Neonatal red cell transfusion

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Neonates are defined as babies up to 28 days after birth. [1] Most extremely preterm babies (less than 28 weeks) require at least one red cell transfusion; [2] this is partly due to the amount of blood removed with blood samples compared to the baby's total blood volume (iatrogenic anemia) [3] and partly due to anemia of prematurity. Most transfusions are given as small volume top-up transfusions to increase the baby's hemoglobin above a certain pre-defined level, or because the baby is unwell due to the anemia. [2] Possible side-effects of anemia in babies can be poor growth, lethargy and episodes of apnea. Exchange blood transfusion is used to treat a rapidly rising bilirubin that does not respond to treatment with phototherapy or intravenous immunoglobulin. [4] This is usually due to hemolytic disease of the newborn, but may also be due to other causes, e.g., G6PD deficiency.

Contents

When to transfuse

Below are suggested transfusion thresholds for very preterm neonates (less than 32 weeks gestation) by the British Society of Haematology. [2] These are based on systematic reviews of transfusion in very preterm babies. [5] [6]

Age after birthNo respiratory support

Hb g/L

On oxygen

Hb g/L

Requiring ventilation

Hb g/L

Up to 24 hours< 100< 120< 120
1 to 7 days< 100<100< 120
8 to 14 days< 75< 95< 100
More than 14 days< 75< 85< 100

There is no evidence for red cell transfusion thresholds in preterm neonates between 32 and 37 weeks gestation, and the British Society of Haematology suggests using the same thresholds as very preterm neonates that require no respiratory support. [2]

What to transfuse

A small volume transfusion is usually 10 to 20 ml/kg administered at a rate of 5 ml/kg/hour. [1] [2]

A large volume transfusion is the estimated entire blood volume of the baby (80 ml/kg) and is usually given during cardiac surgery. [1]

A red cell exchange transfusion is usually given to treat severe hyperbilirubinemia or anemia in babies with hemolytic disease of the newborn. It removes neonatal red cells coated with maternal antibody and reduces the level of bilirubin. A ‘double volume exchange’ (160–200 ml/kg) removes around 90% of neonatal red cells and 50% of bilirubin. [1]

The specification of the blood product differs depending on whether it is to be used for a small volume, large volume or exchange transfusion. [1] [7]

There does not appear to be any benefit to giving fresher red blood cells (less than a week from donation) compared to standard red cells (usually two weeks after donation) for small volume transfusions. [8]

Safety considerations

The Serious Hazards of Transfusion (SHOT) hemovigilance reporting scheme has shown that there are a disproportionate number of transfusion errors in babies. There are multiple reasons why this occurs. [9] It can be due to confusion between samples from the mother and the baby, birth of more than one baby, babies who don’t yet have a first name, or that no ID information has been attached to the baby (e.g. wristband). [8] [9] [10]

Paedipacks are multiple aliquots made from one adult blood donation. By using paedipacks, the baby is exposed to blood from fewer blood donors. [1]

ABO blood grouping and screening for antibodies in neonates differs from blood grouping in adults and older children. [8] Any antibodies detected are the mother's antibodies rather than the baby's. [8] Therefore, any donor blood given to the baby must be ABO and D compatible with both mother and baby; and antigen-negative for any clinically significant maternal antibodies. [2] [8]

Necrotising enterocolitis may occur after a red cell transfusion in neonates, although there is an association between the two there is no evidence that the transfusion causes the disorder. [2]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kernicterus</span> Medical condition

Kernicterus is a bilirubin-induced brain dysfunction. The term was coined in 1904 by Christian Georg Schmorl. Bilirubin is a naturally occurring substance in the body of humans and many other animals, but it is neurotoxic when its concentration in the blood is too high, a condition known as hyperbilirubinemia. Hyperbilirubinemia may cause bilirubin to accumulate in the grey matter of the central nervous system, potentially causing irreversible neurological damage. Depending on the level of exposure, the effects range from clinically unnoticeable to severe brain damage and even death.

