Blood use in sub‐Saharan Africa: a systematic review of current data

Abstract

Background: Data on the use of blood products in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are scarce. A systematic review of published data on blood utilization according to diagnosis in SSA was performed. Study design and methods: Studies published from January 2000 to June 2018 were searched in PubMed, Embase and African Index Medicus. Data were extracted and synthesized. The proportion of blood products used for different diagnostic categories is presented. Results: 37 studies representing 159,746 transfusions to 96,690 patients from 14 countries in SSA were included. Data from six of 37 studies were pooled to determine blood product use according to diagnosis. The primary diagnostic categories were pediatric malaria (20%), sickle cell anemia [SCA] (18%), obstetric hemorrhage (16%), and other causes of bleeding (16%). About 8%, 6% and 2% of products were used for other infections, cancer treatment, and surgery respectively. Overall, 58.5% of the products transfused were red blood cells, 31.7 % whole blood, 7.2% fresh frozen plasma, and 2.6% as platelets. Estimated blood product use per population in SSA was 5.3 transfusions per 1000 people, compared with 52 and 34 per thousand for Australia and United States respectively. Conclusion: This study provides a systematic attempt to quantify blood utilization for SSA. Blood products in SSA are used primarily for pediatric malaria, SCA, obstetric hemorrhage and other causes of bleeding. Studies such as this represent an important early step towards improving hemovigilance in SSA.