Incidence and Epidemiology of Perioperative Transfusion-Related Pulmonary Complications in Pediatric Noncardiac Surgical Patients

Racial Disparities in Pediatric Mortality Following Transfusion Within 72 Hours of Operation

BACKGROUND

Postoperative bleeding and transfusion are correlated with mortality risk. Furthermore, postoperative bleeding may often initiate the cascade of complications that leads to death. Given that minority children have increased risk of surgical complications, this study aimed to investigate the association of race with pediatric surgical mortality following postoperative transfusion.

METHODS

We used the NSQIP-P PUF to assemble a retrospective cohort of children <18 who underwent inpatient surgery during 2012-2021. We included White, Black, Hispanic, and 'Other' children who received a transfusion within 72 h of surgery. The primary outcome was defined as all-cause mortality within 30 days following the primary surgical procedure. Using logistic regression models, we estimated the risk-adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of mortality, comparing each racial/ethnic cohort to White children.

RESULTS

A total of 466,230 children <18 years of age underwent inpatient surgical procedures from 2012 to 2021. Of these, 46,200 required transfusion and were included in our analysis. The majority of patients were non-Hispanic White (64.6%, n = 29,850), while 18.9% (n = 8752) were non-Hispanic Black, 11.7% (n = 5387) were Hispanic, and 4.8% (n = 2211) were 'Other' race. The overall rate of mortality following transfusion was 2.5%. White children had the lowest incidence of mortality (2.0%), compared to children of 'Other' race (2.5%), Hispanic children (3.1%), and Black children (3.6%). After adjusting for sex, age, comorbidities, case status, preoperative transfusion within 48 h, and year of operation, we found that Black children experienced 1.24 times the odds of mortality following a postoperative transfusion compared to a White child (aOR: 1.24; 95%CI, 1.03-1.51; P = 0.025). Hispanic children were also significantly more likely to die following a postoperative transfusion than White children (aOR: 1.19; 95%CI, 1.02-1.39; P = 0.027).

CONCLUSION

We found that minority children who required a postoperative transfusion had a higher odds of death than White children. Future studies should explore adverse events following postoperative transfusion and the differences in their management by race that may contribute to the higher mortality rate for minority children.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER AND REGISTRY

Not applicable.

Exploring NT-proBNP, syndecan-1, and cytokines as biomarkers for transfusion-associated circulatory overload in a critically ill patient population receiving a single-unit red blood cell transfusion

BACKGROUND

Transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO) is an often underdiagnosed pulmonary transfusion complication. A biomarker could aid with the diagnosis. To date, B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal prohormone B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) seem the most promising biomarkers in the general hospital population. The aim was to evaluate NT-proBNP as a biomarker for TACO in a critically ill patient population and explore syndecan-1 and cytokines as other potential biomarkers.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A retrospective study was performed using samples and clinical data collected during a prospective observational study. Adult patients admitted to the intensive care and transfused with a single red blood cell unit were included. TACO cases were retrospectively identified using a case definition based on the current TACO definition. The primary biomarker was NT-proBNP, also we measured syndecan-1 IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10. All markers were measured directly before transfusion, 1 and 24 h after transfusion.

RESULTS

Our cohort included 64 patients, 12 of which were identified as TACO patients. TACO patients had a lower PaO2 /FiO2 ratio and were more often ventilated following transfusion compared to non-TACO patients. There was no significant difference in NT-proBNP between pre- and post-transfusion levels nor between TACO and non-TACO patients. Syndecan-1 was significantly elevated in TACO patients both pre- and post-transfusion compared to non-TACO patients.

DISCUSSION

NT-proBNP was not associated with TACO in this critically ill patient population. Interestingly, levels of syndecan-1 were increased in TACO patients at baseline. More research is needed to clarify this association and its possibilities as a biomarker to predict patients at risk for TACO.

