Multiple transfusions for sickle cell disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo: the importance of the hepatitis C virus.

BACKGROUND AND

OBJECTIVES

Improvement of transfusion security in sub-Saharan countries requires the determination of priorities taking into account the specific context.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

One hundred and forty patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) from one clinical centre for SCD in Kisangani, DRC were tested for HBsAg, anti-HIV antibodies, anti-HCV antibodies and for alloantibodies against red blood cells and human leucocyte antigens (HLA).

RESULTS

Thirteen patients had not been transfused and were free of HBV, HIV or HCV infection. HBV, HIV and HCV infections were detected in 2/127 (1.6%), 1/127 (0.9%) and 10/127 (7.9%) transfused patients, respectively. All ten cases of HCV infection were associated with patients who had transfusions prior to the introduction of HCV testing in 2004 (P=0.043). Red blood cells and HLA alloantibodies were detected in 13/127 (10%) and 2/127 (1.6%), respectively.

CONCLUSION

HCV testing should be a priority. The rhesus (Rh) phenotype, mainly the RhD antigen and the Kell antigen should be assessed in SCD patients. Further extended phenotyping and deleucocytation should not be considered as priorities.