DOES TRANSFUSING FFP IMPROVE COAGULATION STATUS IN NEONATES?
K Catford1, H AlAtrash1, P Clarke1 1 NICU, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Norwich, Norfolk, UK Background and Aims: Bleeding and coagulopathy are common problems in sick neonates in intensive care. Fresh frozen plasma (FFP) is frequently transfused to correct coagulation abnormalities and for active bleeding. Evidence for the efficacy of this practice is limited. We conducted a retrospective review to see if there is an improvement in coagulation status in neonates transfused with FFP. Method: Retrospective study of neonates admitted to a tertiary neonatal unit who received FFP transfusion during a 5 year period (January 2003–March 2008). Results: 33 neonates received at least one FFP transfusion (range 1–3, total 44 transfusions). This cohort (18 male, 15 female) had a median gestational age of 29+4 weeks (range 23+1–41+4 weeks) and median weight of 1090 g (range 492–4300 g). 11 infants had co-existent thrombocytopenia (platelet count <100x109/L). 20 of the 33 infants (61%)