Postoperative coagulopathy among otherwise healthy pediatric patients undergoing open craniosynostosis repair: a retrospective study

Significant blood loss and resultant transfusion may lead to coagulopathy. The need for routine transfusion of non-RBC blood products in healthy pediatric patients suffering significant, yet controlled, intra-operative blood loss is controversial. Open craniosynostosis surgery is often associated with significant intra-operative blood loss and transfusion, and routinely preformed on otherwise healthy pediatric patients. Therefore, we found it as a useful model for our study, which aimed to assess the need for routine transfusion of non-RBC blood products in healthy pediatric patients suffering significant intra-operative blood loss. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of otherwise healthy pediatric patients, undergoing open craniosynostosis surgery and transfused solely with packed red blood cells (pRBCs) in a single large-volume tertiary surgical center, between January 2010 and December 2021. Among 457 eligible patients, 34 (7.4%) developed significant postoperative coagulopathy. Median [IQR] intra-operative pRBC transfusion volume was 17.4 ml kg^-1 [13.3, 23.1]. Patients who developed coagulopathy did not have higher postoperative pRBC transfusion rate (8.8% vs 3.8%, P = 0.16) or volume (median [IQR], 0 [0, 0] vs 0 [0, 0] ml, P = 0.15), nor higher hospital LOS (5 [4, 5] vs 5 [4, 5] days, P = 0.66). ICU LOS was 0.8 [0.7, 1] vs 0.7 [0.6, 0.8] days (P = 0.02), a difference of no clinical significance.  Conclusions: The incidence of significant coagulopathy after craniosynostosis surgery was low, and not associated with clinically important complications. In otherwise healthy pediatric patients, even significant intra-operative blood loss can be safely managed solely with intravenous fluids and pRBC transfusion. What is Known: • Significant intra-operative blood loss and resultant transfusion may lead to postoperative coagulopathy. • There are potential deleterious effects from both coagulopathy and administration of blood products. What is New: • Open craniosynostosis corrective surgery is a useful model for studying coagulopathy after significant intra-operative blood loss and transfusion in otherwise healthy children. • Under certain conditions, in otherwise healthy pediatric patients, even significant intra-operative blood loss can be safely treated with intravenous fluids and pRBC transfusion alone, with no clinically significant postoperative coagulopathy or its complications.

Pathobiology, Severity, and Risk Stratification of Pediatric Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: From the Second Pediatric Acute Lung Injury Consensus Conference

OBJECTIVES

To review the literature for studies published in children on the pathobiology, severity, and risk stratification of pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome (PARDS) with the intent of guiding current medical practice and identifying important areas for future research related to severity and risk stratification.

DATA SOURCES

Electronic searches of PubMed and Embase were conducted from 2013 to March 2022 by using a combination of medical subject heading terms and text words to capture the pathobiology, severity, and comorbidities of PARDS.

STUDY SELECTION

We included studies of critically ill patients with PARDS that related to the severity and risk stratification of PARDS using characteristics other than the oxygenation defect. Studies using animal models, adult only, and studies with 10 or fewer children were excluded from our review.

DATA EXTRACTION

Title/abstract review, full-text review, and data extraction using a standardized data collection form.

DATA SYNTHESIS

The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach was used to identify and summarize relevant evidence and develop recommendations for clinical practice. There were 192 studies identified for full-text extraction to address the relevant Patient/Intervention/Comparator/Outcome questions. One clinical recommendation was generated related to the use of dead space fraction for risk stratification. In addition, six research statements were generated about the impact of age on acute respiratory distress syndrome pathobiology and outcomes, addressing PARDS heterogeneity using biomarkers to identify subphenotypes and endotypes, and use of standardized ventilator, physiologic, and nonpulmonary organ failure measurements for future research.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on an extensive literature review, we propose clinical management and research recommendations related to characterization and risk stratification of PARDS severity.

Blood banking considerations in pediatric trauma

ABSTRACT

Transfusion of blood products to a hemorrhaging pediatric trauma patient requires seamless partnership and communication between trauma, emergency department, critical care, and transfusion team members. To avoid confusion and delays, understanding of blood banking principles and mutually agreed upon procedures and policies must be regularly updated as knowledge evolves. Because pediatric patients require specialized considerations distinct from those in adults, this brief review covers transfusion principles, policies, and procedures specific to the resuscitation of pediatric trauma patients.

