Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 2, 2026
Transcutaneous Microcirculatory Imaging in Preterm Neonates
Published on: December 31, 2015
Restrictive guideline for red blood cell transfusions in preterm neonates: effect of a protocol change
Lisanne E Heeger1, Clare E Counsilman1, Vincent Bekker1
1Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
Objective:
To evaluate red blood cell (RBC) transfusion practices in preterm neonates before and after protocol change.
Methods:
All preterm neonates (<32 weeks of gestation) admitted between 2008 and 2017 at our neonatal intensive care unit were included in this retrospective study. Since 2014, a more restrictive transfusion guideline was implemented in our unit. We compared transfusion practices before and after this guideline change. Primary outcome was the number of transfusions per neonate and the percentage of neonates receiving a blood transfusion. Secondary outcomes were neonatal morbidities and mortality during admission.
Results:
The percentage of preterm neonates requiring a blood transfusion was 37·5% (405/1079) before and 32·7% (165/505) after the protocol change (P = 0·040). The mean number of transfusions given to each transfused neonate decreased from 2·93 (standard deviation (SD) ± 2·26) to 2·20 (SD ±1·29) (P = 0·007). We observed no association between changes in transfusion practices and neonatal outcome.
Conclusion:
The use of a more restrictive transfusion guideline leads to a reduction in red blood cell transfusions in preterm neonates, without evidence of an increase in mortality or short-term morbidity.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Blood Transfusion
Blood Transfusion Overview
A blood transfusion is a medical procedure used to replace blood lost due to injury, surgery, or to treat conditions such as anemia or cancer. During a transfusion, donor blood is...
02:45Blood Transfusion and Agglutination
History
The history of blood transfusion dates back to the 17th century, when early attempts were made in animals. In 1818 James Blundell, a British doctor, performed the first successful human blood transfusion. Later in 1900, Karl...
01:10Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Assessing Blood Pressure
01:11Restriction Enzymes
The host bacteria protect their own genomic DNA from these enzymes by methylating these sites. Some...
01:11Guidelines for Writing Outcome
Patient outcomes reflect the patient's response to the goal rather than what the nurse aims to achieve. Terminology should be observable and measurable to avoid the reader's interpretation. The desired outcome should be realistic and achievable in the designated care timeframe. Expected outcomes should align with adjunctive therapies. The outcome should enhance care...
01:30Guidelines for Nursing Documentation I
Factual:
The following points emphasize the significance of upholding accurate and unbiased documentation in healthcare.