Saudi Journal of Pathology and Microbiology (SJPM)
Volume-3 | Issue-08 | 215-220
Original Research Article
Analysing the Utility of Fresh Frozen Plasma in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in a Rural Tertiary Care Hospital, South India
Indrani Krishnappa, Uma Bai K R, Rubina
Published : Aug. 30, 2018
Abstract
Transfusion of Fresh frozen plasma is relatively common in neonatal
intensive care units. Most common indications for transfusion being neonatal sepsis,
deranged coagulation profile or co existence of both these conditions. However a
universal protocol for FFP transfusion in neonates is lacking, leading to injudicious
administration of FFP to neonates in many hospitals and thus exposing them to
untoward risks of transfusion. This is our attempt towards analyzing the use of FFP in
our neonatal intensive care unit and our compliance with the established guidelines
(AIIMS protocol for FFP transfusion in neonates). Data was collected retrospectively of
all the neonates who received FFP transfusions in our hospital from January 2014 to
December 2017 and relevant analysis was performed. Most of the neonatal transfusions
(93%) at our hospital during the study period were compliant with AIIMS guidelines.
Most common indication for transfusion was bleeding manifestations followed by
sepsis and deranged coagulation profile. However on analysis of pre and post
transfusion coagulation parameters in these babies, no statistically significant
improvement was seen. FFP was often used in accordance with the published guidelines
in our study. However evidence based uniform guidelines need to be established and
implemented to increase the benefit and minimise the risk associated with transfusion,
especially in newborns.