How we decide when a neonate needs a transfusion

Transfusion strategies for neonates: current perspectives

Background

Blood transfusion intervention has been proven to be a crucial therapeutic aid for preterm infants with serious morbidities such as sepsis, intraventricular hemorrhage, and cardiopulmonary insufficiencies. However, blood transfusion practices have also been shown to cause significant adverse outcomes, which may negate the therapeutic effect of the intervention. To address the varying policies regarding the administration of blood products, healthcare professionals have adopted a consensus-based approach. The absence of a standard protocol has resulted in conflicting outcomes in previous clinical studies.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of blood transfusion practices in preterm infants by analyzing past clinical research and identifying the current trends that have emerged as a result of recent trials.

Results

Recent trials have demonstrated comparable trends in mortality rates and other primary outcomes, including retinopathy of prematurity, intraventricular hemorrhage, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and brain injury, following transfusion of blood products in both groups. Nevertheless, employing restrictive thresholds rather than adopting a liberal approach can reduce these outcomes.

Conclusion

The current literature does not provide clear support for either technique as opposing and contradictory results are evident. However, there is a slight inclination toward the restrictive transfusion threshold due to recent trials, which warrants further in-depth investigation into this issue.

Contemporary tools for evaluation of hemostasis in neonates. Where are we and where are we headed?

The assessment of hemostatic disorders in neonates is crucial, but remains challenging for clinicians. Although the concept of developmental hemostasis is widely accepted among hemostasis specialists globally, it is probably under-recognized by clinicians and laboratory practitioners. In parallel with age-dependent hemostatic status maturation, comprehension of the differences between normal values is crucial for the accurate diagnosis of potential hemorrhagic and thrombotic disorders of the vulnerable neonatal population. This review outlines the basics of developmental hemostasis and the features of the available coagulation testing methods, with a focus on novel tools for evaluating the neonatal hemostatic profile. Common errors, issues, and pitfalls during the assessment of neonatal hemostasis are discussed, along with their impact on patient management. Current knowledge gaps and research areas are addressed. Further studying to improve our understanding of developmental hemostasis and its reflection on everyday clinical practice is warranted.

Risk factors for anemia of prematurity among 30-35-week preterm infants

BACKGROUND

The risk factors for anemia of prematurity (AOP) among late preterm infants are unelucidated. We identified risk factors for declining hemoglobin (Hb) concentration and triggering factors for AOP treatment in infants born at 30-35 gestational weeks.

METHODS

From 2012 to 2020, we conducted a single-center retrospective study of infants born at 30-35 weeks of gestation without congenital anomalies or severe hemorrhage. The primary outcome was AOP development, defined by initiation of treatments including red blood cell transfusion, subcutaneous injections of erythropoietin, and iron supplementation. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to investigate potential risk factors for AOP.

RESULTS

A total of 358 infants were included. Lower gestational age (odds ratio, 0.19; 95% confidence interval 0.11-0.32), small for gestational age (SGA; 7.17, 2.15-23.9), low maternal Hb level before birth (0.66, 0.49-0.87), low Hb at birth (0.71, 0.57-0.89), and multiple large blood samplings (1.79; 1.40-2.29) showed significantly higher odds for AOP development.

CONCLUSIONS

Gestational age, SGA, low maternal Hb before birth, Hb at birth, and high number of large blood samplings were positively associated with AOP development in infants born at 30-35 gestational weeks.

Impact of Early Hemoglobin Levels on Neurodevelopment Outcomes of Two-Year-Olds in Very Preterm Children

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate, in very preterm infants, the hemoglobin (Hb) levels during the first 24 h and the neurodevelopment outcomes at 24 months of corrected age.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS

We conducted a secondary analysis of the French national prospective and population-based cohort EPIPAGE-2. The eligible study participants were live-born singletons who were born before 32 weeks of gestational age, with early Hb levels who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The early Hb levels for an outcome survival at 24 months of corrected age without neurodevelopmental impairment were measured. The secondary outcomes were survival at discharge and without severe neonatal morbidity.

