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Practice Guideline
. 2024 Nov 4;32(11):766.
doi: 10.1007/s00520-024-08888-3.

Prophylactic red blood cell transfusions in children and neonates with cancer: An evidence-based clinical practice guideline

Demi M Kruimer  1 , Debbie C Stavleu  1   2 , Renée L Mulder  1 , Leontien C M Kremer  1 , Wim J E Tissing  1   2 , Erik A H Loeffen  3   4 ; prophylactic red blood cell transfusion guideline panel
Collaborators, Affiliations
Practice Guideline

Prophylactic red blood cell transfusions in children and neonates with cancer: An evidence-based clinical practice guideline

Demi M Kruimer et al. Support Care Cancer. .

Abstract

Background: Red blood cell (RBC) transfusions play an important role in supportive care in children and neonates with cancer. However, in current clinical practice, evidence-based recommendations are lacking on when to administer prophylactic RBC transfusions. To address this gap, a clinical practice guideline (CPG) was developed to systematically review the available evidence and provide recommendations for clinicians.

Methods: A systematic literature review in three databases was conducted. The GRADE methodology was used to assess, extract, and summarize the evidence. A multidisciplinary panel of 21 professionals was assembled to ensure comprehensive expertise. If there was insufficient evidence in children with cancer, additional evidence was gathered in general pediatric or adult oncology guidelines, or the panel utilized shared expert opinion to develop a comprehensive CPG. Multiple in-person meetings were conducted to discuss evidence, complete evidence-to-decision frameworks, and formulate recommendations.

Results: Four studies including 203 children with all types of cancer, met the inclusion criteria. The expert panel assessed all evidence and translated it into recommendations. In total, 47 recommendations were formulated regarding RBC transfusions in children and neonates with cancer. For instance, specific thresholds for prophylactic RBC transfusions were recommended for children and neonates with cancer who have sepsis, are on ECMO, or are undergoing radiotherapy.

Conclusion: This clinical practice guideline presents evidence-based recommendations regarding RBC transfusions in children and neonates with cancer. By providing these recommendations, we aim to guide clinicians and contribute to improving outcomes for children and neonates with cancer.

Keywords: Clinical practice guideline; Pediatric oncology; Red blood cell transfusions.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Flowchart 1
Flowchart 1
Flowchart of the inclusion and exclusion process (including the interim updates)
Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Flowchart of RBC transfusion recommendations for children with cancer
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Flowchart of RBC transfusion recommendations for neonates with cancer
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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