Plasma Transfusion in Septic Shock—A Secondary Analysis of a Retrospective Single-Center Cohort

In sepsis, both beneficial and detrimental effects of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) transfusion have been reported. The aim of this study was to analyze the indication for and effect of FFP transfusion in patients with septic shock. We performed a secondary analysis of a retrospective single-center cohort of all patients treated for septic shock at the interdisciplinary surgical intensive care unit (ICU) of the Heidelberg University Hospital. Septic shock was defined according to sepsis-3 criteria. To assess the effects of FFP administration in the early phase of septic shock, we compared patients with and without FFP transfusion during the first 48 h of septic shock. Patients who died during the first 48 h of septic shock were excluded from the analysis. Primary endpoints were 30- and 90-day mortality. A total of 261 patients were identified, of which 100 (38.3%) received FFP transfusion within the first 48 h after septic shock onset. The unmatched analysis showed a trend toward higher 30- and 90-d mortality in the FFP group (30 d: +7% p = 0.261; 90 d: +11.9% p = 0.061). In the propensity-matched analysis, 30- and 90-day mortality were similar between groups. Plasma administration did not influence fluid or vasopressor need, lactate levels, ICU stay, or days on a ventilator. We found no significant harm or associated benefit of FFP use in the early phase of septic shock. Finally, plasma should only be used in patients with a strong indication according to current recommendations, as a conclusive evaluation of the risk-benefit ratio for plasma transfusion in septic shock cannot be made based on the current data.

Plasma and Platelet Transfusion Strategies in Critically Ill Children Following Noncardiac Surgery and Critically Ill Children Undergoing Invasive Procedures Outside the Operating Room: From the Transfusion and Anemia EXpertise Initiative-Control/Avoidance of Bleeding

OBJECTIVES

To present consensus statements and supporting literature for plasma and platelet transfusions in critically ill children following noncardiac surgery and critically ill children undergoing invasive procedures outside the operating room from the Transfusion and Anemia EXpertise Initiative - Control/Avoidance of Bleeding.

DESIGN

Systematic review and consensus conference of international, multidisciplinary experts in platelet and plasma transfusion management of critically ill children.

SETTING

Not applicable.

PATIENTS

Critically ill children undergoing invasive procedures outside of the operating room or noncardiac surgery.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

A panel of 10 experts developed evidence-based and, when evidence was insufficient, expert-based statements for plasma and platelet transfusions in critically ill children following noncardiac surgery or undergoing invasive procedures outside of the operating room. These statements were reviewed and ratified by the 29 Transfusion and Anemia EXpertise Initiative-Control/Avoidance of Bleeding experts. A systematic review was conducted using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases, from inception to December 2020. Consensus was obtained using the Research and Development/University of California, Los Angeles Appropriateness Method. Results were summarized using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation method. We developed eight expert consensus statements focused on the critically ill child following noncardiac surgery and 10 expert consensus statements on the critically ill child undergoing invasive procedures outside the operating room.

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence regarding plasma and platelet transfusion in critically ill children in this area is very limited. The Transfusion and Anemia EXpertise Initiative-Control/Avoidance of Bleeding Consensus Conference developed 18 pediatric specific consensus statements regarding plasma and platelet transfusion management in these critically ill pediatric populations.

The recipe for TACO: A narrative review on the pathophysiology and potential mitigation strategies of transfusion-associated circulatory overload

Transfusion associated circulatory overload (TACO) is one of the leading causes of transfusion related morbidity and mortality. TACO is the result of hydrostatic pulmonary edema following transfusion. However, up to 50% of all TACO cases appear after transfusion of a single unit, suggesting other factors, aside from volume, play a role in its pathophysiology. TACO follows a two-hit model, in which the first hit is an existing disease or comorbidity that renders patients volume incompliant, and the second hit is the transfusion. First hit factors include, amongst others, cardiac and renal failure. Blood product factors, setting TACO apart from crystalloid overload, include colloid osmotic pressure effects, viscosity, pro-inflammatory mediators and storage lesion byproducts. Differing hemodynamic changes, glycocalyx injury, endothelial damage and inflammatory reactions can all contribute to developing TACO. This narrative review explores pathophysiological mechanisms for TACO, discusses related therapeutic and preventative measures, and identifies areas of interest for future research.

Transfusion practices in a large cohort of hospitalized children

BACKGROUND

While previous studies have described the use of blood components in subsets of children, such as the critically ill, little is known about transfusion practices in hospitalized children across all departments and diagnostic categories. We sought to describe the utilization of red blood cell, platelet, plasma, and cryoprecipitate transfusions across hospital settings and diagnostic categories in a large cohort of hospitalized children.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

The public datasets from 11 US academic and community hospitals that participated in the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute Recipient Epidemiology and Donor Evaluation Study-III (REDS-III) were accessed. All nonbirth inpatient encounters of children 0-18 years of age from 2013 to 2016 were included.

