Preoperative autologous blood donations in pediatric cardiac surgery.
BACKGROUND
Preoperative autologous blood donation is one of the most effective methods to avoid homologous blood transfusion in cardiac operations. However, there have been few reports about the safety and efficacy of autologous blood donation in children.


METHODS
Since 1986, we have instituted a blood conservation program including preoperative autologous blood donations in children. Eighty children as young as 3 years old (mean +/- SD, 8.6 +/- 3.9 years) and weighing as little as 12.3 kg (29.2 +/- 14.5 kg) were enrolled in the program, and 735 +/- 388 mL of blood was donated during an average of 3.1 +/- 1.5 phlebotomies before the operations.


RESULTS
Two episodes of mild vasovagal reaction were observed in 2 patients as a complication of the phlebotomy. Seventy-six percent of the collected blood was stored by cryopreservation; the remaining 24% was preserved by liquid storage. Seventy-eight of these patients (97.5%) underwent operations using cardiopulmonary bypass. Seventy-five patients (94%) were operated on successfully without the need for a homologous blood transfusion. As for the other 5 patients, 2 received only platelet concentrate.


CONCLUSIONS
Preoperative autologous blood donation is a safe and effective method to avoid homologous blood transfusion in pediatric cardiac operations.
Masuda
M
M
Department of Cardiovascular Surgery and Blood Transfusion Service, Kyushu University Hospital, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
Kawachi
Y
Y
Inaba
S
S
Matsuzaki
K
K
Fukumura
F
F
Morita
S
S
Tominaga
R
R
Yasui
H
H
D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D001804:Blood Transfusion, Autologous / Q000009:adverse effects; D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018962:Phlebotomy / Q000009:adverse effects; D011300:Preoperative Care