Abstract
Prospective blood donors are routinely screened for blood borne infections but medical illnesses and haemoglobin genotype are overlooked despite a high prevalence of haemoglobin AS among Nigerian donors. To determine the prevalence of haemoglobin AS and its association to renal function, if any. Apparently healthy donors were studied between February and December 2018. Their haemoglobin genotype and, estimated glomerular filtration rates were determined. There were 96 males (94.1%) and 6 (5.9%) females with mean age of 26.7±4.5 years (range 19-44 years) and mean eGFR of 103.97±19.00ml/min/1.73m2. Eighty one (79.4%) and 21 (20.6%) subjects had haemoglobin AA and AS genotypes respectively. The mean eGFR for subjects with haemoglobin AA and AS were 105.2±18.6ml/min/1.73m2 and 99.9 ± 21.2ml/min/1.73m2 respectively (p value = 0.270). Eighty one (79.4%), 20 (19.6%) and 1 (1.0%) subjects had renal function at >90ml/min/1.73m2, 60-89ml/min/1.73m2 and 30-59ml/min/m2 respectively. There was no significant difference in the mean eGFR between subjects with haemoglobin AA and AS (mean difference 5.3, p = 0.265, 95%CI = -4.07 to 14.60). The prevalence of sickle cell trait among Nigerian blood donors is high. There is no significant difference in the renal function status of blood donors with SCT and normal haemoglobin genotype.
Highlights
Introduction: Prospective blood donors are routinely screened for blood borne infections but medical illnesses and haemoglobin genotype are overlooked despite a high prevalence of haemoglobin AS among Nigerian donors
There was no significant difference in the mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) between subjects with haemoglobin AA and AS
There is no significant difference in the renal function status of blood donors with sickle cell trait (SCT) and normal haemoglobin genotype
Summary
Prospective blood donors are routinely screened for blood borne infections but medical illnesses and haemoglobin genotype are overlooked despite a high prevalence of haemoglobin AS among Nigerian donors. The World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on assessing donor suitability provides clinicians and blood bank personnel with protocols for acceptance and/or deferment of blood donors with sickle cell trait (SCT) and those with chronic kidney disease (CKD).[1] blood banking practice in most hospitals is often limited to screening of prospective donors for certain communicable diseases such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), hepatitis B and C viruses, syphilis and other relevant transmissible This approach often times gives an impression that the focus of the laboratory personnel is directed more at protecting would-be recipients without taking into consideration the adverse effects of blood donation on prospective donors, especially those who may have background medical illnesses. A survey by the National Blood Transfusion Service in Nigeria showed that commercial donors form 25% of donors in public hospitals and 75% in the private sector.[2]
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