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Pedi‐Pack Transfusion in a Newborn Intensive Care Unit
Author(s) -
Kakaiya R. M.,
Morrison F. S.,
Rawson J. E.,
Lotz L. L.,
Martin J. W.
Publication year - 1979
Publication title -
transfusion
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.045
H-Index - 132
eISSN - 1537-2995
pISSN - 0041-1132
DOI - 10.1046/j.1537-2995.1979.19179160261.x
Subject(s) - medicine , hematocrit , neonatal intensive care unit , intensive care unit , blood transfusion , red blood cell transfusion , pediatrics , blood loss , red blood cell , intensive care , emergency medicine , intensive care medicine , surgery
Two hundred and ninety‐one transfusions using 221 pediatric frozen red blood cell packs (Pedi‐Packs) were given to 141 newborn babies and infants in the newborn intensive care unit. In 18 patients, 47 transfusions were studied for transfusion and clinical characteristics. Two possible hemolytic episodes are described in detail and remain unexplained. Blood loss for laboratory tests was found to average 3.1 ml/kg per day spent in the newborn intensive care unit. The rise in hematocrit was found to be excellent. Overall, the transfusion of thawed pediatric red blood cell packs was found to be convenient, safe and effective. Because of pretesting possibilities with the use of this source of red blood cells, one of the problems associated with a walking donor program is eliminated.