RESULTS

Of the 2158 singletons of <32 weeks with mean early Hb levels of 15.4 (±2.4) g/dL, 1490 of the infants (69%) had a follow-up at two years of age. An early Hb of 15.2 g/dL is the minimum receiving operating characteristic curve at the 24 months risk-free level, but the area under the curve at 0.54 (close to 50%) indicates that this rate was not informative. In logistic regression, no association was found between early Hb levels and outcomes at two years of age (aOR 0.966; 95% CI [0.775-1.204]; p = 0.758) but rather there was a correlation found with severe morbidity (aOR 1.322; 95% CI [1.003-1.743]; p = 0.048). A risk stratification tree showed that male newborns of >26 weeks with Hb of <15.5 g/dL (n = 703) were associated with a poor outcome at 24 months (OR 1.9; CI: [1.5-2.4] p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Early low Hb levels are associated with major neonatal morbidities in VP singletons, but not with neurodevelopment outcomes at two years of age, except in male infants of >26 Weeks GA.

Recommendations for transfusion of blood products in neonatology

The scant evidence on the use of transfusions in neonatal care explains the limitations of current clinical guidelines. Despite this, in this document we explore the most recent evidence to make recommendations for the clinical practice. The prevention of anaemia of prematurity, the use of protocols and restrictive transfusion strategies constitute the best approach for clinicians in this field. In the case of platelet transfusions, the risk of bleeding must be assessed, combining clinical and laboratory features. Lastly, fresh frozen plasma is recommended in neonates with coagulopathy and active bleeding, with congenital factor deficiencies for which there is no specific treatment or with disseminated intravascular coagulation. All blood products have adverse effects that warrant a personalised and thorough assessment of the need for transfusion.

Preoperative Blood Transfusions and Morbidity in Neonates Undergoing Surgery

BACKGROUND

Blood transfusions in the neonatal patient population are common, but there are no established guidelines regarding transfusion thresholds. Little is known about postoperative outcomes in neonates who receive preoperative blood transfusions (PBTs).

METHODS

Using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatric Participant Use Data Files from 2012 to 2015, we identified all neonates who underwent surgery. Mortality and composite morbidity (defined as any postoperative complication) in neonates who received a PBT within 48 hours of surgery were compared with that in neonates who did not receive a transfusion.

RESULTS

A total of 12 184 neonates were identified, of whom 1209 (9.9%) received a PBT. Neonates who received a PBT had higher rates of preoperative comorbidities and worse postoperative outcomes when compared with those who did not receive a transfusion (composite morbidity: 46.2% vs 16.2%; P < .01). On multivariable regression analysis, PBTs were independently associated with increased 30-day morbidity (odds ratio [OR] = 1.90; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.63-2.22; P < .01) and mortality (OR = 1.98; 95% CI: 1.55-2.55; P < .01). In a propensity score-matched analysis, PBTs continued to be associated with increased 30-day morbidity (OR = 1.53; 95% CI: 1.29-1.81; P < .01) and mortality (OR = 1.58; 95% CI: 1.24-2.01; P = .01).

CONCLUSIONS

In a propensity score-matched model, PBTs are independently associated with increased morbidity and mortality in neonates who undergo surgery. Prospective data are needed to better understand the potential effects of a red blood cell transfusion in this patient population.

Transfusion support: Considerations in pediatric populations

Over 400,000 units of blood and blood products are transfused to pediatric patients annually, yet only sparse high-quality data exist to guide the preparation and administration of blood products in this population. The direct application of data from studies in adult patients should be undertaken with caution, as there are dissimilarities in the pathology and physiology between adult and pediatric patients. We provide an overview of available evidence in the field of pediatric transfusion medicine, summarizing indications for blood product transfusion, thresholds for transfusion and indications for blood product modifications.

Influence of enteral feeding and anemia on tissue oxygen extraction after red blood cell transfusion in preterm infants

BACKGROUND

Understanding factors that impact tissue oxygen extraction may guide red blood cell (RBC) transfusion decision making in preterm infants. Our objective was to assess the influence of enteral feeding and anemia on cerebral and mesenteric oxygen saturation (Csat and Msat) and fractional tissue oxygen extraction (cFTOE and mFTOE) over the entire time course of RBC transfusion.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Preterm, very low-birth-weight infants receiving RBC transfusions at a single center were enrolled. Near-infrared spectroscopy sensors measured Csat and Msat levels from an hour before transfusion to 24 hours after. During this period, changes in Csat, Msat, cFTOE, and mFTOE were described, and their association with enteral feeding status and pretransfusion degree of anemia were assessed using generalized estimating equations.

