Blood transfusion for treating malarial anaemia.
BACKGROUND
Blood transfusion is used in patients with severe malarial anaemia, but risks adverse reactions, transmission of disease, and is complicated to organise in developing countries.


OBJECTIVE
This review evaluates the effects of routine blood transfusion for severe anaemia on death and adverse outcomes in malarious areas.


METHODS
The Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, African Index Medicus, LILACS, EMBASE and reference lists of relevant articles, and contact with researchers and organizations working in the field.


METHODS
Randomised and quasi-randomised trials of blood transfusion compared with conservative management in malaria-associated severe anaemia.


METHODS
Trials were identified and extracted by a single reviewer (MM) and checked by a second (HS). Inclusion criteria were applied and data were extracted independendtly by both reviewers.


RESULTS
Two randomised trials of 230 children were included. In the transfusion group, there was a non-significant tendency towards fewer deaths (RR 0.41, 95% CI 0.06 to 2.70), but significantly more severe adverse events (RR 8.60, 95% CI 1.11 to 66. 43). In one trial by Bojang (1997a) respiratory distress was less common and hospital stay was shorter in the transfusion group (WMD 1.9 days, 95% CI 2.4 to 1.3). Subsequent need for urgent blood transfusion was less common in the transfusion group (RR 0.11, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.62). Day 28 packed cell volume was less in the transfusion group (WMD -1.34, 95% CI -2.57 to -0.11). There was no information on HIV or Hepatitis B virus transmission.


CONCLUSIONS
There is insufficient data to be sure whether routinely giving blood to clinically stable children with severe anaemia in endemic malarious areas reduces death, or results in higher haematocrit measured at one month.
Meremikwu
M
M
Department of Paediatrics, University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. meremikwu@skannet.com
Smith
H J
HJ
D000328:Adult; D000740:Anemia / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D001803:Blood Transfusion; D002648:Child; D006400:Hematocrit; D006801:Humans; D008288:Malaria / Q000150:complications*; D016778:Malaria, Falciparum / Q000150:complications; D065227:Transfusion Reaction