Rh disease is a type of hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN). HDFN due to anti-D antibodies is the proper and currently used name for this disease as the Rh blood group system actually has more than 50 antigens and not only the D-antigen. The term "Rh Disease" is commonly used to refer to HDFN due to anti-D antibodies, and prior to the discovery of anti-Rho(D) immune globulin, it was the most common type of HDFN. The disease ranges from mild to severe, and occurs in the second or subsequent pregnancies of Rh-D negative women when the biologic father is Rh-D positive.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hemolytic anemia</span> Medical condition

Hemolytic anemia or haemolytic anaemia is a form of anemia due to hemolysis, the abnormal breakdown of red blood cells (RBCs), either in the blood vessels or elsewhere in the human body (extravascular). This most commonly occurs within the spleen, but also can occur in the reticuloendothelial system or mechanically. Hemolytic anemia accounts for 5% of all existing anemias. It has numerous possible consequences, ranging from general symptoms to life-threatening systemic effects. The general classification of hemolytic anemia is either intrinsic or extrinsic. Treatment depends on the type and cause of the hemolytic anemia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hemolytic disease of the newborn</span> Fetal and neonatal alloimmune blood condition

Hemolytic disease of the newborn, also known as hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn, HDN, HDFN, or erythroblastosis foetalis, is an alloimmune condition that develops in a fetus at or around birth, when the IgG molecules produced by the mother pass through the placenta. Among these antibodies are some which attack antigens on the red blood cells in the fetal circulation, breaking down and destroying the cells. The fetus can develop reticulocytosis and anemia. The intensity of this fetal disease ranges from mild to very severe, and fetal death from heart failure can occur. When the disease is moderate or severe, many erythroblasts are present in the fetal blood, earning these forms of the disease the name erythroblastosis fetalis.

A Coombs test, also known as antiglobulin test (AGT), is either of two blood tests used in immunohematology. They are the direct and indirect Coombs tests. The direct Coombs test detects antibodies that are stuck to the surface of the red blood cells. Since these antibodies sometimes destroy red blood cells, a person can be anemic and this test can help clarify the condition. The indirect Coombs detects antibodies that are floating freely in the blood. These antibodies could act against certain red blood cells and the test can be done to diagnose reactions to a blood transfusion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Neonatal jaundice</span> Medical condition

Neonatal jaundice is a yellowish discoloration of the white part of the eyes and skin in a newborn baby due to high bilirubin levels. Other symptoms may include excess sleepiness or poor feeding. Complications may include seizures, cerebral palsy, or kernicterus.

In ABO hemolytic disease of the newborn maternal IgG antibodies with specificity for the ABO blood group system pass through the placenta to the fetal circulation where they can cause hemolysis of fetal red blood cells which can lead to fetal anemia and HDN. In contrast to Rh disease, about half of the cases of ABO HDN occur in a firstborn baby and ABO HDN does not become more severe after further pregnancies.

Hemolytic disease of the newborn (anti-Kell1) is the second most common cause of severe hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) after Rh disease. Anti-Kell1 is becoming relatively more important as prevention of Rh disease is also becoming more effective.

Hemolytic disease of the newborn (anti-Rhc) can range from a mild to a severe disease. It is the third most common cause of severe HDN. Rh disease is the most common and hemolytic disease of the newborn (anti-Kell) is the second most common cause of severe HDN. It occurs more commonly in women who are Rh D negative.

An exchange transfusion is a blood transfusion in which the patient's blood or components of it are exchanged with other blood or blood products. The patient's blood is removed and replaced by donated blood or blood components. This exchange transfusion can be performed manually or using a machine (apheresis).

Neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia is a disease that affects babies in which the platelet count is decreased because the mother's immune system attacks her fetus' or newborn's platelets. A low platelet count increases the risk of bleeding in the fetus and newborn. If the bleeding occurs in the brain, there may be long-term effects.

Anemia of prematurity (AOP) refers to a form of anemia affecting preterm infants with decreased hematocrit. AOP is a normochromic, normocytic hypoproliferative anemia. The primary mechanism of AOP is a decrease in erythropoietin (EPO), a red blood cell growth factor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Packed red blood cells</span> Red blood cells separated for blood transfusion

Packed red blood cells, also known as packed cells, are red blood cells that have been separated for blood transfusion. The packed cells are typically used in anemia that is either causing symptoms or when the hemoglobin is less than usually 70–80 g/L. In adults, one unit brings up hemoglobin levels by about 10 g/L. Repeated transfusions may be required in people receiving cancer chemotherapy or who have hemoglobin disorders. Cross-matching is typically required before the blood is given. It is given by injection into a vein.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Neonatal isoerythrolysis</span> Blood disorder in newborn kittens and foals

Neonatal isoerythrolysis (NI), also known as hemolytic icterus or hemolytic anemia, is a disease most commonly seen in kittens and foals, but has also been reported in puppies. It occurs when the mother has antibodies against the blood type of the newborn.

