DR. ROWENA D.L. ROBINS,DR. SRIRAMAN,DR. SURESH KUMAR,DR. HARIHARAN,DR. SAHAYARAJ JAMES,DR. M. ABHINAYA
DOI: https://doi.org/Introduction:
In response to the increasing need for blood transfusions and the shrinking pool of donors, it is essential to recruit and retain young, first-time blood donors. Vasovagal reactions (VVRs) during blood donation, which range from mild symptoms to severe instances of loss of consciousness, pose a significant barrier to donor retention. This study explores the effectiveness of using an electrolyte solution as pre-donation hydration therapy to reduce the occurrence and severity of VVRs.
Aim:
To evaluate the impact of administering 200mL of electrolyte solution versus 250mL of water on the occurrence and severity of vasovagal reactions in first-time blood donors.
Materials and Methods
A six-month randomized controlled study was carried out in the Department of Transfusion Medicine at a tertiary care hospital in Tamil Nadu. The study population comprised 514 first-time male blood donors between the ages of 18 and 60. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: one group received 250 mL of plain water (control), while the other was given 200 mL of an oral electrolyte solution (intervention group). The designated fluids were administered 20–30 minutes prior to the donation procedure. All vasovagal reactions were monitored and categorized based on the criteria set by the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB)
Results:
Among the 514 donors, 17 (3.29%) experienced adverse reactions, with 11 (4.3%) in the control group and 6 (2.33%) in the test group. The majority of reactions were mild (Grade 1). Chi-square analysis yielded no significant association between the type of pre-donation hydration and the severity of vasovagal reactions (p = 0.633).
Conclusion:
The study found no statistically significant difference between water and electrolyte solution in reducing VVRs among first-time blood donors. While pre-donation hydration with either fluid can help mitigate VVRs, further research with larger sample sizes and including female donors is needed to confirm these findings and explore the impact of different pre-donation hydration therapies. Reducing VVRs is crucial for improving donor safety and retention, ultimately enhancing the blood donor pool.
