Indications and Effects of Plasma Transfusions in Critically Ill Children

• DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201503-0450oc
• Publication Date: 2015-04-11T00:21:38Z
• Authors: Oliver Karam; Pierre Demaret; Alison Shefler; Stéphane Leteurtre; Philip C. Spinella; Simon J. Stanworth; Marisa Tucci
• Keywords: Fresh frozen plasma; Coagulation testing

Plasma transfusions are frequently prescribed for critically ill children, although their indications lack a strong evidence base. largely driven by physician conceptions of need, and these poorly documented in pediatric intensive care patients.To identify patient characteristics to characterize leading plasma assess the effect on coagulation tests.Point-prevalence study 101 units 21 countries, 6 predefined weeks. All children admitted participating unit were included if they received at least one transfusion.During weeks, 13,192 eligible. Among these, 443 (3.4%) transfusion included. The primary critical bleeding 22.3%, minor 21.2%, planned surgery or procedure 11.7%, high risk postoperative 10.6%. No procedures reported 34.1%. Before transfusion, median international normalized ratio (INR) activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) values 1.5 48, respectively. After INR aPTT changes -0.2 -5, significantly improved only patients with baseline greater than 2.5.One-third transfused not had no procedure. In addition, most patients, tests sensitive increases factors resulting from transfusion. Studies assessing appropriate strategies urgently needed.