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Observational Study
. 2023 Feb;43(2):226-230.
doi: 10.1038/s41372-022-01438-x. Epub 2022 Jul 4.

Fresh frozen plasma and cryoprecipitate: Can we safely reduce their use in the NICU?

Shikha Sarkar  1   2 , Michael Brimacombe  3   4 , Victor Herson  5   3
Affiliations
Observational Study

Fresh frozen plasma and cryoprecipitate: Can we safely reduce their use in the NICU?

Shikha Sarkar et al. J Perinatol. 2023 Feb.

Abstract

Objective: To study patterns of use of Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) and Cryoprecipitate (CRYO) in a level 4 NICU and assess what proportions were not supported by literature.

Study design: single centered retrospective observational. Charts of neonates admitted between 1/1/2010 to 12/31/2017 to CT Children's level 4 NICU were reviewed. Transfusions were assigned as "supported" or "non-supported" based on available evidence. Groups were compared using T-tests and chi-squared analyses.

Results: of 4110 total admissions, 197 (4.8%) received a total of 461 transfusions (374 FFP, 87 CRYO). Only 59% of FFP and 60% CRYO were supported by literature. Within the "non-supported" group the largest category was neonates transfused prophylactically.

Conclusion: A large proportion of transfusions administered to neonates was not evidence-based, suggesting there are opportunities for improvement in use of these products.

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References

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