EVALUATION OF ADVERSE REACTIONS TO RED BLOOD CELL TRANSFUSION IN CHILDREN

Abstract

Backgound: Red blood cells transfusion is a critical therapeutic procedure used in various medical conditions including anemia, major surgeries, and trauma. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the adverse reactions to red blood cell transfusion in children at Menoufia University Hospitals. The study was conducted in pediatrics department at El Menoufia University Hospital and Shebin El Kom Teaching Hospital.  All available nurses working in the two hospitals (40 nurses) were included in the study. Total number of observed children was 500.Two tools are used to collect the data. Tool one: A structured questionnaire sheet was used to assess nurses' knowledge about red blood cells transfusion. Tool two:  Red blood cell transfusion reaction report was used to evaluate acute adverse reactions in children undergoing red blood cell transfusions. The results of this study showed that the mean age and standard deviation of the children were calculated to be 8.35 ± 4.87 years and 63.4% of children had thalassemia major. The minority of children manifested by chills and skin rash (9.8% and 10.4% respectively). There were highly statistical significant differences between nurses' knowledge. The study concluded that there were significant statistical differences between the both groups (p-value P1 < 0.001). Therefore, this study recommended nurses needed continuous training programs to improve their knowledge and practices regarding acute adverse reactions. The designed blood transfusion protocol should be followed to ensure the provision of better quality of care in other blood transfusion units.