This study looks at why some children develop very severe anemia that leads to a blood transfusion. It also checks for diseases in the blood they receive. Researchers are using small samples of dried blood (called dried blood spots) from both the children and the donated blood to find out what might be causing the anemia.
This study includes children at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital (Jinja, Uganda) who need a blood transfusion, whether they are in the clinic, emergency room, or children's ward. After doctors finish the usual blood tests, a small sample of leftover blood will be saved on a special card (called a dried blood spot). The same will be done for all blood transfused during the study. These samples will be frozen and later sent to Cincinnati Children's Hospital for testing.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
250
Jinja Regional Referral Hospital (JRRH)
Jinja, Uganda
Frequency of Sickle Cell Anemia
How common sickle cell anemia is in children who need a blood transfusion in Eastern Uganda.
Time frame: At enrollment.
Frequency of Malaria Parasitemia
How common malaria parasitemia in children needing blood transfusions in Eastern Uganda.
Time frame: At enrollment.
Frequency of Iron Deficiency
How often people who get blood transfusions have low iron levels, and the iron levels in the blood that is donated and used for transfusions
Time frame: At enrollment
Blood Group Markers
Checking to ensure safe blood matches from donated blood and people receiving blood transfusions.
Time frame: At enrollment.
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