Increased hematocrit and decreased transfusion requirements in children given erythropoietin before undergoing craniofacial surgery

Clinical Outcomes, Blood Utilization, and Ethical Considerations for Pediatric Patients in a Bloodless Medicine and Surgery Program

BACKGROUND

Pediatric patients requesting bloodless care represent a challenging clinical situation, as parents cannot legally refuse lifesaving or optimal interventions for their children. Here, we report clinical outcomes for the largest series of pediatric inpatients requesting bloodless care and also discuss the ethical considerations.

METHODS

We performed a single-institution retrospective cohort study assessing 196 pediatric inpatients (<18 years of age) who requested bloodless care between June 2012 and June 2016. Patient characteristics, transfusion rates, and clinical outcomes were compared between pediatric patients receiving bloodless care and those receiving standard care (including transfusions if considered necessary by the clinical team) (n = 37,271). Families were informed that all available measures would be undertaken to avoid blood transfusions, although we were legally obligated to transfuse blood if the child's life was threatened. The primary outcome was composite morbidity or mortality. Secondary outcomes included percentage of patients transfused, individual morbid events, length of stay, total hospital charges, and total costs. Subgroup analyses were performed after stratification into medical and surgical patients.

RESULTS

Of the 196 pediatric patients that requested bloodless care, 6.1% (n = 12) received an allogeneic blood component, compared to 9.1% (n = 3392) for standard care patients ( P = .14). The most common indications for transfusion were perioperative bleeding and anemia of prematurity. None of the transfusions were administered under a court order. Overall, pediatric patients receiving bloodless care exhibited lower rates of composite morbidity compared to patients receiving standard care (2.6% vs 6.2%; P = .035). There were no deaths in the bloodless cohort. Individual morbid events, length of stay, and total hospital charges/costs were not significantly different between the 2 groups. After multivariable analysis, bloodless care was not associated with a significant difference in composite morbidity or mortality (odds ratio [OR], 0.37; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.12-1.11; P = .077).

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric patients receiving bloodless care exhibited similar clinical outcomes compared to patients receiving standard care, although larger studies with adequate power are needed to confirm this finding. There were no mortalities among the pediatric bloodless cohort. Although a subset of our pediatric bloodless patients received an allogeneic transfusion, no patients required a court order. When delivered in a collaborative and patient-centered manner, blood transfusions can be safely limited among pediatric patients.

Optimizing Blood Loss and Management in Craniosynostosis Surgery: A Systematic Review of Outcomes Over the Last 40 Years

Surgical correction of craniosynostosis can involve significant blood loss. Rates of allogenic blood transfusion have been reported to approach 100%. Multiple interventions have been described to reduce blood loss and transfusion requirements. The aim of this study was to analyze various approaches over the last 4 decades to optimize blood loss and management during craniosynostosis surgery.

PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews were followed. PubMed and Cochrane database searches identified studies analyzing approaches to minimizing blood loss or transfusion rate in craniosynostosis surgery.

Primary outcomes included rate or amount of allogenic or autologous blood transfusion, estimated blood loss (EBL), postoperative hemoglobin (Hg), or hematocrit (Hct) levels. Secondary outcomes were examined when reported.

Fifty-two studies met inclusion criteria. There was marked heterogeneity regarding design, inclusion criteria, surgical intervention, and endpoints. The majority of the studies were nonrandomized and noncomparative. Four studies analyzed erythropoietin (EPO), 6 analyzed various cell-saver (CS) technologies, 18 analyzed antifibrinolytics (tranexamic acid [TXA], aminocaproic acid [ACA], and aprotinin [APO]), 8 analyzed various alternatives, and 16 analyzed multimodal pathways & protocols. Some studies analyzed multiple approaches.

Although the majority of studies reviewed represent level III/IV evidence, several high-quality level I studies were identified and included. Level I evidence supported an improvement in blood outcomes by utilizing EPO, CS, and TXA, individually or in concert with one another. Thus, this review suggests that a multi-prong approach may be the most effective means to optimize blood loss and transfusion outcomes in craniosynostosis surgery.

A protocol of situation-dependent transfusion, erythropoietin and tranexamic acid reduces transfusion in fronto-orbital advancement for metopic and coronal craniosynostosis

PURPOSE

Assess the effect of a protocol of preoperative erythropoietin (EPO) and ferrous sulfate in addition to perioperative tranexamic acid (TXA) on blood transfusions in patients with coronal or metopic craniosynostosis undergoing cranial vault remodeling (CVR) with fronto-orbital advancement (FOA).

