[Revision of the guideline 'Blood transfusion': for the newborn]

The large majority (> 90%) of very premature infants and newborn infants with haemolysis receive one or more red blood cell (RBC) transfusions. Up to 35% of newborn infants have thrombocytopenia (platelet count < 150 x 109/l). Following an unambiguous blood transfusion guideline leads to decrease in the number of transfusions given. The necessity for RBC transfusions can be diminished by use of diagnostic tests, micro-analysis techniques and delay of umbilical cord clamping (waiting for 30 seconds to 3 minutes after birth). Newborn infants with a gestational age < 32 weeks or birth weight < 1500 g must receive irradiated and Parvovirus-B19 safe blood products until 6 months post-term. It is still unclear whether lower Hb values and thrombocyte counts can be accepted as a transfusion limit without negative effect on the (neurological) long term outcomes and without increase in risk of intraventricular bleeding.