RESULTS

RBC transfusion data from 31 preterm infants were included. Infants receiving enteral feeds exhibited lower pretransfusion Msat. Infants with pretransfusion hematocrit greater than 30% exhibited higher pretransfusion Csat and lower pretransfusion cFTOE. Such differences in baseline measurements persisted through 24 hours after transfusion. However, no statistically significant differences in oxygenation measures over time by enteral feeding or anemia status were identified.

CONCLUSION

Compared to NPO, enteral feeding was associated with lower Msat; anemia (hematocrit ≤30%) was associated with lower Csat and higher cFTOE. Over the time course of RBC transfusion, trajectories of Csat, Msat, cFTOE and mFTOE did not differ by enteral feeding or anemia status.

Coagulation Profiles Are Associated With Early Clinical Outcomes in Neonatal Encephalopathy

Introduction: Neonatal encephalopathy (NE) is associated with coagulation abnormalities. We aimed to investigate the serial alterations in coagulation profiles in term infants with NE and correlate with their clinical outcomes. This was a prospective cohort study in a tertiary referral, university-affiliated maternity hospital. Neonates exposed to perinatal asphyxia were recruited (n = 82) and 39 received therapeutic hypothermia. Infants had serial coagulation tests including platelets, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and fibrinogen in the first week of life. The main outcome measures included MRI brain and EEG seizures. Our results show that mortality was predicted on day 1 by decreased Fibrinogen (AUC = 0.95, p = 0.009) and by PT on day 2 with a cutoff of 22 s. An abnormal MRI was predicted by Fibrinogen on day 3 with a cut-off value of 2 g/L. For prediction of grade II/III NE, PT on day 2 of life was strongest with a cut-off value of 14 s. Only elevated APTT levels on day 1 of life were predictive of seizures (AUC = 0.65, p = 0.04). Conclusion: Coagulation parameters are strong predictors of outcomes such as abnormal NE grade, seizures, and mortality.

Turkish Neonatal Society guideline on the transfusion principles in newborns

Blood transfusion can be defined as a life-saving procedure in neonates, especially in premature and surgical infants. The indications, threshold hemoglobin, and platelet levels for red cell, platelet, and plasma transfusions in neonates vary among centers and the evidence-based data for possible adverse effects, preterm morbidities, mortality, and neuro-developmental problems associated with transfusions are not clear yet. Herein, we aim to present the transfusion guideline designed to be used in neonatal intensive care units in our country, summarizing clinical findings and threshold levels for red cell, platelet, and plasma transfusions in addition to important practical points of transfusions according to a literature review.

Prehospital Blood Transfusions in Pediatric Patients by a Helicopter Emergency Medical Service

OBJECTIVE

In the prehospital setting, the Nijmegen and Rotterdam helicopter emergency medical services administer packed red blood cells to critically ill or injured pediatric patients. Blood is given on scene or during transport and is derived from nearby hospitals. We summarize our experience with prehospital blood use in pediatric patients.

METHODS

The databases from both the Nijmegen and Rotterdam helicopter emergency medical services were reviewed for all pediatric (< 18 years) patients who received packed red blood cells on scene or during transport to the hospital.

RESULTS

Between 2007 and 2015, 10 pediatric patients out of approximately 2,400 pediatric patients received blood in the prehospital setting. The median Injury Severity Score was 41. Seven hospitals delivered blood in the prehospital setting at the scene. All patients were in hypovolemic shock. Two patients died. Two patients were believed to be unexpected survivors; 1 was predicted by the Trauma and Injury Severity Score, and a second unexpected survivor was a neonate who was in hypovolemic shock and cardiopulmonary arrest.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of prehospital use of blood in injured or critically ill children is low. This intervention presented a potential to limit acid-base disturbance, low hemoglobin levels, and coagulopathy in this group. We believe this cohort also contains 2 unexpected survivors.

