Cross-sectional study of the frequency of transfusion associated circulatory overload in 1st and 2nd category hospitals in Douala

Abstract

Introduction: Transfusion-Associated Circulatory Overload (TACO) is a serious adverse event linked to blood transfusion. This study aimed to determine the frequency and factors associated with TACO in 1st and 2nd category hospitals in Douala.

Material and method: We conducted a cross-sectional and analytical study in 2021. The study population was all patients who received a blood transfusion in 1st and 2nd category hospitals in Douala were included. Chi-square and multivariate logistic regression tests were used to investigate factors associated with TACO.

Results: A total of 323 patients were included. The average age was 26.41 ± 18.16 years. The male/female sex ratio was 0.88. The frequency of TACO was 3.4%, thus 11/323 patients affected with a male predominance (7/11;5%). The factors associated with TACO were altered consciousness (OR 2.11, 95% CI 1.54 – 8.26) p=0.01533, severe anemia (OR 21.90, 95% CI 5, 00 –51.90) p=0.000691, heart disease (OR 28.88, 95% CI 5.5 –150.86) p=0.00005, history of blood transfusion (OR 6.72, 95% CI 3.36 – 18.41) p=0.00112, transfusion with whole blood (OR 2.70, 95% CI 1.51 – 7.22) p= 0.00121 and renal failure (OR 69.11, 95% CI 5.73 –833.82) p= 0.00157.

Conclusion: TACO is uncommon in Douala. The main factors associated with TACO were severe anemia, heart disease, history of blood transfusion, and renal insufficiency. We recommend to hospitals to train and supervise personnel involved in blood transfusion and hemovigilance.