title: [Revision of the guideline 'Blood transfusion': for the newborn].
abstract: The large majority (> 90%) of very premature infants and newborn infants with haemolysis receive one or more red blood cell (RBC) transfusions. Up to 35% of newborn infants have thrombocytopenia (platelet count < 150 x 109/l). Following an unambiguous blood transfusion guideline leads to decrease in the number of transfusions given. The necessity for RBC transfusions can be diminished by use of diagnostic tests, micro-analysis techniques and delay of umbilical cord clamping (waiting for 30 seconds to 3 minutes after birth). Newborn infants with a gestational age < 32 weeks or birth weight < 1500 g must receive irradiated and Parvovirus-B19 safe blood products until 6 months post-term. It is still unclear whether lower Hb values and thrombocyte counts can be accepted as a transfusion limit without negative effect on the (neurological) long term outcomes and without increase in risk of intraventricular bleeding.
authors: Groene Hart Ziekenhuis, afd. Kindergeneeskunde, Gouda, the Netherlands. Jeannette.von.Lindern@ghz.nl
authors: Jeannette  S
authors: J
authors: von Lindern
authors: Anneke
authors: A
authors: Brand
authors: Enrico
authors: E
authors: Lopriore
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000751:Anemia, Neonatal / Q000097:blood / Q000517:prevention & control; D017707:Erythrocyte Transfusion / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight / Q000097:blood*; D007231:Infant, Newborn / Q000097:blood*; D007234:Infant, Premature / Q000097:blood*; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000628:therapy*