Utilization of frozen plasma, cryoprecipitate, and recombinant factor VIIa for children with hemostatic impairments: An audit of transfusion appropriateness

BACKGROUND

Blood transfusions and fractionated products are not without risk and may lead to acute and long-term adverse events. The objective of this study was to evaluate the appropriateness of usage of frozen plasma (FP), cryoprecipitate (CRYO), and recombinant factor VIIa (rVIIa) in a pediatric setting.

METHODS

All orders for FP, CRYO, and rVIIa were prospectively audited over 6 weeks. Data collected included demographics, laboratory values, indication, and adverse reactions. The appropriateness of each order was independently evaluated using adjudication criteria rated by two hematologists.

RESULTS

Two hundred sixty-five products were ordered; 67% of the orders were issued to operating rooms or intensive care units. The most common indication for all products was cardiac surgery. FP was ordered as fluid replacement (15/215; 7%) to correct abnormal coagulation tests (23/215; 11%) and for patients with minor or no bleeding (111/242; 46%). FP was more likely to alter the international normalized ratio (INR) if the INR was over 2.0 (P < 0.0001). The rate of inappropriate products was judged as FP 19%, CRYO 21%, and rVIIa 91%.

CONCLUSION

FP, CRYO, and rVIIa are most commonly used in the operating room and intensive care units. FP was often used for fluid resuscitation and for patients with mild to no bleeding. FP was only effective in lowering the INR when the INR was over 2.0. Use of rVIIa was rarely ordered for an appropriate indication. Results of this study inform its readers where trials of pediatric transfusion should be performed to clarify how these products should be used in clinical practice.

Observational study of haemostatic dysfunction and bleeding in neonates with hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate the relationship between initial haemostatic parameters and the frequency and severity of bleeding in neonates with hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE).

DESIGN

Retrospective observational cohort study.

SETTING

2 academically affiliated level III neonatal intensive care units in Atlanta, Georgia.

PARTICIPANTS

98 neonates with moderate-to-severe HIE who underwent haemostatic testing within 12 hours of birth and were born from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2013.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Initial haemostatic dysfunction was defined as one or more of the following: prothrombin time (PT) ≥18 s, platelet count <100×10³/μL or fibrinogen <150 mg/dL. Bleeding assessed using the Neonatal Bleeding Assessment Tool and graded according to the WHO bleeding scale. The robust Poisson regression was used to evaluate the independent association between components of initial haemostatic dysfunction and bleeding.

RESULTS

Among the 98 neonates evaluated, the prevalence of initial haemostatic dysfunction was 69% (95% CI 59% to 78%). 27 neonates (28%; 95% CI 19% to 38%) had abnormal bleeding events and 56 (57%) received at least 1 blood product transfusion. 3 neonates died from bleeding complications. The most common products transfused were fresh-frozen plasma (71%), followed by packed red blood cells (24%) and platelets (21%). In multivariable analysis, fibrinogen <150 mg/dL (adjusted relative risk 2.41, 95% CI 1.09 to 5.36) and platelet count <100×10³/μL (adjusted relative risk 2.59, 95% CI 1.30 to 5.16), but not initial PT, were associated with an increased risk of bleeding. The most severe bleeding occurred in neonates with a fibrinogen <150 mg/dL.

CONCLUSIONS

Among neonates with moderate-to-severe HIE, haemostatic dysfunction is prevalent and associated with an increased risk of bleeding and high transfusion burden. Further studies are needed to determine the appropriate transfusion approaches in this population to prevent bleeding.

Peri-operative transfusion risk in classic bladder exstrophy closure: Results from a national database review

OBJECTIVE

Classic bladder exstrophy (CBE) is one of the most complex pediatric urologic conditions, with patients often requiring multiple procedures throughout their lives. Patients undergoing these complex surgeries may require blood transfusion, exposing them to the risks of transfusion including antibody reactions, transmission of infectious diseases, and transfusion-related immunomodulation. We sought to determine the prevalence of and risk factors for peri-operative transfusion in patients undergoing closure for CBE. Because of the complexity of CBE management, we hypothesized that a significant number of patients undergoing closure of CBE would require peri-operative transfusion.

