Prevalence of Hemoglobin S in Blood Donors in the Hospital Dr. Agostinho Neto, Praia City – Cape Verde

Abstract

Hemoglobin S is a hereditary blood pathology, with higher prevalence worldwide. The homozygous patients have anemia in varying degrees of severity, while heterozygous carrier sickle cell trait may have hematocrit and hemoglobin which can be used in donation. The hemoglobin carrier erythrocyte characteristics does not allow you to be a good donor blood transfusion undesirable effects may be due to both the potential sickling as to changes in hemotherapeutic product as a result of processing and storage. In Cape Verde, no studies related to the prevalence of hemoglobin S and program for screening of hemoglobin S in the blood donors are reported. The main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of hemoglobin S in blood donors attended in the Dr. Agostinho Neto Hospital, between August to October (2013). Sickling of red blood cell technique was performed. Between samples we found that four donors from 104 (3.9%) that were screened had positive results, gender, age and hemoglobin concentration, naturally, county of residence, blood groups and regular donors were associated with the presence of such a hemoglobin variant. The results underscore the importance of screening this abnormality in the blood donors and further studies must be performed. Also we recommend the implementation of information strategies, awareness, early detection and treatment of diseases associated with hemoglobin S.