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Neonatal Intensive Care Hospital in Dhakuria

Neonatal blood transfusion

Neonatal Blood Transfusion in Dhakuria, West Bengal

A neonate is a newborn younger than 28 days of age. They are physically and biologically different from adults. Certain medical conditions affecting neonates, especially preterm infants, require a blood transfusion. These conditions include infection, anaemia, blood loss, and certain diseases or conditions that can impact blood cell production or function. It's also important to understand that neonates have weakened immune systems, so transfusion reactions can have long-lasting impacts on them, even in terms of development. However, the type, frequency, and intensity of blood transfusion responses in children are different from those in adults. 

Neonatal blood transfusion is a critical intervention and can involve transfusions of platelets, red blood cells, and plasma. Though this becomes essential in some cases for improving oxygen delivery or managing bleeding risks, it also poses potential risks like infection, volume overload, electrolyte imbalance, allergic reactions, and others. To minimise the risks of this process, it requires rigorous screening, donor blood matching, precise dosing, continuous monitoring, and stringent safety protocols to ensure the safety and effectiveness of neonatal blood transfusions. At Manipal Hospitals, Dhakuria, our experienced neonatologists make sure to enhance treatment outcomes while minimising the risks to the neonates, making them the best Neonatologists in Dhakuria.

FAQ's

If your baby has experienced any of the following issues, a blood transfusion may be necessary:

  •  A severe wound that resulted in significant blood loss

  • Surgery that resulted in significant blood loss

  • A liver condition that prevents the body from producing specific blood components

  • A bleeding condition like haemophilia

  • Anaemia

  • Kidney failure, which impairs the body's ability to produce blood cells 

  • Chemotherapy, a cancer treatment that decreases the body's ability to produce blood cells

Once a donor's blood is obtained, it is divided into sections so that your infant only gets the portion they require. Your child will get the following products from transfusion:
 

  • Red blood cells: Red blood cells are the body's primary source of oxygen. Anaemia arises from a low red blood cell count. Prematurity, blood loss, and accelerated red cell breakdown (a newborn hemolytic illness) are a few reasons for causing anaemia.

  • Platelets: By creating a clot, platelets help stop bleeding. An excessive number of platelets may be consumed, destroyed, or produced insufficiently, which would result in a low platelet count. Infection and antibodies are also a couple of the causes.

  • Plasma (cryoprecipitate, fresh frozen plasma): The liquid portion of blood that contains vital proteins is called plasma. When there is acute bleeding and a decrease in plasma proteins, it can be necessary.

  • Plasma-derived products: Blood proteins are concentrated in plasma products. Every product serves a particular function.

  • Immunoglobulins support the immune system, albumin helps maintain fluid balance, and clotting factors are used to address particular bleeding issues.
     

Neonatal erythrocytes have a lifespan of 60 to 90 days, compared to the 120-day lifespan of adult RBCs. The life span of preterm newborn’s red blood cells is significantly shorter, at 35 to 50 days.
 

The healthcare provider for your child will inform you whether there are any specific preparations you have to make. General preparation includes:

  • Make sure the medical professional knows if your baby has ever experienced a negative reaction to receiving blood transfusions. If needed, to help avoid an allergic response, your baby can receive medication.

  • A consent document is typically required by hospitals before a blood transfusion. Either you or another family member must sign this.

  • Before receiving a blood transfusion, your neonate’s blood may be tested to determine its type. This is to guarantee that the type of donor blood your baby receives is appropriate.

  • A few droplets of blood may be drawn from your baby’s finger. Alternatively, blood can also be drawn from the arm vein of your baby.

  • Blood from one or more donors will be given to your baby during the transfusion process. Your baby will receive the blood that has previously been drawn from him or her. Alternatively, a friend or family member might give your baby blood, depending on the need.

  • Before the blood transfusion process, the location of the IV will be cleaned by a medical professional. The healthcare professional will probably stick an IV into your child's arm. This line will be used to send either whole blood or blood components.

  • A medical professional will continuously monitor the indications of a bad reaction in your child. Most certainly, during the first fifteen minutes. Throughout the process, your child should be able to eat, drink, and use the washroom with assistance.

Like any other medical procedure, a blood transfusion also carries some risks.
 

  • An adverse response: This might be minor or serious. A rash or itching can be considered mild symptoms. Chest pain, nausea, and difficulty breathing are examples of severe symptoms. Following a blood transfusion, these symptoms could appear immediately or during the next 24 hours.

  • High temperature: This may occur one day following the blood transfusion. Usually, it's just temporary.

  • Transfusion excess: If a person receives more blood than necessary, transfusion overload may occur. Breathlessness is one of the possible symptoms. Usually, the symptoms appear within a few hours or a day. It is more prevalent in those who have cardiac issues. This issue might be avoided by taking diuretic medication after receiving blood transfusions.

  • Haemolytic reactions: Haemolytic reactions occur when the body attacks donated red blood cells, causing serious symptoms like chills, fever, and kidney damage. This rare reaction can occur during blood transfusions or after a careful matching process. Delayed reactions, even if the right blood type is received, may cause a lower RBC count.

  • Iron overload: People who require several blood transfusions over an extended period of time due to a persistent medical problem may experience this.

  • Virus transmission: Hepatitis and HIV are two examples of viruses. Nowadays, blood transfusions are preceded by a meticulous screening process, so there is extremely little chance of a virus spreading.

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