Platelet Transfusion Practice and Related Outcomes in Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

To describe factors associated with platelet transfusion during pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and the relationships among platelet transfusion, complications, and mortality.

Secondary analysis of data collected prospectively by the Collaborative Pediatric Critical Care Research Network between December 2012 and September 2014.

Eight Collaborative Pediatric Critical Care Research Network-affiliated hospitals.

Age less than 19 years old and treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

None.

Of 511 children, 496 (97.1%) received at least one platelet transfusion during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Neonatal age, venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and various acute and chronic diagnoses were associated with increased average daily platelet transfusion volume (milliliters per kilogram body weight). On multivariable analysis, average daily platelet transfusion volume was independently associated with mortality (per 1 mL/kg; odds ratio, 1.05; CI, 1.03-1.08; p < 0.001), whereas average daily platelet count was not (per 1 × 10/L up to 115 × 10/L; odds ratio, 1.00; CI, 0.98-1.01; p = 0.49). Variables independently associated with increased daily bleeding risk included increased platelet transfusion volume on the previous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation day, a primary cardiac indication for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, adolescent age, and an acute diagnosis of congenital cardiovascular disease. Variables independently associated with increased daily thrombotic risk included increased platelet transfusion volume on the previous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation day and venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Variables independently associated with decreased daily thrombotic risk included full-term neonatal age and an acute diagnosis of airway abnormality.

Platelet transfusion was common in this multisite pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cohort. Platelet transfusion volume was associated with increased risk of mortality, bleeding, and thrombosis.