6. Specialist patient groups

Specialist patient groups

Children & neonates

Transfusion for children and neonates is not the same as adults. Consider:
• Volumes required (mLs per kg)
• Special components for neonates
• Coagulation ranges [local laboratories]
• Management of transfusion reactions 
• Know the triggers in children and neonates

Rationale

Specific transfusion information should be given when delivering education to staff working with these specific patient groups.

Links to resources (where available)

Transfusion for Fetuses, Neonates and Older Children (b-s-h.org.uk)

Specialist patient groups

Obstetrics
• Pre- natal screening including maternal RhD status and maternal antibodies
• RhD prophylaxis/treatment
• Risk of and management of postpartum haemorrhage

Rationale

Specific transfusion information should be given when delivering education to staff working with these specific patient groups.

Links to resources (where available)

Blood Grouping and Antibody Testing in Pregnancy (b-s-h.org.uk)

Specialist patient groups

Trauma & emergency medicine 
• Transfusion of patients with no known blood group – use of emergency components
• Management of massive haemorrhage 
• Ongoing transfusion support in trauma patients

Rationale

Specific transfusion information should be given when delivering education to staff working with these specific patient groups.

Links to resources (where available)

10. Massive Bleeding Protocols – The Transfusion Service Perspective | The International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) (isbtweb.org)

Specialist patient groups

Haemoglobinopathy patients
• Every patient with sickle cell disease (SCD) and thalassemia should have an extended RBC phenotype utilising a pre-transfusion specimen. Ideally, this should be done during the first year of life, prior to the initiation of a regular transfusion regimen.
• Prior to each transfusion, it is essential to do a complete cross-match and antibody screen for any newly acquired antibodies.
• Components provided must be phenotype matched
• For SCD and thalassemia patients, it is advised to provide fresh units (less than 7–14 days old) to lessen the frequency of transfusions.
 

Rationale

In order to guarantee uniform standards of care, local recommendations and guidelines are necessary for blood transfusion to Hemoglobinopathy individuals

Links to resources (where available)

Transfusion in Hemoglobinopathies

Review and recommendations for local blood banks