[Blood transfusion to pre-term neonates: What is new in the French guidelines since 2002?]

This document updates the "Guidelines for the Administration of Blood Products: Transfusion of Infants and Neonates" published in 2002 by the French National Authority for Health (HAS). In doing so, it acknowledges changes in transfusion practices during the past decade, particularly with respect to safety issues and additional published transfusion-related guidelines. The major modifications concern irregular agglutinin screening indications before 4 months of age, a limitation of blood irradiation, and a non-recommendation for systematically checking for cytomegalovirus status. More precise thresholds for transfusion and an update of blood transfusion alternatives were also provided. Delayed cord clamping (>30s after birth) is recommended unless the neonate is asphyxiated and needs to be moved immediately for resuscitation.