Evidence · Systematic review or meta-analysis
Optimizing platelet transfusion thresholds in preterm infants: a systematic review and narrative synthesis of impacts on survival and neurodevelopment.
- Anaemia and transfusion
- Jaundice and haematology
- Medical
- Neurodevelopmental follow-up
- Nursing
- Thrombocytopenia and bleeding
Summary
This systematic review with narrative synthesis compares restrictive versus liberal platelet transfusion thresholds in thrombocytopenic preterm infants. It includes three randomised controlled trials and two cohort studies (1,851 patients) and assesses short-term adverse events, mortality and neurodevelopmental outcomes at 2 years corrected age. Restrictive strategies did not increase short-term harm and may reduce mortality and severe neurodevelopmental impairment. The authors support a move towards individualised, evidence-based platelet transfusion practice in neonatal units.
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- Licence:
- Open (Creative Commons)
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