A review: controversies in blood component use in newborns

Advances in the care of the critically ill neonate have necessitated dramatic changes in the blood bank’s response, especially to the needs of the low-weight premature infant. The neonate is now considered a major consumer of blood products, and the packaging and administration of these products must be altered to suit its specialized needs. The indications and preparations for small-volume red blood cell (RBC) transfusions are of particular concern. Smallvolume RBC transfusions are both the most frequently used and the most controversial in the treatment of neonates. A review and guidelines for the use of RBCs for the perinatal patient are presented. Immunobematology 1991; 1:1–7.