Perioperative Transfusion Practice in Pediatric Patients in a University Hospital: A Retrospective Analysis

Abstract

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the frequency of perioperative transfusions and associated factors in pediatric patients at a tertiary hospital. Data from pediatric patients who underwent surgery between August 1, 2017, and August 1, 2024, were analyzed retrospectively. Perioperative transfusion was defined as administration of blood products within 24 hours before surgery, during surgery, or within the first 24 hours after surgery. Perioperative blood transfusions were administered to 732 of 2062 patients (35.5%): 267 preoperatively (36.5%), 4 intraoperatively (0.5%), 305 postoperatively (41.7%), and 156 (21.3%) during at least two different perioperative periods. American Society of Anesthesiologists III-IV score [Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.94 (1.56-2.41)], presence of a blood disorder [AOR 2.47 (1.31-4.64)], urgent or emergency procedures [AOR 1.37 (1.10-1.69)], pediatric surgery [AOR 1.66 (1.35-2.04)], surgical duration of 1 hour or longer [AOR 2.83 (2.19-3.65)], preoperative anemia [AOR 1.33 (1.09-1.64)], preoperative thrombocytopenia [AOR 1.92 (1.43-2.56)], and preoperative abnormal coagulation [AOR 1.39 (1.04-1.86)] were identified as predictors of perioperative transfusion (p<0.05). Motivated by the need for research into perioperative blood transfusion in children, this study found a 35.5% rate of perioperative transfusion among pediatric surgical patients and identified associated factors.