Open AccessOverview of the French Hemovigilance
Author(s) -
Wautier JeanLuc,
Hossenlopp Claudine
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
transfusion alternatives in transfusion medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1778-428X
pISSN - 1295-9022
DOI - 10.1111/j.1778-428x.2003.tb00158.x
Subject(s) - medicine , adverse effect , blood transfusion , agency (philosophy) , medical emergency , intensive care medicine , emergency medicine , surgery , philosophy , epistemology
SUMMARy Hemovigilance began in France in 1993 and was reorganized in 1998.The Hemovigilance Unit is now part of the drug security agency (Agence Française de Sécurité Sanitaire des Produits de Santé, AFSSAPS) and has recently published its annual report. The number of deaths related to transfusion is decreasing but still significant (45 in 2001). Causes are most frequently undetermined (24) but when identified, are related to inadequate medical care (8) and to immunological incompatibility (3). Adverse reactions are frequently immunological (78%), and risks of viral transmission are significantly reduced. Progress in the safety of blood products is evident; however, their clinical use should still be improved.