Innocent lives lost and saved: the importance of blood transfusion for children in sub-Saharan Africa

Severe anemia in children is a leading indication for blood transfusion worldwide. Severe anemia, defined by the World Health Organization as a hemoglobin level <5 g/dL, is particularly common throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Analysis of data from the Fluid Expansion as Supportive Therapy (FEAST) trial offers new insights into the importance of blood transfusion for children with severe anemia. The principal findings of this analysis include the observations that life-threatening anemia in children is a frequent presenting condition in East Africa; that delays in transfusion therapy are lethal; and that inadequate transfusion is probably more common than currently recognized. The findings of this new study highlight the need for changes in blood inventory management in sub-Saharan hospitals and the need for more research on transfusion therapy for children in peril. Please see related article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12916-014-0246-7