Phase II trial of standard versus increased transfusion volume in Ugandan children with acute severe anemia.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Severe anemia (SA, hemoglobin <6 g/dl) is a leading cause of pediatric hospital admission in Africa, with significant in-hospital mortality. The underlying etiology is often infectious, but specific pathogens are rarely identified. Guidelines developed to encourage rational blood use recommend a standard volume of whole blood (20 ml/kg) for transfusion, but this is commonly associated with a frequent need for repeat transfusion and poor outcome. Evidence is lacking on what hemoglobin threshold criteria for intervention and volume are associated with the optimal survival outcomes.

Methods

We evaluated the safety and efficacy of a higher volume of whole blood (30 ml/kg; Tx30: n = 78) against the standard volume (20 ml/kg; Tx20: n = 82) in Ugandan children (median ag

SUBMITTER: Olupot-Olupot P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4101869 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature