Hyperventilation as a Predictor of Blood Donation–Related Vasovagal Symptoms

This study was part of a randomized controlled trial investigating the effects of behavioral techniques on the prevention of vasovagal reactions in blood donors. Data from the no-treatment control group were analyzed. The final sample was composed of 160 college and university students. Observational and self-report measures of symptoms were obtained. Physiological variables were measured mainly using respiratory capnometry. Results Although respiration rate remained stable throughout donation, change in end-tidal carbon dioxide was associated with requiring treatment for a reaction during donation (odds ratio = 0.57, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.41 to 0.79, p = .001) and self-reported symptoms measured in the postdonation period using the Blood Donation Reactions Inventory (β = −0.152, 95% CI = −0.28 to −0.02, t = −2.32, p = .022). Individuals with higher levels of predonation anxiety displayed larger decreases in end-tidal carbon dioxide throughout the procedure (F(2,236) = 3.64, p = .043, η2p = 0.030). Blood Donation Reactions Inventory scores were related to changes in systolic (β = −0.022, 95% CI = −0.04 to −0.004, t = −2.39, p = .019) and diastolic blood pressure (β = −0.038, 95% CI = −0.06 to −0.02, t = −4.03, p
Source: Psychosomatic Medicine - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLES Source Type: research