A child in a malaria-endemic area develops severe anaemia (Hb 3.8 g/dL) with P. falciparum parasitaemia of 0.5%. She is haemodynamically unstable. Wha...

Question

A child in a malaria-endemic area develops severe anaemia (Hb 3.8 g/dL) with P. falciparum parasitaemia of 0.5%. She is haemodynamically unstable. What is the WHO-recommended blood transfusion approach in this setting?

Accepted Answer

Transfuse immediately; delay is life-threatening

Answer

Wait for cross-match results even if this takes several hours

Answer

Only transfuse packed red cells if available; whole blood should never be used

Answer

Administer IV iron instead of transfusion

Answer

Exchange transfusion is the standard approach

uk-dtmh MCQ (SBA): Emergency Transfusion in Severe Malarial Anaemia

A child in a malaria-endemic area develops severe anaemia (Hb 3.8 g/dL) with P. falciparum parasitaemia of 0.5%. She is haemodynamically unstable. What is the WHO-recommended blood transfusion approach in this setting?