METHODS

Retrospective review of all coronal and metopic craniosynostosis patients undergoing CVR and FOA from March 2010 to June 2019 was performed. Before 2014 ("Control group"), all patients received blood transfusion at the start of surgery. In 2014, a protocol of preoperative EPO and ferrous sulfate with perioperative TXA and non-automatic transfusion was instituted ("Study group"). Patient demographics and anthropometrics, perioperative hemoglobin (Hb) levels, and transfusion details were collected and compared.

RESULTS

Thirty-six patients met inclusion criteria. Twenty-one patients were in the control group, and 15 in the Study group. Nineteen patients had metopic synostosis, 11 had unicoronal synostosis, and 6 had bicoronal synostosis. There were no significant differences between groups in demographics, operative time, intraoperative crystalloid volume, craniofacial syndromes, or sutures affected. The Study group had higher preoperative Hb (13.9 ± 1.0 vs. 12.6 ± 0.8 g/dL, p < 0.001), lower intraoperative Hb nadir (7.4 ± 1.8 vs. 9.2 ± 1.2 g/dL) lower intraoperative transfusion rate (66.7% vs. 100%, p = 0.008), lower postoperative transfusion rate (0% vs 28.6%, p = 0.03), and exposure to fewer unique units of packed red blood cells (0.7 ± 0.6 vs. 1.5 ± 0.9 units).

CONCLUSION

Our protocol resulted in decreased transfusion needs. These results add valuable information to the growing body of work on transfusion reduction in craniosynostosis surgery.

Minimizing transfusion in sagittal craniosynostosis surgery: the Children's Hospital of Minnesota Protocol

PURPOSE

To assess the success of a protocol using preoperative erythropoietin (EPO) and iron with perioperative tranexamic acid (TXA) in reducing blood transfusion in sagittal craniosynostosis surgery.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of all sagittal craniosynostosis patients undergoing open repair at our institution since 2010 was conducted. A novel protocol of preoperative EPO with iron and perioperative TXA, along with a shift away from automatic transfusion, was initiated in 2014. Perioperative hemoglobin levels, length of stay, and transfusion rates were compared between the historical control and the study group receiving the protocol.

RESULTS

A total of 36 patients met inclusion criteria. Twenty-eight patients were male and 8 were female. Twenty-two patients were in the control group receiving neither TXA nor EPO and automatically received a transfusion, while 14 were in the study group and received the full protocol. There were no significant demographic differences between groups. Within the control group, 100% of patients were transfused compared with 14.3% of the study group (p < 0.0001). The study group also had a shorter postoperative length of stay in the hospital (mean, 3.4 days; range, 3-6) than the control (mean, 4 days; range, 2-5.5, p = 0.038). The study group had a higher preoperative hemoglobin than the control (13.6 vs. 11.8 g/dL, p = 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Our protocol of preoperative EPO and iron with perioperative TXA increased the preoperative hemoglobin and was associated with a low transfusion rate without negatively impacting postoperative course.

Perioperative Outcomes and Management in Pediatric Complex Cranial Vault Reconstruction

Background

The Pediatric Craniofacial Collaborative Group established the Pediatric Craniofacial Surgery Perioperative Registry to elucidate practices and outcomes in children with craniosynostosis undergoing complex cranial vault reconstruction and inform quality improvement efforts. The aim of this study is to determine perioperative management, outcomes, and complications in children undergoing complex cranial vault reconstruction across North America and to delineate salient features of current practices.

Methods

Thirty-one institutions contributed data from June 2012 to September 2015. Data extracted included demographics, perioperative management, length of stay, laboratory results, and blood management techniques employed. Complications and outlier events were described. Outcomes analyzed included total blood donor exposures, intraoperative and perioperative transfusion volumes, and length of stay outcomes.

Results

One thousand two hundred twenty-three cases were analyzed: 935 children aged less than or equal to 24 months and 288 children aged more than 24 months. Ninety-five percent of children aged less than or equal to 24 months and 79% of children aged more than 24 months received at least one transfusion. There were no deaths. Notable complications included cardiac arrest, postoperative seizures, unplanned postoperative mechanical ventilation, large-volume transfusion, and unplanned second surgeries. Utilization of blood conservation techniques was highly variable.

Conclusions

The authors present a comprehensive description of perioperative management, outcomes, and complications from a large group of North American children undergoing complex cranial vault reconstruction. Transfusion remains the rule for the vast majority of patients. The occurrence of numerous significant complications together with large variability in perioperative management and outcomes suggest targets for improvement.

