Neonatal Platelet Transfusions and Future Areas of Research

Thrombocytopenia affects approximately one-fourth of neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care units, and prophylactic platelet transfusions are commonly administered to reduce bleeding risk. However, there are few evidence-based guidelines to inform clinicians' decision-making process. Developmental differences in hemostasis and differences in underlying disease processes make it difficult to apply platelet transfusion practices from other patient populations to neonates. Thrombocytopenia is a risk factor for common preterm complications such as intraventricular hemorrhage, however a causal link has not been established and platelet transfusions have not been shown to reduce risk of developing intraventricular hemorrhage.

Source: Transfusion Medicine Reviews - May 26, 2016 Category: Hematology Authors: Martha Sola-Visner, Rachel S. Bercovitz Source Type: research