Abstract

Transfusion-related alterations in red blood cell (RBC) deformability play a critical role in the pathophysiology of severe malaria and HIV co-infection in pediatric populations. While blood transfusion is a cornerstone intervention for managing severe anemia and preventing mortality in children with severe malaria, its impact on RBC deformability in the context of HIV co-infection remains poorly understood. This review aims to comprehensively examine the existing literature on transfusion-related alterations in RBC deformability in pediatric severe malaria cases with HIV, focusing on the underlying mechanisms, clinical implications, and future research directions. By synthesizing current evidence and highlighting key findings, this review seeks to enhance our understanding of the complex interactions between transfusion, RBC deformability, and disease outcomes in this vulnerable population