Bloodless medicine: current strategies and emerging treatment paradigms

BACKGROUND

Advances in our understanding of the risks associated with allogeneic blood transfusions (ABTs) and the growing number of patients who wish to avoid ABTs have led to the emergence of new treatment paradigms for "bloodless" medicine and surgery.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Here, we review prior studies and summarize current strategies for bloodless care used at our institution. We advocate three basic principles: 1) diagnosing and aggressively treating anemia, 2) minimizing blood loss from laboratory testing and invasive procedures, and 3) identifying and managing bleeding diatheses. Anemia is treated with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents as well as iron, folate, and B12 when indicated. Low-volume phlebotomy tubes are used for laboratory testing. Autologous blood salvage is used for childbirth and surgical patients who have the potential for substantial bleeding.

RESULTS

Although there have been few retrospective studies and no prospective studies to guide management, prior studies suggest that outcomes for surgical patients managed without ABTs are comparable to those of historic controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the emerging evidence that patients who avoid ABTs do as well if not better than patients who accept ABTs, further efforts are needed to determine whether all patients could benefit from bloodless strategies. Bloodless approaches in selected patients could reduce risks, improve outcomes, and decrease costs for all patients.

Risk factors for intraoperative allogeneic blood transfusion during craniotomy for brain tumor removal in children

BACKGROUND

Several clinical and surgical factors can influence the occurrence of allogeneic blood transfusion (ABT) during oncologic neurosurgery.

OBJECTIVES

To identify the potential predictive factors of ABT during craniotomy for the removal of brain tumors in children and the potential impact of intraoperative ABT on early postoperative outcome.

METHODS

A retrospective study was performed in all pediatric patients younger than 18 years who underwent craniotomy for brain tumor removal from December 2009 to December 2012 in our institution. Pre-, intra-, and postoperative data were collected from medical and stored electronic anesthesia records. The predictors of intraoperative ABT were determined using multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

A total of 110 patients were included. Twenty-seven patients (25%) received intraoperative ABT with a volume of 16 ± 8 ml·kg(-1) . On multivariate analysis, an age <4 years, a duration of surgery >270 min, and a preoperative hemoglobin <12.2 g·dl(-1) were independently associated with the need for intraoperative ABT. We did not show any significant difference concerning postoperative early outcome and length of stay between the transfused and non-transfused patients except for the duration of postoperative mechanical ventilation that was significantly higher in the transfused group (P = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

In children, craniotomy for brain tumor removal is at risk of intraoperative ABT. An age <4 years, a duration of surgery >270 min, and a preoperative hemoglobin <12.2 g·dl(-1) are the main factors associated with intraoperative ABT during this surgery.

Association of postoperative furosemide use with a reduced blood transfusion rate in sagittal craniosynostosis surgery

OBJECT A major challenge in sagittal craniosynostosis surgery is the high transfusion rate (50%-100%) related to blood loss in small pediatric patients. Several approaches have been proposed to prevent packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusion, including endoscopic surgery, erythropoietin ortranexamic acid administration, and preoperative hemodilution. The authors hypothesized that a significant proportion of postoperative anemia observed in pediatric patients is actually dilutional. Consequently, since 2005, at CHU Sainte-Justine, furosemide has been administered to correct the volemic status and prevent PRBC transfusion. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of postoperative furosemide administration on PRBC transfusion rates. METHODS This was a retrospective study of 96 consecutive patients with sagittal synostosis who underwent surgery at CHU Sainte-Justine between January 2000 and May 2012. The mean age at surgery was 4.9 ± 1.5 months (range 2.8-8.7 months). Patients who had surgery before 2005 constituted the control group. Those who had surgery in 2005 or 2006 were considered part of an implementation phase because furosemide administration was not routine. Patients who had surgery after 2006 were part of the experimental (or furosemide) group. Transfusion rates among the 3 groups were compared. The impact of furosemide administration on transfusion requirement was also measured while accounting for other variables of interest in a multiple logistic regression model. RESULTS The total transfusion rate was significantly reduced in the furosemide group compared with the control group (31.3% vs 62.5%, respectively; p = 0.009), mirroring the decrease in the postoperative transfusion rate between the groups (18.3% vs 50.0%, respectively; p = 0.003). The postoperative transfusion threshold remained similar throughout the study (mean hemoglobin 56.0 g/dl vs 60.9 g/dl for control and furosemide groups, respectively; p = 0.085). The proportion of nontransfused patients with recorded hemoglobin below 70 g/dl did not differ between the control and furosemide groups (41.7% vs 28.6%, respectively; p = 0.489). Surgical procedure, preoperative hemoglobin level, estimated blood loss, and furosemide administration significantly affected the risk of receiving a postoperative PRBC transfusion. When these variables were analyzed in a multiple logistic regression model, furosemide administration remained strongly associated with a reduced risk of being exposed to a blood transfusion (OR 0.196, p = 0.005). There were no complications related to furosemide administration. CONCLUSIONS A significant part of the postoperative anemia observed in patients who underwent sagittal craniosynostosis surgery was due to hypervolemic hemodilution. Correction of the volemic status with furosemide administration significantly reduces postoperative PRBC transfusion requirements in these patients.

