[Erythrocyte transfusions in a neonatal intensive care unit].

BACKGROUND

This study present a review of erythrocyte transfusions in a neonatal intensive care unit in a Norwegian county hospital.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

Prospective registration 1991-2002. A leucokyte-depleted erythrocyte solution, haematocrit 60%, was used.

RESULTS

28 infants in circulatory collapse received 30 transfusions because of asphyxia (15), twin-twin transfusion (5), septicaemia (3), umbilical cord rupture (3) or other causes (4). Haemoglobin increased 1.8 +/- 1.4 g/dl per 10 ml/kg transfused, compared to 2.6 +/- 1.2 g/dl in 183 transfusions for anaemia in 122 infants (p < 0.05). All transfusions (n = 115) after the first week of life were given because of anaemia, 107 in preterm (< 37 weeks) infants, and at higher haemoglobin levels in preterm infants with anaemia symptoms than in those without (9.7 +/- 1.5 vs. 8.5 +/- .2 g/dl, p < 0.05).

INTERPRETATION: The rise in haemoglobin was higher for transfusions for anaemia than for circulatory collapse, probably because of dilution from other fluids given and mobilisation of extravascular fluid in the last group. A substantial percentage of the transfusions were given on indications deviating from the guidelines.