METHOD

Patients undergoing CBE closure between 2012 and 2014 were retrospectively identified by Current Procedure Terminology codes from The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Pediatric database, which includes data from 64 participating hospitals. Patient demographics, pre-operative characteristics including comorbidities, intra-operative characteristics, and post-operative outcomes were analyzed for associations with transfusion requirement intra-operatively or in the first 72 h post-operatively.

RESULTS

Seventy-eight patients met our criteria, of whom 45 (57.7%) underwent transfusion. Patient characteristics and outcomes are noted in the Table. There was no difference between the groups in terms of age or gender. Patients who underwent transfusion were more likely to be over 3 days of age than those who did not (93.3% versus 75.8%; p = 0.046). Transfused patients were also more likely to have undergone osteotomy (82.2% versus 48.5%; p = 0.002), had an external fixation (46.7% versus 6.1%; p < 0.001), had longer median operative times (447 versus 295 min; p < 0.001), and had longer median post-operative lengths of stay (LOS) (35 versus 17 days; p = 0.003). There was no difference between the groups in terms of pre-operative risk factors or post-operative complications.

CONCLUSIONS

A significant number of patients undergoing CBE closure required transfusion in the peri-operative period (57.7%). Patient characteristics found to have a higher rate of transfusion included osteotomy, external fixation, increased operative times, and longer post-operative LOS. In children undergoing closure for CBE, a large number require transfusion. The rate of transfusion is greater in older children and children undergoing osteotomy. Although osteotomy has a potentially important clinical role, especially in older patients, this study emphasizes the need for proper family counseling to include the increased likelihood of a blood transfusion and the risks associated with blood transfusion if osteotomies are performed.

Attempting to Honor Beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses at the Edge of Viability in an Infant Born at 23 Weeks' Gestational Age

Patient: Male, 23 weeks’ gestational age newborn

Final Diagnosis: 23 weeks’ extreme prematurity • intraventricular hemorrhage • anemia • respiratory distress syndrome

Symptoms: Hypotension • metabolic acidosis • tachycardia

Medication: —

Clinical Procedure: Transfusion of packed red blood cells

Specialty: Pediatrics and Neonatology

Maternal Lopinavir/Ritonavir Is Associated with Fewer Adverse Events in Infants than Nelfinavir or Atazanavir

Combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) is successfully used for prevention of perinatal HIV transmission. To investigate safety, we compared adverse events (AE) among infants exposed to different maternal cART regimens. We reviewed 158 HIV-uninfected infants born between 1997 and 2009, using logistic regression to model grade ≥1 AE and grade ≥3 AE as a function of maternal cART and confounding variables (preterm, C-section, illicit drug use, race, ethnicity, infant antiretrovirals, and maternal viremia). Frequently used cART regimens included zidovudine (63%), lamivudine (80%), ritonavir-boosted lopinavir (37%), nelfinavir (26%), and atazanavir (10%). At birth, anemia occurred in 13/140 infants (9%), neutropenia in 27/107 (25%), thrombocytopenia in 5/133 (4%), and liver enzyme elevation in 21/130 (16%). Corresponding rates of AE at 4 weeks were 59/141 (42%), 54/130 (42%), 3/137 (2%), and 3/104 (3%), respectively. Serious AE (grade ≥ 3) exceeded 2% only for neutropenia (13% at birth; 9% at 4 weeks). Compared with infants exposed to maternal lopinavir/ritonavir, infants exposed to nelfinavir and atazanavir had a 5-fold and 4-fold higher incidence of AE at birth, respectively. In conclusion, hematologic and hepatic AE were frequent, but rarely serious. In this predominantly protease inhibitor-treated population, lopinavir/ritonavir was associated with the lowest rate of infant AE.