Minimizing blood transfusions in the surgical correction of craniosynostosis: a 10-year single-center experience

INTRODUCTION

Our center previously reported low transfusion rates for craniosynostosis surgery by two experienced neurosurgeons using standard intraoperative techniques and acceptance of low hemoglobin levels. This study evaluated whether low rates were maintained over the last 10 years and if a less experienced neurosurgeon, trained in and practicing in the same environment, could achieve similar outcomes.

METHODS

All craniosynostosis operations performed in children between 2004 and 2015 were reviewed retrospectively. Transfusion rates were calculated. Analyses examined the relationship of transfusion to craniosynostosis type, surgical procedure, redo operation, surgeon, and perioperative hemoglobin levels.

RESULTS

Two hundred eighteen patients were included: 71 open sagittal, 28 endoscopic-assisted sagittal, 32 unicoronal, 14 bicoronal, 42 metopic, and 31 multisuture. Median age at operation was 9.1 months. Overall transfusion rate was 24 %: 17 % open sagittal, 7 % endoscopic-assisted sagittal, 6 % unicoronal, 21 % bicoronal, 45 % metopic, and 45 % multisuture. The timing of transfusions were 75, 21, and 4 % for intraoperative, postoperative, and both, respectively. Patients not receiving transfusion had a mean lowest hemoglobin of 87 g/l (range 61-111) intraoperatively and 83 g/l (range 58-115) postoperatively. Mean lowest hemoglobin values were significantly lower in those necessitating intraoperative (75 g/l, range 54-102) or postoperative (59 g/l, range 51-71) transfusions. There was no significant difference in transfusion rate between less and more experienced surgeons. There were no cardiovascular complications or mortalities.

CONCLUSION

In craniosynostosis surgery, reproducible, long-term low blood transfusion rates were able to be maintained at a single center by careful intraoperative technique and acceptance of low intraoperative and postoperative hemoglobin levels in hemodynamically stable patients. Furthermore, low rates were also achieved by an inexperienced neurosurgeon in the group. This suggests that these results may be achievable by other neurosurgeons, who follow a similar protocol.

Use of blood-sparing surgical techniques and transfusion algorithms: association with decreased blood administration in children undergoing primary open craniosynostosis repair

OBJECT Craniofacial reconstruction surgery (CFR) is often associated with significant blood loss, coagulopathy, and perioperative blood transfusion. Due to transfusion risks, many different approaches have been used to decrease allogeneic blood transfusion for these patients during the perioperative period. Protocols have decreased blood administration during the perioperative period for many types of surgeries. The object of this study was to determine if a protocol involving blood-sparing surgical techniques and a transfusion algorithm decreased intraoperative blood transfusion and blood loss. METHODS A protocol using transfusion algorithms and implementation of blood-sparing surgical techniques for CFR was implemented at Vanderbilt University on January 1, 2013. Following Institutional Review Board approval, blood loss and transfusion data were gathered retrospectively on all children undergoing primary open CFR, using the protocol, for the calendar year 2013. This postprotocol cohort was compared with a preprotocol cohort, which consisted of all children undergoing primary open CFR during the previous calendar year, 2012. RESULTS There were 41 patients in the preprotocol and 39 in the postprotocol cohort. There was no statistical difference between the demographics of the 2 groups. When compared with the preprotocol cohort, intraoperative packed red blood cell transfusion volume decreased from 36.9 ± 21.2 ml/kg to 19.2 ± 10.9 ml/kg (p = 0.0001), whereas fresh-frozen plasma transfusion decreased from 26.8 ± 25.4 ml/kg to 1.5 ± 5.7 ml/kg (p < 0.0001) following implementation of the protocol. Furthermore, estimated blood loss decreased from 64.2 ± 32.4 ml/kg to 52.3 ± 33.3 ml/kg (p = 0.015). Use of fresh-frozen plasma in the postoperative period also decreased when compared with the period before implementation of the protocol. There was no significant difference in morbidity and mortality between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study suggested that using a multidisciplinary protocol consisting of transfusion algorithms and implementation of blood-sparing surgical techniques during major CFR in pediatric patients is associated with reduced intraoperative administration of blood product, without shifting the transfusion burden to the postoperative period.

