Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on blood supply: A comparative cross-sectional study of the pre-pandemic and pandemic era

Objective@#The study aimed to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on local blood supply management in the Davao Region, Philippines from 2019 to 2021 through the analysis of trends in blood supply in Davao Region, Philippines.@*Methodology@#Secondary data from two blood centers in the Davao Region for the years 2019 to 2021 were used to determine the trends on blood donation supply. To evaluate trends, the overall number of blood donors and the quantities of various types of blood components in whole blood, packed red blood cells (PRBCs), fresh frozen plasma (FFPs) and platelet concentrate have been compared between pre-pandemic, pandemic periods and as restrictions eased.@*Results@#A substantial decrease of 51.6% in the number of blood donors was seen during 2021 in comparison with 2019. The trend in collection by blood components also showed a significant trend from 2019 to 2021, whole blood (200.8%), packed RBCs (37.1%), fresh frozen plasma (113.6%). While the platelet concentrate supply declined by 34.9% from 2019 to 2020, an increase of 10.7% was noted onwards to 2021.@*Conclusion@#The results demonstrate that during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a major reduction in donation and supply of blood. The challenges faced by blood banks in ensuring a stable and sufficient blood supply are highlighted by the decrease in the number of donors and by the different trends in the supply of blood components. The targeted efforts to promote blood donation and enhance the resilience of the blood supply during and after the pandemic is important.

Demographic and clinical profiles of adult Filipino patients with psoriasis in Davao City: A cross sectional study

Background@#The Psoriasis Registry (PsorReg) was created by the Psoriasis Foundation of the Philippines with the goal of assessing the true magnitude of psoriasis in Davao City.@*Objectives@#To determine the demographic and clinical profiles of Filipino patients enrolled in PsorReg.@*Methods@#Cross-sectional study among adult patients enrolled in PsorReg.@*Results@#A total of 131 patients were included in the study. Mean age was 43.89 ± 15.8 years old. Chronic plaque psoriasis (96.2%) was the most common clinical pattern. 63.4% had nail involvement, while 35.1% had psoriatic arthritis. BMI was normal in 51.1% of patients. Common co-morbidities were hypertension (19.1%), diabetes (10.7%), and dyslipidemia (9.2%). Most common treatment were topical medications, while biologics were the least common. 42.7%, 49.6% and 37.4% had moderate psoriasis using BSA, PASI, and PGA, respectively. Majority (47.3%) reported a large effect of psoriasis on their quality of life.@*Conclusion@#This study determined the demographic and clinical profiles of adult Filipino patients registered in PsorReg in Davao City.

Pollen allergens in bronchial asthma in the Philippines

The atmospheric pollen pollution was heavy in Baguio City during February, March, April, May and during September and October. Pollen pollution was minimal in January, June, August, November and December. July had a moderately heavy density of atmospheric pollenIn Quezon City, atmospheric pollen pollution was heavy during November and December. Pollen incidence was low from January to OctoberIn Los Banos, Laguna, pollen incidence was heaviest during January, February, March and April; the rise which occurred in June was mainly due to Cyperus and the increased count in November was mainly due to the seasonal grassesPollen pollution in Bacolod City and in Davao City were consistently low throughout the yearKnowledge of these surveys can serve as an aid and a guide for the allergists in the specific treatment of the asthmatics. It is also a piece of useful information for all other physicians who are charged with the day-to-day and year-to-year care of the asthmatics. (Summary)