Abstract

Children with severe malaria and HIV often require blood transfusions to manage complications such as severe anemia. However, the neurocognitive effects of these transfusions remain poorly understood. This review consolidates existing knowledge on the neurocognitive impacts of blood transfusion in this vulnerable population. It explores potential mechanisms underlying neurocognitive impairment, including transfusion-related acute lung injury, transfusion-associated circulatory overload, and transfusion-transmitted infections. Furthermore, it discusses the synergistic effects of severe malaria and HIV on neurocognitive vulnerability. Understanding these effects is critical for optimizing transfusion strategies and improving long-term neurocognitive outcomes in affected children.