Hemolytic disease of the newborn (anti-RhE) is caused by the anti-RhE antibody of the Rh blood group system. The anti-RhE antibody can be naturally occurring, or arise following immune sensitization after a blood transfusion or pregnancy.

Type II hypersensitivity, in the Gell and Coombs classification of allergic reactions, is an antibody mediated process in which IgG and IgM antibodies are directed against antigens on cells or extracellular material. This subsequently leads to cell lysis, tissue damage or loss of function through mechanisms such as

  1. complement activation via the classical complement pathway
  2. Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity or
  3. anti-receptor activity.
<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blueberry muffin baby</span> Medical condition

Blueberry muffin baby, also known as extramedullary hematopoiesis, describes a newborn baby with multiple purpura, associated with several non-cancerous and cancerous conditions in which extra blood is produced in the skin. The bumps range from 1 to 7 mm, do not blanch and have a tendency to occur on the head, neck and trunk. They often fade by three to six weeks after birth, leaving brownish marks. When due to a cancer, the bumps tend to be fewer, firmer and larger.

Pyknocytosis is a hematologic state characterized by the presence of pyknocytes in the blood. Pyknocytes are red blood cells that appear distorted, irregular and small with abnormal projections and would typically be identified by a medical scientist and verified by a pathologist on a peripheral blood smear.

An Intrauterine transfusion (IUT) is a procedure that provides blood to a fetus, most commonly through the umbilical cord. It is used in cases of severe fetal anemia, such as when fetal red blood cells are being destroyed by maternal antibodies. IUTs are performed by perinatologists at hospitals or specialized centers.

Hemolytic jaundice, also known as prehepatic jaundice, is a type of jaundice arising from hemolysis or excessive destruction of red blood cells, when the byproduct bilirubin is not excreted by the hepatic cells quickly enough. Unless the patient is concurrently affected by hepatic dysfunctions or is experiencing hepatocellular damage, the liver does not contribute to this type of jaundice.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "JPAC - Transfusion Guidelines 10-2-neonatal-transfusion". www.transfusionguidelines.org. Retrieved 2018-05-22.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 New, Helen V.; Berryman, Jennifer; Bolton-Maggs, Paula H. B.; Cantwell, Carol; Chalmers, Elizabeth A.; Davies, Tony; Gottstein, Ruth; Kelleher, Andrea; Kumar, Sailesh (2016-11-11). "Guidelines on transfusion for fetuses, neonates and older children". British Journal of Haematology. 175 (5): 784–828. doi: 10.1111/bjh.14233 . ISSN   0007-1048. PMID   27861734. S2CID   3360807.
  3. Jakacka, Natalia; Snarski, Emilian; Mekuria, Selamawit (January 2016). "Prevention of Iatrogenic Anemia in Critical and Neonatal Care". Advances in Clinical and Experimental Medicine. 25 (1): 191–197. doi: 10.17219/acem/32065 . ISSN   1899-5276. PMID   26935514.
  4. "Jaundice in newborn babies under 28 days | Guidance and guidelines | NICE". www.nice.org.uk. Retrieved 2018-05-18.
  5. Venkatesh, Vidheya; Khan, Rizwan; Curley, Anna; Hopewell, Sally; Doree, Carolyn; Stanworth, Simon (2012-05-29). "The safety and efficacy of red cell transfusions in neonates: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials". British Journal of Haematology. 158 (3): 370–385. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2141.2012.09180.x . ISSN   0007-1048. PMID   22639894.
  6. Whyte, Robin; Kirpalani, Haresh (2011-11-09). "The Cochrane Library". Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (11): CD000512. doi:10.1002/14651858.cd000512.pub2. PMID   22071798.
  7. "JPAC - Transfusion Guidelines - specifications for blood components". www.transfusionguidelines.org. Retrieved 2018-05-22.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 Keir, Amy. "Neonatal red blood cell transfusion". www.isbtweb.org. Retrieved 2018-05-18.
  9. 1 2 "SHOT Annual Reports and Summaries - Serious Hazards of Transfusion". Serious Hazards of Transfusion. Retrieved 2018-05-18.
  10. "Paediatric and neonatal audits | NHSBT Hospitals and Science". hospital.blood.co.uk. Retrieved 2018-05-18.

Further reading