• H C Okoye, K I Korubo, B Nwogoh, C C Efobi, N I Ugwu, and A J Madu.
• Department of Hematology and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Ituku Ozalla, Enugu, Nigeria.
• Niger J Clin Pract. 2018 Apr 1; 21 (4): 468-472.

BackgroundBleeding disorders (BDs) are characterized by abnormal bleeding for which effective management requires a combination of skill, workforce, diagnostic facilities, and adequate therapeutic options.ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to determine the capacity of Nigerian hematologists to handle BDs and to assess availability of required infrastructure, equipment, and treatment options.Materials And MethodsThis descriptive study was conducted during the 2016 scientific conference of the Nigerian Society for Hemetology and Blood Transfusion. A structured questionnaire was distributed to hematologists in attendance. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 21.ResultsA total of 55 (76.4%) hematologists from 27 centers responded. The most frequently carried out tests to assess bleeding were hemoglobin or packed cell volume (100%), full blood count (96.3%), and prothrombin time/international normalized ratio and activated partial thromboplastin time (77%). Many centers did not have a coagulometer (47.8%) or cold centrifuge (43.4%) and none had thromboelastography or rotational thromboelastometry. Fresh whole blood was the most accessible (88.5%) and up to one-third of the centers did not have access to component therapy. Only 39.1% centers had factor concentrates available.ConclusionFacilities required for diagnosing and treating BD are significantly deficient in most centers in Nigeria. Funding to provide facility and training is required to improve on this inadequacy.

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