Background: Little recent data are available describing fresh frozen plasma (FFP) use in neonates. The purpose of this study was to determine the outcomes of FFP transfusions in neonates.
Patients and methods: A single institution, observational, and retrospective review of each transfusion of FFP given to neonates admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit over a 2-year period.
Results: One hundred and seventy-three neonates were identified as having received FFP, giving a prevalence of FFP use at 12%. By far the most common determining factor for FFP use was an association with an abnormal activated partial thromboplastin time or prothrombin time (52%). Other factors included bleeding, invasive procedures, volume expansion, necrotizing enterocolitis, cardiopulmonary bypass, and hydrops fetalis. Of objectively accessible responses, FFP was able to correct abnormal coagulation tests into the normal range only 40% of the time. Twenty-four neonates received recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) after first receiving FFP. The prevalence of thrombotic events was not higher in neonates receiving rFVIIa than those receiving FFP alone.
Conclusions: FFP was widely used in this neonatal unit. As data showing the predictive value of coagulation tests in neonates are discrepant, it is unclear if FFP was being appropriately used. Prospective, controlled data are required.