TITLE:
Transfusion Practices in Pediatrics at Tengandogo University Hospital from July 1 to October 31, 2022
AUTHORS:
Dao Lassina, Traoré Osara Lamoussa, Hien Dieudonné, Nitiéma Gueswendé Christian Alex, Bougouma Rokiatou, Dembélé Emmanuel, Djiguimdé Aristide, Delma Martine, Kafando Pélagie, Ouédraogo Ali
KEYWORDS:
Blood Transfusion, Pediatrics, Transfusion Safety, Hemovigilance, Burkina Faso
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Pediatrics,
Vol.16 No.1,
January
16,
2026
ABSTRACT: Objective: To describe the epidemiological, clinical, biological, transfusion-related, and outcome aspects of children transfused in the pediatric department of Tengandogo University Hospital. Methods: A prospective descriptive study was conducted from July 1 to October 31, 2022. Children aged 0 - 15 years hospitalized and receiving at least one blood transfusion were included. Data were collected from medical records and hemovigilance forms, then analyzed using SPSS® version 20.0. Results: Among 512 hospitalized children, 108 were transfused (21.1%). The mean age was 32.9 ± 39 months, and 84.3% were under five years old. Malaria was the leading etiology (62%). The mean hemoglobin level increased from 5.1 g/dL before transfusion to 8.1 g/dL after transfusion. Packed red blood cells (PRBCs) were used in 93.5% of cases. Most transfusions (71%) were performed within 24 hours of the request, with a mean volume of 153.5 mL. Adverse effects occurred in 5.6% of children, mainly non-hemolytic febrile reactions. Hemovigilance forms were correctly completed in 64.1% of cases, but only 41.7% were returned to the blood bank. Clinical outcomes were favorable in 54.6% of children, while 17.5% died. Conclusion: Blood transfusion remains a cornerstone in the management of severe pediatric anemia. Despite satisfactory hemoglobin improvement and relatively few adverse effects, transfusion delays, high mortality, and insufficient hemovigilance highlight major challenges in transfusion safety. Strengthening blood product availability, improving traceability, and establishing hemovigilance committees are priorities to optimize pediatric transfusion practices and reduce mortality.