TITLE:
Evaluation of the Transfusion Protocol in the Neonatology Department of the Yopougon University Hospital
AUTHORS:
Berthe Evelyne Lasme-Guillao, Roseline N’Guessan-Sika, Felix Eboua Tanoh-Kassi, Bhérat Armel Kouadio, Aurianne Kossonou, Laeticia Gaodé, Amenan Marie Kouame, Joseph Diarra
KEYWORDS:
Neonatology, Newborn, Blood Transfusion, Prematurity, Red Blood Cells
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Pediatrics,
Vol.15 No.6,
November
14,
2025
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Transfusion of packed red blood cells (PRBCs) is a common practice in neonatology, particularly in premature newborns. This study’s objective was to assess the application and adequacy of departmental guidelines regarding RBC transfusion in newborns. Methods: This was a retrospective, cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study of hospitalized newborns transfused between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2024, in the neonatology department of the Yopougon University Hospital, relocated to Béago. The transfusion indication in effect in the department was pallor and anemia in premature infants, with a threshold of 10 g/dL. Results: We collected data on 239 patients who received transfusions out of a total of 5880 hospitalized newborns, representing a hospital frequency of 4.06%. In 63.1% of cases, patients were admitted before one week of age. Fifty-four percent of patients had low birth weight at admission. Respiratory distress and pallor on clinical examination were the most common signs, found in 57.7% and 33.89% of cases, respectively. Among them, 61.9% received at least two transfusions, with an average hemoglobin level of 10.13 g/dL before transfusion and 14.7 g/dL afterward. Among premature infants (27.7%), transfusions were also given between 11 - 13 g/dl in the presence of signs of decompensation. The average hemoglobin level after transfusion was 14 g/dl. The mortality rate was 30.5%; factors associated with death were low birth weight and low gestational age. Conclusion: Double transfusion significantly improved patients’ hemodynamic and respiratory status. We recommend that all newborns under 32 weeks of gestation weighing less than 2500 g with a hemoglobin level below 10 g/dL receive two blood transfusions, if necessary, with a target hemoglobin level of 13 g/dL.