RESULTS

61,770 inpatient encounters from 41,943 unique patients were analyzed. Nine percent of encounters involved the transfusion of at least one blood component. RBC transfusions were most common (7.5%), followed by platelets (3.9%), plasma (2.5%), and cryoprecipitate (0.9%). Children undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass were most likely to be transfused. For the entire cohort, the median (interquartile range) pretransfusion laboratory values were as follows: hemoglobin, 7.9 g/dl (7.1-10.4 g/dl); platelet count, 27 × 10⁹ cells/L (14-54 × 10⁹ cells/L); and international normalized ratio was 1.6 (1.4-2.0). Recipient age differences were observed in the frequency of RBC irradiation (95% in infants, 67% in children, p < .001) and storage duration of RBC transfusions (median storage duration of 12 [8-17] days in infants and 20 [12-29] days in children, p < .001).

CONCLUSION

Based on a cohort of patients from 2013 to 2016, the transfusion of blood components is relatively common in the care of hospitalized children. The frequency of transfusion across all pediatric hospital settings, especially in children undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass, highlights the opportunities for the development of institutional transfusion guidelines and patient blood management initiatives.

Frequency and timing of all-cause deaths in visits involving suspected transfusion reactions, and the significance of cardiopulmonary disturbances

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Transfusion reactions (TRs) may cause or contribute to death. Cardiopulmonary TRs are distressing, and collectively account for most transfusion fatalities, though the degree to which they alter survival more broadly is unclear. Deaths (and their timing) after TRs may provide further insights.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Adult (tri-hospital network) haemovigilance data (2013-2016) recorded referrals with conclusions ranging from unrelated to transfusion (UTR) to entities such as: septic TRs, serologic/haemolytic reactions, transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO), transfusion-associated dyspnoea (TAD), transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI), allergic transfusion reaction (ATR), and others. For (in- or out-patient) visits involving suspected TRs (VISTRs), all-cause mortalities (% [95% confidence interval]) and associated time-to-death (TTD) (median days, [interquartile range]) were compared. Diagnoses were defined inclusively (possible-to-definite) or strictly (probable-to-definite).

RESULTS

Of 1144 events, rank order VISTR mortality following (possible-to-definite) TRs, and associated TTDs, were led by: DHTR 33% [6-19], 1 death at 123d; TRALI 32% [15-54], 6 deaths: 3d [2-20]; BaCon 21% [14-31], 17 deaths: 10d [3-28]; TACO 18% [12-26], 23 deaths: 16d [6-28]; TAD 17% [11-26]: 18 deaths, 6d [3-12]. Higher-certainty TRs ranked similarly (DHTR 50% [9-91]; BaCon 29% [12-55], 4 deaths: 12d [3-22]; and TACO 25% [16-38], 15 deaths: 21d [6-28]). VISTR mortality after TACO or TRALI significantly exceeded ATR (3·3% [2·4-5·8], P < 0·00001) but was not different from UTR events (P = 0·3).

CONCLUSIONS

Only half of cardiopulmonary TRs constituted high certainty diagnoses. Nevertheless, cardiopulmonary TRs and suspected BaCon marked higher VISTR mortality with shorter TTDs. Short (<1 week) TTDs in TAD, BaCon or TRALI imply either contributing roles in death, treatment refractoriness and/or applicable TR susceptibilities in the dying.

Pediatric Hemovigilance and Adverse Transfusion Reactions

Some types of transfusion reactions occur more frequently in the pediatric than the adult population. Allergic reactions are the most common, followed by nonhemolytic transfusion reactions; male children seem most susceptible to such reactions. Platelets are often implicated and pulmonary reactions are understudied in children. Clinical sequelae in neonates, such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia/chronic lung disease and intraventricular hemorrhage, have received increasing attention in relation to transfusion. There is a need to better understand the pathophysiology of transfusion reactions in neonatal and pediatric populations so preventive strategies can be undertaken. There is also a need for robust hemovigilance systems.

Plasma Transfusion Practice in Adult Surgical Patients: Systematic Review of the Literature

Background

Plasma transfusions are most commonly used therapeutically for bleeding or prophylactically in non-bleeding patients prior to invasive procedures or surgery. Although plasma transfusions generally seem to decline, plasma usage for indications that lack evidence of efficacy prevail.

