Fresh frozen plasma and cryoprecipitate: Can we safely reduce their use in the NICU?

Objective To study patterns of use of Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) and Cryoprecipitate (CRYO) in a level 4 NICU and assess what proportions were not supported by literature. Study Design single centered retrospective observational. Charts of neonates admitted between 1/1/2010 to 12/31/2017 to CT Children’s level 4 NICU were reviewed. Transfusions were assigned as “supported” or “non-supported” based on available evidence. Groups were compared using T-tests and chi-squared analyses. Results of 4110 total admissions, 197 (4.8%) received a total of 461 transfusions (374 FFP, 87 CRYO). Only 59% of FFP and 60% CRYO were supported by literature. Within the “non-supported” group the largest category was neonates transfused prophylactically. Conclusion A large proportion of transfusions administered to neonates was not evidence-based, suggesting there are opportunities for improvement in use of these products.