A Survey of the Opinions of Transfusion Specialists on Transfusion Policy of Thalassemia Patients in Korea.
10.17945/kjbt.2017.28.3.282
- Author:
Hyun Ji LEE
1
;
Kyung Hwa SHIN
;
Hyung Hoi KIM
;
Min Ju KIM
;
Jun Nyun KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Laboratory Medicine, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Thalassemia;
Blood transfusion;
Surveys and questionnaires
- MeSH:
Anemia, Hemolytic;
Asian Continental Ancestry Group;
Blood Transfusion;
Electronic Mail;
Emigrants and Immigrants;
Hepatitis B e Antigens;
Hospitals, General;
Humans;
Korea*;
Prevalence;
Specialization*;
Surveys and Questionnaires;
Thalassemia*;
Transfusion Medicine
- From:Korean Journal of Blood Transfusion
2017;28(3):282-289
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Thalassemia patients are treated with chronic blood transfusion to relief symptoms. The prevalence of thalassemia in Korea has been increasing recently in response to an increase in the number of immigrants from Southeast Asian countries. Currently, there is no guidelines of blood transfusion outlined by the policy of transfusion of thalassemia, like other inherited hemolytic anemia. Herein, we survey the opinion of transfusion specialists about the policy of blood transfusion of thalassemia in Korea. METHODS: E-mail survey was conducted between July and September of 2017; a total of 40 laboratory medicine specialists working at a general hospital and participating transfusion medicine were included. The questionnaire consisted of blood transfusion experience and blood transfusion policy in patients with thalassemia. RESULTS: Finally, 36 (90%) responders answered the questionnaire; of them, 32 (88.9%) agreed on the necessity of establishing a transfusion guideline for thalassemia patients, and 2 (5.6%) conditionally agreed. Thirty-five (97.2%) respondents agreed on the need for extended matching of RBC antigens for blood transfusion in patients with thalassemia. Thirty-five (97.2%) specialists agreed on the need for extended matching of RBC antigens beyond ABO and RhD to include C, c, E, and e. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the transfusion guideline for thalassemia, including other inherited hemolytic anemia, is required in Korea. Extended matching of RBC antigens should be considered when developing such guidelines, at least C, c, D, E, e antigens of the Rh blood group are essential for extended matching of RBC antigens.
