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Published on: March 14, 2017

Pediatric transfusion medicine: development of a critical mass

Christopher D Hillyer1, Traci Heath Mondoro, Cassandra D Josephson

  • 1Pediatric Transfusion Medicine Academic Awardees Program (PedsTMAA), EUH Blood Bank, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. chillye@emory.edu

Transfusion
|December 2, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Recent events prompt a discussion on pediatric transfusion medicine (PTM). This field is gaining momentum, with critical issues and developing expertise making it a timely subspecialty.

Area of Science:

  • Hematology
  • Pediatric Medicine
  • Transfusion Science

Background:

  • Recent significant events necessitate a clear definition of pediatric transfusion medicine.
  • The subspecialty of pediatric transfusion medicine (PTM) faces several timely issues.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To address the question "What is pediatric transfusion medicine?"
  • To discuss recent events and their relevance to PTM.
  • To highlight the developing nature and critical mass within PTM.

Main Methods:

  • Review of significant recent events impacting PTM.
  • Analysis of the relevance of these events to the field.
  • Synthesis of information to define PTM.

Main Results:

  • Identification of key events shaping PTM.
  • Explanation of the growing importance and scope of PTM.
  • Observation of a developing critical mass in the subspecialty.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric transfusion medicine is an evolving and increasingly important subspecialty.
  • Timely issues and a growing body of expertise characterize current PTM.
  • The field is poised for significant development and recognition.

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