Study of Blood Transfusion Practices in a Tertiary Care NICU

Parimala Puttaiah, Gali Sainath Reddy

Abstract

Background: Neonates admitted in the NICU require multiple blood transfusions because of factors such as prolonged stay in the NICU, anemia, sepsis, hemolytic disease of the newborn, repeated sampling, and surgical procedures. The lack of recent studies that focus on indications, patterns, and benefits of transfusions in neonates prompted us to undertake this study.

Aim: To study blood transfusion requirements, patterns, and indications in neonates and the most common transfusion component in neonates

Materials and Methods: Our study included 221 neonates admitted to the NICU at St. John’s Medical College (Bengaluru, Karnataka, India) who received any type of blood transfusion, between January 2021 and December 2022. Details such as patient’s name, age, sex, patient’s blood group, indications for transfusion, laboratory parameters, and type and number of components transfused were noted and analyzed.

Results: Packed red blood cell (PRBC) was the most common component transfused. Of the 221 neonates, 115 (52%) neonates were of low birth weight (LBW) and underwent transfusion. Preterm neonates (55%) most commonly required blood transfusions. Of the 221 neonates, 172 got discharged, 22 died, and 27 were discharged against medical advice.

Conclusion: LBW and prematurity were the 2 risk factors for transfusions. PRBCs were the most commonly transfused component. Sepsis was the common indication for transfusion. No adverse reactions were reported for the transfusions administered.