Prevention of Blood Donation-related Vasovagal Response by Applied Muscle Tension: a Meta-analysis

Abstract

Objective Vasovagal reaction (VVR) is an adverse reaction to blood donation. Applied muscle tension (AMT) has been reported to reduce the probability of VVR during blood donation; however, the results have been controversial. We therefore conducted a meta-analysis to systematically evaluate the effect of AMT in reducing VVR. Methods We searched six major databases using “applied muscle tension” and “blood donation-related vasovagal response” as keywords. Relevant articles published in English or Chinese between 1 January 2000 and 30 June 2021 were included in the analysis. The quality of the included articles was evaluated and publication bias was assessed by forest and funnel plots and by Egger's test. Results Fifty-one articles were identified, of which six were included according to the pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. A fixed-effects model was adopted for effect size combination and revealed a relative risk of 0.52 (95% confidence interval 0.40 to 0.67). The AMT group was superior to the control in terms of VVR prevention. A funnel plot and Egger's test suggested that the findings were accurate and reliable with low publication bias. Conclusion AMT could effectively reduce VVR during blood donation. Further multicenter studies with large sample sizes are needed to confirm these results.

A donor safety evidence literature review of the short‐ and long‐term effects of plasmapheresis

“…Whilst fear is a recognized predictor of VVRs [16] positive emotions are associated with a decreased risk. The use of techniques such as applied muscle tension (AMT) has been shown to reduce VVRs in WB donations but not plasma donations specifically [17]. There is an association between saline replacement and lower VVRs during the procedure [18].…”

Utilidad de la midodrina para controlar el síncope vasovagal: ¿la recomienda la evidencia?

“…Additionally, there are novel lines of research based on translational research, which aim, through the identification of polymorphisms, to categorize the existence of phenotypes resistant or responsive to specific therapies, which would help to describe new pathophysiological mechanisms and to design new therapeutic targets (44)(45)(46)(47)(48)(49)(50). It can be stated that it is a current issue about which not much is known and on which the sociodemographic, clinical, and genotype characterization of the affected population depends greatly.…”

Long‐term poor sleep quality is associated with adverse donor reactions in college students in Central China: A population‐based cross‐sectional study

“…In the face of the unremitting need and seasonal shortage for blood components, blood centres undertake an important task to maintain the balance between supply and demand of blood products and to ensure the safety of blood donors [2]. Blood donation is recognized as an extremely safe and well-tolerated procedure; however, a small percentage of donors occasionally do experience adverse donor reaction (ADR) during or after the process, especially in blood donors who lack experience and knowledge of blood donation [3,4]. Most of ADRs are usually vasovagal reactions and haematomas, counting for over 98% of all ADR [5].…”