Neonatal Platelet Transfusions: Starting Again

Preterm neonates with severe thrombocytopenia are frequently prescribed prophylactic platelet transfusions despite no evidence of benefit. Neonatal platelet transfusion practice varies, both nationally and internationally. Volumes and rates of transfusion in neonatology are based on historic precedent and lack an evidence base. The etiology of harm from platelet transfusions is poorly understood. Neonates are expected to be the longest surviving recipients of blood produce transfusions, and so avoiding transfusion associated harm is critical in this cohort. This article reviews the evidence for and against platelet transfusion in the neonate and identifies areas of future potential neonatal platelet transfusion research. (c) 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. This is an open access article under the CC BY license ( http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ )

Automated summary

There is variation in the practice of platelet transfusion in neonatology, with lack of evidence support. The mechanism of harm from platelet transfusions is not well understood, emphasizing the importance of avoiding transfusion-related harm in neonates.