Red Blood Cell Transfusion in a Neonatal Tertiary Care Center: A Moroccan Study

Abstract

Background: Red Blood Cell (RBC) transfusion is a common therapy in neonatal practice and data from different international neonatal centers are available, however, there is paucity of Moroccan data regarding blood components usage. We aim to study trends and outcomes of RBC transfusions in our department and emphasize the need for transfusion guidelines. Material and method: This retrospective study was performed in a Moroccan tertiary neonatal intensive care center. The records of all neonates admitted from January 2015 to March 2016 were screened for RBC usage and indications. The data were statistically analyzed by using Microsoft ExcelTM software. Results: A total of 60 neonates received 77 RBC transfusions. Postnatal age at transfusion ranged from 1 to 30 days with an average of 13 days, and 30% of our patients were aged ≥21 days. RBC Transfusion was given once in 48 patients (80%), twice in 8 patients (13.3%) and ≥ thrice in 4 patients (6.7%). More than one type of blood components was needed in 23 (38%) neonates. 70% of patients were critically ill, 60% were born before 37 weeks’ gestation and 57% were small for gestational age. Mean hemoglobin at the time of transfusion of RBC was 8.59 g/dl (2 - 11.6 g/dl). Sepsis and anemia with mechanical ventilation for severe respiratory illness were the commonest indications. All gestational ages were considered, and mortality was noted in 66% of our cases and worsening in 13%; 21% of the infants showed improvement. Conclusion: Judicious implementation of guidelines for RBC transfusions would decrease their inappropriate use.