AbstractIntroduction: Blood transfusion has demonstrated its efficacy in saving life in the primary and secondary health care settings in developing countries. There is hence a need to develop policies and strategies to reduce unnecessary blood and component transfusions and ensure the safe and appropriate use of blood and blood products. Towards this there is further need to develop specific guidelines for the transfusion of blood components. Materials and Methods: Place of Study: Navodaya Medical College Hospital and Research. Centre. Study Period: 1 year. Sample: All children between the age of 1 to 15 years admitted to PICU. Included those cases with clinical and laboratory evidence of viral hemorrhagic fever had received blood component therapy and clinical and laboratory evidence of sepsis who had received blood component therapy. Results: Age profile of the study cases: The difference was statistically significant (p=0.117). Gender distribution of patients: The differences were again significant (p=0.075). Blood component therapy in Acute Systemic Infections: Of 38 platelet transfusions, 54% received the transfusion for platelet counts of less than 20000/cumm, while the remainder (46%) received it for platelet counts of >20000/cumm. Fresh frozen plasma transfusions: 24 children (40%) received FFP for altered coagulation profile of which 81% were found to be suffering from VHF. Red Blood Cell Transfusion: 3 cases received transfusion for hemoglobin of >8gm/dl. Conclusion: Regular audit of blood and blood components is an essential part of transfusion services, so that necessary remedial measures can be taken to maximize appropriate and judicious use of each component.
Keywords: PRBC, FFP, PLATLETS, Blood Transfusion.