Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Transfusion protocols are not well-studied for pediatric patients with acute liver failure (ALF). This study evaluates the utility of an international normalized ratio (INR)-based transfusion threshold for these patients.METHODS: Forty-four ALF pediatric patients from 2009 to 2018 were reviewed and divided into two groups: (1) a threshold group including patients between 2009-2015 who were transfused for an INR above 3.0, per institutional policy (n=30), and (2) a post-threshold group including patients after 2015 through 2018 who were transfused based on clinical judgment (n=14). Preoperative INRs, preoperative transfusions, intraoperative transfusions, early reoperation, renal function, graft function and deaths were compared.RESULTS: Liver failure severity was similar between threshold and post-threshold groups. Threshold patients had a lower average INR prior to transplantation, 2.8 (range 1.8-3.8) versus 4.4 (range 2.1-9.0), respectively (p=0.01). Twenty-six threshold patients (87%) received preoperative FFP compared to seven post-threshold patients (50%, p=0.0088). Two threshold patients (7%) received preoperative cryoprecipitate compared to five post-threshold patients (36%, p=0.014). The incidence of pre-transplant bleeding, operative transfusions and one-year patient and graft survival did not differ significantly.CONCLUSION: Clinical judgment versus an INR-based threshold for transfusions did not increase perioperative complications in children with ALF.

View details for DOI 10.1111/ctr.13819

View details for PubMedID 32037570