blood transfusion

[AMIRA]

pls I need to know when to use a CMV seronegative or irradiated blood for neonates or if there is any other special blood request

[wackdi]

Hello Amira!

We are using irradiated erythrocyte-concentrat for all preterm babies (up till GA 37).
For CMV we do not have such a clear policy, but we do not give it to babies less than 1000g or GA 30.

Greetings

Dirk

[AMIRA]

Thanks Dirk,
But can you pls tell me if its an evidence based practice or only a routine prosedure.

[Stefan Johansson]

Our is filters for transfusions to all infants, and irradiated blood for infants below <1500 grams.

Here's a nice study on the effect of filters in neonatal transfusions:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2566781

[wackdi]

Hello Amira!

Thank you for your question about evidence.
In my opinion you can get a great overview about this issue by the following link (Fetus and Newborn Committee, Canadian Paediatric Society):

Red blood cell transfusions in newborn infants: Revised guidelines
http://www.cps.ca/English/statements/FN/fn02-02.htm

Greetings
Dirk

[drjha04]

Hi

In my Opinion all blood transfused in the NICU should follow the following guidelines:

1. Single donor blood ( As much as Possible)
2. All blood and Blood products should be Hepatitis B ,Hepatitis C, HIV , CMV , HTLV , Syphilis and any other screenable disease with high incidence in that particular country.
3. Stored rather than fresh RBC's to reduce donor exposure
4. WBC's reduced RBC's to eliminate WBC's related Complications
5.Gamma radiated RBC's to prevent GVHD

With best regards
Kamlesh Kumar Jha MD
Fellow Neonatology
John H Stroger Jr. Hospital Of Cook County
Chicago, IL USA 60612