A malaria control program's effect on paediatric transfusion.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Paediatric malaria is one of the leading causes for blood transfusion in sub-Saharan Africa. Malaria not only causes severe, sometimes life-threatening anaemia, but it leads to the exposure to a blood supply that may result in viral disease transmission. This study determined the frequency of paediatric malaria and transfusion for malaria before and after implementation of a Malaria Control Program in one of Ghana's districts.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Paediatric patients' malaria test results and blood transfusions were reviewed during two time periods: before Malaria Control Program implementation (2003) and after (2009). Results were analysed using descriptive and bivariate statistics.

RESULTS

The number of paediatric malaria cases confirmed by laboratory testing declined by 40·7% after implementation of the program. The number of paediatric patients transfused decreased by 12·8% (P<0·005). Of those patients tested for malaria, the frequency of transfusion was lower in 2009 (11·3%) compared to 2003 (24·1%, P<0·005). Gender and age were not associated with altered rates of transfusion. Average haemoglobin was higher in 2009 (10·4±2·0 g/dl) compared to 2003 (8·7±2·1 g/dl, P<0·005). During both periods of study, malaria positive patients who were 0-5 years were more likely to be transfused (47·6% in 2003, 75% in 2009) compared to children 5-9 years (17·3% in 2003, 18·8% in 2009).

CONCLUSION

The implementation of malaria control led to fewer paediatric patients with laboratory-confirmed malaria and fewer requiring blood transfusion. Such programs may reduce morbidity and mortality directly, while limiting exposure to blood transfusion.