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Red Cell Antigens and the Practice of Transfusion Medicine in Nigeria - A review
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To generate data and information that would assist in the implementation of the recently enacted National blood transfusion policy
METHOD: In the Worlledge series which was carried on amongst 31050 blood donors in Ibadan and other cities in the mid 1960s and 1970s, the following blood group systems were studies: ABO, Rhesus and MNSs. The other systems analysed include Kell, Duffy, Lutheran and P1.
RESULTS: Amongst the 16 ethnic groups studied, the findings for the ABO systems shows that blood group O was the most common with a value ranging from 45.9 – 64.5% and an average of 53.5%, the highest and lowest contributions coming from the Ijaws (Ogonis) and Fulanis respectively. The next common was blood group A with a range of 12-30% and an average of 21.9% and the highest contribution of 30% was from the Efiks and the lowest value of 12% emanated from the Nupes. Blood group B is next with a value ranging from 11.9-30% with an average value of 21.5%, the highest contributors being the Busus (Katsina State) 30% and the lowest value of 11.9% was from the Ijaws (Ogonis). The least common blood group is AB with a value ranging from 0-4.9% with an average of 2.98%; the highest contribution of 4.9% coming from the the Fulanis while the Efiks recorded the lowest value
CONCLUSION: In conclusion, red cell antigens obviously occupy a pivotal position in transfusion medicine in Nigeria. We recommend that further intensive research in this very important field be encouraged as this would not only provide the much needed epidemiological data but also help in uplifting blood bank practice in this environment as well as helping to ensure the effective implementation of the National blood transfusion policy.
Nig Jnl Orthopaedics & Trauma Vol.2(2) 2003: 68-77
METHOD: In the Worlledge series which was carried on amongst 31050 blood donors in Ibadan and other cities in the mid 1960s and 1970s, the following blood group systems were studies: ABO, Rhesus and MNSs. The other systems analysed include Kell, Duffy, Lutheran and P1.
RESULTS: Amongst the 16 ethnic groups studied, the findings for the ABO systems shows that blood group O was the most common with a value ranging from 45.9 – 64.5% and an average of 53.5%, the highest and lowest contributions coming from the Ijaws (Ogonis) and Fulanis respectively. The next common was blood group A with a range of 12-30% and an average of 21.9% and the highest contribution of 30% was from the Efiks and the lowest value of 12% emanated from the Nupes. Blood group B is next with a value ranging from 11.9-30% with an average value of 21.5%, the highest contributors being the Busus (Katsina State) 30% and the lowest value of 11.9% was from the Ijaws (Ogonis). The least common blood group is AB with a value ranging from 0-4.9% with an average of 2.98%; the highest contribution of 4.9% coming from the the Fulanis while the Efiks recorded the lowest value
CONCLUSION: In conclusion, red cell antigens obviously occupy a pivotal position in transfusion medicine in Nigeria. We recommend that further intensive research in this very important field be encouraged as this would not only provide the much needed epidemiological data but also help in uplifting blood bank practice in this environment as well as helping to ensure the effective implementation of the National blood transfusion policy.
Nig Jnl Orthopaedics & Trauma Vol.2(2) 2003: 68-77
