Infections Among Multi-transfused Patients in Southwest Iran, Khuzestan Province

Background: Transfusion-transmi!ed infec"ons (TTIs) con"nue to be a problem in many parts of the world and mul"-transfused pa"ents are at a par"cularly increased risk for TTIs. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Hepa""s C, Hepa""s B, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infec"ons among mul"-transfused pa"ents in Khuzestan Province. Materials and Methods: A cross-sec"onal study was conducted on 349 mul"-transfusion pa"ents referred to the Hemoglobinopathy and Thalassemia Research Center from January 2007 to February 2008. Results: Out of 349 pa"ents, 205 (58.7%) and 144 (41.3%) were men and women, respec"vely. Mean ( ±SD) age of the par"cipants was 18.70±9.18 years. Of these 349 mul"-transfused pa"ents, 206 (59%) had thalassemia, 87 (24%) hemophilia, and 56 (16%) sickle cell anemia. The overall prevalence of HBsAg, an"-HCV, and an"-HIV were 0.6% (95% CI: 0-1.56), 28.4% (95% CI: 27.4-29.3), and 0.9% (95% CI: 0-1.86), respec"vely. The data indicate that an"-HCV posi"vity was significantly associated with an older age (P<0.001), longer dura"on of transfusion (P<0.001), and frequency of transfusion (P<0.001). Conclusion: Although it seems more sensi"ve screening tests and stringent donor selec"on procedures has reduced HCV infec"on, TTIs in mul"-transfusion pa"ents are s"ll a serious risk for these pa"ents. More stringent policy for blood product usage and con"nuous awareness programs for medical staff, general popula"on, and pa"ents are required to reduce the incidence of TTIs.