Anemia and transfusion in the neonate

Neonatal anemia is a frequent occurrence in neonatal intensive care units. Red blood cell transfusion criteria in case of blood loss are clearly defined but optimal hemoglobin or hematocrit thresholds of transfusion for anemia due to decreased production or increased destruction are less evident. This review focuses on the causes of anemia in the newborn period and the most recent evidence-based treatment options, including transfusion and erythropoiesis-stimulating agents.

Raman spectroscopy as a novel tool for monitoring biochemical changes and inter-donor variability in stored red blood cell units

Raman spectroscopy has been used to retrieve biochemical information from the supernatant of stored red blood cells (RBCs), demonstrating that some units of donated RBCs accumulate lactate much more readily than others.

Coagulation indices in very preterm infants from cord blood and postnatal samples

BACKGROUND

Very premature infants are at high risk of bleeding complications; however, few data exist on ranges for standard coagulation tests.

OBJECTIVES

The primary objective of this study was to measure standard plasma coagulation tests and thrombin generation in very premature infants compared with term infants. The secondary objective was to evaluate whether an association existed between coagulation indices and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH).

PATIENTS/METHODS

Cord and peripheral blood of neonates < 30 weeks gestational age (GA) was drawn at birth, on days 1 and 3 and fortnightly until 30 weeks corrected gestational age. Prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen and coagulation factor levels were measured and tissue factor-stimulated thrombin generation was characterized. Control plasma was obtained from cord blood of term neonates.

RESULTS

One hundred and sixteen infants were recruited. Median (range) GA was 27.7 (23.7-29.9) weeks and mean (SD) birth weight was 1020 (255) g. Median (5th-95th percentile) day 1 PT, APTT and fibrinogen were 17.5 (12.7-26.6) s, 78.7 (48.7-134.3) s and 1.4 (0.72-3.8) g L(-1) , respectively. No difference in endogenous thrombin potential between preterm and term plasma was observed, where samples were available. Levels of coagulation factors II, VII, IX and X, protein C, protein S and antithrombin were reduced in preterm compared with term plasma. Day 1 APTT and PT were not associated with IVH.

CONCLUSION

In the largest cross-sectional study to date of very preterm infants, typical ranges for standard coagulation tests were determined. Despite long clotting times, thrombin generation was observed to be similar in very preterm and term infants.

Factors associated with red blood cell transfusions in very-low-birth-weight preterm infants in Brazilian neonatal units

BACKGROUND

Preterm infants in neonatal intensive care units frequently receive red blood cells (RBC) transfusions due to the anemia of prematurity. A number of variables related to gestational age, severity of illness and transfusion practices adopted in the neonatal unit where the neonate was born may contribute to the prescription of RBC transfusions. This study aimed to analyse the frequency and factors associated with RBC transfusions in very-low-birth-weight preterm infants.

METHODS

A prospective cohort of 4283 preterm infants (gestational age: 29.9 ± 2.9 weeks; birth weight: 1084 ± 275 g) carried out at 16 university hospitals in Brazil between January 2009 and December 2011 was analysed. Factors associated with RBC transfusions were evaluated using univariate and multiple logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 2208 (51.6%) infants received RBC transfusions (variation per neonatal unit: 34.1% to 66.4%). RBC transfusions were significantly associated with gestational age (OR: -1.098; 95%CI: -1.12 to -1.04), SNAPPE II score (1.01; 1.00-1.02), apnea (1.69; 1.34-2.14), pulmonary hemorrhage (2.65; 1.74-4.031), need for oxygen at 28 days of life (1.56; 1.17-2.08), clinical sepsis (3.22; 2.55-4.05), necrotising enterocolitis (3.80; 2.26-6.41), grades III/IV intraventricular hemorrhage (1.64; 1.05-2.58), mechanical ventilation (2.27; 1.74-2.97), use of umbilical catheter (1.86; 1.35-2.57), parenteral nutrition (2.06; 1.27-3.33), >60 days of hospitalization (5.29; 4.02-6.95) and the neonatal unit where the neonate was born.

CONCLUSIONS

The frequency of RBC transfusions varied among neonatal intensive care units. Even after adjusting for adverse health conditions and therapeutic interventions, the neonatal unit continued to influence transfusion practices in very-low birth-weight infants.

