ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT Introduction: The knowledge of clinicians regarding blood transfusion services may impact patient care and transfusion outcome. The wide variation in transfusion practices among clinicians leads to inappropriate blood product usage and jeopardizes patient safety. Hence, this survey study aimed to assess knowledge, attitude and practice among the residents and interns of safe blood transfusion. Methods: The online survey was based on self-administered questionnaires of three sections: 1. Demography; 2. Knowledge, and; 3. Attitude and Practice. One point was assigned for the correct response of each question in every section. The knowledge score was further categorized into three categories, depending on the points obtained. The participants were also divided into four groups, depending on their experience. The Kruskal-Wallis test was applied to determine the difference of knowledge and practice scores in three designated groups of residents and interns. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered to be significant. Result: A total of 247 residents and interns participated in this study. Thirteen participants had an incomplete response. Out of 234 participants, Senior Residents (SR), Junior Residents (JR), and interns were 70, 96 and 68 participants, respectively. The knowledge scores of interns were significantly low, as compared to SRs and JRs. Practice scores of interns were also significantly low, compared to the JRs. However, most of the residents and interns (85%) were aware of the pre-transfusion testing. Conclusion: Therefore, the mandatory incorporation of the transfusion medicine subject in the undergraduate curriculum can help the young budding doctors to better implement the patient blood management.
ABSTRACT
Hemolytic disease of Fetus and Newborn (HDFN) usually results due to natural occurring antibodies or alloimmunization in mother but the presence of multiple red cell antibodies increases the risk of development of significant HDFN. Here author reported a case of hemolytic disease of fetus and newborn in a preterm baby caused by multiple maternal antibodies. Direct Antiglobulin Test (DAT) on neonate blood sample was positive (3+) with monospecific DAT showed IgG type which was confirmed by heat elution. Antibody identification of eluate was done using commercial 11-cell panel by gel method showing specificity to anti-D and anti-C antibody which was differentiated from anti-G by sequential adsorption and elution studies. Neonate was treated with double volume exchange transfusion (DVET) using leucoreduced, irradiated O Rh D and C negative PRBC suspended in AB plasma and discharged 6th day in a stable condition. So, all pregnant women should be at least advised for ICT irrespective of Rh D negative status. If ICT is positive, they should be referred to higher center for proper Immunohematological work up, so that proper blood unit for DVET could be identified.