 77% (n = 253) were used in the
emergency centres or operating theatres, 6% (n = 21).
Conclusion: Trauma remains a major indication for emergency blood transfusion in this setting. This study
questions the use of emergency blood for certain non-urgent diagnoses (i.e. anaemia). Given the scarcity of this
resource and limitations to access, appropriate use of emergency blood needs to be better defined locally.
Ongoing monitoring of the indications for which emergency blood is used, improved transfusion stewardship
and better systems to access emergency blood should be a priority in this setting.
Creator
David Morris, Daniël van Hoving, Melanie Stander, Stevan Bruijns
Source
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.afjem.2019.01.017
Date
30 January 2019
Contributor
peri irawan
Format
pdf
Language
ENGLISH
Type
text
Files
Citation
David Morris, Daniël van Hoving, Melanie Stander, Stevan Bruijns, “Jurnal Internasional Afrika vol.9 issue.3 2019
African Journal of Emergency Medicine
Original article
Utilisation of emergency blood in a cohort of South African emergency centres with no direct access to a blood bank,” Repository Horizon University Indonesia, accessed November 21, 2024, https://repository.horizon.ac.id/items/show/1753.
African Journal of Emergency Medicine
Original article
Utilisation of emergency blood in a cohort of South African emergency centres with no direct access to a blood bank,” Repository Horizon University Indonesia, accessed November 21, 2024, https://repository.horizon.ac.id/items/show/1753.