Orthostatic hypotension after whole blood donation with various physiologic strategies to prevent fainting responses

Authors : Ganashree C.P, Aparna M, Amrutha A.M, Vijayalakshmi M, Prashanth G

DOI : 10.18231/2394-2126.2019.0001

Volume : 6

Issue : 1

Year : 2019

Page No : 1-4

Introduction: Donating blood is a generous life-saving gift. It is important to take care of blood donors as health care aspect. Vasovagal reactions occur in 2-5% blood donations. The orthostatic effects superimposed on a hypovolemic state after the donation. Hence this study may become reference base for the protocol.
Objective: To compare orthostatic hypotension without and with various physiologic strategies to prevent fainting responses before and after whole blood donation.
Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted from July 2016 to Feb 2017.200 voluntary blood donors were included. They were divided into four groups A, B, C, D. (50 each) Group A as controls (without physiology strategies), group B (Salt water was given), group C (Lower body muscle tension was advised and group D (Both the strategies are applied). Orthostatic hypotension was measured before and immediately after blood donation, 5 minutes, 10 minutes and 15 minutes after blood donation.
Results: There was orthostatic hypotension after blood donation, with and without physiologic strategies compared to before blood donation.

1. 1. There was decline in number of donors getting orthostatic hypotension after applying these physiologic strategies compare to without any physiologic strategies.
   2. Number of blood donors with orthostatic hypotension was more immediately after blood donation compare to after 5, 10 and 15 minutes after blood donation but improvement was not statistically significant.

Conclusion: Physiologic strategies may be advised to prevent fainting responses but need further studies to consider as protocol & compulsory and it is better to advice rest for minimum of 15 minutes.

Keywords: Orthostatic hypotension, Blood donation, Physiologic strategies, Salt water supplementation, Lower body muscle tension.

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