Summary

There is wide international, interinstitutional, and interindividual variance regarding the compliance with guidelines based on published references, supported by appropriate testing. There is furthermore a profound lack of evidence from randomized controlled trials comparing the effect of plasma transfusion with that of other therapeutic interventions for most indications, including massive bleeding. The expected benefit of a plasma transfusion needs to be balanced carefully against the associated risk of adverse events. In light of the heterogeneous nature of bleeding conditions and their rapid evolvement over time, fibrinogen and factor concentrate therapy, directed at specific phases of coagulation identified by alternative laboratory assays, may offer advantages over conventional blood product ratio-driven resuscitation. However, their outcome benefit has not been demonstrated in well-powered prospective trials. This systematic review will detail the current evidence base for plasma transfusion in adult surgical patients.

Operative Time as the Predominant Risk Factor for Transfusion Requirements in Nonsyndromic Craniosynostosis Repair

Background:

Despite recent advances in surgical, anesthetic, and safety protocols in the management of nonsyndromic craniosynostosis (NSC), significant rates of intraoperative blood loss continue to be reported by multiple centers. The purpose of the current study was to examine our center’s experience with the surgical correction of NSC in an effort to determine independent risk factors of transfusion requirements.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study of patients with NSC undergoing surgical correction at the Montreal Children’s Hospital was carried out. Baseline characteristics and perioperative complications were compared between patients receiving and not receiving transfusions and between those receiving a transfusion in excess or <25 cc/kg. Logistic regression analysis was carried out to determine independent predictors of transfusion requirements.

Results:

A total of 100 patients met our inclusion criteria with a mean transfusion requirement of 29.6 cc/kg. Eighty-seven patients (87%) required a transfusion, and 45 patients (45%) required a significant (>25 cc/kg) intraoperative transfusion. Regression analysis revealed that increasing length of surgery was the main determinant for intraoperative (P = 0.008; odds ratio, 18.48; 95% CI, 2.14–159.36) and significant (>25 cc/kg) intraoperative (P = 0.004; odds ratio, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.23–3.07) transfusions.

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest increasing operative time as the predominant risk factor for intraoperative transfusion requirements. We encourage craniofacial surgeons to consider techniques to streamline the delivery of their selected procedure, in an effort to reduce operative time while minimizing the need for transfusion.

Adverse transfusion reactions in transfused children

Transfusion in paediatrics requires specific guidelines, because child physiology and pathology differ significantly as compared to adults. Adverse transfusion reactions in transfused children also vary in type and frequency, but there is a better understanding of these reactions in adults than in children. However, for the most frequent adverse transfusion reactions, the overall prevalence is higher in children than in adults, with the exception of post-transfusion red blood cell alloimmunisation, which is lower, excluding patients with haemoglobinopathies. In several studies, allergic reactions were the most frequently reported adverse transfusion reaction in paediatrics, and the platelet concentrate the most frequently implicated blood product. Early diagnosis of certain adverse transfusion reactions such as haemosiderosis, is essential in order to initiate the best therapy and obtain a good clinical outcome. The prevention of adverse transfusion reactions in children is required, but needs further clinical studies in paediatrics. Lastly, changes in technology, policy and clinical practices will improve transfusion safety in children.

Transfusion reactions and cognitive aids

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Although the overall safety of blood transfusion is high, adverse events do still occur. Much research on transfusion reactions was done in nonperioperative patients. Fortunately, important contributions to the perioperative literature have been made in the last several years, specifically in the areas of transfusion-associated circulatory overload and transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI).

RECENT FINDINGS

An unfavorable reaction occurs in as many as 1% of transfusions overall, although the risk of death with each unit given is between 0.002 and 0.0005%. Specific, modifiable factors exist, however, of which the anesthesiologist should be aware. A 2017 article by Clifford et al. is the first to examine risk factors and outcomes for transfusion-associated circulatory overload in a high-risk noncardiac surgery population undergoing anesthesia and surgery. In recent years, limiting plasma donors to males only resulted in an approximately 50% decrease in TRALI.

SUMMARY

The current article explores new research on the topics of transfusion-associated circulatory overload and transfusion-related lung injury.