BACKGROUND: Little is known about the criteria used by pediatric oncologists for the transfusion of red blood cells and platelets to pediatric oncology patients. PROCEDURE: Data regarding red blood cell and platelet transfusion practices were collected with an internet-based survey of physician members of the American Society for Pediatric Hematology/Oncology (ASPH/O). Respondents were asked to define platelet and red blood cell transfusion thresholds in a variety of clinical scenarios, and to describe criteria for dealing with cytomegalovirus (CMV) transmission from blood products, platelet dosing strategies, and prevention of RhD alloimmunization. RESULTS: The overall response rate was 31.4% (264 of 841). Of the respondents, 76% indicated that their institution had defined criteria for acceptable transfusion practice; of these respondents, 114 (57%) indicated that there were special guidelines for pediatric oncology patients. Examination of the distribution of threshold platelet counts and hemoglobin levels that would prompt transfusion indicated a wide range of transfusion practice in commonly encountered clinical scenarios. Similar variability in practice was evident in platelet dosing strategies, CMV prevention strategies, and in the use of anti-D in RhD-negative patients who received RhD-positive platelets. CONCLUSIONS: This current survey demonstrates that transfusion practices vary widely among pediatric hematology/oncology specialists and that prospective clinical trials may be necessary to determine optimal criteria for blood product support in pediatric oncology patients.
BACKGROUND: Little is known about the criteria used by pediatric oncologists for the transfusion of red blood cells and platelets to pediatric oncology patients. PROCEDURE: Data regarding red blood cell and platelet transfusion practices were collected with an internet-based survey of physician members of the American Society for Pediatric Hematology/Oncology (ASPH/O). Respondents were asked to define platelet and red blood cell transfusion thresholds in a variety of clinical scenarios, and to describe criteria for dealing with cytomegalovirus (CMV) transmission from blood products, platelet dosing strategies, and prevention of RhD alloimmunization. RESULTS: The overall response rate was 31.4% (264 of 841). Of the respondents, 76% indicated that their institution had defined criteria for acceptable transfusion practice; of these respondents, 114 (57%) indicated that there were special guidelines for pediatric oncology patients. Examination of the distribution of threshold platelet counts and hemoglobin levels that would prompt transfusion indicated a wide range of transfusion practice in commonly encountered clinical scenarios. Similar variability in practice was evident in platelet dosing strategies, CMV prevention strategies, and in the use of anti-D in RhD-negative patients who received RhD-positive platelets. CONCLUSIONS: This current survey demonstrates that transfusion practices vary widely among pediatric hematology/oncology specialists and that prospective clinical trials may be necessary to determine optimal criteria for blood product support in pediatric oncology patients.
Authors: Marie E Steiner; Nicole D Zantek; Simon J Stanworth; Robert I Parker; Stacey L Valentine; Leslie E Lehmann; Cassandra D Josephson; Scot T Bateman; Naomi L C Luban Journal: Pediatr Crit Care Med Date: 2018-09 Impact factor: 3.624
Authors: Alexandra Podpeskar; Roman Crazzolara; Gabriele Kropshofer; Petra Obexer; Evelyn Rabensteiner; Miriam Michel; Christina Salvador Journal: Front Pediatr Date: 2022-09-12 Impact factor: 3.569