Abstract

Boma Awoala West* and Woroma Wonodi

ABSTRACT

Background: Blood transfusion is a common life-saving procedure among children especially the neonatal age. Objective: To determine the prevalence, pattern, indications and outcome of blood transfusion in neonates admitted in the special care baby unit of the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital. Materials and Methods: It was a prospective descriptive study of 179 neonates, carried out over 4 years from 27th January, 2020 – 26th January, 2024. Results: Of 1506 admitted neonates, 179 were transfused giving a blood transfusion prevalence rate of 11.9%. Males were mostly transfused with M: F ratio of 1.2:1. The least transfused neonates were of higher socio-economic class 49(27.4%). Most transfused neonates were preterm 144(80.4%), had birth weights between 1000-1499g 90(50.3%) and were first born 86(48.0%). Most were admitted within 24hours of delivery 143(79.9%), of singleton birth 134(74.9%) and delivered by Caesarean section 108(60.9%). Majority 119(66.5%) had pregnancy complications which were mostly hypertension 57(47.5%) and prolonged rupture of membranes 43(35.8%). Commonest morbidities among transfused neonates were prematurity, neonatal sepsis and neonatal jaundice while the commonest indication for transfusion was severe anaemia 173(98.8%). Most recipients received multiple transfusions 92(56.1%) with top up transfusions 175(97.8%) done mostly and by the second week of admission 53(29.6%). Most transfused neonates were discharged home 161(89.9%) with 8(4.5%) mortalities mainly from severe anaemia. Conclusion: The prevalence of blood transfusion was high, mainly among preterms with severe anaemia being the commonest indication. A high mortality of 4.5% therefore calls for policies and programmes targetted at reducing prematurity and blood transfusion rate in this age group.