Bloodless medicine: what to do when you can't transfuse

A better understanding of risks associated with allogeneic blood transfusions (ABTs), along with a growing population of patients who do not accept transfusions, have led to the emergence of new treatment paradigms with “bloodless medicine.” In this chapter, we review prior studies describing management and outcomes in patients who refuse transfusion (referred to as “bloodless patients” herein) and summarize the approaches used at our institution. Bloodless management for surgical patients includes treatment of preoperative anemia, use of autologous blood salvage, and minimizing blood loss with procedures. Other adjuncts for both medical and surgical patients include minimizing blood loss from laboratory testing using pediatric phlebotomy tubes and conservative testing. Anemia can be treated with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, as well as iron, folate, and B12 when indicated. Although there are limited retrospective studies and no prospective studies to guide management, prior reports suggest that outcomes for surgical patients managed without ABTs are comparable to historic controls. A recent risk-adjusted, propensity-matched, case-control study of outcomes of all hospitalized patients who refused ABT at a large academic health center showed that bloodless management was not an independent predictor of adverse outcomes. Surprisingly, there was a lower overall mortality in the bloodless group and discharge hemoglobin levels were similar for both bloodless and control groups. Further research is now needed to optimize therapy and identify novel interventions to manage bloodless patients. Lessons learned from bloodless patients are likely to benefit all patients given recent evidence suggesting that patients who avoid ABTs do as well, if not better, than those who accept transfusions.

Anesthesia for craniofacial surgery in infancy

Anesthetic management of infants undergoing craniofacial surgery can be challenging. Primary concerns for the anesthesiologist include blood loss and its management. The evolution of procedures to treat craniosynostosis has resulted in improvements in perioperative morbidity, including decreased blood loss and transfusion, shorter operations, and shorter hospital stays. An understanding of the procedures performed to treat craniosynostosis is necessary to provide optimal anesthetic management. Descriptions of current surgical techniques and approaches to anesthetic care are presented in this review.

Population pharmacokinetics of epsilon-aminocaproic acid in infants undergoing craniofacial reconstruction surgery

BACKGROUND

Understanding the clinical pharmacology of the antifibrinolytic epsilon-aminocaproic acid (EACA) is necessary for rational drug administration in children. The aim of this study is to determine the pharmacokinetics (PKs) of EACA in infants aged 6-24 months undergoing craniofacial reconstruction surgery.

METHODS

Cohorts of six infants were enrolled sequentially to one of the three escalating loading dose-continuous i.v. infusion (CIVI) regimens: 25 mg kg(-1), 10 mg kg(-1) h(-1); 50 mg kg(-1), 20 mg kg(-1) h(-1); 100 mg kg(-1), 40 mg kg(-1) h(-1). Plasma EACA concentrations were determined using a validated high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry assay. A population non-linear mixed effects modelling approach was used to characterize EACA PKs.

RESULTS

Population PK parameters of EACA were estimated using a two-compartment disposition model with weight expressed as an allometric covariate and an age effect. The typical patient in this study had an age of 38.71 weeks and a weight of 8.82 kg. PK parameters for this typical patient were: pre-/postoperative plasma drug clearance of 32 ml min(-1) (3.6 ml kg(-1) min(-1)), inter-compartmental clearance of 42.4 ml min(-1) (4.8 ml min(-1) kg(-1)), central volume of distribution of 1.27 litre (0.14 litre kg(-1)), and peripheral volume of distribution of 2.53 litre (0.29 litre kg(-1)). Intra-operative clearance and central volume of distribution were 89% and 80% of the pre-/postoperative value, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

EACA clearance increased with weight and age. The dependence of clearance on body weight supports weight-based dosing. Based on this study, a loading dose of 100 mg kg(-1) followed by a CIVI of 40 mg kg(-1) h(-1) is appropriate to maintain target plasma EACA concentrations in children aged 6-24 months undergoing these procedures.

[Erythropoietin before severe hypospadias repair: fewer complications?]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of a preparation by erythropoietin before Onlay's intervention on postoperative hematocrits and medium-term results of the surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twenty-one patients were operated on by Onlay's technique between 2001 January and 2008 September, after being treated by erythropoietin. Seven had a midshaft hypospadias, two a posterior hypospadias and 12 a penoscrotal hypospadias. All children were examinated four months after surgery to evaluate the surgical results.

RESULTS

After the surgery, 18 children had an apical meatus (85.7%). Three had a balanopreputial meatus, two a stenosis of the meatus. Two children were reoperated on, one with the Duplay's technique, the other for a meatostomy. No fistula, no necrosis of the preputial flap was observed. The preoperative hematocrit was measured at 41%, with an increase of 3.8% because of the preparation. Peroperative blood loss was evaluated at 6.6%. After surgery, 12 children had an hematocrit inferior than 35%, four an hematocrit inferior than 30%. No transfusion was needed.

