Synopsis

The decision on whether to transfuse a neonate or child can be complex. You need to carefully consider specific patient circumstances, clinical condition, response to previous transfusion and the full range of other available treatments, balancing the evidence for efficacy and improved clinical outcome against the potential risk. There are new guidelines for blood transfusions.

The National Blood Authorities, evidence-based Patient Blood Management (PBM) guideline, Module 6 – Neonatal and Paediatrics aimed to systematically review the scientific literature with respect to PBM in neonatal and paediatric patients. Twelve evidence-based recommendations for or against the use of a number of interventions in neonatal and paediatric patients were developed. In addition 30 Practice points and 37 expert opinion points were developed to provide further guidance.

Dr Gemma Crighton will provide an overview of the key findings from the new guideline, presenting cases to illustrate pertinent recommendations and practice points, and discuss some of the useful tools contained within the guideline.

Speaker

Dr Gemma Crighton is a paediatric haematologist at RCH and Clinical Research Fellow at the Transfusion Research Unit, Monash University. She is council member for the Australian and New Zealand Society of Blood Transfusion and was a member of the Clinical/Consumer Reference Group working with the National Blood Authority in the development of the Patient Blood Management guideline, Module 6: Neonatal and Paediatric patients.