Fresh Frozen Plasma Administration in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: Evidence-Based Guidelines

Neonates receiving fresh frozen plasma (FFP) should do so according to evidence-based guidelines so as to reduce inappropriate use of this life-saving and costly blood product and to minimize associated adverse effects. The consensus-based uses of FFP in neonatology involve neonates with active bleeding and associated coagulopathy. However, because of limited and poor-quality evidence, considerable FFP utilization occurs outside these recommendations. In this review, we describe what we conclude are currently the best practices for the use of FFP in neonates, including interpreting neonatal coagulation tests and strategies for reducing unnecessary FFP transfusions.

Interpretation of clotting tests in the neonate

There are significant differences between the coagulation system in neonates compared with children and adults. Abnormalities of standard coagulation tests are common within the neonatal population. The laboratory tests of activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and prothrombin time (PT) were developed to investigate coagulation factor deficiencies in patients with a known bleeding history, and their significance and applied clinical value in predicting bleeding (or thrombotic) risk in critically ill patients is weak. Routine screening of coagulation on admission to the neonatal intensive care unit leads to increased use of plasma for transfusion. Fresh frozen plasma (FFP) is a human donor plasma frozen within a short specified time period after collection (often 8 h) and then stored at -30°C. FFP has little effect on correcting abnormal coagulation tests when mild and moderate abnormalities of PT are documented in neonates. There is little evidence of effectiveness of FFP in neonates. A large trial by the Northern Neonatal Nursing Initiative assessed the use of prophylactic FFP in preterm infants and reported no improvement in clinical outcomes in terms of mortality or severe disability. An appropriate FFP transfusion strategy in neonates should be one that emphasises the therapeutic use in the face of bleeding rather than prophylactic use in association with abnormalities of standard coagulation tests that have very limited predictive value for bleeding.

Why do four NICUs using identical RBC transfusion guidelines have different gestational age-adjusted RBC transfusion rates?

OBJECTIVE

To compare neonatal red blood cell (RBC) transfusion rates in four large Intermountain Healthcare NICUs, all of which adhere to the same RBC transfusion guidelines.

STUDY DESIGN

This retrospective analysis was part of a transfusion-management quality-improvement project. De-identified data included RBC transfusions, clinical and laboratory findings, the anemia-prevention strategies in place in each NICU, and specific costs and outcomes.

RESULT

Of 2389 NICU RBC transfusions given during the 4-year period studied, 98.9 ± 2.1% (mean ± S.D.) were compliant with our transfusion guidelines, with no difference in compliance between any of the four NICUs. However, RBC transfusion rates varied widely between the four, with averages ranging from 4.6 transfusions/1000 NICU days to 21.7/1000 NICU days (P < 0.00001). Gestational age-adjusted transfusion rates were correspondingly discordant (P < 0.00001). The lower-transfusing NICUs had written anemia-preventing guidelines, such as umbilical cord milking at very low birth weight delivery, use of cord blood for admission laboratory studies, and darbepoetin dosing for selected neonates. Rates of Bell stage ⩾ 2 necrotizing enterocolitis and grade ⩾ 3 intraventricular hemorrhage were lowest in the two lower-transfusing NICUs (P < 0.0002 and P < 0.0016). Average pharmacy costs for darbepoetin were $84/dose, with an average pharmacy cost of $269 per transfusion averted. With a cost of $900/RBC transfusion, the anemia-preventing strategies resulted in an estimated cost savings to Intermountain Healthcare of about $6970 per 1000 NICU days, or about $282,300 annually.

CONCLUSION

Using transfusion guidelines has been shown previously to reduce practice variability, lower transfusion rates and diminish transfusion costs. Based on our present findings, we maintain that even when transfusion guidelines are in place and adhered to rigorously, RBC transfusion rates are reduced further if anemia-preventing strategies are also in place.

Estimating 'lost heart beats' rather than reductions in heart rate during the intubation of critically-ill children

Purpose

Reductions in heart rate occur frequently in children during critical care intubation and are currently considered the gold standard for haemodynamic instability. Our objective was to estimate loss of heart beats during intubation and compare this to reduction in heart rate alone whilst testing the impact of atropine pre-medication.