CONCLUSION

Preparation by erythropoietin before severe hypospadias surgery seemed to have several advantages: a more elevated hematocrit after surgery than with an iron preparation alone, and a lower rate of postoperative complications, including fistulas and necrosis of the preputial flap.

Perioperative management of children undergoing craniofacial reconstruction surgery: a practice survey

OBJECTIVE/AIMS

  To assess current practices in the management of children undergoing craniofacial surgery and identify areas of significant practice variability with the intent to direct future research.

BACKGROUND

  The perioperative management of infants and children undergoing craniofacial reconstruction surgery can be challenging because of the routine occurrence of significant blood loss with associated morbidity. A variety of techniques have been described to improve the care for these children. It is presently unknown to what extent these practices are currently employed.

METHODS

  A web-based survey was sent to representatives from 102 institutions. One individual per institution was surveyed to prevent larger institutions from being over-represented in the results.

RESULTS

  Requests to complete the survey were sent to 102 institutions; 48 surveys were completed. The survey was composed of two parts: management of infants undergoing strip craniectomies, and management of children undergoing major craniofacial reconstruction.

CONCLUSIONS

  Significant variability exists in the management of children undergoing these procedures; further study is required to determine the optimal management strategies. Clinical trials assessing the utility of central venous pressure and other hemodynamic monitoring modalities would enable evidence-based decision-making for monitoring in these children. The development of institutional transfusion thresholds should be encouraged, as there exists a body of evidence supporting their efficacy and safety.

Erythropoietin increases reticulocyte counts and maintains hematocrit in neonates requiring surgery

BACKGROUND

Limited erythropoietin (Epo) production diminishes neonates' ability to regenerate blood removed by phlebotomy. Neonates requiring surgery are at risk to receive multiple transfusions. We sought to determine if recombinant Epo administration to neonates requiring surgery would stimulate erythropoiesis.

METHODS

Infants were randomized in double-masked fashion to receive Epo (200 units kg(-1) d(-1)) or placebo for 14 days. Complete blood count, absolute reticulocyte count (ARC), phlebotomy losses, and transfusions were measured during the study period. Infants were transfused using a strict transfusion protocol.

RESULTS

In the Epo group (n = 10, 2034 +/- 308 g, 8 +/- 2 days old; mean +/- SEM), ARC increased significantly, whereas in the placebo group (n = 10, 2400 +/- 184 g, 7 +/- 2 days old), ARC remained low. Hematocrits in the Epo group trended upward from 34.4 1.7% to 37.3 1.9% (although not statistically significant) despite phlebotomy losses of 53 +/- 12 mL/kg. Hematocrits in the placebo group were 35.9 1.8% and 33.2 1.6% on days 1 and 15, respectively, with phlebotomy losses of 27 +/- 5 mL/kg. There were no differences in absolute neutrophil counts or platelet counts between groups at the end of the study. No adverse effects were noted.

CONCLUSIONS

Infants randomized to Epo increased reticulocyte counts and hematocrits without adverse effects. Erythropoietin administration may provide an adjunct to present care in decreasing or eliminating erythrocyte transfusions in surgical neonates.

Perioperative management of pediatric patients with craniosynostosis

Craniosynostosis, premature closures of the skull sutures, results in dysmorphic features if left untreated. Brain growth and cognitive development may also be impacted. Craniosynostosis repair is usually performed in young infants and has its perioperative challenges. This article provides background information about the different forms of craniosynostosis, with an overview of associated anomalies, genetic influences, and their connection with cognitive function. It also discusses the anesthetic considerations for perioperative management, including blood-loss management and strategies to reduce homologous blood transfusions.

Anesthesia for Minimally Invasive Cranial and Spinal Surgery

The field of minimally invasive neurosurgery has evolved rapidly in its indications and applications over the last few years. New, less invasive techniques with low morbidity and virtually no mortality are replacing conventional neurosurgical procedures. Providing anesthesia for these procedures differs in many ways from conventional neurosurgical operations. Anesthesiologists are faced with the perioperative requirements and risks of newly developed procedures. This review calls attention to the anesthetic issues in various minimally invasive neurosurgical procedures for cranial and spinal indications. Among the procedures specifically discussed are endoscopic third ventriculostomy, endoscopic transsphenoidal hypophysectomy, endoscopic strip craniectomy, deep brain stimulation, video-assisted thorascopic surgery, vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty, cervical discectomy and foraminectomy, and laparoscopically assisted lumbar spine surgery.

