Blood Transfusions

Evidence 

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/apa.16952 

Carmel Maria Moore, Sara O'Sullivan, Anna E. Curley 

Blood component transfusion is a common intervention in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), especially in babies who are very unwell or significantly preterm. Blood transfusions can be required for acute or non-acute reasons in the NICU. Emergency transfusions can be required for acute blood loss or haemolysis, and the most common reason for non-acute blood transfusion in NICU is anaemia of prematurity.  

Education 

Premature and sick babies sometimes need blood transfusions for different reasons. Red blood cells carry oxygen to the body. If a baby is born early or unwell, their body might not make enough red blood cells. Without enough red blood cells, babies can feel very tired and may not grow as they should. Blood loss during tests or surgeries can also lead to low red blood cell levels, a common cause of anaemia of prematurity. Some illnesses, like infections, might also mean a baby needs a transfusion to help them get better. These are some common reasons why a baby might need a blood transfusion. 

What Happens During a Blood Transfusion 

During your baby’s blood transfusion, a small amount of donated blood is given through a tiny tube called an intravenous line, this is placed in their hand, foot, arm, or another vein. The donated blood is carefully matched to the baby’s blood type to make sure it’s safe. 

The process happens slowly, often over a couple of hours, while the baby is closely watched by doctors and nurses. They monitor the baby’s heart rate, breathing, and temperature to make sure they are responding well. The transfusion helps replace red blood cells that carry oxygen, giving the baby more energy to grow, heal, and feel better. 

Is a Blood Transfusion Safe? 

Parents often worry about their baby having a blood transfusion, and that’s okay. It’s normal to feel this way. The blood used is very safe because it’s tested carefully to make sure it doesn’t carry any illnesses. Doctors only recommend a transfusion if they believe it will really help your baby. If you have questions or need more information, you can talk to your baby’s healthcare team. 

Empowerment 

After a transfusion, many babies start to feel better quickly. They might have more energy and look less pale. It can feel good to know that something so simple can help your baby get stronger. Your baby’s care team will keep a close eye on them to make sure they’re improving and will let you know how things are going. 

Blood transfusions might sound scary, but they are often a small but powerful step in helping your baby grow and heal. You are not alone in this journey, and your love and support mean everything to your baby. Remember, you can always ask for help and advice from the neonatal team—they are there to support both you and your baby. 

Useful Links 

If you are interested in finding out more about blood transfusions, please visit: www.transfusion.com.au  

When looking at this, or other websites, please keep in mind that the types of transfusion reactions (e.g. fevers or chills) that occur in some adults during blood transfusion are very rare in babies. If a baby does experience these problems, clinical staff will urgently assess the situation. 

Mater Mothers Hospital, Brisbane 

https://brochures.mater.org.au/brochures/mater-mothers-hospital/babies-requiring-blood-transfusion 

The Australian and New Zealand Society of Blood Transfusion 

https://www.cec.health.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/258071/children-receiving-a-blood-transfusion_march2014.pdf 

Child and Adolescent Health Service, Western Australia 

https://cahs.health.wa.gov.au/Our-services/Neonatology/Resources/Library/Blood-transfusion-for-your-baby