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Fresh frozen plasma and cryoprecipitate: Can we safely reduce their use in the NICU?

Journal of Perinatology volume 43, pages 226–230 (2023)Cite this article

Subjects

Abstract

Objective

To study patterns of use of Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) and Cryoprecipitate (CRYO) in a level 4 NICU and assess what proportions were not supported by literature.

Study Design

single centered retrospective observational. Charts of neonates admitted between 1/1/2010 to 12/31/2017 to CT Children’s level 4 NICU were reviewed. Transfusions were assigned as “supported” or “non-supported” based on available evidence. Groups were compared using T-tests and chi-squared analyses.

Results

of 4110 total admissions, 197 (4.8%) received a total of 461 transfusions (374 FFP, 87 CRYO). Only 59% of FFP and 60% CRYO were supported by literature. Within the “non-supported” group the largest category was neonates transfused prophylactically.

Conclusion

A large proportion of transfusions administered to neonates was not evidence-based, suggesting there are opportunities for improvement in use of these products.

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Fig. 1: Patients receiving FFP/CRYO by Gestational Age (N=197).

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Data availability

All data generated or analyzed during this study are included in this published article [and its supplementary information files].

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Acknowledgements

Ahana Nagarkatti for technical support.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Neonatology, Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, 282 Washington Street, Hartford, CT, 06106, USA

    Shikha Sarkar & Victor Herson

  2. Department of Pediatrics, Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, 282 Washington Street, Hartford, CT, 06106, USA

    Shikha Sarkar, Michael Brimacombe & Victor Herson

  3. Research, Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, 282 Washington Street, Hartford, CT, 06106, USA

    Michael Brimacombe

Authors
  1. Shikha Sarkar
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Contributions

SS was responsible for designing the study, extracting and analyzing data, interpreting the results, and writing the manuscript. MB was responsible for performing the statistical analysis. VH was responsible for designing the study, analyzing the data, and feedback and advising regarding the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to Shikha Sarkar.

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Sarkar, S., Brimacombe, M. & Herson, V. Fresh frozen plasma and cryoprecipitate: Can we safely reduce their use in the NICU?. J Perinatol 43, 226–230 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41372-022-01438-x

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