Blood Conservation in Pediatric Anesthesia

This review focuses on perioperative blood conservation techniques and the role of transfusion triggers and algorithms, preoperative autologous donation, acute normovolemic hemodilution, intraoperative blood salvage, deliberate hypotension, and preoperative recombinant human erythropoietin in avoiding allogeneic blood transfusion in pediatric patients.

Blood sparing in craniosynostosis surgery

One of the main risks of craniosynostosis surgery is the possible need for an allogenic blood transfusion (ABT). Most patients are operated on in the first months of life, when physiological conditions are particularly sensitive to even limited blood losses. Furthermore, most surgical techniques proposed in the past were based on extensive craniectomies and cranial remodeling. Because of the known infective and immunologic risks of ABT, in recent years more attention has been dedicated to factors that might help reduce the risk of ABT. We review recent preoperative (ie, erythropoietin administration), intraoperative (ie, acute normovolemic hemodilution, intraoperative blood salvage), and postoperative (ie, clinical monitoring, postoperative blood salvage) anesthesiologic procedures developed with this aim in mind. We also consider operative techniques and technical apparatus that reduce surgical invasiveness, particularly preoperative planning, age selection, and the role of endoscopic assistance and gradual distraction devices.

Use of erythropoietin for bloodless surgery in a Jehovah's witness infant

We present a case of surgery in a 2-month-old infant of the Jehovah's Witness (JW) faith weighing 2.8 kg scheduled for left upper lobectomy because of congenital lobar emphysema. He presented with physiological anaemia (haematocrit 33.8%) in accordance with his age. Because of the relative emergency of surgery, a short erythropoietin course was instituted. Recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) at a dosage of 180 U x kg-1x day-1 was administered for 10 days preoperatively and for 4 days postoperatively. Iron was administered orally and intravenously over the entire perioperative period. No side-effects from either erythropoietin or intravenously administered iron were observed. To our knowledge, this is the first case published of a short perioperative rHuEPO course in an infant.

The use of recombinant erythropoietin in the reduction of blood transfusion rates in craniosynostosis repair in infants and children

The vast majority of infants and children undergoing craniosynostosis correction receive a blood transfusion. The risks of blood transfusion include, but are not limited to, acute hemolytic reactions (approximately 1 of 250,000), human immunodeficiency virus (approximately 1 of 200,000), hepatitis B and C (approximately 1 of 30,000 each), and transfusion-related lung injuries (approximately 1 of 5000). This prospective, single-blinded, randomized study was undertaken to examine the safety and efficacy of preoperative single weekly dosing with erythropoietin (epoetin alfa) in reducing the rate of transfusion in infants and small children undergoing craniosynostosis repair. A total of 29 patients (<8 years) undergoing craniosynostosis repair were randomized into two groups: one received preoperative erythropoietin (600 U/kg) weekly for 3 weeks, and the other served as a control. All caregivers responsible for blood transfusions were blinded, and strict criteria for transfusion were established. A pediatric hematologist monitored both groups, and all patients received supplemental iron (4 mg/kg). Fourteen patients were randomized to receive erythropoietin, and eight of these 14 patients (57 percent) required transfusion (mean age, 17 months; mean weight, 10.1 kg). Of the six patients not requiring transfusion, three were younger than 12 months old (mean, 6 months). Fourteen of 15 patients (93 percent) in the control group (mean age, 13 months; mean weight, 9.3 kg) required a blood transfusion during the study. The only control patient not requiring transfusion was the eldest (5 years old). The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (Fisher's exact test = 0.03). The control group showed no change in hemoglobin levels from baseline to preoperative levels, but the erythropoietin group increased their average hemoglobin levels from 12.1 to 13.1 g/dl. There were no adverse effects noted among children receiving erythropoietin, nor were there any surgical complications. The authors conclude that the preoperative administration of erythropoietin significantly raised hemoglobin levels and reduced the need for a blood transfusion with craniosynostosis correction. More suggestions are made that may further reduce the need for blood transfusions, and a cost-benefit analysis is discussed.