Methods

Data were extracted from a prospective 2-year cohort study of intubation ECGs from critically ill children in PICU/Paediatric Transport. A three step algorithm was established to exclude variation in pre-intubation heart rate (using a 95%CI limit derived from pre-intubation heart rate variation of the children included), measure the heart rate over time and finally the estimate the numbers of lost beats.

Results

333 intubations in children were eligible for inclusion of which 245 were available for analysis (74%). Intubations where the fall in heart rate was less than 50 bpm were accompanied almost exclusively by less than 25 lost beats (n = 175, median 0 [0–1]). When there was a reduction of >50 bpm there was a poor correlation with numbers of lost beats (n = 70, median 42 [15–83]). During intubation the median number of lost beats was 8 [1]–[32] when atropine was not used compared to 0 [0–0] when atropine was used (p<0.001).

Conclusions

A reduction in heart rate during intubation of <50 bpm reliably predicted a minimal loss of beats. When the reduction in heart rate was >50 bpm the heart rate was poorly predictive of lost beats. A study looking at the relationship between lost beats and cardiac output needs to be performed. Atropine reduces both fall in heart rate and loss of beats. Similar area-under-the-curve methodology may be useful for estimating risk when biological parameters deviate outside normal range.

Evidence-based advances in transfusion practice in neonatal intensive care units

BACKGROUND

Transfusions to neonates convey both benefits and risks, and evidence is needed to guide wise use. Such evidence is accumulating, but more information is needed to generate sound evidence-based practices.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to analyze published information on nine aspects of transfusion practice in neonatal intensive care units.

METHODS

We assigned 'categories of evidence' and 'recommendations' using the format of the United States Preventive Services Task Force of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

RESULTS

The nine practices studied were: (1) delayed clamping or milking of the umbilical cord at preterm delivery - recommended, high/substantial A; (2) drawing the initial blood tests from cord/placental blood from very low birth weight (VLBW, <1,500 g) infants at delivery - recommended, moderate/moderate B; (3) limiting phlebotomy losses of VLBW infants - recommended, moderate/substantial B; (4) selected use of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents to prevent transfusions - recommended, moderate/moderate-moderate/small B, C; (5) using platelet mass, rather than platelet count, in platelet transfusion decisions - recommended, moderate/small C; (6) permitting the platelet count to fall to <20,000/µl in 'stable' neonates before transfusing platelets - recommended, low/small I; (8) permitting the platelet count to fall to <50,000/µl in 'unstable' neonates before transfusing platelets - recommended, moderate/small C, and (9) not performing routine coagulation test screening on every VLBW infant - recommended, moderate/small C.

CONCLUSIONS

We view these recommendations as dynamic, to be revised as additional evidence becomes available. We predict this list will expand as new studies provide more information to guide best transfusion practices.

Fluid homeostasis in the neonate

The physiology of the neonate is ideally suited to the transition to extrauterine life followed by a period of rapid growth and development. Intravenous fluids and electrolytes should be prescribed with care in the neonate. Sodium and water requirements in the first few days of life are low and should be increased after the postnatal diuresis. Expansion of the extracellular fluid volume prior to the postnatal diuresis is associated with poor outcomes, particularly in preterm infants. Newborn infants are prone to hypoglycemia and require a source of intravenous glucose if enteral feeds are withheld. Anemia is common, and untreated is associated with poor outcomes. Liberal versus restrictive transfusion practices are controversial, but liberal transfusion practices (accompanied by measures to minimize donor exposure) may be associated with improved long-term outcomes. Intravenous crystalloids are as effective as albumin to treat hypotension, and semi-synthetic colloids cannot be recommended at this time. Inotropes should be used to treat hypotension unresponsive to intravenous fluid, ideally guided by assessment of perfusion rather than blood pressure alone. Noninvasive methods of assessing cardiac output have been validated in neonates. More studies are required to guide fluid management in neonates, particularly in those with sepsis or undergoing surgery. A balanced salt solution such as Hartmann's or Plasmalyte should be used to replace losses during surgery (and blood or coagulation factors as indicated). Excessive fluid administration during surgery should be avoided.