The Prevalence of Different Blood Derivatives Consumption in Neonates Admitted to Kashan Shahid Beheshti Hospital (2000-2001)

Considering the significance of blood component therapy in neonates and the potential risks of transfusion in this patient group and due to having little information about the types of blood component used in neonatal unit, this descriptive study was carried out at Beheshti Hospital in Kashan from 2000 to 2001. The name of the neonates who received transfusion was obtained from the blood bank of the hospital. Information concerning the type of blood product, frequency and indication of transfusion, sex, gestational age and weight of infants was recorded in questionnaire and later analyzed. Of 541 neonates admitted during one year, 118 (68 male, 50 female) received blood components. Fifty-four percent received one, 35% two and 11% received three types of blood components. The frequency of transfusion was 311 times and the most common used blood products were fresh frozen plasma (49%), red blood cell (33%), whole blood (14%) and platelets (4%). All the blood products except whole blood were used more in premature and low birth weight infants. Transfusion appropriateness of red cells, fresh frozen plasma, platelets and whole blood were 92%, 88%, 100% and 91% respectively. Premature and low birth weight infants were the most transfused group of patients. Considering the known and unknown complications of blood products, the indications of transfusion should be real and with limited donor exposure.