[Perioperative management of blood loss during surgical treatment for craniosynostosis]

Blood saving is the major challenge during the surgical repair of craniofacial deformities. Treated patients have a low reserve volume and the techniques available to lower homologous blood transfusions are limited or insufficiently evaluated in this particular case. The most important factor determining blood loss is the quality of the surgical haemostasis. Blood saving begins with early preoperative evaluation of the patient's bleeding risk, which is a function of the type of surgery, of the surgical technique, of the number of sutures involved, of the length of surgery, and of the patients age, weight and physical status. Elaborated blood saving techniques such as preoperative autologous blood donation, erythropoietin administration, normovolaemic haemodilution, and peroperative autologous blood saving and reinfusion have revealed disappointing where used alone. These techniques require a heavy setup and still need to be evaluated extensively. They should be used in selected cases such as in patients with a very high risk of bleeding or face to Jehovah Witnesses. Monitoring during surgery should include precise evaluation of blood losses and haematocrit measurements at regular intervals. The haematocrit threshold allowing homologous blood transfusion should be set at 21%, provided that any other source of autologous blood is exhausted. Postoperative monitoring should also include precise evaluation of blood losses and haematocrit measurements. The 21% threshold should remain the reference during that period.

Meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials studying the efficacy of rHuEPO in reducing blood transfusions in the anemia of prematurity

BACKGROUND

Recombinant human EPO (rHuEPO) has not gained broad acceptance in the treatment of the anemia of prematurity, because its efficacy in diminishing RBC transfusions is questionable. Meta-analysis was used to investigate the extent and reasons for variation in the results of published clinical trials.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Prospective controlled trials published from 1990 through 1999 were retrieved; 21 met the criteria for meta-analysis. Calculated across these studies were the summary OR of RBC transfusion in treated neonates as compared with controls and the summary mean difference between controls and treated neonates in the volume of RBCs transfused and the number of RBC transfusions per infant. Twelve study descriptors were examined as possible reasons for the variation in results.

RESULTS

Results of 21 eligible studies varied widely (p<0.001 for the Q test statistic), and this variation persisted in most analyses when studies were stratified by individual study descriptors. When the difference in volume of RBCs transfused was the outcome measure, variation was modest across the four studies with highly desired characteristics (i.e., high blindness and design quality scores, "conservative" transfusion criteria, and the majority of neonates weighing <1 kg at birth), and treatment with rHuEPO reduced RBC transfusions by an average of 11.0 mL per kg (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Benefit from rHuEPO is detected across high-quality studies using conservative RBC transfusion criteria. However, there is extreme variation overall in the findings of available trials, and-until this variation is accounted for-it is premature to recommend rHuEPO as standard treatment for the anemia of prematurity.

The use of erythropoietin in neonates

Although much information has been accumulated about the clinical use of Epo in preterm infants, many questions remain unanswered. The evolution of clinical practice in the care of extremely ill, preterm infants continues to affect the number of transfusions required during hospitalization. Decreasing phlebotomy losses and instituting standardized transfusion guidelines have both been shown significantly to decrease the transfusion requirements of preterm infants. The administration of Epo likely decreases transfusion need even further; however, the direct impact of each of these actions has not been studied prospectively. It is likely that the combination of instituting rigorous and standardized transfusion guidelines, decreasing phlebotomy losses, and the appropriate use of Epo will have the greatest impact in decreasing transfusion requirements in all preterm and term neonates, regardless of the cause of their anemia.

Avoiding transfusion in head and neck surgery: feasibility study of erythropoietin

OBJECTIVE

To determine the feasibility of perioperative erythropoietin to avoid blood transfusion in head and neck cancer surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective chart review.

METHODS

Ninety-nine patients undergoing surgical resection of head and neck tumors at our institution were assessed for demographic data, nutritional parameters, tumor/surgical information, hematological/transfusion data, and contraindications to erythropoietin. Each transfusion was classified as to its appropriateness, and the potential benefit of erythropoietin was assessed in each patient. A cost analysis was also performed.

RESULTS

Most transfused patients (63%) received too many units. A subgroup at high risk of transfusion was identified who would benefit most from perioperative erythropoietin. Assuming that perioperative erythropoietin therapy is equivalent to the transfusion of 4 units, we estimate that the majority (741%) of transfused patients would not have required a transfusion if more stringent transfusion criteria were followed and those at high risk were given perioperative erythropoietin. Although the cost for transfusing 4 units is equivalent to that of a perioperative course of erythropoietin, the overall direct cost of erythropoietin treatment would actually have been more expensive.

CONCLUSIONS

Perioperative erythropoietin therapy may be appropriate for a subgroup of head and neck cancer patients, but a prospective randomized controlled study in such a subgroup is needed to better define those most likely to benefit from it and to assess actual cost/benefit ratios.

Monitoring and management of the paediatric neurosurgical patient

Head injury remains the most common cause of death in children, and tumours of the central nervous system are the most common solid tumour encountered. There is little class 1 evidence on which to base the monitoring and management of the paediatric patient with these conditions, management strategies commonly being extrapolated from those in use for adults. However, the clinical outcome for these conditions appears to be improving, with evidence suggesting that this improvement is being achieved by the management of these children in specialist centres.