CHRONIC INFLAMMATION MAY DECREASE TRANSFUSION EFFECTIVENESS: EVALUATION OF TRANSFUSION PERFORMANCE IN HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS

Chronic renal failure (CRF) is defined as the progressive loss of the kidneys' ability to perform their functions. Anaemia in patients with chronic renal failure is a direct consequence of several interdependent pathophysiological mechanisms. Transfusion of blood cell components is frequent in the therapeutic arsenal; it is globally safe or even very safe. The objective of this study was to evaluate transfusion performance in haemodialysis patients at Yaounde General Hospital and to assess the actual effectiveness of blood transfusions in the management of anaemia associated with chronic kidney failure. An observational, analytical and prospective study was conducted between October 2024 to July 2025 on 70 hemodialysis patients. Hemoglobin levels before and 48 hours after transfusion were compared to determine transfusion efficiency. The study population included 70 patients, comprising 50 men and 20 women, with a sex ratio of 2.5 in favour of men, representing 71.4% males and 28.6% females, with a mean age of 49.4 ±19.8 years. Haemodialysis patients with a dialysis time of between 0 and 2 years were the most represented (23/70) at 32.9%. The mean Hb gain was +1.237 dl ± 0.46 g/dL and the mean gain per transfusion was 0.94g/dl, with a significantly higher response in males (p=0.05). The median change in haemoglobin level was 0.9 g/dl. This may indicate moderate or heterogeneous efficacy in response to transfusion. The number of transfused units was the main determinant of haemoglobin gain. Blood transfusion effectively improves hemoglobin levels in hemodialysis patients. Individualized post-transfusion follow-up is essential to optimize transfusion performance and minimize risks.