title: Evaluation of a new restricted transfusion protocol in neonates admitted to the NICU.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although transfusion is a common procedure for treating anemia of prematurity, there is no specific protocol for blood transfusion in premature newborns. So in this study we investigate whether application of a strict protocol has any statistically significant effect on reduction of blood transfusion.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this study, first group admitted in NICU during 2005 - 2006 and the second group admitted during 2006 - 2007. Whereas in the first group the blood transfusion performed based on neonatologists' opinion following consultations with a pediatric hematologist, blood transfusion in the second group was based on the Shannon's protocol.
  
  
  RESULTS
  During 2005-2006, out of 206 cases, 71 cases (%34.5) underwent blood infusion. During 2006-2007, out of 211 cases, 56 (%26.5) received blood transfusion based on the Shannon's strict protocol. Although the number of cases decreased, no significant difference was found betweenthe two groups (p= 0.07). Conculsion: Applying strict criteria alone is not effective in reducing the frequency of transfusion in infants.
authors: 1. Neonatologist, Family Health Institute, Maternal- Fetal & Neonatal Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. fnayeri@tums.ac.ir.
authors: Fatemeh
authors: F
authors: Nayeri
authors: 2. Neonatologist, Family Health Institute, Maternal- Fetal & Neonatal Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. fnili@sina.tums.ac.ir.
authors: Firozeh
authors: F
authors: Nili
authors: 3. Pediatrician, Family Health Institute, Breast Feeding Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. BitaEbrahim@yahoo.ca.
authors: Bita
authors: B
authors: Ebrahim
authors: 4. Pediatrician, Oncologist, Vali-e-Asr Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. mfnhrc@tums.ac.ir.
authors: Zohreh
authors: Z
authors: Olomie Yazdi
authors: 5. Pediatrician, Vali-e-Asr Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. mfnhrc@yahoo.com.
authors: Zahra
authors: Z
authors: Maliki
keywords: Anemia; Blood transfusion; Premature infants