Transfusional malaria in the neonatal period in Lagos, South-West Nigeria.

ABSTRACT:

Background and objectives

Sick neonates in malaria endemic areas are frequently transfused with donor blood unscreened for malaria parasite. Consequently, they are at risk of transfusional malaria which can lead to increased neonatal mortality. The study aimed to determine the burden of transfusional malaria in neonates to help in policy formulation on prevention of transfusional malaria.

Materials and methods

One hundred and sixty four neonates admitted into the neonatal unit of a tertiary hospital over a 10 month period who were scheduled for blood transfusion were screened for malaria parasites pre-transfusion, at three and 14 days post transfusion using Giemsa stained thick and thin films. Donor blood was screened for malaria parasites at the point of transfusion. Neonat

SUBMITTER: Iheonu FO 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5882143 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature