Survenue du VIH et du VHB dans une Cohorte d'Enfants Drépanocytaires Transfusés au Complexe Pédiatrique de Bangui Risk of transmission of HIV and VHB infections during transfusion in children with sickle cell disease at the Bangui Pediatric Complex.

Objective: To report the risk of transmission of HIV and VHB infections during transfusion in children with sickle cell disease at Bangui. Patients and method: This prospective study was conducted in the Complexe Pediatrique de Bangui from October 2008 to August 2009. The study was carried out on sickle cell anemia patients aged from 18 months to 18 years. A patient’s parent consent was first of all obtained. During hospitalization and the followed up of the patient, clinical evaluation then HIV and HBs antigen serological diagnosis were performed before and after blood transfusion. Results: Ninety eight patients were included in the study. The median age was 9.8 years with extremes in 18 months and 18 years. Sixty five percent of patients were less than 5 years and 99% were homozygous for sickle cell gene (SS). Malaria appears to be the most prevalent associated pathology with 58.2%. The percentage of the children contaminated by HIV and hepatitis B virus was 6% and 14,3% respectively. More than three blood transfusions were significantly associated to these contaminations for hepatitis B virus. Conclusion: Taking account of this contamination risk, it is important to reinforce community about essential care for the sickle cell patients.