Vasovagal reactions in whole blood donors at three REDS‐II blood centers in Brazil

Abstract

Background In Brazil little is known about adverse reactions during donation and the donor characteristics that may be associated with such events. Donors are offered snacks and fluids prior to donating and are required to consume a light meal after donation. For these reasons the frequency of reactions may be different than those observed in other countries. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted of eligible whole blood donors at three large blood centers located in Brazil between July 2007 and December 2009. Vasovagal reactions (VVRs) along with donor demographic and biometric data were collected. Reactions were defined as any presyncopal or syncopal event during the donation process. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of VVRs. Results Of 724,861 donor presentations, 16,129 (2.2%) VVRs were recorded. Rates varied substantially between the three centers: 53, 290 and 381 per 10,000 donations in Recife, São Paulo and Belo Horizonte, respectively. Although the reaction rates varied, the donor characteristics associated with VVRs were similar [younger age (18–29), replacement donors, first time donors, low estimated blood volume (EBV)]. In multivariable analysis controlling for differences between the donor populations in each city younger age, first-time donor status and lower EBV were the factors most associated with reactions. Conclusion Factors associated with VVRs in other locations are also evident in Brazil. The difference in VVR rates between the three centers might be due to different procedures for identifying and reporting the reactions. Potential interventions to reduce the risk of reactions in Brazil should be considered.

Incidence, predictors and severity of adverse events among whole blood donors

“…The incidence in this study was 1.1% in a one year study period, which was less than studies conducted in three large blood centers that reported a total incidence of 16,129/724,861(2.3%) [14]. The American Red Cross has reported an incidence of vasovagal reactions among 435 cases per 10,000 blood donations [15].…”

Doação Sanguínea Total: A Responsabilidade Do Doador E Os Aspectos Da Transfusão De Hemocomponentes

“…Bermudez et al (2013) complementam que a frequência de eventos adversos na doação sanguínea é de aproximados 5%, sendo subdivididas em três categorias conforme sua manifestação, podendo ser relacionadas a sintomas vasovagais, referentes a procedimentos de punção e, por conseguinte, a métodos que necessitem da aplicação de anticoagulantes, como nos casos de aférese. Goncalez et al (2012) Ainda, quando fornecida a lista de doenças verificadas observou-se que maior nível de conhecimento que os participantes dispunham era a respeito do HIV, seguido pela doença de Chagas, sífilis e hepatite C e B (57,8%). Para Carvalho (2013), o Brasil é um dos países considerados com cobertura sorológica universal, o risco de transmissão por transfusão sanguínea está correlacionado com casos na falha da sensibilidade dos testes sorológicos e relativas falhas clericais, entretanto há alguns anos os testes apresentam sensibilidade superior a 99,5%.…”

Contribution of the Retrovirus Epidemiology Donor Study (REDS) to research on blood transfusion safety in Brazil

“…Gonçalez et al also reviewed 700,000 whole blood donations to assess adverse reactions among blood donors and observed an overall reaction rate of 2.2% 7 . However, the rates were very different in each center: 53, 290, and 381 per 10,000 donations in Recife, São Paulo, and Belo Horizonte, respectively.…”