Pattern; Indications and Review of Complications of Neonatal Blood Transfusion in Ibadan; Southwest Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Background and objectives: There is a huge need for blood transfusion in the newborn particularly due to the reduced marrow activity in the neonatal period. Despite widely use of blood products in the neonatal period; there is paucity of local data on the pattern; indications and reactions to blood transfusions in Nigerian newborns. This study evaluates the blood transfusion indications and patterns in special care baby unit and C12nd of University College Hospital; Ibadan; Nigeria. Methodology: A cross sectional study was carried on the recruited newborns and structured questionnaires were used to obtain bio data; medical problems; indications for blood transfusion; type of blood products transfused and clinical signs. Urinalysis was performed out before and after the transfusion. Results: A total of 100 neonates were recruited into the study with a male female ratio of (M F= 11). The age range was 2-34 days and their weight ranged between 0.8kg to 3.6 kg with a mean weight of 1.64 kg. The main indications for transfusion were anaemia from prematurity et neonatal sepsis(NNS) 46; (red cell replacement); NNS; Disseminated intravascular coagulation(DIC) et anaemia 24; (partial exchange + top up + Fresh frozen plasma); neonatal jaundice(NNJ) et anaemia 14; (whole blood); NNJ; NNS + anaemia 6(Blood transfusion + Fresh frozen plasma); NNS + anaemia 10(whole blood). Conclusion: Blood transfusion is still frequent in the study area and prematurity; neonatal sepsis and jaundice rank high in the indications. Transfusion reactions are rare in the evaluated neonates